Peru’s Greatest Hits: Lima, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu
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
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 19 – 23, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van, train, bus
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
22 – 30
Travel interest
Hiking, adventure, nature, off-the-beaten-path places, culture & history
Your Local Guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
Enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking vistas in beautiful Peru. Starting off with a short city break in Lima, the nation’s capital, you’ll learn about its history and take in its most important sights. Next stop, the mountains! You’ll visit the famous Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain. Discover the secrets of the ancient Andean culture and then trek to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Here you’ll see South American Camelids, the snowy mountain range of Ausangate, and step into the peaceful Red Valley. Peru’s mountain ranges are a must for anyone who loves the heights, offering a cultural experience you’ll never forget!
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
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 19 – 23, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van, train, bus
Enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking vistas in beautiful Peru. Starting off with a short city break in Lima, the nation’s capital, you’ll learn about its history and take in its most important sights. Next stop, the mountains! You’ll visit the famous Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain. Discover the secrets of the ancient Andean culture and then trek to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Here you’ll see South American Camelids, the snowy mountain range of Ausangate, and step into the peaceful Red Valley. Peru’s mountain ranges are a must for anyone who loves the heights, offering a cultural experience you’ll never forget!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Lima
- Arrive in Lima
- Transfer to hotel
- Check-in at 1900 Hostel Lima (or similar according to availability)
- Relax, unwind and meet your tour guide
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 2 · Lima and Cusco
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Half-day Lima City Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer to airport
- Flight to Cusco
- Check-in at Super Tramp Hostel (or similar according to availability)
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 3 · Machu Picchu
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Train ride to Calientes
- Machu Picchu Inca Citadel Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Machu Picchu or Huayna Mountain Climb (optional)
- Train ride to Cusco
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 4 · Rainbow Mountain
- Transfer to Cusipata
- Breakfast
- Transfer to Fulawasipata
- Rainbow Mountain trek
- Red Valley trek
- Transfer to Cusipata
- Lunch
- Transfer to Cusco
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Flight to Lima (not included in price)
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Peru! Relax, unwind and explore Lima, the Peruvian capital
We’re delighted to welcome you to Lima, our capital city. One of our guides will meet you at the airport, with transfers arranged to your hotel. You’ll have the chance to rest or take in the beautiful vibe of the city, before meeting your tour leader for an in-depth brief, covering your adventures ahead. Take in Lima’s nightlife and culinary delights and enjoy an overnight stay before the tour begins in full on day two!
Day 2
Explore Lima’s history and culture on a guided city tour
Stretch those limbs and let’s get started! You and Lima are about to get acquainted. The day begins with a trip to Huaca Pucllana, the city’s most sacred place. See this great clay pyramid in Lima’s Miraflores district and discover its history as a ceremonial and administrative center. Move on to explore the city’s downtown and colonial heritage, visiting some of the city’s oldest streets and treading in the footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors. Take in the Government Palace, Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and beautiful San Martin Square, before winding down in the sublime culture of Barranco, Lima’s bohemian quarter. Take a moment to catch your breath, before transferring to the airport for the next stage of your journey. Travel to Cusco — the land of mountains — and get a taste of what lies ahead for the rest of your adventure!
Day 3
Visit the amazing natural sanctuary of Machu Picchu
It’s time to get your mountain legs ready! After a short train ride to Calientes — the village at the base of the mountain — you’ll soon be at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, built around 1450 AD. Named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, you’ll spend the morning on the platform at 2,430m and learn all about the secrets of ancient Andean culture. Marvel at a city built without mortar or the aid of modern tools. More daring adventurers will have the (optional) chance to scale the peaks of either Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain, for a bird’s-eye view of the sanctuary. In the afternoon, catch the train back to Cusco and recharge your batteries for the big day ahead.
Day 4
Trek Vinicunca — the Rainbow Mountain
Set your alarm for a 5 am start and enjoy the fabulous dawn colors as they bathe the nearby mountains. You’ll be taken to Cusipata for a breakfast stop, then the journey continues to Fulawasipata to begin the walk. Look out for the snowy mountain range of Ausangate as you set off, and climb the slopes to the top of the 5,000m Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, or Mountain or Seven Colors. There’s nowhere else in the world quite like this, with the rock’s unique mineral make-up giving the mountain layers-upon-layers of color. You’ll have the option to extend your walk further, with a short trek to the Red Valley, before retracing your steps and setting off for some rest and happy memories.
Day 5
Farewell to the Andean Mountains, we hope to see you again!
Following an overnight stay in Cusco, board your flight to take you back to Lima. Once at Jorge Chavez Airport, you’ll be able to catch your international flight back home. Cherish your experiences in Peru’s magical mountains and get planning your next adventure with us!
Accommodation
1900 Hostel Lima (or similar according to availability)
Situated in Lima’s historic center, 1900 Hostel is a beautiful early 20th-century mansion, in walking distance to all of the city’s main attractions. The hostel has a bar with TV, pool table and table football, or why not enjoy the view from the balcony? There’s also a spacious kitchen, and supermarkets close by. The shared occupancy dorms have bunk beds, private lockers and WiFi is found throughout the building. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Super Tramp Hostel Cusco (or similar according to availability)
With breathtaking views over Cusco and the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, Super Tramp Hostel is the perfect starting point for your adventure. The hostel has an on-site pizza and burger bar and is just a five minute ride from the train station. With large communal spaces and a heated terrace, the dorm rooms have bunk beds, private lockers, private bathrooms and 24-hour hot water. Free WiFi access. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 1 night in 1900 Hostel Lima (or similar)
- 3 nights in Super Tramp Hostel Cusco (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- Bilingual guides during activities
- Transportation between activities and accommodation
- Train ticket (day 3)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Day 4 breakfast and lunch
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights (both international and internal)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (USD 39)
- Entrance fee to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Mountain (USD 35)
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (USD 7)
- Round trip bus ticket Calientes/Machu Picchu/Calientes (USD 24)
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
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.
- The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! - Unsplash: Eddie Kizka
- The majestic lost city of the Incas. - Agnieszka Mordaunt
- Llamas and alpacas live all around Machu Picchu. - Nathalie Marquis
- Be in awe of both Inca engineering and the grandeur of the Andes mountain range. - Adriana Aceves
- Lima and its wonderful coastline - Aarom Ore
- Visit the magnificent Government Palace in Lima. - Jhordy Rojas
- Downtown Lima shows the city's colonial past. - Eduardo Garcia
- See monuments, history and culture galore at Plaza San Martin. - Juan Manuel Portocarrero Ramírez
- Stroll down Lima's beautiful city streets and soak up the local vibe. - Adrian Dascal
- Coast and city are on your doorstep in Lima! - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Start your adventure in fascinating Lima, Peru's largest city. - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Climb Vinicunca — the mountain of seven colors. - McKayla Crump
- Experience the Rainbow Mountains up close as you trek across this majestic landscape. Unique geology gives them their color. - Michael Busch
- Look out for llamas on Rainbow Mountain and be sure to say hello! - Sofia Guaico
- Rainbow Mountain is home to several small villages. - Ioana Mohanu
- A short walk from Rainbow Mountain's summit brings you to Red Valley, a scene of peaceful majesty - Agnieszka Mordaunt
- Calientes Village lies at the base of Machu Picchu — it's all uphill from here! - Giancarlo Revolledo
- Climb the slopes to the top of the 5,000m Rainbow Mountain — the rock’s unique minerals give the mountain layers of color. - Sebastian Baszczyj