Tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days – 1 Night

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain in one whirlwind adventure, this 2-day, 1-night tour offered by XPLORA AMERICA might just be what you’re looking for. For $450 per person, you get a chance to stand amidst ancient ruins, walk through vibrant landscapes, and witness some of the most iconic sights Peru has to offer. Starting at dawn in Cusco, the trip takes you from high-altitude history to colorful peaks, all packed into a manageable itinerary.

What we love about this tour is how well it balances cultural discovery with natural beauty. The guided exploration of Machu Picchu is both informative and flexible, giving you plenty of time for photos and quiet reflection. On the second day, the hike to Rainbow Mountain delivers jaw-dropping views of spectacularly layered terrain and a chance to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat.

A possible consideration is the early start and long day — you’ll want to be prepared for early mornings and a fair amount of walking or riding. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy active days and are comfortable with rapid-paced itineraries. If you’re eager to experience both a world-famous archaeological site and a surreal natural wonder in just two days, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good for travelers who want a guided, organized experience that covers the essentials without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Comprehensive package combining Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain
• Balanced itinerary with cultural insights and natural scenery
• Includes transportation, guides, tickets, and meals, offering good value
• Group size limited to 10, ensuring attentive guides and personalized service
• Early start demands energy but maximizes sightseeing
• Suitable for active travelers comfortable with long days and some walking

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Review of the Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour

The Journey Begins: From Cusco to Machu Picchu

We start bright and early—around 3:30 am—an hour that might seem unreasonable to some, but it’s necessary to maximize our time. The tour group is small—just 10 participants—making it easier to stay together and get personalized attention from your guide, who is bilingual in English and Spanish. Your adventure kicks off with a bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a key Inca archaeological site itself, lasting about two hours.

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a tourist train heading to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride is approximately two hours and provides a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the valley below. Here, you’ll appreciate the convenience of included round-trip transportation, which really simplifies this part of the trip. Some reviews mention that the train journey offers a “nice break” from the early start, providing a chance to soak in the landscape.

The Highlight: Visiting Machu Picchu

Once in Aguas Calientes, the excursion becomes more tangible. You’ll hop on a bus to Machu Picchu, a 30-minute ride that takes you up the mountain to the site. Your guide, perhaps a friendly expert like Juan or Maria, will introduce you to the “lost city of the Incas” with a 2.5-hour guided tour. This is where the real magic happens—walking through ancient terraces, imagining the lives of the Inca inhabitants, and marveling at the engineering feats.

Participants praise the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. One review mentions, “Our guide explained the history clearly and made the ruins come alive,” which is exactly what you want—insightful commentary that deepens your appreciation. After the tour, you get some free time to wander, take photos, or simply sit quietly soaking in the views of Hiram Bingham’s discovery.

Lunch and Free Time

Post-tour, you’ll enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes—a chance to savor local Peruvian dishes. The included lunch is a welcome break after the morning’s activities, providing energy for the afternoon.

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From Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ollantaytambo by train, then be transferred back to Cusco. The day’s activities wrap up around 7:00 pm, leaving you some time to rest before the next day’s early start.

Day Two: The Spectacle of Rainbow Mountain

Bright and early again, around 4:30 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco to set out for the Rainbow Mountain adventure. This involves a roughly 1.5-hour drive south, with a buffet breakfast in Cusipata to fuel your hike.

The highlight of this day is the 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain. The terrain is challenging—think steep inclines and high altitude—but the reward is breathtaking. The vibrant, layered peaks of the mountain are truly unlike anything else, with swirling colors that look like a painter’s palette come alive. You’ll also spot fauna such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing nearby, making for great photo opportunities.

Reviewers love the photo-taking opportunities: “The colors are even more impressive in person,” one remarked. The guided walk is well-paced, and the inclusion of hiking poles and oxygen tanks shows the tour’s focus on safety, especially at high altitude.

Return to Cusco

After soaking up the scenery and taking plenty of pictures, you’ll retrace your steps back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. The return journey arrives in Cusco around 5:30 pm, giving you the evening free to relax or explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes most essentials: hotel pick-up, round-trip transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, train tickets, guides, entrance tickets, meals, and safety gear like oxygen tanks and walking poles. This level of inclusiveness makes it easier to budget, as there are no hidden costs during the trip.

However, some expenses are extra—flights, additional meals, travel insurance, and horse rentals (if you choose to skip the hike to Rainbow Mountain). If you’re considering an upgrade or extra activities, those costs are on you.

Value for Money

Is the price of $450 justified? For the convenience of organized transport, guided tours, and included tickets, most travelers find it reasonable. The small group size provides a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of meals adds to the overall value. Many reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, making this a smooth experience despite the early mornings and physical activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers eager to see two of Peru’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning logistics. It suits those who don’t mind early starts and long days on the move. If you’re comfortable with some walking, enjoy scenic train rides, and want a guided, all-inclusive experience, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Travelers who value authentic, well-organized excursions will appreciate the small group size and professional guides. It’s also ideal if you want a balanced mixture of history, culture, and natural beauty all in just two days.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain offers a well-rounded, active way to experience some of Peru’s most iconic sites. The inclusion of transport, guides, tickets, and meals makes it a convenient choice, especially for first-timers or those short on time. You’ll love the vivid colors of Rainbow Mountain and the profound sense of history at Machu Picchu, all wrapped in an organized, friendly package.

While it demands early mornings and physical effort, the payoff is the chance to tick two bucket-list destinations off your list in just a weekend—an efficient, value-packed adventure.

In summary, if you’re eager to combine cultural exploration with awe-inspiring landscapes, and you thrive on guided group tours, this experience offers a good blend of both. Just pack your walking shoes, a camera, and your sense of adventure—Peru’s extraordinary scenery awaits.

FAQ

What is the starting time for this tour?
The tour begins with hotel pick-up at around 3:30 am, so be prepared for an early morning to maximize your sightseeing.

How long is the train ride to Machu Picchu?
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes lasts approximately 2 hours, offering comfortable views along the way.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast in Cusipata and lunch in Machu Picchu town and Cusipata are included, making the day easier to manage.

What should I bring for Rainbow Mountain?
Comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and layers for changing weather are recommended. The tour provides hiking poles and oxygen tanks for safety.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While the itinerary involves some walking and high-altitude exposure, it’s generally suited for active travelers comfortable with physical activity.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

This tour combines the unforgettable allure of Machu Picchu with the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain, all packaged into a manageable, guided adventure. Perfect for those wanting a taste of Peru’s most iconic sites without the fuss of independent planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby