Short Inca Trail 2D/1N & Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Hike
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: 20 km
OVERVIEW
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. Hike along a section of the historic Inca Trail, where the Inca pilgrims did the same hundreds of years ago. You will have the privilege of exploring Inca ruins above the cloud forest of the historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and breath fresh air around the holy mountains. This short Inca Trail is the perfect tour-and-trekking opportunity for families or for those who are short of time but still want to experience the magnificent approach to Machu Picchu. Then, Go on the short 1-day Tour to the 7-Color Mountain and have a day full of adventure enjoying the great view of the famous Rainbow Mountain (located at 5020 meters above sea level). Imagine yourself contemplating this wonderful and colorful landscape after a short four-hour trek through the Andean mountains.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, please join us!
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 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 3 hours in our private vehicle until arriving at the community Cusipata where we will have a delicious breakfast before to continue the dust road for 30 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 at the final hike head, 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 2 hours and going down 1.5 hours
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 4200 m.a.s.l and the Rainbow Mountain pass is 5020 m.a.s.l.
Peru is a natural wonder, full of tourist attractions and sights that will take your breath away. Ancient indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial influence, the quest for independence, cultural mixture, and an astonishing geography have all shaped Peru throughout the centuries. For that reason:
- Inca trail is celebrated by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage Site.
- Inca Trail Trek is known as one of the world’s top ten hikes.
- Starting the Inca Trail at KM104, seeing the best that the trail has to offer while reducing the time spent hiking.
- Overnight stays in comfortable hotels along the trail route, to give you the opportunity to rest your hardworking body and make use of all amenities.
- Enjoying panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate”.
- A private guided tour of the key sites of Machu Picchu, with free time to further explore at your leisure.
- Enjoy beautiful and diverse plants (Orchids) and animals along the short Inca Trail
- Explore the astonishing the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train.
- You will explore the natural colors of the colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area (Rainbow Mountain). ( Day 2)
The Rainbow Mountain route is a newer tourist attraction located in the South of Cusco. The charm of this mountain comes from its amazing different colors
INCLUDED FOR SHORT INCA TRAIL
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the Company.
- Private Hotel: 1 night of accommodation in three-star hotels. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible as well.
- Permits: When we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu and Short Inca Trail.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:00 /5:30 A.M., and brought to the trail head. 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The roundtrip train ticket from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo/Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 1 and 2). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 2).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Food: Inca Vision Company will make sure you enjoy some delish nutritious and energetic food on the way to Machu Picchu. At the Wiñay Wayna ruins, you will have lunch, and dinner will be in the best restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes. The next morning you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You can request for vegetarian or vegan option too.
- Water & snack:We will give you a bottle of 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.
NOT INCLUDED FOR SHORT INCA TRAIL
- Last Day: Lunch in Machu Picchu village
- Rentals: Walking Sticks (pair): $ 10
- Porters (optional): Because this is just a one day hike without camping, there will not be porters. Your day pack should include anything you need for the evening and 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 based on how much your bag weighs. You must arrange this at the time of your booking since the porter will also need a permit.
- Huayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machupicchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
- Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
INCLUDED FOR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
- Professional guides (Spanish and English).
- Tourist Transportation and Professional Driver.
- Breakfast and Lunch, a bottle of water and Snack
- First aid kit and oxygen balloon.
- Entrance Ticket.
Not included for Rainbow Mountain
- Walking sticks (5.00 USD)
- Emergency horses: 30.00 USD ( optional)
- Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
This short Inca Trail is available almost all year, this tour is CLOSED only in February every year due to heavy rainy season and landslides during this month. But the Rainbow Mountain trek is available all year around. On the other hand, Peru usually 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 will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
Check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, and Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain trek.
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.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: This trek does NOT include porters. You will be carrying all your own stuff yourself while hiking. Because of this, it is imperative to pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great.
- Passport (Very important).
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student).
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru).
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better).
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).
- 3 Wicking/Hiking Shirt & hiking pants.
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes).
- Sun protection cream, sun hat and sunglasses.
- Insect Repellent.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Camera/ Cellphone
- Your personal extra snacks
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. 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 shared service
- $ 650 USD per person (2 people minimum)
For private service are based on group size:
- 1 Person: $ 1020 USD per person
- 2 People: $ 728 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 690 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 640 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 600 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 572 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $25 USD
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5% (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$25 (Requires Studen Card to qualify (and be NO older than 25 Years Old)
Under 18’s Discount: US$25
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, or booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to incavisiontours@gmail.com
Optional Extras Not Included (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: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $70 per person
Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired(Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of 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: If you are doing tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu. Expedition train is included from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo/Poroy or vice versa. To upgrade to Vistadome Train, $70 pp or Vistadome Train round trip, $125 pp. Please enter in the special request box above.