If you love adventure and hiking, this tour is perfect for you. It begins in the Sacred Valley, where you'll explore ancient sites and shop at local artisan markets. Then, you'll hike a portion of the Inca Trail, arriving at Wiñay Wayna, a stunning mountainside ruin ideal for photos. From there, you'll reach the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After a guided tour, you’ll return to Cusco. On the final day, hike to the incredible Rainbow Mountain, a one-of-a-kind colorful sandstone formation.
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco + City Tour
Arrive in Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) and transfer to your hotel. After acclimatizing, enjoy a guided afternoon city tour, visiting Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and nearby Inca ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Accommodation: 3* hotel or similar
Meals: None
Tickets: Included
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
Visit key sites of the Sacred Valley: Pisac ruins and artisan market, Moray circular terraces, Maras salt mines, and the Sun Temple at Ollantaytambo.
Accommodation: 3* hotel or similar in Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast
Tickets: Included
Day 3: Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Take an early train to KM 104 and begin a full-day guided hike on the Short Inca Trail. Visit Chachabamba and the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins. Continue to the Sun Gate for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, when crowds are minimal. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Tickets: Included
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Return early to Machu Picchu for sunrise and a 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel. Optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior booking). Return by train and car to Cusco.
Accommodation: 3* hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Tickets: Included
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Hike
Early morning departure to Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy a scenic 4-hour hike through high-Andean landscapes with views of wildlife, glacial peaks, and colorful striated hills. Return to Cusco by evening.
Accommodation: Not included (book on your own)
Meals: Breakfast & lunch (prepared on-site)
Tickets: Included
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Cusco’s history and Inca heritage
- Discover the Sacred Valley’s wonders
- Hike the scenic Short Inca Trail
- Experience the majesty of Machu Picchu
- Conquer Rainbow Mountain
Included:
Professional Guides:
Licensed, English-speaking local guides from Cusco University, passionate and knowledgeable.
Hotels:
2 nights in Cusco
1 night in Aguas Calientes
1 night in Ollantaytambo
Transportation:
All ground transport from pick-up on Day 1 to drop-off on final day.
Tickets & Entry Fees:
Boleto Turístico (BTG)
Machu Picchu entry
Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
Train Tickets:
Expedition Class:
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: 7:00 PM
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo: 4:20 PM
Optional Vistadome upgrade:
$70 one-way | $100 round-trip
Transfers:
All transfers to/from train stations and hotels included.
Not Included:
Meals:
Not included unless noted. Guides can recommend local restaurants.
Huayna Picchu Permit:
$70 per person (limited availability, book at least 1 month in advance)
Flights to/from Cusco:
Not included. Recommended to arrive at least 2 days before the tour.
Gratuities:
Optional, based on your satisfaction with service.
Travel Insurance:
Not required but strongly recommended (especially for altitude-related issues).
Essentials:
Documents: Passport, Immigration Card, Student ID (if applicable)
Backpack: Small daypack (max 25L for Machu Picchu entry)
Water Storage: 2–3L capacity (Camelbak recommended)
Footwear: Lightweight hiking boots with good grip
Duffel Bag (Max 7kg – Carried by Porters):
Clothing:
2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
2–3 hiking pants
4 sets of underwear and socks
1 fleece
1 warm down jacket
1 rain jacket + rain pants
Sun hat & wool hat
Waterproof gloves
Comfortable camp shoes
Extra pair of walking boots
Other Gear:
Headlamp
Quick-dry towel
Small bottle of soap
Battery charger (no electricity on the trail)
Large plastic bags for organizing
Sleeping bag (-10°C recommended)
Toiletries:
Sunscreen, moisturizer
Bug spray
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Toilet paper
Personal medication & basic first aid kit
Inside Your Daypack:
Water for the first morning
Rain gear
Sun hat & fleece
Camera, phone/music
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper + small waste bag
Extra cash (souvenirs, drinks, tips)
Tour Price:
$940 USD per person
Student Discount:
$40off per student
Applies to:
University students with valid ID (must submit at booking)
Children aged 17 or younger (passport required at booking)
Optional Add-Ons:
Huayna Picchu Hike: +$75
45-minute climb, self-guided after Machu Picchu tour
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: +$75
1.5-hour climb, requires an extra day to visit
Vistadome Train Upgrade: +$75
Larger seats, panoramic windows, entertainment
Getting to Cusco
No international flights to Cusco – all travelers must first go through Lima, collect luggage, and check in again for a domestic flight.
Best travel option: Flying; LAN is most reliable.
Alternative: Buses (especially from cities like Puno); ~20 hours from Lima.
Luggage Storage
Extra bags can be safely stored at your hotel or with Alpaca Expeditions in Cusco.
Clearly label bags for easy retrieval.
Altitude Information
Cusco is at high altitude – less oxygen can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, or fatigue.
Recommended: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before trekking.
Tips to adapt:
Go slow, stay hydrated, drink coca tea
Avoid alcohol, smoking, sleeping pills
Consider altitude meds (e.g., acetazolamide) before arrival
All guides are trained in altitude care and first aid
Weather
Dry season: April to October (but rain is still possible)
Be prepared for all seasons and microclimates
Must-have gear: waterproof clothing (jacket, pants, gloves), warm layers, winter jacket
First Aid & Safety
All guides trained in first aid, carry kits and oxygen
In case of illness/injury, you’ll be safely escorted to a clinic
If needed, you can still visit Machu Picchu via train to rejoin your group
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended to protect your trip investment
Partner agency: Ahart, Frinzi & Smith (U.S. based)
Environmental Responsibility
Use of biodegradable products, portable chemical toilets, waste carried out
Porters clean trails and minimize environmental footprint
Community Support
Quinoa Expeditions supports local villages with:
Educational resources (computers, books, teacher sponsorship)
English classes for staff
Food sourced from local markets
Safe housing project for porters
Annual trips for porters and families to Machu Picchu
Why Book with Quinoa Expeditions?
Choosing Quinoa Expeditions for your city tour + Pisac, Maras -Moray, ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour adventure means choosing a truly authentic and high-quality experience. Here's why Quinoa Expeditions stands out from the rest:
Local Experts You Can Trust
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Peruvian company, committed to providing the most authentic, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible tours. Booking with us means you're supporting the local economy while getting the best service at the best price, with no middlemen involved.
Professional and Passionate Tour Guides.
Our tour guides are highly trained professionals, fluent in English and full of knowledge about the history, archaeology, and natural environment of the Maras -Moray & Chinchero Machu Picchu Tour. They’re also trained in First Aid and Mountain Rescue, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. More than guides, they are storytellers and caretakers of Inca heritage.
