4-Day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour

Summary

Authentic Peru: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Guided Journey

You’ll walk ancient Inca paths in Sacred Valley villages, stand above Machu Picchu as clouds roll past stone walls, and hike up Rainbow Mountain’s wild colors—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning started before sunrise—Cusco’s air felt crisp as we piled into the van. Our guide, Julia, greeted us with a sleepy grin and a thermos of coca tea (trust me, you’ll want it for those early starts). Chinchero was our first stop; the village was just waking up, smoke curling from clay ovens. We watched local women weaving bright textiles—one even let me try spinning alpaca wool. The salt pans at Maras shimmered under the morning light; you could taste the salt in the breeze. Moray’s circular terraces looked almost otherworldly, and Julia explained how Inca farmers used them to experiment with crops. Lunch in Urubamba was simple but hearty—trout with quinoa soup at a tiny spot called Doña Rosa’s. By late afternoon, Ollantaytambo’s stones were warm under our hands as we climbed the ruins. The train to Aguas Calientes rattled through valleys just as dusk settled in; I barely noticed my tired legs once we reached Mariana Home hostel.

The next day kicked off early again—breakfast was fresh bread and strong coffee at the hostel before catching the bus up to Machu Picchu. There’s something about that first glimpse of the citadel through the mist that hits different; it’s quieter than you’d expect if you get there early. Our guide met us at the entrance and led us through hidden corners of Machu Picchu I’d never seen in photos—the Temple of the Sun, terraces where llamas grazed lazily. After our two-hour tour, I wandered on my own for a bit, just soaking it all in. Back in Aguas Calientes by noon, I grabbed lunch at a café near the river (the trout ceviche is worth trying) before catching the train back to Cusco Plaza Hotel.

Rainbow Mountain day started even earlier—4:30 am pickup! The drive out to Cusipata was quiet except for a few snoozing heads and some Andean music playing low on the radio. Breakfast was hot and filling (eggs, bread, fruit), which helped for what came next: a steady trek up from Chillihuani. The climb isn’t easy—thin air makes your heart race—but seeing those wild colors stripe across Vinicunca is something else entirely. Locals sell hot chocolate at the top (I caved in for a cup). Forty minutes to take photos and catch your breath before heading back down for lunch in Cusipata—a simple stew that tasted amazing after all that walking. We got back to Cusco around sunset; legs aching but spirits high.

On our last morning, packing up felt bittersweet. The transfer to the airport was smooth—they made sure we had plenty of time before our flight out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley Tour

• Visit Chinchero, Salinas, Moray, Urubamba lunch
• Guide information session
• Visit Agricultural Terraces of Moray
• Guide information session
• Train to Aguas Calientes, transfer to hostel

Day 2 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Breakfast at hostel
• Bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour
• Free time at Machu Picchu
• Bus to Aguas Calientes, lunch, train to Cusco, transfer to hotel

Day 3 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Hotel pickup and trip start
• Travel to Cusipata, breakfast, trek Rainbow Mountain, photo time
• Return to Cusco via Cusipata lunch

Day 4 — Airport Transfer

• Transfer from hotel to airport

Top questions

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The trek is moderately challenging due to high altitude and steep sections. Most people with average fitness can do it—just go slow and drink plenty of water.

Can I leave my luggage somewhere during Machu Picchu visit?

Yes! You can leave your bags safely at Mariana Home hostel while you explore Machu Picchu and pick them up afterwards.

Are meals included on this tour?

Breakfasts are included each day plus lunch on Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain days. For other meals like dinner or lunch in Aguas Calientes, you’re free to choose local spots.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

This trip involves early mornings and some hiking at altitude—it’s best for travelers with moderate fitness levels.

What’s included

Your round-trip train ticket to Aguas Calientes is covered, along with bus tickets up to Machu Picchu. You’ll have an expert local guide throughout each site visit, three nights’ accommodation (hostel or hotel), entry tickets everywhere listed on the itinerary, plus comfortable transport between stops.