Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu are two completely different sides of the Andes. One is a geological wonder of mineral colors high in the remote mountains. The other is a masterpiece of human engineering hidden in the cloud forest. This 2-day expedition brings both together in a short timeframe, with all logistics handled for a smooth experience.
Hike through high valleys dotted with alpacas beneath the snow-capped Ausangate to reach the summit of Vinicunca at 5,020m, where 24 million years of mineral deposits paint the mountain in natural reds, yellows and turquoises.
Then trade the high peaks for cloud forest as the Expedition Train carries you to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of its agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples and sacred stonework, a 15th-century citadel built without mortar where every stone was carried by hand.
The Andes at their most raw and radiant. A day of thin air, vast skies, and mineral peaks that look painted. Your expedition starts early with hotel pickup in Cusco around 4:00 AM and a scenic drive through the South Valley toward the trailhead near Cusipata.
Sunrise Breakfast & Start of the Ascent to Vinicunca
After breakfast at the base camp, begin your ascent to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most unique geological formations in the Ausangate range. The trail climbs gradually through high-altitude valleys dotted with alpaca herds, traditional Quechua communities, and views of snow-capped Ausangate.
After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, you reach the main viewpoint at 5,020m (16,470 ft), where the mineral-striped mountain reveals its full spectrum of reds, yellows, and turquoises.
Optional Upgrade: Horseback Support on Rainbow Mountain
For a less physically demanding ascent, local horses are available for most of the route. This allows you to enjoy the high Andes landscape without the full effort of the climb. The final 10-15 minute push to the viewpoint must be done on foot. Your guide will help arrange this at the trailhead.
Summit Time, Photos & Descent
Take time at the summit to explore the viewpoint, take photos of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley behind it, and absorb the scale of the Andean range before descending back to the trailhead.
Scenic Return to Cusco for Overnight
After a buffet lunch near the trailhead, return by private van to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM with time to rest before your early train to Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 1 Stats: Hiking Time: 3-4 hours total | Max Altitude: 5,020m / 16,470ft | Difficulty: Challenging due to altitude | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
The landscape softens as you leave the high peaks behind and descend into the cloud forest toward the lost city of the Incas.
Early Hotel Pickup & Train Journey Through the Sacred Valley
Pickup from your Cusco hotel around 4:00 AM and private transfer to Ollantaytambo station. Board the Expedition Train and travel along the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, watching the scenery shift dramatically from high Andes to lush cloud forest.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes & Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu
Arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where your guide will meet you and assist with the 30-minute shuttle bus up to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour Inside the Machu Picchu Citadel
Enter Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for a 2 to 3-hour private guided tour exploring:
Your guide will bring context to the engineering, history, and purpose of the citadel, then leave you with free time to explore and take photos on your own.
Return to Aguas Calientes & Train Back to Cusco
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes with free time for lunch (not included). Board your return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 2 Stats: Tour Type: Machu Picchu by Train | Guided Tour: 2-3 hours | Free Time: Included | Return Train: 3:20 PM – 6:20 PM departure | Arrival in Cusco: Evening
Transportation & Train Journey
Entrance Fees & Guided Tours
Meals & Support
Safety
This expedition reaches 5,020 meters on Day 1, which is very demanding. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 48 hours before to allow your body to adjust naturally. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and inform your guide if you feel any discomfort.
Upon landing in Lima, you must clear immigration and customs, collect your checked bags, and then re-check them for your domestic flight to Cusco. Ensure you have at least a three-hour window between flights.
You do not need to bring all your belongings. We provide secure, complimentary luggage storage at our Cusco headquarters for the duration of your trip.
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Expect freezing mornings and strong wind at Rainbow Mountain, and warm, humid conditions with possible afternoon rain at Machu Picchu. A waterproof and windproof layer is essential.
Carry some Peruvian Soles in small denominations. You may need cash for optional horse rental at Rainbow Mountain and meals in Aguas Calientes.
Ensure your travel policy provides comprehensive coverage including high altitude trekking to 5,020 meters, medical protection, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation.
You must carry your original, valid passport. You will need it at the Rainbow Mountain checkpoint, to board the train, and to enter Machu Picchu. Photocopies are not accepted.
Pack for two climates. Keep your gear light and carry only a small daypack.
Note: Your daypack for Machu Picchu must not exceed 40 x 35 x 20 cm.
Pro-Tip: Tripods, selfie sticks and drones are prohibited inside Machu Picchu.
It is short but hard because of the altitude. The hike is 3 to 4 hours total with a steady climb of about 1.5 hours to reach 5,020 meters. You do not need to be an athlete, but you will feel the altitude. Horse support is available for most of the way.
Yes, it is essential. Because you reach over 5,000 meters on Day 1, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 48 hours before. Walk slowly, stay hydrated and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
This is common and nothing to worry about. You can turn back at any point or use a horse for most of the ascent. The final short section to the viewpoint must be done on foot, and your guide will stay with you.
Horses are not included. They are owned by the local community and rented directly at the trailhead for around 80 to 120 Soles each way. Your guide will help arrange it and payment is in cash.
Yes. Red Valley is a stunning extension right behind Rainbow Mountain with far fewer people. It adds about 1 hour and can be added on request with your guide if time and weather allow.
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers, led by a professional bilingual guide. Private service with your own guide and van is available on request.
Yes, but conditions change. From November to March you can get snow on the mountain which can cover the colors in the morning. The colors are usually still visible once the sun comes out. Dry season from May to September offers the clearest views.
Breakfast and lunch on Day 1 are included. On Day 2, meals in Aguas Calientes are at your leisure. Your Expedition train to and from Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and all entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu are included.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky DomeWe did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay TrekI have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
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