Cusco & Machu Picchu: 4-day tour with Rainbow Mountain

Summary

Wake up in Cusco, hike Rainbow Mountain, and stand at Machu Picchu

You’ll wake up in Cusco’s crisp air, explore ancient Inca temples with locals who know every story, trek Rainbow Mountain’s wild colors after sunrise breakfast, and finally stand among Machu Picchu’s stones as llamas wander by. With all pickups and guides included, this journey lets you focus on those small moments you’ll remember long after you leave Peru.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Cusco wasn’t the altitude — it was the way the morning sun hit the Plaza de Armas, making everything look sharper than usual. Our guide, Maribel, met us right at the airport with this huge smile (even though my Spanish is pretty rough). She handed me coca tea before I even asked — apparently that’s how you survive your first day here. We wandered through Qoricancha’s stone corridors later that afternoon; I kept running my hand along the walls because they’re so smooth and cold. There was a moment in Sacsayhuaman where a group of kids started playing soccer right next to these massive stones — it felt like old and new Peru were just hanging out together.

Rainbow Mountain day started way too early (4am pickup — why do I always forget how early these things are?), but watching the sky turn pink over Cusipata made up for it. Breakfast was simple but warm — bread that tasted faintly sweet and eggs that reminded me of home. The trek up to Vinicunca is no joke if you’re not used to thin air; I had to stop more than once just to catch my breath and listen to the wind flapping prayer flags around us. When we finally reached the top, everyone went quiet for a second. The colors really do look painted on, but it’s colder than you’d think up there — my fingers went numb holding my camera.

Machu Picchu day felt like a dream sequence: bus rides before sunrise, train windows fogged from our breath, then suddenly Aguas Calientes with its steam rising off the river. Our local guide Luis told stories about his grandmother walking these same paths as a child (he laughed when I tried repeating “Huayna Picchu” — apparently my accent is hopeless). Climbing those last steps into Machu Picchu itself… I don’t know how to describe it without sounding dramatic. The stones are warm from the sun by midday; llamas wander past like they own the place. Lunch back in town tasted better than anything — maybe because we’d earned it.

I still think about that view from Sacsayhuaman at dusk, or how quiet everyone got on Rainbow Mountain. If you want a real day trip Machu Picchu Cusco experience with people who actually live here (and know where to find good pisco sours), this is probably it. The pickup and transfers made everything easy, which honestly let me just enjoy being surprised by Peru every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and 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 (Red Fortress)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)
• Return to Cusco

Day 2 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Breakfast in Cusipata
• Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return trek to transport
• Lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Transfer to train station
• Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Aguas Calientes
• Bus to Machu Picchu ruins
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch
• Return train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
• Transfer to hotel

Day 4 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning or optional gastronomy tour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this 4-day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and airport transfers are included throughout the tour.

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The trek is moderately challenging due to high altitude; expect 1–1.5 hours each way on foot.

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Tickets are subject to availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture; if unavailable, you'll receive a full refund.

What meals are provided during the tour?

Breakfasts are included on excursion days; lunch is provided after visiting Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, local guides speak English and share cultural context throughout each site visit.

What kind of accommodation is included?

The package includes stays at comfortable 3-star hotels in Cusco region.

How long do we spend at Machu Picchu?

You’ll have a guided visit whose length depends on ticket type (usually several hours), plus time for lunch in Aguas Calientes afterward.

Can I add extra tours or activities?

An optional Peruvian gastronomy tour with pisco sour preparation can be added on your last morning if time allows.

What’s included

Your experience includes airport pickup and drop-off, all ground transportation between sites like Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, guided tours at each location including Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman, entry fees for Machu Picchu (subject to availability), daily breakfasts plus lunch after major excursions such as Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu visits, comfortable 3-star hotel stays each night, and assistance from friendly local guides throughout your journey.