Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, beckons travelers to uncover its breathtaking wonders. This 3-day adventure promises an immersive exploration of the region’s most iconic destinations – from the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant trails of Rainbow Mountain and the serene Humantay Lagoon. Seamless arrangements, including hotel pick-ups and delectable meals, ensure a hassle-free journey through Peru’s majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Embark on this thrilling expedition, and discover why Cusco has captivated explorers for centuries.
Key Points
- This 3-day tour from Cusco covers the iconic Machu Picchu, the colorful Rainbow Mountain, and the serene Humantay Lagoon.
- Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and buffet meals, providing a seamless experience.
- Restrictions apply for certain medical conditions and disabilities, and prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, and drugs.
- Booking process involves confirming dates, providing a WhatsApp number, and making final payment prior to the trip.
- Proper hiking gear, personal medication, and necessary documentation are recommended for the excursions.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1: Machu Picchu
- Day 2: Rainbow Mountain
- Day 3: Humantay Lagoon
- Inclusions
- Important Information
- Communication and Booking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring a Small Drone or Gopro for Pictures?
- Are Trekking Poles or Walking Sticks Provided?
- Do We Have the Option to Extend Our Stay in Cusco?
- Can We Customize the Itinerary to Meet Our Specific Needs?
- Does the Tour Include Any Optional Activities or Free Time?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This 3-day trip offers the opportunity to explore Cusco’s main attractions: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon.
Priced from $500.00 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Bilingual guides lead the excursions, which last 3 days. Key inclusions are hotel pick-up and drop-off, roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and buffet meals.
Travelers should bring their passport, hiking gear, and any necessary medications, while certain items like weapons and alcohol are prohibited.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with respiratory issues or other pre-existing conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Details
On the first day, the tour picks up guests from their hotels around 4:00 AM. Travelers will then travel to Ollantaytambo and board a train to Machu Picchu village, which takes about 2 hours.
From there, they’ll take a bus up to the iconic Machu Picchu site for a guided visit of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. After exploring Machu Picchu, the group will have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and then back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 PM.
The second day starts with an early pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 AM to drive to Tintico for a buffet breakfast. Guests will then hike for around 2 hours to reach the stunning Rainbow Mountain, where they’ll have time to take photos.
After returning to Cusipata for lunch, the group will head back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Day 1: Machu Picchu
The tour begins with an early pickup from guests’ hotels around 4:00 AM.
The group travels to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu village, a journey of approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival, they take the Concetur bus up to the ancient Inca citadel for a guided visit, which lasts around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
After the tour, the group enjoys lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and finally back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 PM.
This first day offers an immersive experience at the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the highlights of the 3-day tour.
Day 2: Rainbow Mountain
Guests are picked up from their hotels between 4:00 and 5:00 AM to begin the second day’s adventure. They travel to Tintico, where they enjoy a buffet breakfast before embarking on the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The approximately 2-hour hike offers stunning views of the multicolored mountain. After reaching the top, guests have ample time to take photos and explore the breathtaking scenery. Following the hike, they return to Cusipata for a delicious lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM.
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 5:00 AM | Pick up from hotel |
| – | Drive to Tintico |
| – | Buffet breakfast |
| 2 hours | Hike to Rainbow Mountain |
| – | Return to Cusipata for lunch |
| 6:00 PM | Arrive back in Cusco |
Day 3: Humantay Lagoon
Early risers are picked up from their hotels between 4:00 and 5:00 AM to begin the day’s adventure to Humantay Lagoon.
The group travels to Mollepata for a hearty breakfast before embarking on the hike to the stunning turquoise lake.
The approximately 2-hour trek takes them through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Upon reaching Humantay Lagoon, travelers have ample time to explore the serene waters and take memorable photographs.
After soaking in the natural beauty, the group returns to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch before the journey back to Cusco, arriving by 6:00 PM.
This day’s excursion to Humantay Lagoon completes the immersive 3-day tour experience.
Inclusions
This 3-day tour to explore Cusco’s highlights includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco, as well as the services of bilingual guides.
Roundtrip transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes via train, is provided.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon are covered.
The tour also includes buffet meals on designated days and provides first-aid kits, walking sticks, and oxygen bottles.
Passengers can expect a seamless experience with all the necessary arrangements taken care of, allowing them to focus on exploring the magnificent sights of this region.
Important Information
Travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID card, a camera, comfortable hiking shoes, cash, weather-appropriate clothing, a daypack, hiking pants, and any personal medication they may require.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals with respiratory issues, visually impaired people, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The following items are not allowed: weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages.
| What to Bring | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Passport or ID | Weapons |
| Camera | Sharp objects |
| Hiking shoes | Alcohol |
| Cash | Drugs |
| Weather-appropriate clothing | Baby carriages |
Communication and Booking
Provide a WhatsApp number with country code for communication when booking this tour. This allows quick and easy communication with the tour operator.
Before booking, be sure to check availability for your desired dates and group size. The booking process is straightforward:
- Confirm dates and participant numbers
- Provide your WhatsApp number for updates and communication
- Choose the "Reserve now, pay later" option if needed
- Receive confirmation and pre-departure information via WhatsApp
- Make final payment prior to the trip
Once the booking is confirmed, the tour operator will keep you informed every step of the way through your WhatsApp number. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring a Small Drone or Gopro for Pictures?
Small drones and GoPros are generally not allowed on this tour. Participants should refer to the "Not Allowed" section, which prohibits bringing weapons and sharp objects. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera for taking photos during the designated sightseeing activities.
Are Trekking Poles or Walking Sticks Provided?
The tour provides walking sticks that can be used during the hikes to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon. Trekking poles aren’t mentioned as being included, so travelers would need to bring their own if desired.
Do We Have the Option to Extend Our Stay in Cusco?
Yes, the tour package includes walking sticks and first-aid kits. However, no information is provided about the option to extend one’s stay in Cusco after the 3-day tour. The itinerary appears fixed without any flexibility for additional days.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Meet Our Specific Needs?
Yes, the tour package can be customized to meet the traveler’s specific needs. Travelers can discuss their requirements with the tour operator and make adjustments to the itinerary, within the overall tour framework.
Does the Tour Include Any Optional Activities or Free Time?
The tour doesn’t include any optional activities, but it does provide free time for exploration and photos at each destination. Travelers can customize their experience by requesting private guides or adjusting the schedule, subject to availability.
Cusco: Explore Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay
Recap
This 3-day adventure in Cusco offers an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s most iconic destinations. Discover the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, hike the vibrant trails of Rainbow Mountain, and marvel at the stunning Humantay Lagoon. With seamless arrangements and delicious meals, this journey immerses travelers in the region’s majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, providing an experience that’s truly breathtaking.
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