Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Adventure

What you get on this adventure:

• • Experienced, local hiking guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 2 days of hiking along the Inca trail and a visit to Machu Picchu
  • 2 days of hiking to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes on Day 1 and accommodation in camping tents on Day 3 (based on double occupancy)
  • 3-person tents (each for every 2 people), basic foam mattress, and camping equipment on Day 3
  • Horses during the Rainbow Mountain hike (for equipment, food, and personal items)
  • Permits and entrance tickets (excluding the ticket for Huayna Picchu, which is optional)
  • Hotel pick-up in Cusco on Day 1
  • Train transportation from Cusco City to the Short Inca Trail trailhead and from Aguas
  • Calientes back to Cusco
  • ​​All bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Private transportation from Hanchi Pacha to Cusco
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Cusco
  • Accommodation in Cusco before and after the adventure
  • Accommodation in Cusco on Day 2
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Sleeping bag (possible to rent for $20)
  • Inflatable mattress (possible to rent for $15)
  • Walking poles (possible to rent for $5)
  • Ticket for Huayna Picchu ($85 per person) — optional (and based on availability)
  • Porter fees if you want your pack to be carried during the Inca Trail ($80 per person)
  • Tips for the crew — customary
  • Travel insurance

To participate in this guided Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain hiking tour, you should be a physically active person and have a very good level of fitness. You should be a person that regularly hikes, especially in hilly terrain. You will hike for four days in a row, tackling challenging terrain and covering up to 8 miles (13 km), with altitude gains of up to 2,000 feet (600 m).

That said, the main obstacle during your hikes will be high altitude. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) boasts an altitude of 16,400 feet (5,000 m), which is a challenge for all hikers, regardless of their experience. It is necessary to acclimate a couple of days before the tour in Cusco. You may also consider taking medicine for altitude sickness, but make sure to check with your physician. Drinking coca leaves tea is also a popular local remedy for altitude sickness.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day Pack (25-40L)
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Inflatable mattress (can be rented)
  • Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
  • Raincoat
  • Thick jumper
  • Hiking down jacket
  • Hiking T-shirts
  • Hiking pants
  • Middle layer (fleeces would work)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Warm hat, gloves, and a scarf
  • Casual clothes for when you’re not hiking
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Other toiletries (hand sanitizer, hand cream, wet wipes etc.)
  • Cap and warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Wool stockings or Sport Socks
  • Water bottle (2L capacity)
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Camera
  • Personal medications

Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing that can be worn in layers. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list prior to the adventure—changes can be made depending on the season and expected weather conditions.

It is advisable and important that you arrive at Cusco at least 2 days prior to the trek, in order to acclimatize to the altitude. The city of Cusco is located at 11,155 feet (3,400 m) above sea level so you may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known as “soroche.”

A few tips on do’s and don’ts for adapting to the altitude:

• • Do not eat heavy food the day before traveling to Cusco.
  • Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before your trip and during your stay in Cusco.
  • Once you arrive at your hotel, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the city.
  • Once you are ready to go out and explore the city, try not to become agitated climbing stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Cusco with calm and respect.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this group adventure, the maximum group size is 16 and the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 9:1.
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate.
  • Cost is per person and doesn’t change as the group grows.

Short Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Cusco, which is the beginning point of your trip, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. From there, take a taxi or a shuttle to your accommodation.

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 5.30 on Day 1. Please note that it is necessary to stay in Cusco a couple of days before the tour starts to acclimate yourself.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!