Cusco in 3 Days: City Tour, Rainbow Mountain and Machupicchu

Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, offers a mesmerizing trifecta of experiences that can be explored in just three days. From the captivating city tour showcasing its colonial architecture and Inca ruins to the awe-inspiring hike up the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, this itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression. But the true crown jewel lies in the excursion to the iconic Machu Picchu, where visitors can unravel the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, this comprehensive tour promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of Cusco‘s cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour in Cusco covers the city’s highlights, a visit to the famous Rainbow Mountain, and a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu.
• The tour includes professional guides, transportation, entrance tickets, and select meals, with flexible options like free cancellation and reserve now, pay later.
• The city tour explores Cusco’s historic center, colonial architecture, and important Inca archaeological sites, providing insights into the city’s history and significance.
• The Rainbow Mountain tour offers a scenic, early-morning adventure with breakfast, hiking to the multicolored mountain, and lunch included.
• The Machu Picchu tour includes a scenic train ride, a guided tour of the iconic Inca ruins, and ample time for independent exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day tour in Cusco offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Priced at €316.62 to €351.80 per person, the tour provides flexibility with free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.

Capped at 15 participants, the group can explore Cusco’s landmarks, including the main square and colonial houses, before venturing to archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo.

Day 2 takes travelers to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, while the final day is dedicated to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Included are professional guides, transportation, entrance tickets, and select meals, with optional add-ons like a Machu Picchu buffet lunch and Huayna Picchu hike.

Itinerary Breakdown

The 3-day tour in Cusco starts with a city tour on the first day. Guests will be picked up from their hotel for a panoramic bus tour, visiting the main square, colonial houses, and the San Cristóbal viewpoint.

They’ll also explore archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Pucapucarás, and participate in an Inca ceremony at the Inca Ritual Center.

On the second day, an early morning trip to the Rainbow Mountain awaits. After a 3-hour drive, guests will hike for 2 hours to reach the stunning multicolored mountain, enjoying breakfast and lunch during the excursion.

The final day is dedicated to the iconic Machu Picchu, accessible by train and bus from Cusco.

City Tour in Cusco

On the first day, guests embark on a panoramic bus tour of Cusco’s historic city center.

They’ll visit the main square, admire the colonial houses, and take in the views from the San Cristóbal viewpoint.

The tour then explores several important Inca archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Pucapucará.

At the Inca Ritual Center, guests participate in a traditional Inca ceremony, seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the day, the expert tour guides provide insights into Cusco’s history and significance, ensuring a comprehensive introduction to this fascinating destination.

Rainbow Mountain Tour

After exploring Cusco’s historic city center, guests move on to the Rainbow Mountain Tour.

This full-day adventure begins with an early 4 AM pickup, followed by a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Upon arrival, a hearty breakfast is provided before the 2-hour hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain.

Visitors can soak in the breathtaking multicolored landscape and take plenty of photos. Lunch is also included during this tour.

The return trip to Cusco offers more scenic views of the Andes. The Rainbow Mountain Tour provides an unforgettable experience amidst Peru’s stunning natural beauty.

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Machupicchu Tour by Train

Guests typically begin the third day with an early 06:30 am pickup from their hotel for the transport to the Ollantaytambo train station.

They’ll then embark on a scenic train ride to Machupicchu town, taking in the breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival, a bus transfer brings them to the Machupicchu citadel, where a guided tour is included:

• Explore the iconic Inca ruins of Machupicchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Marvel at the stunning architectural wonders and natural beauty of the site.
• Gain insights into Inca history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.
• Enjoy ample time for photos and independent exploration.

Return by bus and train to Cusco, completing the 3-day Cusco adventure.

Inclusions and Optional Add-ons

The tour package includes several key items to provide guests with a comprehensive Cusco experience.

This includes professional tour guides for all activities, transportation for the city tour and Rainbow Mountain, and entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.

Meals like breakfast and lunch are covered for the Rainbow Mountain tour. Roundtrip train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu are also included.

While most essentials are covered, there are optional add-ons such as a buffet lunch at Machu Picchu for €25 and entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain for €70.

These extras allow guests to customize their experience and access additional highlights during their Machu Picchu visit.

What to Bring

For this three-day Cusco adventure, travelers should be sure to bring their passport, as it will be required for entry to certain sites.

Plus, comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing are a must, as the itinerary involves a good amount of hiking and exploring.

Don’t forget to pack the essentials:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash for optional add-ons and personal expenses

Customer Reviews Summary

According to the reviews, customers have generally rated this 3-day Cusco tour quite highly, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Customers praised the Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu experiences, though some suggested improvements to food quality during the Rainbow Mountain tour.

The city tour experience received mixed reviews, with a desire for more historical insights.

Reviewers commended the tour’s organization and guides, particularly for the Machu Picchu segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Included From Cusco Hotels to the Starting Points?

Yes, the tour package includes transportation from Cusco hotels to the starting points for the city tour, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for the participants.

Can the Rainbow Mountain Hike Be Replaced With an Alternative Activity?

The Rainbow Mountain hike can be replaced with an alternative activity, such as a visit to the Sacred Valley or a guided tour of Moray and Maras. This flexibility allows travelers to customize their itinerary to their interests.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu Without the Train Ride?

Yes, there is an option to visit Machu Picchu without taking the train. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail or take a bus to the site instead. This provides more flexibility and a longer exploration of the ancient ruins.

Are Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer specific discounts for children or seniors. However, the 10% savings on the per-person rate is available to all travelers, making it a relatively affordable option for groups of various ages and backgrounds.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can request modifications to the included activities, add optional experiences, or adjust the schedule to accommodate their interests and needs.

Recap

This captivating 3-day Cusco tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to explore the historic city, marvel at the stunning Rainbow Mountain, and uncover the mysteries of the iconic Machu Picchu. With seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive itinerary provides a perfect introduction to the cultural richness and natural beauty of this remarkable region.

You can check if your dates are available here: