Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Adventure – 7 Days

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s largest city and one of the country’s main metropolitan and cultural centers.

Lima has a fascinating history shaped by pre-Columbian cultures, the Inca Empire, the Spanish colonial period, and diverse cultural influences.

Its location along the Pacific Ocean and its mild desert climate make it an interesting destination to explore.

After your arrival, enjoy free time to relax or begin discovering the city.

Suggested activities:

• Explore Lima’s Historic Center and its Spanish colonial architecture.
• Visit Lima Cathedral in the Plaza Mayor.
• Visit Casa Aliaga.
• Explore the Larco Museum and its pre-Columbian collection.
• Visit Miraflores and the famous Love Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Enjoy an evening at one of Miraflores’ cafés or restaurants.

Important: These activities are presented in the original itinerary as suggested activities and are not confirmed as included services.

Overnight: Lima.
Included meals: Not specified.

Head to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.

Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru’s most important historical and cultural destinations.

Because of the altitude, take your first day at a relaxed pace, stay hydrated, and allow your body time to acclimatize.

After arriving in Cusco, enjoy free time to walk through the historic center and explore the city at your own pace.

Suggested activities:

• Visit Cusco Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas.
• Explore the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara.
• Visit the traditional neighborhood of San Blas.
• Enjoy lunch at a local Peruvian restaurant.

Important: These activities are described as suggestions and are not confirmed as included guided tours.

Overnight: Cusco.
Included meals: Not specified.

Today you will depart from your hotel in Cusco and travel toward the Sacred Valley.

Your first visit will be Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its Inca terraces, colonial-era buildings, and textile traditions.

You will have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving techniques and learn about the process of preparing wool and producing colorful handmade textiles.

Continue toward Moray, an impressive complex of circular stone terraces associated with Inca agricultural experimentation in different microclimates.

From Moray, continue toward the Maras Salt Flats, an intricate network of salt pools traditionally used to harvest salt through evaporation.

The salt pools remain in use today and continue to be maintained by the local community.

After visiting Maras, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable historic towns in the Sacred Valley.

You will spend the night in Ollantaytambo and may explore its cobblestone streets, archaeological remains, and impressive Inca stonework.

Overnight: Ollantaytambo.
Included meals: Not specified.

Early in the morning, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where the Short Inca Trail begins.

During the train journey, the Sacred Valley gradually narrows into a canyon and the scenery begins to change as the cloud forest appears.

After disembarking at Km 104, you will begin the hike along a challenging uphill trail.

Your first archaeological site will be Chachabamba, a well-preserved Inca complex located near the beginning of the trail.

From Chachabamba, continue ascending for approximately three hours toward Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 2,732 meters / 8,964 feet above sea level.

Here you will stop to enjoy a boxed lunch surrounded by green mountains, native vegetation, and orchids.

After Wiñay Wayna, the trail becomes gentler and continues through the cloud forest toward Intipunku – the Sun Gate.

From Intipunku, you will enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

You will then descend for approximately 30 minutes toward the archaeological complex for a short break and time for photographs.

The full guided archaeological visit is scheduled for the following day.

After crossing the site, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into your hotel and rest.

Maximum altitude: 2,732 m / 8,964 ft
Minimum altitude: 2,088 m / 6,850 ft
Distance: 10.79 km / 6.67 miles to Intipunku
Approximate walking time: 7 hours

Overnight: Aguas Calientes.
Included meal: Boxed lunch.

Begin the day early for your visit to Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes, the bus journey to the entrance of Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes.

Machu Picchu is located at approximately 2,430 meters / 7,970 feet above sea level.

During your visit, your guide will lead you through the archaeological complex and explain its history, architecture, buildings, terraces, and important sectors.

After the guided visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

You will have time for lunch before heading to the train station.

Board the train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival, meet your driver for the transfer back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco.
Included meals: Not specified.

Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.

According to the itinerary, the drive to the starting point of the trek takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike.

The itinerary describes the hike as starting from Chillca at approximately 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet.

From here, the program describes an approximately 4-hour uphill hike toward Rainbow Mountain.

Along the route, you will enjoy views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and llamas and alpacas grazing throughout the valley.

Once you reach Rainbow Mountain, you will have time to enjoy the scenery and the surrounding valleys.

The itinerary also describes impressive views toward Ausangate and the Cordillera Vilcanota.

After enjoying the views, descend toward the vehicle and begin the drive back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco.
Included meal: Breakfast.

Today is your final day in Peru.

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Cusco Airport.

From Cusco, take your flight to Lima and continue with your international departure.

Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in Peru.

Accommodation: None.
Included meals: Not specified.