Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour 3 Day Tour - Orange Nation Peru

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour 3 Day Tour

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From $547
OVERVIEW

This Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain tour package visits the most interesting sites in the Sacred Valley with all of its ancient treasures and Inca ruins, plus a Tour of Machu Picchu followed by a visit to the Rainbow Mountain! The Sacred Valley is very large and stretches for miles with many small indigenous towns, secluded weaving villages, outdoor handicraft markets and ancient Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Visiting the Salt Mines with thousands of ponds carved into the mountainside (amazing sight) and the Terraces of Moray, which are built in the form of an amphitheater and have different temperatures at each level to grow different crops. They were watered through a complex irrigation system and allowed the cultivation of the Incas to grow over 250 types of vegetables.

We will explore interesting and incredible ruins and the world famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which lies at the feet of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. Next, we will enjoy the radiant colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still holding onto their traditional culture. You will find yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and blue lakes, all set within a breathtaking colorful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek has different types of wildlife such as condors and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are probably the most unique and coolest thing you will ever see!

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Service Level: Mid tier hotels with an option to upgrade. Exclusive modern vehicles with chauffer.
Physical Rating: The first 2 days are nice and easy giving you plenty of time to acclimate whilst taking in the best highlights in Cusco. Day 3 is a moderate to difficult up the marvel that is Rainbow.
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, mid-tier hotels, train, shuttle bus and private van.
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.
rainbow mountain package - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

We will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is the Manos de la Comunidad, which has a variety of Camelids that are indigenous to Peru, including the llama, alpaca, guanacos and the Vicuna that produces very fine wool and can only be shorn every three years. At the farm you get to pet, feed and take pictures with these adorable animals. Additionally, we find local women dressed in traditional clothing, demonstrating the weaving process using the wool from the camelids. As you exit, you will pass through a museum and souvenir shop. The workers are always around to answer any questions, but you never feel pressurized to buy anything.

Then, we stop at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a beautiful overhead view of the Urubamba valley, which accents the surrounding mountains. Next, we head to the Pisac archaeological site, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs lining the mountain side. We learn more about the value of this site in terms of Agriculture. Explore the many inca farming terraces, food storage warehouses at the top of the hill and the water channels for irrigation purposes.

Then, we start driving towards Urubamba for lunch, passing small farming towns like Coya and Calca before stopping at the foot of Urubamba for a delectable buffet lunch. The restaurant has an impressive spread of different foods and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. There is a variety of fresh vegetables, salads, protein dishes, desserts and tea and coffee.

After lunch, we continue towards the colonial town of Maras, to reach the Pre-Inca salt mines. Enjoy this historical site, that has been mined pre-Inca and continues to be the bread and butter for this small community. The salt stream above feeds the thousands of salt pans, once the water has evaporated the salt is collected and sold. The salt mines are one of the few left in the world that produce a natural pink salt and have not adopted any modern techniques for mass salt mining. The locals have full mining rights and all the salt sold on site belongs to the locals. It still supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. A great place to grab another souvenir.

Next, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater. Each level naturally has a different micro climate and helped optimize the growth of different crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and was subsequently used by the Incas to research optimal growing conditions for their crops. They brought in different soil samples from other regions, to optimize their research. The locals were still using it for growing their crops, until the 1970s when it was preserved and protected for tourism.

Then, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop above. These ruins are where the Incas fought their last battle with the Spanish conquerors, before they had to retreat and flee into the dense jungle. Most of the structures were unfortunately incomplete. There is a section with a number of boulders that were carved, but didn’t make it to their destination. Another possibility, is that the battle was so intense, it caused a lot of damage to this massive Inca site.

You will have time to eat dinner in Ollantaytambo, or get takeout to eat on the train. Then, at 7pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

  • Hotel Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Boleto Turistico *Allows you entry to many archeological sites along the Sacred Valley of the Incas

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meals: breakfast
  • 3* Accommodation: Waman or Mataq Wasin Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast at hotel

Note Below:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4 am and begin our incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure! We set out on our 3-hour scenic drive through the South Valley, where you will see amazing views of farming Inca terraces, valleys, and rocky mountains.

Once we reach the trailhead, we have a hot breakfast prepared by our very own chefs before beginning our hike along a flowing stream. You will enjoy the rural scenes and herds of alpacas and llamas all around you. You will have continuous views of the Ausangate Mountain as we hike through different villages and interact with the indigenous people, who are still living in their traditional lifestyle.

We reach our destination – the Rainbow Mountains (5,020m /16,466ft) after a 1.5-hour hike uphill. You will be awed by the beauty. You can take pictures and savor the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.

At this point, we hike for another 1 hour back down the way we came. While you have been hiking, your chef has been preparing your hearty and delicious lunch. Our lunch and private van will be waiting for us when we return.

We will begin our scenic 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, depending on how fast you hike and how long you wish to stay at the Rainbow Mountain site.

  • Meals: hot breakfast & lunch
Prices

The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain tour is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!

No. OF PEOPLE Otto
2 to 12 people (with 2 nights hotel) $ 617 USD per person
2 to 12 people (without hotel) $ 547 USD per person

***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 12!***

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD. This needs to be booked in advance, let us know at the time of booking.
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $57 USD.
  • Upgrade Hotel – La Cabaña Hotel 3*: $50 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel – Tierra Viva Hotel: 4* $90 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel – El Mapi Hotel: 4* $120 USD per person
  • Hotel single supplement: $35 USD

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Tours of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
  • Rainbow Mountain Trek
  • All entrances for Archeological Sites
  • Private transportation for all tours
  • Round Trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Cusco
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
  • Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 2 hot meals at Rainbow Mountain – breakfast and lunch
  • Buffet Lunch on Day 1  in Urubamba
  • Boleto Turistico

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Meals not indicated on the itinerary
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)
  • Ticket for Huayna Picchu – $75 USD
  • Upgrades train– For Vistadome train add $57 USD per person
  • Upgrades Hotel Aguas Calientes (see under pricing)
  • Tips for your guide
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR?

  • A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
  • A change of clothing for the second day
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
  • Water to drink
  • Rain poncho (Provided by Orange Nation)
  • A fleece or jacket
  • Basic toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat for the sun
  • Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
  • Original passport (you cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022
Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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