Small-Group 3-day Cusco Tour to Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

This 3-day small-group tour from Cusco offers travelers an immersive exploration of Peru’s most iconic sights. With a maximum of 8 participants, the meticulously organized itinerary promises breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and personalized attention from the expert guides. From the Sacred Valley’s ancient ruins and traditional markets to the awe-inspiring vistas of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, this tour delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, this carefully curated experience showcases the best of Peru’s natural and cultural wonders. What sets this tour apart, however, is the exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insider knowledge that can only be gained with a small-group exploration.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• A 3-day small-group tour (max 8 participants) that explores the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru.
• Includes private transfers, meals, entrance fees, licensed guide, professional driver, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Offers a focus on Inca ruins, local textile centers, salt mines, and the stunning landscapes of the region.
• Requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as the itinerary includes strenuous activities like hiking to Palccoyo and Machu Picchu.
• Positive customer reviews highlighting exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, smooth logistics, and memorable experiences.

Tour Overview

This is a small-group 3-day tour that takes visitors from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.

The tour has a maximum group size of 8 participants and is rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews. Priced from $749.00, the tour includes private transfers, some meals, entrance fees, a licensed guide, a professional driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Travelers can expect an immersive experience exploring Inca ruins, local textile centers, salt mines, and the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

Itinerary: Day 1 – Sacred Valley

Beginning the day with a 6:45 am pickup in Cusco, the tour first takes visitors to the town of Chinchero, where they can explore a local textile center and learn about the traditional weaving techniques of the region. Next, the group travels to the archaeological site of Moray, an impressive agricultural testing area. The tour then moves on to the Maras salt mines, where participants can witness the traditional salt-harvesting process. After a lunch stop at a colonial hacienda in Urubamba, the group heads to the renowned Ollantaytambo archaeological park for further exploration.

Site	Duration	Admission
Chinchero	1 hour	Free
Moray	1 hour	Included
Maras	1 hour	Free
Urubamba	45 mins	Free
Ollantaytambo	1 hour	Included

Itinerary: Day 2 – Machu Picchu

The tour starts early on Day 2, with a 2:45 am hotel pickup in Cusco.

Guests then transfer to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride takes about an hour.

Upon arrival, the group will begin a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel, exploring the site for around 2 hours.

Afterward, guests have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch before transferring back to Ollantaytambo and then returning to Cusco, where they’ll be dropped off at their hotel, concluding the Machu Picchu portion of the tour.

Itinerary: Day 3 – Rainbow Mountain

After the Machu Picchu portion of the tour, the group starts early once again on Day 3, with a 3:30 am hotel pickup in Cusco.

The destination is Palccoyo, a less crowded alternative to the famous Rainbow Mountain. The hike to the viewpoints takes approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to take in the stunning multicolored slopes.

Lunch isn’t included, but the tour provides a briefing beforehand. The tour then returns to Cusco, arriving at around 3:30 pm, with an optional airport transfer available for those departing.

The day offers a chance to explore the unique geological formations and vibrant hues of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.

• Early morning departure from Cusco
• Hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain viewpoints
• Briefing and guidance provided by the tour
• Opportunity to see the multicolored slopes
• Return to Cusco by 3:30 pm, with optional airport transfer

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickups for the tour are arranged from hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs near the Cusco city center, or a designated meeting point can be selected.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. This is due to the uneven terrain and long hikes involved, especially at Rainbow Mountain.

Participants should ensure they’re physically fit enough to participate in the strenuous activities. The tour operator advises discussing any concerns or medical conditions before booking to ensure the experience is suitable.

Included Meals

Breakfast is included on each day of the tour, but some lunches are not.

The tour includes:

• Lunch at a colonial hacienda during the Sacred Valley day tour
• Free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes on the Machu Picchu day
• Lunch not included during the Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo hike

This allows flexibility for travelers to explore local cuisine at their own pace.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Snacks and bottled water are also provided throughout the excursions to keep guests fueled and hydrated.

The partial meal inclusions help manage costs while ensuring a memorable overall experience.

Customer Feedback

Glowing reviews from past participants highlighted the exceptional service and flexibility of this Cusco tour.

Travelers praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, notably Jorge, Huber, and Junior, who provided insightful commentary and managed the itinerary seamlessly.

Reviewers noted the stress-free logistics, with smooth transportation and well-organized activities.

Customers were thrilled by the beautiful views and memorable experiences throughout the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.

Booking Policies

Customers receive confirmation at the time of booking for this Cusco tour package. The booking policies for this tour are as follows:

• Confirmation is provided immediately upon booking.

• The tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.

• Travelers are advised to carefully review the itinerary and inclusions before booking to ensure the tour meets their expectations.

• The tour operator reserves the right to make minor changes to the itinerary due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Customers are encouraged to purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected events that may impact their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Clothing and Gear Should I Bring for This Tour?

For this tour, one should pack layers of comfortable, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, a rain jacket, and a small backpack. Bringing snacks, water, and any necessary medications is also recommended.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Participants must be able to hike moderate distances and navigate uneven terrain.

Can I Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Needs?

The tour can be customized to fit individual needs, though extending the itinerary may incur additional costs. Guests can speak with the tour operator to discuss potential modifications and pricing adjustments prior to booking.

Do You Offer Any Discounts or Special Offers for This Tour?

The tour operator does offer special discounts and offers for this tour. Customers can inquire about any ongoing promotions or discounted group rates at the time of booking to get the best possible price.

What Is the Best Way to Prepare Physically for the Hikes and Activities?

To prepare physically for the hikes and activities, it’s recommended to engage in regular cardio and strength training exercises. Building endurance and leg strength will help make the treks more manageable. Properly hydrating and packing snacks is also crucial.

Recap

This 3-day tour from Cusco provides an immersive experience of Peru’s iconic sites. Travelers will marvel at the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain, with private transportation, guided tours, and meals included. Rated 5.0 stars, this small-group adventure promises breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural insights, making it an unforgettable way to explore the wonders of Peru.