This tour combines MachuPicchu, Salt Mines, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain. Spend five wanderfull days surrounded by history, tradition, and stunning scenery in the heart of the Andes, as you fall in love with the region´s many wonders on the trip of a lifetime! You will stay in quality hotels and hostels specially selected by our agency, and receive included private transportation to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour.
Peru
MachuPicchu, Salt Mines, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain 5D / 4N
Summary
Overview of the Machu Picchu, Salt Mines, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain 5 days/ 4 nights
Day 1:
Arrival in Cusco – Walking tour in Cusco in Afternoon
Depending on you arrival time, You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by our staff and escorted to your hotel or hostel, Once you have rest you can do the Cusco city tour or just a walking tour in the Cusco city
Day 2
Chincheros, Salt mines of Maras -Moray- Ollantaytambo – and Overnigh in Aguas Calientes
The salt mines of Maras. This village is known as a former salt-producing center and is thought to date back all the way to pre-Incan times. There are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountain side, that are filled daily by a stream of water
- Tour Start Time: Approximately 6:30 am
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Approximately 6:15 pm
- Difficulty: Light
- Weather : Cold in the morning; hot and sunny at midday; chilly wind towards in afternoon. Layered clothing adaptable to different conditions is highly recommended.
Day 3
Machu Picchu Tour and Returning to Cusco
Today you will visit Machu Picchu. You will determine, with your tour guide, the best time to start your day. Most people prefer to rise at 7 a.m.
- Tour Start Time: Between 5:30 and 6:00 am
- Tour End Time: Approximately 10:00 pm
- Maximum Altitude: we will reach is 2,400 meters 7,920 fts
- Walking tour in Machu Picchu: Around 3 hours
- Weather: Cold in the morning; hot and sunny at midday; chilly wind towards in afternoon. Layered clothing adaptable to different conditions is highly recommended.
Day 4:
Rainbow Mountain full Day Hike
Palccoyo is a new route, you will also most likely be alone with your group or with a few other groups. Your pictures will then be better, and you will also see three rainbow mountains instead of just one with the classic tour to Vinicunca. This tour is a must-do in the area.
- Tour Start Time: Between 4:30 and 5:00 am
- Return to Cusco: Between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
- Maximum Altitude: 5,200 meters (17,060 ft)
- Walking Hours: 1:30 to 2:00h
- Weather: Cold in the morning; hot and sunny at midday; chilly wind towards in afternoon. Layered clothing adaptable to different conditions is highly recommended.
Day 5
Humantay Lake full day
- Tour Start Time: Between 4:30 and 5:00 am
- Tour End Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
- Maximum Altitude: 4,600m/15,200ft
- Round trip walking hours: Around 3 hours
- Weather: Cold in the morning; hot and sunny at midday; chilly wind towards in afternoon. Layered clothing adaptable to different conditions is highly recommended.
Day 6
Good Bye Cusco – Return to Lima
New Regulations
In January 2019, changes to the Machu Picchu visitation rules were implemented. Now, entrance tickets to the citadel are sold for specific time slots, starting at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
With this new entry system, visitors board the bus to Machu Picchu one hour or 30 minutes before the visitation time printed on their ticket. This way, they do not have to endure unnecessary queues in Machu Picchu Pueblo, nor do they contribute to crowding at the entrances to the Inca city.
Meanwhile, visitors who wish to walk to Machu Picchu must depart one and a half hours before their designated visitation time.
In January 2021, new visitation routes or circuits were introduced at Machu Picchu with the aim of preserving the archaeological site for future generations. Each visitor follows a circuit according to the type of entrance ticket they have purchased, whether it’s for visiting Machu Picchu only, Huayna Picchu mountain, or Machupicchu mountain.
For more detailed information about the different circuits and specific entrance schedules, we invite you to read this link on Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu or to contact us directly. We can provide you with all the necessary information and address any questions you may have.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco – Walking tour in Cusco
Depending on you arrival time, You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by our staff and escorted to your hotel or hostel, Once you have rest you can do a walking tour in the Cusco city
Day 2 – Chincheros, Salt mines -Moray- Ollantaytambo – and Overnigh in Aguas Calientes
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel/hostal at 6:45 am to 7:00 am and you will travel by minivan to the amazing village of Chincheros. In Chincheros you can visit the artisanal market where they will show you the way in which the Inca’s people used to get the natural dyes from all the native plants in the Cusco region. Also you will visit the Chincheros Inca ruins. Then we will continue our scenic journey to Moray, the amazing Inca agricultural terraces. After this we will continue to Salinas de Maras, impressive salt mines in a beautiful setting. Then we will stop in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, for lunch. After lunch you will continue through to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Here we will board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. You will then have time to explore this town and go to the hot springs if you like. You will then stay one night in a hostel. This can be upgraded to a hotel if you wish. We will discuss over dinner what time you would like to wake up the next morning for your tour to MachuPicchu.
Included:
- Transfer from your hotel/hostal
- Tourist transportation for the Salt mines tour (this will be a large group tour)
- Professional guide who is fluent in English
- Lunch in Urubamba
- Expedition train ticket Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Basic Hotel in Aguas Calientes (upgrades available)
Not Included:
- Entrance fees to Salt mines of Maras (15 soles per person or 5 dóllars)
- Full tourist ticket or Boleto Turístico (130 soles per person or 40 dollars )
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
What to bring: On this day you will not return to Cusco because you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes. Therefore you have to make sure you bring the original Passport to board the train, and for your visit to Machu Picchu. Put a change of clothes into your small backpack, comfortable shoes, comfortable and light clothing or sportswear, waterproof jacket or rain poncho, cap or hat for the sun, warm clothes for the end of the afternoon, sunscreen, sunglasses, water (at least 1L) camera, cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevos soles
Day 3 – Machu Picchu Tour and Returning to Cusco
Today you will visit Machu Picchu. You will determine, with your tour guide, the best time to start your day. Most people prefer to rise at 4 a.m. walk to the bus station to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. It can be enjoyable to arrive at the ruins as soon as they open, at 6 a.m., to catch the magical mists on the ruins as the sun rises. After a 25 minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will take you to the best views before the day trippers arrive. Then, we will start the two hour guided, walking tour, exploring all of the famous places of this impressive citadel: After the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. If you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will head to that adventure. If you chose not to book a hike, you can climb to the Sun Gate and witness its amazing views. At around 12:p.m or 1 p.m., you will need to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants there. Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before your departure.
Note: Machu Picchu Inca site is different from Machu Picchu Mountain. When most people refer to Machu Picchu, they are referring to the archeological site. Machu Picchu Mountain requires a separate permit to climb. Please notify us if you are interested and we can book this for you. It must be done in advance and is a part of your entry into the site
Included:
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to MachuPicchu/ Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu entrance fees
- Professional guide who is fluent in English
- Two hours walking tour in Machu Picchu
- Expedition train ticket from to Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train station
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco
- Basic Hotel in Cusco (upgrades available)
Not Included:
- A ticket to climb HuaynaPicchu or MachuPicchu Mountain-let us know in advance if you would like to do this
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
What to bring: Original passport, small day pack , warm jacket, water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Day 4 – Rainbow Mountain Full Day Hike
Your day will begin with an early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our private transportation will take you from the south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata. The transfer lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will have breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue our trip to the Rainbow Mountain for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way to the mountain, you will have the chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes and to see the wildlife.
We will start our adventure with a walk uphill for about 1 hour and a half, appreciating in the background snowy mountains and wonderful landscapes. Then, we will finally reach the point to which we will be able to appreciate the colors of the Rainbow Mountain and the stunning view it offers.
After visiting and taking pictures, we will return the same way we came with a 1.5-hours hike, have lunch, and start the drive back to Cusco, arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.
Included:
- Transfer from your hotel/hostal
- Tourist transportation for the Rainbow Mountain (this will be a large group tour)
- Professional guide who is fluent in English
- Simi buffet breakfast and lunch
- Basic Hotel in Cusco (upgrades available)
Not Included:
- Entrance fees for the Rainbow Mountain ( 30 soles per person )
- Rental Horses
What to bring: Comfortable, hiking shoes,small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L),comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended),waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction, waterproof jacket or rain poncho,warm coat, hat and gloves, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, water (at least 1L), personal medications, muscle relaxers, painkillers or anti-inflammatories, bandaids (especially those designed for blisters), toilet paper, camera, cash (in small denominations of Peruvian Nuevos soles)
Day 5 – Humantay Full Day Hike
We will pick you up between 4:30 a.m.and 5:00.a.m from your accommodation in Cusco. We will then travel by private van to the village of Mollepata in the rich countryside of the Apurimac valley. The scenic trip lasts for 2 and a half hours before we arrive at Mollepata, where we normally stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. Then, we will continue our journey towards Soraypampa, where we will start our trek (4000m/12,750ft). We will start hiking up a moderate slope for one and a half hours until we reach Humantay lake (4,300M, 14,107Ft). From this point, we can soak in the spectacular views of the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake that lays peacefully at the base of the picturesque Humantay Glacier and is one of the most stunning places in the Cusco Region. We will continue our downhill trek for one and half hours to Soraypampa located at (4000m/12,750ft), and have lunch. Finally, after an amazing journey, you will travel for 2 1/2 hours in a van before you arrive back at your accommodation. Your arrival time in Cusco will be approximately 6:00 p.m.
Included:
- Transfer from your hotel/hostal
- Tourist transportation for the Humantay lake full day hike (this will be a large group tour)
- Professional guide who is fluent in English
- Simi buffet breakfast and lunch
- Basic Hotel in Cusco (upgrades available)
Not Included:
- Entrance fees for the Humantay Lake ( 20 soles per person )
- Rental Horses
What to bring: Comfortable, hiking shoes,small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L),comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended),waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction, waterproof jacket or rain poncho,warm coat, hat and gloves, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, water (at least 1L), personal medications, muscle relaxers, painkillers or anti-inflammatories, bandaids (especially those designed for blisters), toilet paper, camera, cash (in small denominations of Peruvian Nuevos soles)
Day 6 – Good Bye Cusco – Return to Lima
We will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Included:
- Breakasta in the hotel
- Transfer from your hotel/hosta to Airport
Options Pricing
Just the tour
USD$530.00Per Person
In this tour price option, we exclusively organize the tours, provide experienced guides, arrange transportation, and cover the entrance fees. As a result, you have the flexibility to make your own arrangements for hotel accommodations in both Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Basic Hotel in Cusco
USD$680.00Per Person
In this tour price option, we will take care of all the organization for a basic hotel accommodation in both Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Additionally, we will arrange the tours, provide experienced guides, handle transportation logistics, and cover the entrance fees.
Hotel names in Cusco are:
- 7 ventanas Hotel
- El Triunfo hotel
This hotels provides private rooms, private toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi
Hotel name in Aguas Calientes :
- Tambo Machu Picchu
Upgrade Hotel Available
Comfortable Hotel in Cusco
USD$850.00Per Person
In this tour price option, we take care of the organization of a Conform hotel accommodation, arrange the tours, provide experienced guides, handle transportation logistics, and cover the entrance fees.
Hotel names in Cusco are:
Tierra Viva Saphi
Novo hotel
This hotels provides private rooms, private toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi
Hotel name in Aguas Calientes :
- Ccccccc
Upgrade Hotel Available
Please note that hotel booking is subject to availability of spaces. The cost of the tour packages is based on double or matrimonial room occupancy. If you require an individual room, an additional payment will be required.
Furthermore, it’s important to mention that the prices quoted do not include VAT for Peruvian passengers. Any applicable VAT charges will be added to the final cost of the tour package.
Please note that meals are not included on this tour; however, with several excellent restaurants in Cusco, you will have no trouble finding plenty to eat!
Please read all our Tripadvisor: TRIPADVISOR INTI SUN TREK
Inclusions
Included
- Transportation to and from the airport on your arrival day in Cusco
- Chincheros, Salt Mines of Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo, – Night in Aguas Calientes (Transfer from your hostel, tour guide who is fluent in english, tourist transportation tourist ticket or entrance fees to see the sites in the tour, lunch in the tour, One night stay in an Águas Calientes hotel
- Machu Picchu Tour (Round trip train tickets (tourist class) (Ollanta – Aguas Calientes – Ollanta)Round trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.) Professional bilingual tour guide, Entrance to Machu Picchu, Walking tour in Machu Picchu, Transportation back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Rainbow Mountain (Round trip transportation, buffet breakfast and Lunch, professional bilingual tour guide, entrance fees to the Rainbow Mountain)
- Humantay Lake (Round trip transportation, buffet breakfast and Lunch, professional bilingual tour guide, entrance fees to the lake)
- 4 nights in a Cusco basic hotels with hot shower,wife, Hotel names in Cusco are, 7 ventanas, Triunfo hotel,
- 1 night in a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes Hotel name is Tambo Machupicchu
Not Included:
- All breakfast, lunchs and dinners that are not mentioned in the tour itinerary
- Flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima)
- Entrance to the mountain of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Peak (optional $40 USD).
- Entrance to Qoricancha (15 soles) and Cathedral (40 soles)
What to bring
What you need to bring
- Original passport and migration card (TAM)
- Day pack
- Sneakers or hiking shoes
- water
- We strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Inca trail and in Machu Picchu.
- Raincoat (long poncho) during the rainy season.
- Warm jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Long-sleeved shirts
- T-shirts
- Long pants.
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Medicine and / or personal items/toiletries
- Toilet paper
- A backpack or lightweight suitcase (between 5-6 kilos for tours in Machu Picchu)
- Camera or camcorder, film, memory cards
- Cash in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles
- Bathing suit for the hot springs (optional)
before you go
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are done at our office at 6:00 PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Inti Sun Trek office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long.
Do the tour guides speak English?
Our team of guides are all local to the Cusco area and speak both Spanish and English fluently. Many of them also speaking Quechua (the native language of Peru). With degrees in tourism and with two years minimum of experience under their belts, they are full of energy, information about the native flora and fauna, and the Inca sites, with a vast knowledge of ready sourced stories and legends told by the Andean people.
How many people are there per group?
Group size depends on the day´s activity: the Sacred Valley Tour will have about 20 people, the Rainbow Mountain Tour will have twenty people maximum, and Machu Picchu will have sixteen people maximum.
Renewal or change passport number?
If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you must send us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can then make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to make the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and train.)
If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring the original of both passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or train. If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by the government officials. All names and numbers must match!!
Return train after your day at Machu Picchu
Returning train Included in the cost of this tour/trek is the Expedition train, which departs either at 6:20 pm or 7:00 pm and DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY.
Can I get an early train ticket?
We can also book an afternoon train that departs 2:55 p.m. or 4:22 p.m. at an extra cost of US $35 per person the train we will book DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY.
Please, notice that 35 dollars extra you will pay also will cover your private transportation to bring you back from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco
Can I change my return train ticket?
It may still be possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you don’t want to take the 18:20p.m train You will have to take your train ticket personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to change the return ticket for an early one. You will probably be asked to pay an extra administration fee, which will depend on the train service and departure time. Changing the ticket will be subject to availability of spaces on the train
Tips for the Staff
Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small gifts, such as clothing and school equipment for their children. A normal amount for the group to tip is S/60-80 for each porter and S/120 for the chef. The group will pool money for the tip, this is not an individual amount.
Refunds
Inti Sun Trek fails to confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded in full.
Huayna Picchu Climb
Only 400 people can climb this mountain per day. If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, tickets need to be booked in advance.
Storage during your tour
You can leave any of your belongings at your hotel or hostel you were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel, we would be more than happy to securely store your belongings for you.