From Cusco: 2 Days Tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain

Traveling through Peru often feels like stepping into a different world, filled with ancient mysteries and natural wonders. This two-day guided tour from Cusco offers a chance to experience two of the country’s most iconic sites: the mystical Machu Picchu and the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. For $380 per person, you’ll enjoy comfortable transportation, expert guides, and a well-organized itinerary that takes the hassle out of planning.

What we particularly love about this tour is how efficiently it combines two very different experiences—the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful, almost surreal landscape of Rainbow Mountain—without feeling rushed**. Plus, the included guided explanations enhance the understanding of these sites’ significance, making the experience more meaningful.

That said, a potential consideration is the early starts and the physical demands of the Rainbow Mountain hike, which is not suited for everyone. Still, this tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, authentic Peruvian adventure and don’t mind a busy schedule.

If you’re someone who loves historic sites with a side of jaw-dropping scenery, this tour offers a fantastic taste of both in just two days. It’s especially suitable for travelers with limited time but a strong desire to see the highlights of the Cusco region.

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Key Points

Comprehensive two-day experience covering Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain
Expert guides provide engaging, informative commentary throughout
Comfortable transportation minimizes logistical stress
Breathtaking vistas and vibrant landscapes, especially at Rainbow Mountain
Includes all key transport tickets and guided hikes for seamless experience
Early starts and physical activity are part of the adventure, so plan accordingly

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Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour packs a lot into two days, and understanding the flow can help you get the most out of it. Let’s start with Day 1, which is a true highlight for many travelers. The early morning pickup in Cusco gets you on your way before the crowds gather, heading first to Ollantaytambo—a charming town with impressive Incan ruins—where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

The train ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of the Urubamba River and Andean landscapes. Once at Aguas Calientes, a representative will meet you, and you’ll hop onto a bus that takes you up the mountain to Machu Picchu. Here, your guide—likely a local expert—will lead a guided tour of the ruins, explaining the site’s most important features and sharing stories about its history. We loved the way guides manage to balance storytelling with the need to see as much as possible in about 3 hours.

Many travelers appreciate the panoramic views from Machu Picchu, which are truly breathtaking. You’ll walk through the ancient stone structures, feel the altitude, and soak in the sense of discovery that comes with being in one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Afterward, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes for a lunch break, which is a good chance to try local dishes and rest your legs.

In the afternoon, you’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 p.m. This day is packed but well-paced, and the included transportation means you won’t have to worry about tickets or directions.

Day 2 starts early again, with a pickup in Cusco for the trip south to Tintinco, where you’ll enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The guided hike involves walking along a trail that offers stunning views of the mountain’s vibrant stripes. We loved the explanation from guides about how Rainbow Mountain was formed and why it’s so unique—its striking colors are caused by mineral deposits, making it a natural palette of reds, greens, yellows, and browns.

The hike is strenuous in parts, so good footwear and physical readiness are recommended, but the free time at the summit allows for fantastic photo opportunities and simply taking in the surreal scenery. Afterward, a buffet lunch in a picturesque setting provides a nice rest before heading back to Cusco.

The Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers a lot of ground, and the inclusions help ensure a smooth experience. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation between Ollantaytambo and Cusco, train tickets in Expedition or Voyager class, and a local guide for Machu Picchu. The round bus tickets to Machu Picchu itself, plus guided hikes at Rainbow Mountain, are part of the package.

On Day 2, breakfast and a buffet lunch are included, giving you fuel for the activities. The tour is flexible with cancelation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy for planning.

Not included are lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 1 and the Rainbow Mountain entrance fee (about 30 soles). Ticketing for Machu Picchu itself is optional but recommended to book in advance, as availability can vary.

Transportation and Logistics: How It All Comes Together

The transport setup is one of the tour’s strengths. Traveling first by bus, train, and then bus again might seem complex, but it’s streamlined and organized. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is a highlight—it’s a scenic journey that sets a relaxed tone before exploring Machu Picchu.

The early start can be a challenge for some, but it’s necessary to fit both sites into two days. The group size tends to be manageable, and guides are generally knowledgeable and engaging, adding context and answering questions along the way.

On Day 2, the guided hike to Rainbow Mountain starts at a decent hour, and while the altitude and incline require effort, guides are attentive to everyone’s pace and safety. The buffet lunch at the end of the hike offers a well-deserved break and a chance to chat about the morning’s highlights.

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Authenticity and Guides: What Really Makes This Tour Shine

One of the most praised aspects of this experience is the knowledgeable guides. Multiple reviews emphasize how guides like Juan or Maria bring history and geology alive, sharing stories that deepen your appreciation for Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

Travelers appreciate how guides manage the group, ensuring everyone feels included and informed. “The guides were fantastic, full of interesting stories and helpful tips,” one reviewer noted. This genuine engagement makes a big difference, especially when exploring sites with so much history.

The scenery at Rainbow Mountain, with its vibrant mineral deposits, is described as “surreal” and “breathtaking,” making it a favorite for photography lovers. Meanwhile, Machu Picchu’s panoramic vistas and intricate stonework continue to impress, even after multiple visits.

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Balancing Value and Experience

At $380, this tour offers good value considering all the inclusions—transport, guides, tickets, and meals. The convenience of having everything arranged means you won’t waste precious time or energy figuring out logistics.

However, the price reflects a busy schedule—early mornings and a lot of walking—and some may find the physical exertion challenging. For those who enjoy guided tours that blend history, culture, and nature, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Peru’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to see iconic sites and learn about their significance from local guides.

If you’re physically fit and enjoy active experiences, you’ll find the Rainbow Mountain hike rewarding. And of course, if history and stunning landscapes appeal to you equally, this tour hits both notes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

In just two days, this tour delivers an action-packed, authentic journey through some of Peru’s most stunning and storied landscapes. You’ll leave with a sense of awe at Machu Picchu’s ancient stones, and your camera will thank you for the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain.

The combination of excellent guides, organized logistics, and the chance to see two very different sides of Peru makes this a compelling choice for those with limited time but big travel ambitions. It’s a taste of adventure, history, and natural beauty—a well-rounded package that captures the essence of Peru.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a quick revisit, this tour offers genuine value, memorable sights, and stories that will stay with you long after you leave the Andes. Just remember to pack your patience, your camera, and your sense of adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, you must bring your physical passport, as it’s required for entry to Machu Picchu and for verifying your ticketing.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation between major sites, train tickets, guided tours at Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, meals on Day 2, and all necessary tickets for transportation.

Are the train tickets seat-specific?
You can choose between Expedition or Voyager class train tickets; both are included in the package. Specific seat assignments can be requested, but generally, the tickets provide comfortable seating for the scenic ride.

How strenuous is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
The hike involves walking along a trail at high altitude, which can be challenging. Good footwear and some physical fitness are recommended. Guides will help pace the group.

Can I book tickets to Machu Picchu separately?
Yes, entrance tickets can be booked separately and are recommended to ensure availability. The tour operator can assist with reservations.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While not explicitly stated, typical climate considerations suggest visiting during the dry season (May to October) for clearer views and safer hiking conditions.

This two-day adventure from Cusco is a thoughtful blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Perfect for travelers eager to see the highlights of Peru without overextending their time—just be ready for the early mornings and some walking, and you’ll find yourself with memories to cherish.