Short Walks

1-DAY MACHU PICCHU TRAIN TOUR

Travel to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco. Discover the Inca citadel on a full-day tour with a professional guide and comfortable transportation.

From

US$ 265.00

per person

4.9 +120
See prices
1-DAY MACHU PICCHU TRAIN TOUR

Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca Trekking

  • Duration: 12 hours approx.
  • Tour start: From Cusco
  • Guide language: Spanish / English / Portuguese
  • Difficulty level: Moderate – High
  • Maximum altitude: 5,036 m.a.s.l. (Vinicunca)

Description

A journey to the heart of the colored Andes

Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Rainbow Mountain is one of the most spectacular and captivating landscapes in the country. Its impressive natural colored stripes, the result of mineral sediment accumulation over millions of years, have made Vinicunca an unmissable destination for travelers from all over the world. This unique geological phenomenon displays shades ranging from intense red and golden yellow to turquoise green and bright white, creating a natural canvas that seems painted by nature's own hand.

During this trekking experience, you will traverse ancestral trails that cross valleys populated by llamas and alpacas grazing freely in their natural habitat. The path will take you through high Andean landscapes where time seems to have stood still, passing through traditional communities that keep their ancestral customs alive. Throughout the route, you will witness unforgettable panoramic views of the imposing Ausangate snowcapped mountain, the fifth highest mountain in Peru and considered a sacred divinity by local communities, which dominates the horizon with its majestic presence covered in perpetual snow.

The hike to Vinicunca, although demanding due to the extreme altitude exceeding 5,000 meters above sea level, rewards every step with views that defy imagination. The rarefied air of the heights will force you to advance with calm and determination, but upon reaching the summit, you will be greeted by a 360-degree panoramic view that seems taken from another planet. The mineral formations create a natural chromatic spectacle where each colored stripe tells the geological story of millions of years of terrestrial evolution.

This tour is much more than a simple hike: it is a personal challenge that deeply connects you with nature in its purest and wildest state. It is an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the essential elements: the earth beneath your feet, the pure air of the Andes in your lungs, and the immensity of the landscape surrounding you. Upon finishing the tour and returning to Cusco, you will carry with you not only spectacular photographs, but also the satisfaction of having conquered one of the most emblematic treks in South America and the indelible memory of having walked among mountains painted by nature.

Highlighted sites of the tour

Places we will visit

  • Quiquijana: Picturesque Andean town where we will make a strategic stop to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast, preparing ourselves with energy for the adventure awaiting us at high altitude.
  • Pitumarca: Charming access town that serves as the starting point for the Vinicunca route, where we will begin our ascent toward the colored mountains.
  • Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca: The main attraction of the tour and geological jewel of the Andes. Its striking natural colored stripes in red, yellow, green and white tones form a surrealistic landscape created by the oxidation of different minerals accumulated over millions of years.
  • Vilcanota Mountain Range: Majestic natural setting that accompanies much of the route, offering panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, ancestral glaciers and deep valleys that will surround you throughout the hike.
  • Ausangate Snowcapped Mountain: Imposing sacred mountain at 6,384 m.a.s.l., considered an Apu (protective spirit) by local communities. Its brilliant glaciers dominate the horizon and visually accompany the entire route.
  • High Andean fauna: You will have the opportunity to observe llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat grazing in the valleys, and with luck, spot majestic Andean condors soaring through the mountain range skies.

Why choose this experience?

What makes this tour special

  • Unique landscape in the world: Traverse one of the most emblematic and photogenic geological phenomena in Peru, with natural colors that seem unreal.
  • Memorable personal challenge: Push your physical limits with an extreme altitude hike that reconnects you with your inner strength and wild nature.
  • Authentic cultural experience: Experience a genuine encounter with high Andean communities that maintain their ancestral traditions and intact Andean worldview.
  • Incomparable panoramic views: Enjoy unique views of the Ausangate snowcapped mountain, considered a sacred mountain, and the entire majestic central Andes mountain range.
  • Exceptional photographic adventure: Ideal for landscape photography lovers, extreme adventure and cultural exploration, with unique capture opportunities at every step of the way.
  • Connection with pure nature: Experience the sensation of being in one of the most remote and virgin places in the Andes, where nature shows itself in all its splendor without human intervention.

Tour Description

Una experiencia inolvidable de un día a una de las maravillas del mundo: Machu Picchu. Viaja desde Cusco en tren turístico, disfruta de un recorrido guiado por la ciudadela inca y admira su impresionante arquitectura, historia y paisaje. Ideal para quienes tienen poco tiempo y no quieren perderse este destino icónico del Perú.

Things you should know about this tour

We present this alternative form of tourism in the Cusco region

We present this alternative to traditional tourism in the Cusco region, an ecotourism activity developed in Huayopata - Cusco, with a visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs and Machu Picchu.

  • TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Comfortable Clothing: Light layered clothing. Machu Picchu weather is subtropical (15-22°C) with possible rain. Bring waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers or light trekking shoes with non-slip soles for walking through the citadel.
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV protection sunglasses, hat or cap. Solar radiation is intense in Machu Picchu.
  • Cash: Bring soles for lunch in Aguas Calientes (approx. S/30-50), bathroom entrance at citadel (S/2), handicraft purchases, voluntary tips and snacks.
  • Hydration: Reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated during the tour. Water refill points available in Aguas Calientes.
  • Small Backpack: Light backpack (maximum 25 liters or 5 kg allowed in Machu Picchu) with water, camera, documents, snacks, rain poncho and sunscreen.
  • Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to capture iconic Machu Picchu views. Bring extra battery or powerbank. Tripods and selfie sticks not allowed in the citadel.
  • Documents: ID or original Passport MANDATORY (same used for tour reservation) for Machu Picchu entry and train boarding.
  • Weather: Humid subtropical climate (15-22°C). Rainy season (November-March) requires poncho. Dry season (April-October) has sunny days but cold mornings.
  • Schedule: Early departure from Cusco. Full day approximately 14-16 hours. Return to Cusco at night (approx. 8:00-9:00 p.m.).
  • Machu Picchu Rules: Follow established circuit, do not touch walls, no food entry, no smoking, no drones. Respect sanctuary norms.
  • Lunch: Not included. Multiple restaurant options in Aguas Calientes with menus from S/30-50. Book in advance during high season.
  • Luggage: Bring only essentials. Large backpacks must be left in storage in Aguas Calientes (additional service approx. S/5-10).
  • Hot Springs: Optional in Aguas Calientes (entrance approx. S/20). Bring swimsuit if planning to visit after the tour.
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No, it is not necessary. The Machu Picchu tour has an easy to intermediate difficulty level, with walking through the citadel on stone paths and stairs. Accessible for most travelers including families. Recommended to be acclimatized to Cusco altitude, although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude (2,438 m.a.s.l.).
  • What does this tour include? Includes tourist transportation Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco, round-trip train (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo), bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English), Machu Picchu entrance ticket, bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes, first aid kit, and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
  • What services are NOT included? Not included: meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinks and snacks, entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires separate ticket and advance reservation), entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain (requires separate ticket), and voluntary tips.
  • How long does the tour last and what is the altitude? The tour lasts Full Day (14-16 hours approximately), from early morning until return to Cusco around 8:00-9:00 p.m. Machu Picchu is at 2,438 m.a.s.l., lower altitude than Cusco, with warmer subtropical climate (15-22°C).
  • How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? Recommended to be at least 1 day in Cusco before the tour. Although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude than Cusco, minimal acclimatization helps. This tour is ideal for early days in Cusco.
  • What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Sacred Valley (impressive Andean landscapes on the way), Ollantaytambo (Inca fortress and living town with original stone streets), Machu Picchu (iconic Inca citadel, World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World with sacred temples and ceremonial plazas), and Aguas Calientes (picturesque tourist town at Machu Picchu base with artisan market and optional hot springs). Experience combining archaeology, Inca history and unique landscapes.
  • IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
  • Total duration: Full Day (14-16 hours approximately).
  • Departure: Early morning with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Altitude: Machu Picchu is at 2,438 m.a.s.l. (lower altitude than Cusco). Warmer subtropical climate.
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Documentation: MANDATORY to carry ID or original Passport (same document used for reservation). Without this document, entry is not permitted.
  • Acclimatization: Recommended to be at least 1 day in Cusco before the tour, although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude.
  • Guide language: Spanish and English subject to availability.
  • Service type: Group with tourist transportation, train and bus.
  • Entrance fees: Machu Picchu entrance ticket INCLUDED in the tour.
  • Restrictions: Tour accessible for most travelers. The citadel has many stairs and irregular terrain. Not recommended for people with very limited mobility.
  • Weather: Humid subtropical (15-22°C). Possible rain any time. Rainy season (November-March), dry season (April-October).
  • Clothing: Light layered clothing, comfortable non-slip shoes, hat, sunscreen and rain poncho.
  • Luggage: Only small backpack allowed in Machu Picchu (maximum 25 liters or 5 kg). Leave large backpacks in storage.
  • Lunch: Not included. Restaurant options in Aguas Calientes (approx. S/30-50).
  • Experience: Cultural and historical tour. Ideal to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, perfectly organized to optimize your time.
  • End: Return to your hotel in Cusco approximately between 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Machu Picchu Rules: Mandatory circuit, do not touch structures, no food entry, follow guide instructions.

We present this alternative to traditional tourism in the Cusco region, an ecotourism activity developed in Huayopata - Cusco, with a visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs and Machu Picchu.

mapa_detalle

Information pending: Map image

Tour rates and options

extreme adventure

This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.

"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".

Shared Service
Price Book
Shared Service Price per traveler
$285.00 USD
Private service
Price Book
Group of 2 - 3 people Price per traveler
$350.00 USD
Group of 4 - 7 people Price per traveler
$275.00 USD
Group of 8+ people Price per traveler
$265.00 USD

Schedule office appointment

Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco

+51 950 738 710 | +51 964 328 857

info@atvrainbowmountain.com
WhatsApp

1 WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?

  • ● Breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley
  • ● No prior experience required
  • ● Safe activity: favorable topography and certified equipment
  • ● An exciting and different experience
  • ● Perfect for adventure, nature and unforgettable memories in Cusco
  • ● Horseback or trekking options
  • ● Daily departures all year round
  • ● Oxygen support and first-aid kit

2 WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

  • ● We are tour operators in Cusco
  • ● Professional and responsible work
  • ● 100% tourist vehicles
  • ● Safety for our visitors
  • ● Your trip will be the best experience
  • ● 100% responsible
  • ● Care for the environment
  • ● Commitment to service quality