4-Day Cusco, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu Group Tour

Summary

Cusco City Tour, Rainbow Mountain Trek & Machu Picchu Experience

You’ll explore ancient temples in Cusco, hike up Rainbow Mountain for wild views, and walk among clouds at Machu Picchu—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way. Hotels are comfy and meals are sorted so you can focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Landed in Cusco and the air felt thinner than I expected—my head buzzed a bit as we drove through the city’s narrow streets. The morning was yours to rest (trust me, you’ll want it for acclimatizing). Around 2pm, our guide picked us up at the hotel. First stop: Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. The stonework here is unreal—smooth as glass in places. We wandered through halls where sunlight hit old Inca walls just right. After that, we hopped back in the van and headed out of town.

Sacsayhuaman was next. Locals pronounce it “Saqsaywaman”—it’s fun to say once you get it right. The stones are massive; some bigger than my car back home. Our guide explained how they fit together without mortar—no one really knows how they managed that centuries ago. Qenqo came after—a rocky spot with carved channels and a cool hush inside the cave-like altar area. You could smell eucalyptus from nearby trees as we walked around Puca Pucara (the “red fortress”) and Tambomachay, where water still trickles through ancient fountains. We got back to Cusco just as street vendors started setting up for the evening rush.

The second day started before sunrise—4am pickup is no joke! We dozed on the drive to Cusipata but woke up fast when breakfast was served: fresh bread, eggs, coca tea (helps with altitude). The trek to Rainbow Mountain (locals call it Vinicunca) took about an hour and a half uphill. It’s tough but doable if you take it slow; I stopped a few times just to catch my breath and watch herds of alpacas graze nearby. At the top? Bands of color streaked across the mountain like someone painted them on—reds, yellows, even a bit of turquoise if you look close. Windy up there too; bring a hat or your ears will freeze! Lunch back in Cusipata tasted extra good after all that walking.

Day three meant another early start—bags packed by 3:30am for the ride to Ollantaytambo station. The train ride to Aguas Calientes is something else: mist rising off rivers, jungle closing in outside your window. Our guide met us at the station and got us onto the bus up to Machu Picchu itself—a winding road with switchbacks that made my stomach flip a little. Once inside Machu Picchu, we spent two hours exploring with our guide pointing out details I’d have missed alone—the Intihuatana stone, terraces where llamas munch grass, hidden corners away from crowds. Afterward we had lunch in Aguas Calientes before heading back by train and bus to Cusco.

The last morning was free—you can sleep in or wander around Plaza de Armas for coffee and people-watching before your transfer out. If you’re curious about Peruvian food or want to try making pisco sour (it’s stronger than it looks), there’s an optional cooking add-on too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Qenqo Ritual Center
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara fortress
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)
• Return to Cusco

Day 2 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Breakfast in Cusipata district
• Travel to Wasipata area
• Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return trek to mobility point
• Travel back to Cusipata district
• Buffet lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco city

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Transfer to Ollantaytambo station
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer to hotel in Cusco

Day 4 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning or optional gastronomy tour

Top questions

How hard is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

It’s challenging due to altitude but not technical—most people manage if they go slow and take breaks along the way.

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Tickets depend on availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture; if none are available for your dates you’ll get a full refund.

What should I pack for this tour?

Bring layers for cold mornings and sun protection for midday; sturdy shoes are a must for hiking parts like Rainbow Mountain.

Is food included during excursions?

Yes—breakfasts and lunches are provided during main activities like Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu days.

What’s included

Your tour covers airport pickup/drop-off in Cusco, three nights in a 3-star hotel (private room), all transport between sites (bus/train), entry tickets for city tour sites plus Machu Picchu (circuit 1 or 2), guided tours with local experts throughout, breakfasts each day plus lunches on excursion days (Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu), walking sticks for hiking if needed, oxygen support available if you feel altitude effects—and friendly help every step of the way!