▷ Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain 3 Days
Overview Short Inca Trail +Rainbow Mountain 3Days
Hike the most relaxing short inca trail +Rainbow Mountain Peru
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountian on a 3-day trek! Experience stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and an unforgettable journey to the Lost City of the Incas.
Step into history on a breathtaking trek along the legendary short Inca Trail. Explore ancient ruins above Machu Picchu’s mystical cloud forest and breathe in the crisp mountain air. This short but unforgettable adventure is perfect for families and travelers short on time.
Take your experience to new heights with a one-day trek to Rainbow Mountain—a dazzling wonder at 5,020 meters above sea level. Hike through the stunning Andean landscapes and witness nature’s most colorful masterpiece.
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas.
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 3 Days/ 2 Nights
Group Size: 2-10 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate hike.
Weather: Dry season(Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 18 km
Short Inca Trail +Rainbow Mountain Peru 3 Days Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104- Wiñayhuayna- Sun Gate-Machu Picchu
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at 4:00 am/ 5:30 am in Cusco, then we will transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, then you will have an hour and 20-minute ride by Expedition train to the trailhead at KM 104 (2,050m/6,927ft) where your hiking journey will begin and show your passport at the first checkpoint. Afterwards, you will initiate gradually hiking upwards as you head for the Classic Inca Trail far above. It will take around 3.5 hours to the remnant archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8747ft) where you will have box lunch nearby here. Along the way, you will explore Inkan sites, enjoy stunning Andean landscapes, and gaze down the spectacular, sheer mountainside, plunging down to the Urubamba River. After enjoying your lunch you will continue onward towards the mystic Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft) for 1.5 hour more. Once you get there, you will finally get your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. As you move closer to the Inca citadel you will enjoy views of the mysterious ruins accompanied by sunset. And finally you will take the short bus ride to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in your hotel.
Meals included: Box lunch (Wiñayhuayna) and dinner (Restaurant)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu town
Hiking Distance: 12 Km /7.4 miles (6 to 7 hours)
Note:– If your accommodation is located in Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba town, we will come to your hotel to pick you up around 5:30 AM/6:30 A.M.
Day 2: Private Machu Picchu Tour. Return to Cuzco.
Day 2 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus you will need to wake up early and will go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: You will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 18:30 pm.
Meals included: Only breakfast at hotel
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade options: Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Cuzco – Rainbow mountain hike -Cuzco
The tour starts from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am in the morning, then our great adventure will start in the direction to Altiplano-Puno. We will travel by bus for 2.5 hours in our private vehicle until arriving at the community Cusipata where we will have a delicious breakfast, then we will continue our journey through the dust road for 50 minutes more. During the trip, we will be able to observe beautiful landscapes, canyons and beautiful glaciers such as The Ausangate range and Rainbow Mountain.
Once we arrive to the trailhead, we will start hiking and after walking for 1.5 hours we will arrive at our destination, Vinicunca Mountain (5.020m / 16.466 ft.), where we will have free time to enjoy the beauty of the mountain, take pictures, enjoy a snack or just relax.
After enjoying the rainbow mountain one of the best day trip, we will start the walk back to the parking and to the community of Cusipata where we will have a lunch and then return to city of Cusco and getting in your hotel approx. At 04:30 pm.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations: book on your own
Hiking Distance: Hiking up for 1.5 hours and going down 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Note: Once we finish the Rainbow Mountain hike we will arrive back to Cuzco between 4:30 to 5:00 pm
The elevation of the trailhead is 4600 m.a.s.l and the Rainbow Mountain pass is 5020 m.a.s.l.
Inclusions for the short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Peru 3Days
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the Company.
- Private Hotel: 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Cusco. Upgrading to a 4/5-star hotel is possible.
- Permits: Your permits are immediately purchased upon receipt of your booking details and deposit. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated.
- Three (3) Bus tickets: Between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Round train ticket: (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and vice versa.
- Transportation service: (Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Professional Guides: English-speaking, professional, university educated guides.
- Food: Inca Vision Tours will make sure you enjoy delicious, well- balanced and energetic food on the way to Machu Picchu. A box lunch will be provided at the Wiñay Wayna ruins. A scrumptuous dinner will be served at one of the best restaurants in the town of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You may request vegetarian or vegan options.
- Water & snack: We will provide water and snack for your morning hike. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks and bars for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- First-aid kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from Physicians. Our guides will bring emergency oxygen bottle and OTC medicines as well.
- Rain Poncho.
- Luggage storage service.
Not Included
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village).
- Tips (optional).
- Travel insurance.
Aditional Upgrades
- Rentals: Walking Sticks (pair): $ 5
- Porters (optional): Because this is just a one day hike without camping, there will not be porters. Your day pack should include everything you need throughout the hike and for the next day at Machu Picchu. It is your responsibility to carry it yourself. If you prefer to have a porter, we can arrange it for an extra fee ($45 USD). You must arrange this at the time of your booking since the porter will also need a permit.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
- Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
Included for Rainbow Mountain Peru
- Professional Guides: English-speaking, professional, university educated guides.
- Transportation service: (Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel) from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead and vice versa.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch, a bottle of water and Snack
- First aid kit and oxygen balloon.
- Entrance Ticket to the Rainbow Mountain.
- Walking sticks (optional)
Not included for Rainbow Mountain Peru
- Emergency horses: (Optional) the round-trip fare is 90 Peruvian Soles, to be paid at the trailhead.
- Entrance Ticket to the Red Valley.
- Tips (optional)
Trip Highlights Short Inca Trail +Rainbow Mountain Peru 3 Days
Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Peru Highlights
- Discover the Short Inca Trail through the Eyes of the Incas with Us. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
- We are fully licensed by the government to operate Short Inca Trail hikes.
- Small groups and customized service, from 2 to 10 people maximum.
- Enjoy hotel-to-hotel service, including pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- After your hike, enjoy comfortable 3-star hotel stays to relax and recharge with modern amenities, ensuring a restful experience between trekking adventures.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
- Experience the beauty of the mountains, Incan ruins, fresh air, flora and fauna along the Short Inca Trail, including vibrant orchids.
- A private guided tour of the key sites of Machu Picchu, with free time to explore at your leisure.
- A qualified local tour guide dedicated to your safety, with extensive experience, knowledge, and professionalism throughout the Inca Trail.
- Discover the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, twice—once on Day 1 in the afternoon and again on Day 2 in the morning.
- Enjoy delicious, well-balanced, and energizing meals on your way to Machu Picchu. We offer seasonal organic fruits and cater to all dietary preferences, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options.
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu with us, traveling via PeruRail or Inca Rail.
- Visit the iconic Rainbow Mountain – Marvel at its stunning natural colors.
- Admire Ausangate Peak – A sacred mountain towering at 6,384 meters.
- Scenic 3-hour trek – Hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
- Reach 5,020 meters above sea level – Experience high-altitude adventure.
- Perfect complement to Machu Picchu – Easily add it to your itinerary.
- Guaranteed daily departures – Flexible and hassle-free booking
Why choose Inca Vision Tours?
Inca Vision Tours has been founded in the hands of an experienced mountain tour guide who has worked as an official hiking guide for over 8 years with different companies (commented with countless reviews on TripAdvisor by customers) in Cuzco. Likewise, Jaime has graduated with a degree in Tourism from Cusco University and is an active member of the Association/School of Graduates in Tourism of Peru. He has extensive knowledge of all tourist circuits in the region. He is a mountain man, a proactive professional with initiative and good handling of interpersonal skills, solid moral principles and a high degree of responsibility. Jaime, our manager, has gained enough experience to operate tours around Cuzco on behalf of Inca Vision Tours. But as a team, we have more reasons why you should pick Inca Vision Tours to do your memorable treks or tours.
– Legal and sustainable company
We have legal license permits from our government to operate our day tours and multi-day treks. Also we are a 100% local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: Protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion.
– Cuzco, the land of the Inca Civilization
We own our operational base in Cuzco and you will experience with INCA VISION TOURS what the Incas had envisioned back in their days, the gateway of historical sites into Machu Picchu.
–Expert office and field team to assist you every day
Our professionals and local expert office staff do all the logistic and operational hard work such as optimizing your time and investment and reducing unnecessary costs, so you get the most of your vacation. Our qualified local tour guides with extensive experience know all the secrets to take you to the most breathtaking places in order to make your vacation unforgettable and take care your safety.
– Fair salary and care for local people
INCA VISION TOURS employs locals as porters, horsemen, chefs, guides and office staff. You can rest assured that all the money you invest in your tour or treks will go directly to the workers who will take you on day tours or hikes. At Inca Vision Tours, we distribute profits equally amongst our members.
– Personalized Itineraries and customized service
Inca Vision Tours has handpicked the top local specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements. You also can request to learn Quechua languages, to participate in our social projects in special campaigns, to attend to special events in special occasions such as the feast of the Sun, Holy Week, the day of Dead and Alive and many more.
– Our Peruvian Cuisine/Gastronomy
Our organic meals from the Andes, coast and jungle of Peru will be prepared by our professional chefs when you participate in our tours and treks (Vegetarian, pescatarian diet and vegan options available.)
– Guaranteed departures tours
All our tours are guaranteed to depart with small or large group sizes. We have done tours with as little as 2 people so you won’t have to worry about your tour being cancelled at the last minute, unless you do it.
– Support the local economy
On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies. Our company is especially committed to social projects in the remote villages where there is extreme poverty.
– Our best hiking gear, equipment and contingency plan
We have comfortable gear and equipment to do our treks and day tours such as: 4-person tents, cooking gear, kitchen tents, toilet tents, trekking poles, air mattresses, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and everything needed to ensure a great adventure.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU-Short Inca Trail plus Rainbow Mountain Peru
- A qualified local tour guide who cares for your safety with extensive experience, knowledge and professionalism.
- Trip support and emergency assistance from English speaking staff.
- Private experience with all tours, unless otherwise noted.
- Highly Personalized and customizable trip, in any way you want.
Departure Dates the for Short Inca Trail+ Rainbow Mountain Peru 3 Days
This short Inca Trail is available almost year- round, this tour is closed only in February every year due to heavy rainy season and landslides during this month. On the other hand, throughout the year,Peru celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision Agency custimezes your tour and guarantees your departure dates. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
Check Here for Availability & Event Dates!
Book Your Short Inca Trail plus Rainbow Mountain Peru – 2025! 🌿🏔️
Availability is limited—secure your spot today!
Permits for the Inca Trail 2025 are selling fast! Secure your preferred date now and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Machu Picchu. With high demand and limited availability, spots are filling up quickly—reserve yours before it’s too late!
2025 Permit Availability:
✅ January 2025: SOLD OUT ❌
⚠️ February 2025: Closed for maintenance
✅ March 2025: 30% sold out – Plenty of spots, but filling fast!
✅ April 2025: 25% sold out – Plan ahead and save your place!
✅ May 2025: 70% sold out – Hurry before it’s gone!
✅ June 2025: 55% sold out – Book while you can!
✅ July 2025: 30% sold out – Plenty of spots, but filling fast!
✅ August – December 2025: 15% sold out – Plan ahead and save your place!
This information was updated on May – 2025. 📅 Book now! Only your confirmation is needed: Inca Trail 2025 ✨
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
What to bring for the Short Inca Trail plus Rainbow Mountain Peru 3Days
Gear List for the Short Inca Trail +Rainbow Mountain Peru
Important reminder: This trek does not include porters. You will be responsible for carrying all your personal belongings throughout the hike. Packing as lightly as possible, and a lightweight backpack is highly recommended.
- Passport (Very important).
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Good daypack (25Lt): The smaller, the more confortable.
- 2L Camelbaks or reusable water bottles
- Extra Snacks (Energy bars, energy drinks, fruits, electrolytes, etc.).
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).
- 2 Wicking/Hiking Breathable Shirts (short or long-sleeve), Hiking Pants, & 2 pair of Socks
- Nice T-shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof rain jacket/rain poncho.
- Hiking poles with rubber tips (you can rent them from Inca Vision Tours).
- Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes).
- Insulated beanie or wool hat to retain warmth ( For Rainbow Mountain)
- Thermal or fleece-lined jacket for optimal insulation.
- Warm gloves to protect your hands from the cold ( For Rainbow Mountain)
- Sun protection cream, sun hat and sunglasses.
- Insect Repellent.
- Hand Sanitizer & Toilet Paper
- Extra personal first aid kit.
- Camera/ Cellphone.
- Extra Money in Cash & Cards for souvenirs, drinks, meals, tips, and emergency situations (can be in Soles or USD).
Price for the Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Peru 3 Days
To book the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an initial payment of $ 200 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or in person at our office in Cusco. The deposit can be made via We Travel, Western Union or MoneyGram. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For Group Tour (shared service)
- $ 540 USD per person (2 people minimum)
For private tour are based on group size:
- 1 Person: $ 915 USD per person
- 2 People: $ 625 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 560 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 500 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 495 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 470 USD per person
- 7+People, please contact us for a special price
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 17 years old or less, the discount is $30 USD (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For a private tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
Student Discount:
To qualify for the student discount, one must be 25 years old or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu and you must submit a valid university ID with your booking. The ID must include your name, photo, and expiration date. Cards without an expiration date will not be accepted. Please bring the original student ID with you on the tour to pass the checkpoint.
Payment method
Pay via We Travel
Please note that We Travel charges a fee ranging from 1.5% to 3.9 % (depending on the type of currency used) for online deposits. For payment made via bank transfer a 2% fee will be applied which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of We travel’s secure payment gateway. Please, notify incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com after payment has made through, We Travel.
Pay via Western Union
Please note that Western Union charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. Western union payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Pay via MoneyGram
Please note that MoneyGram charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. MoneyGram payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Please remember to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking. Once your payment is made via Western Union or MoneyGram, please notify ours sales team.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined in our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek/tour. See Inca Vision Tours ‘Terms and Cancellation Policy
Optional Upgrades (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
Note: You can only hike one of these mountains, and it must be done after the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time limitations.
Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
Walking Stick: One pair for $5 USD.
Extra Porter: $45 USD
Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, is a 45-minute hike to the top, located next to the Machu Picchu Inca city. The descent can be steep, so it may not be suitable for those afraid of heights. This hike can be done after your Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu Mountain requires a 3-hour round-trip hike. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least one month in advance. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Train: On our two-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu, a round-trip ticket on the Expeditions Train is included, offering comfort and scenic views. For an enhanced experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the return trip, which features larger windows, comfortable seating, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment, including shows and a complimentary snack.