Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountains 3D/2N

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3D/2N

2.400 msnm

Challenging

Group/Private

Description

Visiting the Salt Mines and Moray terraces, which were made by building containment walls filled with fertile earth. They were watered through a complex irrigation system. At the base of the terraces, there is a rainwater storage system. The entire system allowed for the cultivation of the Incas to grow over 250 types of vegetables.

Explore amazing ruins and the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The Inca City of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the articulating center of its surroundings, a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture and engineering of the Inca Civilization. The working of the mountain, at the foot of the Huayna Picchu, is the exceptional result of integration with its environment, the result of a gigantic effort as if it were an extension of nature.

Explore the Best of Peru in 3 Days

This incredible trip showcases highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the legendary site of Machu Picchu and the extraordinary Rainbow Mountain. Traveling to Peru may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, and if that’s you, this tour full of history, culture, and adventure is perfect for you. You’ll have a chance to visit ancient Inca architecture, immerse yourself in colorful Andean traditions, and take in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

Day 1: Sacred Valley – Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

In the Sacred Valley, your first day commences with a visit to the Pisac Inca ruins; then, you will be treated with a time at the bustling Pisac market. Following a traditional lunch, we will travel to the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. Your first day has multiple highlights, and it will end with a visit to the Ollantaytambo citadel. After this, you will board the evening train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel before your day's visit to Machu Picchu!

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Rise early on your second day to visit the awe-inspiring set of Inca ruins of Machu Picchu! On this tour, your guide will take you through the temples and terraces of the ancient site and show you some of the hidden corners of the sacred city, while weaving in stories from its rich history. With the guided tour completed, you will have the some time to explore some of your own; either hike the Sun Gate, or visit Huayna Picchu (This will be optional). Later in the day, you will catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take a private transfer back to Cusco.

Day 3: Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

Early morning start to the trek for Rainbow Mountain, whose colors appear as if an artist has lain a vast canvas of color across the mountain. You will trek through valleys, past Andean villages, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Hike to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking views of the rainbow-colored mountain, and then return to Cusco by evening.

COMPLETE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR + RAINBOW MOUTAIN 3 DAYS.

Day 1: Pisac – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

We will pick you up at your hotel at 7am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the

Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We drive first to the Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, which has a variety of

Peruvian animals including a Peruvian Puma, and the great Condor, the national bird of Peru. Then you are off to

the mirador of Taray to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops dressing the mountains like a

carpet. Onward, we drive to the archaeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with

more than 2000 tombs. There we admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca

tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here we will spend more than 2 hours, exploring the Inca

city. Then we head back to the colourful market of Pisac, spend some time visiting it with all of its handicrafts and

treasures to discover and then drive to Urumbamba for lunch.

With its timeless charm, we visit the archeological site of Moray, also known as “The Greenhouses of the

Incas” an evolutionary bowl of ecological terraces. The terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which were

excavated by the Incas for agricultural purposes. The terraces have varied microclimates, depending on how deep

into the bowl they are placed. It is believed they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing

conditions for their different crops.

Expanding on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, you ascend downhill to the pre-Inca salt mines. A hot

spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into saltpans

and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for both human and animal consumption. Finally, we drive

to Ollantaytambo, having time to explore the age old and bustling Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins, with a

tour provided by our guide. Then at 7pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in

a hotel.

Hotel Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Bursting out with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological

site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural

Heritage site. On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its

diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center

of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone until the end of your session time.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own, you can (not included in the price)

Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (An additional fee)
You can also take time to walk to the Sun Gate, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip. (No additional fee)
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)

After your time to enjoy Machu Picchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes at 12pm. You can take in a leisurely lunch or explore Aguas Calienteshandicraft market and board the Expedition train by 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and then you will be driven back to your hotel in our private van, arriving around 8:30pm.

Accommodation: Best Western Hotel or Mataq Wasin Hotel 3*.
Meals: Breakfast.

DAY 3: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.

We set out on our drive through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Quesiuno, (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3

hours. Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, valleys and rocky mountains.

Once we reach the train-head, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. The herds of alpacas and llamas

all around you will immediately surprise you. Continually you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain as we hike

through different villages and interact with the local people, who are still keeping the culture alive, After a total hike of 3 to 3.5 hours, we finally reach our destination….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020m/16,466ft). After being awed by their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 2-3 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return. We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:30 pm.