Epic Peru: Pisac, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 – 19, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
10 – 60
Transportation
Van, bus, train
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 - 30
Travel interest
Hiking, nature, adventure, history & culture
Your Local Guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peruvian Soul ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Let them take you on a journey to discover the very best of the country, from hidden gems to iconic locations. The team is equipped with valuable education, training, and experience to ensure your safety and comfort. They’ll take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy a smooth and unforgettable trip!
Peru is one of the great cradles of civilization with its ancient history, numerous archeological sites, and diverse cultural influences. Embark on the trip of a lifetime on a six-day trek through the most famous spots in the country. You’ll start and end your tour in Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, and make your way to the hills of Pisac for a community lunch and lessons about the Andean way of life. From here you’ll travel to Ollantaytambo and hike part of the Inca Trail with stops at ancient sites such as Wiñaywayna and Inti Punku until you reach the masterpiece known as Machu Picchu. With a day of exploration here and a killer hike at Rainbow Mountain, you’ll go home with a full heart and maxed out camera roll! When you book your trip, you’re also giving back to the local community through Peruvian Soul’s Traveling with a Purpose program. Each traveler’s booking funds the planting and growth of 15 native trees in the Andes and provides students with disabilities a day’s worth of therapy treatment at the Paqari School in Urubamba.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 – 19, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
10 – 60
Transportation
Van, bus, train
Peru is one of the great cradles of civilization with its ancient history, numerous archeological sites, and diverse cultural influences. Embark on the trip of a lifetime on a six-day trek through the most famous spots in the country. You’ll start and end your tour in Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, and make your way to the hills of Pisac for a community lunch and lessons about the Andean way of life. From here you’ll travel to Ollantaytambo and hike part of the Inca Trail with stops at ancient sites such as Wiñaywayna and Inti Punku until you reach the masterpiece known as Machu Picchu. With a day of exploration here and a killer hike at Rainbow Mountain, you’ll go home with a full heart and maxed out camera roll! When you book your trip, you’re also giving back to the local community through Peruvian Soul’s Traveling with a Purpose program. Each traveler’s booking funds the planting and growth of 15 native trees in the Andes and provides students with disabilities a day’s worth of therapy treatment at the Paqari School in Urubamba.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Cusco
- Arrive in Cusco
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar according to availability)
- Welcome briefing
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Pisac
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Visit the Viacha community in Pisac (lunch included)
- Guided hike at Pisac Archeological Park
- Check-in at AVA Valle Sagrado Spot (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Inca Trail checkpoint
- Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (lunch included)
- Check-in at Casa Andina (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Train to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to accommodation
- Check-in at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast
- Transfer from accommodation to Rainbow Mountain
- ~ 2 hrs 30 mins van
- Hike at Rainbow Mountain (lunch included)
- Transfer from Rainbow Mountain to accommodation
- ~ 2 hrs 30 mins van
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Free time in Cusco
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Cusco, Peru – the gateway to the ancient Inca Empire and beautiful mountain trails!
Welcome to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a bustling city that has a wealth of culture and history. Upon arrival, take your private transfer to the hotel for a quick briefing where your guides will answer all your questions about the trip. Afterwards, you’re free to explore the area and get acclimated to the 11,000 ft elevation. Take it slow and enjoy the city, as our luxe hotel is located right in the middle of the historic district in downtown. Don’t be afraid to eat your way through the area, as there are myriad options for Peruvian fare – traditional and modern. Grab an authentic Peruvian dinner and let this trip commence!
Day 2
Community lunch in Viacha and guided hike in the Pisac Archeological Park
Good morning, travelers! After breakfast, we’ll head into the heart of the Sacred Valley and explore the community of Viacha in the Pisac Archeological Park's higher slopes. Here, local Julian and his family will welcome us into their home and show us around, offering insight about Andean rural culture, farming, and fiber weaving. The community will provide us lunch before we embark on a one-hour downhill hike from Viacha to the Pisac Archeological Site. We’ll enjoy views of the Inca ruins, the garden terraces, and the commanding mountain landscape. After our trek, you’ll have the option of walking to Pisac Village to explore the colorful market or head to the next hotel to rest and relax.
Day 3
Hike to Machu Picchu on the Inca trail and explore various archeological sites along the way
Rise and shine, adventurers! Today, we hit the Inca Trail for a short hike to Machu Picchu, traveling on the same roadway as the ancient Inca civilization. After breakfast, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that is still inhabited, and take the train to the trail’s checkpoint. From here, we’ll hike towards the archeological site of Chanchabamba which was used to store and transport Andean goods to Machu Picchu. We'll continue our journey for about three hours through the Inca stairs where we’ll enjoy impressive views of snow-peaked mountains and the Urubamba River at the bottom of the valley. Once we reach the waterfall, we’ll take a short break to soak in the views. Next, we’ll continue on to Wiñaywayna, a sister site to Machu Picchu located at over 8,800 ft on the Andean hillside. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the beautiful Inca terraces, temples, water fountains, and water channels that are still functioning today and enjoy lunch surrounded by the mountains and an array of orchids. After lunch, we’ll make our way to Intipuku (the Sun Gate), and catch our first glimpses of Machu Picchu. We'll hike down into the citadel for a quick look, but we’ll save the exploration for tomorrow’s adventure. From here, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the archeological site, enjoy an authentic Peruvian meal, and a comfy night’s rest.
Day 4
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu then head back to Cusco
We hope you’re well rested, as today is going to be one for the books! After breakfast, we’ll take the bus back up to Machu Picchu and explore the ruins as a group. We’ll get to see all the iconic landmarks, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of Three Windows to name a few. After a day of wandering around this majestic site, we’ll take the bus to the train station and head to Ollantaytambo where we’ll take our private transfer back to the Terra Andina Colonial Mansion. You’ll have the rest of the evening to explore Cusco and enjoy a stellar meal downtown.
Day 5
Discover the beauty of Rainbow Mountain on a full-day hike
After a restful sleep, it’s time for another adventure! We’re starting our day with a drive to the Ausangate Mountain Range to hike the iconic Rainbow Mountain. We’ll embark on a four-mile journey to the colorful peak of the mountain range for the most Instagram-worthy pictures ever! Heads up: we’ll be hiking at an elevation over 17,000 ft. Make sure your body and mind are ready for this trek! What we’ll sweat out will be nothing compared to the surreal landscape, making the journey worth the demanding terrain. We’ll spend some time at the top for pictures and lunch, then make our way back down to our transfer. From here, we’ll travel to the hotel just in time for one last dinner in this historic city.
Day 6
Say goodbye to the land of the Incas
What an incredible trip we’ve had. We’ve seen so many historic places in Peru and have the pictures to prove it! On your last day here, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and use your free time to hang out in downtown Cusco, take a guided city tour, or shop for some souvenirs at the market. If you want to hit the iconic spots of Cusco, head to the Main Square, the San Francisco Church, the Qorikancha Temple, and the San Pedro Market, all of which make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so impressive. Eventually, we’ll have to take our private transport to the airport and say goodbye to this magical place. Be well and safe travels!
Accommodation
Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar according to availability)
Terra Andina is a gorgeous mansion that’s located right in the heart of Cusco’s historic district. You’re within blocks of the Main Square and iconic attractions, such as the San Pedro Market and Church. The hotel has a reputation for their first class customer service and offers every amenity you need to enjoy a stay in Peru, long or short. You’ll find comfortable bedding in the rooms, along with en suite baths, TVs, safes, and the like. The hotel also features a restaurant on site with American breakfast served each morning, a bar, in-room massage, laundry, and so much more making this the perfect place to start and end your Inca Trail trek. Room type: Twin share rooms.
AVA Valle Sagrado Spot (or similar according to availability)
On our journey to Machu Picchu, we’ll stop in Urubamba at the AVA Spot hotel for some great food and a comfortable place to rest. All guest rooms feature modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, en suite baths, and gorgeous mountain views. The hotel also offers a full restaurant, bar, and 24/7 support. Rest up and relax at this luxe lodge before we hit the Inca Trail! Room type: Twin share rooms.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu (or similar according to availability)
After a day on the trail, we’ll rest our heads at the Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu in Agua Calientes. This beautiful hotel overlooks the Vilcanota River and the surrounding mountains providing a tranquil atmosphere after a long day of hiking. The hotel offers everything from free breakfast at their full restaurant to oxygen service at reception. You’ll find comfy bedding, free WiFi, 24/7 support, and anything else you’ll need for a stellar night in town. Room type: Twin share rooms.
Included
- 3 nights at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar)
- 1 night at AVA Valle Sagrado Spot (or similar)
- 1 night at Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Private airport/excursion transfers
- Expedition trains to/from Machu Picchu
- All entrance fees necessary for our services on this trip
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Walking sticks during hike
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Enjoy the comfortable bedding, hotel amenities, and its prime location within Cusco's historic district. - Terra Andina website
- The city of Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. - Peruvian Soul
- Head to the Main Square and check out the San Pedro Market and San Pedro Church. - Unsplash: Renny Gamarra
- No trip to Cusco is complete without a trip to Qorikancha. This historic church was built atop ancient Inca ruins that date back to 1438 and was created for the sun god El Inti. - Unsplash: Amauri Mejía
- Walk through the colorful streets and buy some handmade souvenirs along the way. - Unsplash: NINA PASCAL
- Grab a quick bite at the market or head to a traditional restaurant for an authentic Peruvian meal. - Unsplash: Ashim D’Silva
- Today, we'll spend our time in the village of Pisac in the Sacred Valley. - Flickr: Hugh Llewelyn
- We'll explore the Viacha community where local Julian and his family will teach us about Andean rural culture and offer us lunch. - Flickr: tacowitte
- After a delicious home-cooked meal, we'll travel to the Pisac Archeological Park and hike the trails into the Inca sites. - Pixabay: pvdberg
- After the trek, you'll have time to explore the markets and pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones back home. - Flickr: Brian Ralphs
- Today, we'll travel to the Inca Trail and hike the ancient roadway to the Machu Picchu archeological site. - Unsplash: KAL VISUALS
- You'll see incredible views of the Urubamba River and snow-capped mountains along the journey. - Peruvian Soul
- We'll see various Inca ruins along our trek including Wiñaywayna, a sister site to Machu Picchu. - Flickr: Wasif Malik
- We'll hike to the Sun Gate high above the Machu Picchu Citadel. - Pixabay: AdamHillTravel
- As we hike down, we'll catch our first glimpse of this magnificent structure. - Unsplash: Babak Fakhamzadeh
- Today is the day! We'll have a full day to explore Machu Picchu and learn about the ancient Inca civilization from our guide. - Unsplash: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Today, we'll travel to the Ausangate Mountain Range and hike to a colorful location. - Unsplash: Ausangate Peru
- Hiking at over 17,000 ft will be a challenge, but the views will make the difficult journey worth it! - Unsplash: Michael Busch
- Take all the pictures you can of this surreal landscape. - Unsplash: McKayla Crump
- Next, we'll head to Ollantaytambo and rest up at AVA Spot. - AVA Spot
- Cozy rooms at the Casa Andina at the base of Machu Picchu mountain. - Casa Andina
- After a long day of exploration, enjoy a drink at the hotel's bar. - AVA Spot
- We'll start and end our Peruvian journey at Terra Andina, located in the heart of downtown Cusco. - Terra Andina