Rainbow Mountain Tour ā One Day
General Description The Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca or the āMountain of Seven Colors
Embark on the age-old adventure of the Inca Trail trek, the most famous of hiking tours in Peru. This Peru tour provides the adventurous traveler with an invigorating high-mountain hiking experience. If you seek to explore the culture, history, and natural majesty of the Peruvian Andes, this trip is for you. From the bustling markets of Cusco, to the mysteriously preserved ruins of Machu Picchu, to lush green cloud forests, and glacier covered peaks, this ten-day Inca Trail tour promises the ultimate experience in Peru adventure travel. This trip may be combined with our diverse trip excursions, which provide additional adventures for the curious traveler. Whatever itinerary you choose, this Peru vacation is sure to meet your wildest expectations.
The Classic Inca Trail is Peru and South America number one trek, probable the most beautiful treks in the world and sacred. Giving in amazing 4 days of trekking a life time experience along original paved Inca path, chance to explore several but fascinating Inca sites along the way before to get our destinations Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life. Be you young or old, in good shape or bad, the Inca Trail is for everyone and is a must do if you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
Weāll start early to have enough time to enjoin everything and get our first camping site without many people too. Weāll come to pick you up from your hotel between 4:00-5:30am and drive to the sacred valley (ollantaytambo) where we will have our first delicious breakfast in the local restaurant for about half an hour and them continue drive to Km 82, as soon as we get, we have to prepare all our staff to pass through the first Inca Trail checkpoint and start our trek, of course taking the classical pictures with the sing of inca trail and feeling this emotion to be in to the Inca train after everything before the trek. Our first 2 hours of walk is going to be relatively easy until the place called Patallacta which was an Inca checkpoint (first Incan site) we will organize our lunch place after Patallacta itās going to be about 2 more hours hike. After delicious lunch we will walk for another 2 and a half hours until our first camping spot called Ayapata, 3300 meters. In our last part of walk we pass through 2 small communities still. If you like to buy any energy drinks or extra snacks you can do still in to these communities, you can also buy any essential items such as batteries headlight that you may have forgotten.
Our porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee to enjoy everything since the beginning. We can say Today is our longest and challenger day, we will start with a delicious breakfast. Weāll walk to the highest pass for about 4 hours named Dead Womanās Pass (4215 meters). As soon as we get the pass weāll stop for a short break to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, well now lest to descend in to next valley called (Pacaymayu Valley ā Hidden River). It can be one more hour and a half down the side of the valley, here is our celebrations lunch after highest pass everything is a celebrations and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass, Itās 2 hours to the pass and between weāll find a small Inca site named (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley at the same time is possible see the highest pass and say good bye. After the 2nd pass, itās another hour downhill to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (inaccessible village). Weāll stop here for a rest and have a quick explorations of the site and then watch the sunset over the andes mountain range. Itās then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite named Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters).
Well after survived day 2 we can catch our brief better now and start with a good breakfast and prepare for one of most beautiful days, in the whole Inca trail or could be in your life too. Weāll hike for 2 hours along what is known as Inca flat (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the peak of the jungle, which is also known as the short cloud forest of andes. As we walk we will have the chance to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Andes mountain range one of the highest Glacier Peak named salkantay. Towards the end of the Inca flat, we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from here we get great views for first time of Machu Picchu mountain and waynapicchu mountain. From Phuyupatamarka itĀ“s a 3 hour walks down using an Inca steps to our last campsite called WiƱay Wayna (Forever Young). There another Inca city here named WiƱay Wayna too, could be one of the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because is close to Machu Picchu.
This night is one of the most exciting ones, just one more night and weāll be in Machu Picchu, what we have be dreaming since beginning, at the same time a kind of sad too because is time to say good bye to our team porters and our chef because they are not allow to enter together with us to Machu Picchu, so we must enjoy our last feast with all our incredible team. Itās an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the visitors once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so now). Please remember go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn.
Weāll start early with simple breakfast and so much emotions per one day. Weāll wave goodbye to our porters and chef and then wait at the last checkpoint of Inca trail because is open the gates only since 5:30 am, well now all ahead to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here weāll have spectacular views of the mountains and what we have be waiting Machu Picchu all its glory now. Weāll reach the Sun Gate around 6:30am and then itās just another hour walk down a stairway to reach the lost city of the Incas. As soon as we get city we must take our classical picture with all together we done!!, and then we reach the final checkpoint and if we have more than 20 liters daypack we have to leave at the lockers and eat something more or just use the restroom, because and then weĀ“ll have about 2 hour guided tour in Machu Picchu. After the tour youāll have a free time to explore by yourself again Machu Picchu and take all the pictures you dream. After you can walk down or take a bus to Aguas Calientes city is here where your train returns to ollantaytambo train stations for about two more hours and then bus transportations to Cusco and drop of you in your hotel.
If you like there optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain which takes 45minutes or 1 hour to reach the top or Machu Picchu Mountain which takes 1:20 minutes or 1:30 to get the summit. From both sites you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu, if you are interesting please book in advance together with our Inca trail permits for extra70 USD.
Selecting a private tour service when exploring Cusco provides an array of advantages that can elevate your travel experience in this remarkable region. The hallmark of a private tour is personalization; you have the freedom to craft an itinerary that aligns perfectly with your unique interests and preferences. Whether you’re captivated by history, adventure, or cultural experiences, a private tour can be customized to suit your desires. This tailored approach extends to flexibility as well, offering the freedom to set your own pace, linger at sites you find particularly fascinating, and adjust your plans as you go.
Private tours often come with the perk of exclusive access, granting you entry to off-the-beaten-path or less-crowded sites that aren’t typically available to larger groups. This exclusivity allows you to explore with a sense of intimacy and tranquility. Moreover, the presence of a dedicated and knowledgeable guide ensures quality time as they offer one-on-one interaction, enriching your understanding of Cusco’s history, culture, and the significance of each location. Traveling privately also brings the convenience and privacy of your own vehicle, making it an excellent choice, especially when traveling with family or a group of friends. You can enjoy your journey in comfort and style, free from the distractions of larger groups.
When it comes to planning an unforgettable adventure in Cusco, Peru, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many travel agencies vying for your attention, it’s essential to select one that stands out and offers a truly exceptional experience. That’s where “Tierras Andinas” Travel Agency comes into play. Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose us for your Cusco adventure:
PERMITS FOR INCA TRAIL:Ā according the regulations of Inca trail by Peruvian government are allow only 500 trekking permits per day and everyone need to purchase a permits including tour guides, cooks and porters. Are only about 200 travelers approximately having access to the Inca trail per day the rest of spaces are for the companyās crew (guides, cooks and porters) ThatĀ“s why, we recommend you to book in several months in advance to secure your place.
Once we purchase all the permits from the national ministry of culture you are 100% confirmed to start the trip this day, cannot be changed or transferable to others.
Inca trail permits are not complete nonrefundable or transferable, so you have to make sure the date you“ll book and as soon as we“ll purchase the Inca trail permits we will send you a confirmation with all permits added
If you change your passport after booking your permit or you are planning to travel with other passport, you HAVE to bring the passport you used to book your permit, in other way you“ll not be able to have access in to the Inca trail.
STUDENTS: If you are student you have an especial discount. Thatās why you have to use your International Student Identity Card green (ISIC) you must have this card and make sure the expiration date must be more over time that weĀ“ll do the trip, if you donĀ“t bring with you will not allow to enter into the Inca trail. ThatĀ“s the rules of ministry of Machu Picchu have.
HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: Are allowing only 400 people to climb this mountain per day, so it needs to be booked in advanced and the price is S$80 per person we recommend you do in the second time between 10-11 am, minimum have to book two month in advance based on availability.
MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: Are allowing only 400 people to climb this mountain per day, it needs to booked in advance, the price is S$80 per person it is located in from of Huayana Picchu mountain but is more higher takes about the 1:20 minutes to climb this mountain between 7-11 am.
EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES CITY:Ā If you want to stay longer and going back to Machu Picchu to explore more or climb one the famous mountain surrounded, you have to buy a new entrance fee or we can do too for S$80, than you can book an extra night at Aguas Calientes town. We can organize your accommodations in hostel for S$30 or hotel if you prefer but price depend the type of hotel you choose more information contact us. And if you want to book by yourself you can do too. Just let us know that you are planning to stay an extra night so we organize your return train for the next day.
RETURN TRAIN TO CUSCO: The return train is going to be the Expedition service train, which departs at 6.25 pm. Always Based on Peru Rail availability and will be confirmed at your briefing. There is an option to upgrade Vistadome train service with large windows which is an extra S$60 per person. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking. Train services are only between Aguas Calientes city to Ollantaytambo train stations and then bus to Cusco and drop you off in your hotel.
FOOD ON THE TREK: all our meals are a kind of buffet. It is always fresh and most of it is organic. We are used to eat together and we go out of our way to accommodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian options, began and any food allergies. We do not provide any alcoholic drinks on the trek but if you would like you can bring on your own.
OUR EQUIPMENT: all the equipment is the first quality; we provide 4 man tents for only 2 hiker and TERM-A-REST self-inflating air sleeping mattresses no extra fee!!! For everyone, our equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils. We do NOT supply sleeping bags, walking sticks, but all can be rented from us the moment you are booking or in your pre-meeting briefing.
Very important note if you are over 1.95 meters / 6“4Ⳡtall then you won“t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own.
OUR GUIDES, COOK AND PORTERS: all our local tour guides speaks English, Spanish and Quechua is a local language, is because more of names on the Inca trail and Cusco is in this language that is the reason is very important to know, Our cooks provide amazing family style food a nice kind of buffet for all our team, Our porters will carry everything for you which makes your trek as easy and comfortable as possible, equipment, all the product for cook, tents. All of them are amazing, helpful, patient, very informative, caring and great persons, if you like give thanks to them you can do with some tips.
We never overload our porters thatās why we make sure that all our team are well looked after and we provide all the equipment that they need, we treated like our family so that they feel like in home as you too.
FITNESS: Many people worry about altitude sickness because on the day two we have to crossing two highest mountains and worry if we can be able to do it with a regular life?. To be hones we had people of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded and lives an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information about.
The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is also a kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. If you want to enjoy the entire Inca trail we recommend you to training couple months to come here and you will see how easy it is.
STORAGE DURING YOUR TREK: During you doing the Inca Trail trek your main luggage will be stored in Cusco. We recommend you to leave at same hotel booked in Cusco if you will back after the hike to same hotel they usually have a good lookers because weāll provide you a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (pre-meeting briefing is normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be behind and ahead of the group, therefore you must bring a small day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your rainy gear, camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 6kg (12pounds). If you will need an extra 6 kg duffel bag you can rent for S$75.