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 unforgettable 2-Day Inca Trail hike begins with a 4:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll board the train to KM 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. At the checkpoint, present your original passport before stepping onto this legendary path once walked by the Incas.
Your trek starts with a gentle 3.5-hour ascent through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Early on, you’ll visit Chachabamba, an intriguing Inca site nestled in the lush cloud forest. Continuing along the trail, you’ll reach the magnificent Wiñay Wayna, often called “Little Machu Picchu” for its terraces and stunning stonework. After exploring, savor a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
In the afternoon, a 1.5-hour hike brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its glory, a moment that will stay with you forever. You’ll then descend to the citadel, arriving in the late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the light is perfect for photos.
After exploring, board the shuttle to Aguas Calientes for a restful night in a comfortable hotel. This 2-day trek offers the perfect blend of adventure, history, and scenery, all without camping, making it one of the most rewarding ways to experience Machu Picchu in two days.
- Accomodation: Inti Punko Machu Picchu or similar
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Tickets: included
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
On the second day of your Short Inca Trail adventure, you’ll rise early for breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Passing through the official checkpoint, you’ll begin your guided exploration along Circuit 3, a route that reveals the citadel’s most iconic landmarks.
Your expert guide will lead you through the Temple of the Sun, sacred water fountains, agricultural terraces, and other marvels that showcase the brilliance of Inca engineering. Over the course of about 3 hours, you’ll gain a rich understanding of the history, culture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
If you’ve pre-booked the optional Huayna Picchu hike (not included), you can tackle this thrilling climb for sweeping panoramic views, a 2-hour round trip. Otherwise, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to explore the town or enjoy lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will be waiting to take you to Cusco. You’ll arrive around 7 PM, bringing your unforgettable 2-day Machu Picchu journey to a perfect close.
- Accomodation: Rumipunko or similar
- Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel
- Tickets: included
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.
- Accomodation: None - on your own
- Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
- Tickets: included
What’s Included in the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike
✔️ Pre-departure Briefing: The evening before your trek, at 6:00 PM, your guide will meet you at your hotel to review the itinerary, answer questions, and ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.
✔️ All Entry Fees & Permits: Includes official Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and all site entry fees listed in the itinerary.
✔️ Professional English-speaking Guide: A highly experienced local guide who will lead the way, share fascinating history, and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
✔️ Private Transportation to the Trailhead: Comfortable, reliable transport from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of the hike.
✔️ Meals as per Itinerary: Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek. We accommodate all dietary restrictions or preferences, just let us know at the time of booking.
✔️ Guided Tours at All Sites: In-depth guided visits at archaeological sites along the trail and a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu.
✔️ Hotel Accommodation: Stays in carefully selected 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (or similar), and Cusco, based on double occupancy, as outlined in your itinerary. ( 2 nights hotel included )
✔️ First Aid Kit and Oxygen: On-hand for any medical emergencies during the trek.
✔️ Roud Trip Expedition Train Ticket: Tourist-class train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo for a comfortable journey.
✔️ Private Transportation: Direct transfer from Cusco to Train station and backt o Cusco after the tour.
✔️ 24/7 Customer Support: Assistance from Champions Peru Travel from booking until the end of your trek ( Whatsapp: +51 981 345 935 )
What’s Not Included
❌ Hotel Accommodation Before and After the Trek: Travelers are responsible for arranging their own lodging in Cusco or other locations before the trek begins and after it concludes, unless otherwise specified in a custom itinerary.
❌ Final Lunch in Aguas Calientes: After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, lunch in Aguas Calientes is at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to choose from a variety of local restaurants.
❌ Tips and Gratuities: While not mandatory, tips for your guide, support staff are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their hard work and dedication.
❌ Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, travel delays, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Please ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking.
❌ Personal Expenses: Any additional purchases such as snacks, souvenirs, bottled drinks, or extra activities not listed in the itinerary.
Optional Upgrades:
✔️ Huayna Picchu Entrance: Add an entry ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain for $75 USD per person. This hike, which typically takes about 2 hours round trip, will take place after your guided tour of Machu Picchu on the same day. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Not recommended for travelers with a fear of heights or discomfort with steep, narrow trails.
✔️ Vistadome Train Upgrade: Upgrade your return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo to the Vistadome train for $75 USD per person. This premium service features panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and onboard refreshments, allowing you to enjoy the Andes landscapes in style.
✔️Upgrade your hotel stay in Aguas Calientes to a luxury hotel:
- Sumaq Hotel – $215 per person
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – $250 per person