Combine two of Peru’s most iconic adventures with our Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain package. This perfect pairing blends history and nature in one unforgettable journey. First, hike the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, walking ancient stone paths, visiting sites like Wiñayhuayna, and arriving at the legendary Sun Gate for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, all with expert guides and top-quality service.
Then, experience the surreal colors of the Andes on a day hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), known for its vibrant mineral layers and dramatic landscapes. Ideal for those short on time but big on adventure, this combo lets you experience both the cultural wonder of the Inca Trail and the natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain, with comfort, safety, and style.
Tour Overview – Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
This tour is the perfect blend of Peru’s most iconic experiences: the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the vibrant hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Over just a few days, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Incas, witness ancient ruins, and take in the breathtaking views from the Sun Gate — followed by a high-altitude trek to one of the Andes’ most colorful and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Designed for active travelers with limited time, this combo delivers adventure, history, and natural beauty — all with expert guides, personalized service, and seamless logistics from start to finish.
Tour at a Glance
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Activities: Short Inca Trail (2-day hike), Machu Picchu guided tour, Rainbow Mountain hike
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (altitude involved)
Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (night 1) + Cusco (night 2 optional)
Group Type: Small group or private
Availability: Daily departures (advance booking required)
Start/End: Cusco
Tour Highlights
Hike the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, entering through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Visit ancient sites like Wiñayhuayna and Chachabamba
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Climb to the stunning summit of Rainbow Mountain, with views of Red Valley and snowcapped peaks
Experience the perfect mix of cultural heritage, epic landscapes, and high-altitude adventure
All-inclusive logistics: permits, transportation, expert guide, meals, and more
Is This Tour for Me?
If you're short on time but don’t want to miss the best of Peru, this tour is for you. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to experience both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain in a quick yet rewarding itinerary. Moderate fitness is recommended, especially due to altitude, but no camping is required, and all logistics are handled for you.
Looking for a meaningful, well-organized journey filled with history, nature, and vibrant Andean culture? You just found it.
Itinerary – Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain - 3 Days / 2 Nights.
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Your adventure begins early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll head to Ollantaytambo to board the Vistadome train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, you'll start your scenic hike, visiting the beautiful Inca site of Chachabamba, then continue on a gentle uphill trail through lush cloud forest.
Along the way, you’ll explore the stunning Wiñayhuayna ruins, often called the "Little Machu Picchu." After lunch, we hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you'll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We'll descend to the upper terraces for photos before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll relax and spend the night in a cozy hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
After breakfast, we return to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the citadel. You’ll follow Circuit 2, the most complete route, and explore the main temples, plazas, and viewpoints with your expert guide. The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you time to fully appreciate this World Wonder.
After your tour, enjoy a gourmet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant (part of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge). Then, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, private transport will bring you back to your hotel in Cusco for the night.
Day 3: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley – Return to Cusco
Your final day begins bright and early with a 4:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll drive for about 3 hours through the scenic Andean highlands, passing traditional villages and herds of llamas and alpacas along the way. Upon arrival at our base camp, you'll enjoy a hot, freshly prepared breakfast to fuel up for the day’s hike.
We then begin our ascent to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) — a moderate 1.5-hour hike through stunning landscapes. Once at the summit (over 5,000 meters), you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the vibrant mineral-striped mountain and the surrounding snowcapped peaks. After taking in the scenery and snapping photos, you’ll continue on a peaceful trail through the striking Red Valley, one of the Andes’ best-kept secrets.
Following the hike, we'll return to base camp where a delicious lunch awaits. After some well-deserved rest, we drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 – 6:00 PM, marking the end of an incredible three-day adventure through Inca history and natural wonders.