Visit the Sacred Valley and the colorful mountain + Hotel

Experience the Sacred Valley and the Rainbow Mountain in 5 Days

Imagine wandering through ancient Inca sites, tasting traditional Peruvian dishes, and standing in awe before one of the world’s most vibrant natural wonders — the Rainbow Mountain. For $665 per person, this 5-day guided tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Peruvian culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Led by knowledgeable guides like Samuel and Lucia, you’ll visit iconic sites like Machu Picchu, explore vibrant local markets, and hike to the breathtaking Montaña de Colores.

What we loved most are the carefully paced days that balance adventure with comfort — especially the included delicious buffet lunches in the Sacred Valley and in Machu Picchu Pueblo, giving you a true taste of regional flavors. Plus, the train ride through the lush valley offers some of the best scenery in the area, making the travel part of the experience rather than just transit.

A possible consideration is the early start on Day 4 to visit Rainbow Mountain, which requires waking up around 4:30 AM. This can be tiring after several days of sightseeing, but it’s well worth the effort for the spectacular views.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized way to see the highlights of Cusco and beyond — especially those eager to combine cultural exploration, scenic hikes, and authentic food in a manageable itinerary.

Key Points

• In-depth Itinerary: Combines city tours, Sacred Valley visits, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
• Balanced Pacing: Days are thoughtfully planned to avoid rushing, with plenty of time to enjoy each location.
• Cultural and Scenic Highlights: From Inca ruins to vibrant markets and striking landscapes.
• Authentic Dining: Includes buffet lunches with regional specialties, adding flavor to your adventure.
• Professional Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding and enrich your experience.
• Value for Money: All major entrance fees, transportation, and train tickets included for $665.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Beyond — A Complete Review

The Journey Begins: Arrival and Cusco City Tour

Your adventure kicks off in Cusco, where you’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel. After some rest, your guide (likely a local expert such as Lucia) will introduce you to the city’s highlights. The afternoon city tour is a great way to get your bearings — visiting Qoricancha, the Inca temple of the Sun, and Sacsayhuaman, with its impressive stonework. These sites reveal the grandeur of Inca architecture and religious life.

The tour also includes Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, offering a solid introduction to Cusco’s layered history. The walking is moderate, but be prepared for some uneven cobbles that are common in historic sites. Many travelers appreciate the chance to ask questions and get local insights, making it more than just a sightseeing checklist.

Sacred Valley: Markets, Ruins, and the Train to Machu Picchu

Day 2 is packed with highlights. Starting early, you’ll visit Pisac, famous for its bustling market and archaeological site. Here, you can browse local textiles, jewelry, and crafts, giving you a taste of indigenous artistry. The market is lively and full of color, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

Next, a stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch offers an opportunity to sample regional dishes — a key part of the experience. The variety and freshness of the buffet are often praised, making it a highlight for food lovers.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress with terraced ruins that showcase Inca engineering at its finest. The town itself is a living museum, with original Inca streets and houses.

Then, you board the tourist train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). The train ride offers spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, giving you a sense of the landscape that inspired the Incas. The train’s comfort and the scenic vistas are often mentioned as a high point of the journey.

The Magic of Machu Picchu

Day 3 is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. After breakfast, a bus takes you up the mountain to the archaeological site. A guided tour with a professional guide (like Fernando) helps bring the ruins to life — explaining the significance of the temples, terraces, and plazas. Many visitors are struck by the harmony of the site’s design and its stunning setting.

You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch back in Aguas Calientes, giving you energy for the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. A private transfer then takes you back to Cusco, where you can reflect on the day’s awe-inspiring sights.

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Rainbow Mountain: An Early Morning Hike

The highlight for many is the Colorful Mountain (Montaña de Colores) on Day 4. An early start at 4:30 AM means waking up before dawn, but the reward is a visit to one of the most vibrant natural landscapes in the world.

The drive from Cusco to Tintinco takes about 2.5 hours through the Andes, offering breathtaking mountain views along the way. After a quick breakfast in Tintinco, you’ll begin a two-hour hike at a moderate pace. As you ascend, the vibrant hues of the mountain come into view — a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, greens, and browns formed by mineral deposits.

You’ll have some free time to explore and snap photos, making sure to capture the landscape’s striking colors. Many reviewers comment on the unique landscape and the fun challenge of the hike, which is accessible but still demands a good level of physical fitness.

Returning to Cusco in the late afternoon, you’ll have the evening free to relax or explore local eateries.

Final Day and Departure

On your last day, your transport will be coordinated to take you to Cusco Airport. It’s a straightforward end to a trip packed with unforgettable sights and experiences.

The Value of This Tour

This 5-day package is carefully designed to maximize your time and exposure to Peruvian culture and landscapes. The inclusion of entrance fees, train tickets, and meals means you won’t encounter hidden costs along the way, which is common in similar tours.

The buffet lunches are particularly noteworthy — many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the regional dishes, which add an authentic flavor to your trip. Plus, the guided tours at each site help you understand the historical context and significance, enriching your travel experience.

While the early start on Day 4 might be a challenge, it’s a small price to pay for the chance to see Rainbow Mountain in all its colorful glory. The transportation is comfortable, and the guides are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are eager to see the key highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with ease and comfort. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate cultural insights, great food, and scenic hikes. However, it’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women due to the early start and physical activity involved.

FAQs

• How far in advance should I book? It’s recommended to book 2 months ahead to secure entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, especially during peak seasons.
• What is included in the price? The tour price covers airport pick-up, transportation, guides, entrance fees, train tickets, bus tickets, and buffet lunches.
• Are meals included? Yes, buffet lunches are included in Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo, but other meals are not covered.
• Is this tour suitable for children? The physical demands, especially the Rainbow Mountain hike, may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, hiking gear, sun protection, cash, and personal ID or passport are recommended.
• Can I customize the itinerary? The tour is prearranged, but you can ask guides about additional options or extensions.
• Is there free time? Yes, you will have some free time, particularly in Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain to explore and take photos.
• What about weather? Weather can vary; pack layers, sunscreen, and be prepared for sun or rain.
• Are guides bilingual? Guides speak both Spanish and English, making communication easy for international travelers.
• What if I need help during the tour? Assistance with oxygen and other support is available, and guides are there to help with any issues.

In brief, this 5-day guided tour offers an excellent balance of culture, scenic beauty, and comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — they want to taste, learn, and experience Peru’s spectacular landscapes and history firsthand. If you’re ready for vibrant markets, iconic ruins, and the surreal colors of Rainbow Mountain, this tour might just be your perfect adventure.

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