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Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain 3 Days – Active Adventure

Do you have multiple experiences you’d like to check off of your travel bucket list? From the majesty of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to the vivid Rainbow Mountain Hike, Eco Andes Trekking’s tour gives you the ability to witness several of the world’s greatest wonders in a single trip.

We crafted this itinerary to give you a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. You’ll soak in the rich history of ancient architecture, glimpse local wildlife, and enjoy some of the most dazzling natural formations you’ve ever laid eyes on. Even better, it’s a trip well-suited to experienced hikers and newcomers – everyone will have something to enjoy!

You don’t have to keep track of the activities you want to do or the places you’ll stay at. We’re dedicated to crafting well-rounded and rewarding itineraries to ensure you enjoy every day to the fullest.

Below is a detailed rundown of our three-day itinerary across the Inca Trail, taking you to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, and the Rainbow Mountain.

TripAdvisor trusts Eco Andes Trekking to deliver unforgettable adventures to hikers and travelers worldwide. Join the hundreds of trekkers who’ve crafted priceless memories among Peru’s stunning landscapes!

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Make sure to bring your best hiking shoes! The first day we’ll take you on a six-hour hike through diverse Andean landscapes, including the rainforest and the Inca Trail’s original stone steps. Our experienced guide will educate you on the region’s wildlife, plant life, and even the Inca civilization’s ancient traditions.

Once afternoon arrives, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna (known as “Forever Young” in Quechua). This impressive site sits on a steep hillside with terraced fields and structures showcasing the Incas’ phenomenal engineering skills. Nearby, you can witness up close their dazzling seven rainbow-colored windows.

The trail will later lead you to one of the Inca Trail’s most famous ruins: the Sun Gate (known as Inti Punku). Historians believed this location to be an entryway for Incan royalty, now giving travelers today a panoramic view of Machu Picchu’s iconic peaks. This is the kind of sight you’ll definitely want to slow down and soak in once you arrive!

After taking in the moment, you and your group will descend to the gates of the Lost City and continue along to Aguas Calientes. This charming town originated as a go-to location for construction workers and now offers a spot for tourists to unwind and cool off after a long day.

You’ll have the chance to eat at their local restaurants, enjoy the sights, and get ready for tomorrow’s trip to the famous Machu Picchu.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
  • Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 6-8 hours
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour And Return To Cusco

Make sure to get plenty of rest the previous night, since we prefer to arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn. This early bus ride means you’ll arrive before the crowds do, giving you a peaceful and unparalleled view of this misty mountain terrain.

After a short 25-minute ride, step into the Lost City where your guide will lead a two-hour tour through ancient stone temples, terraced fields, and sacred plazas. History buffs will love learning about the Inca people’s daily lives, ceremonies, and architectural ingenuity.

One of the most enjoyable aspects about this trek is how you can enjoy the sights at your own leisure. If you purchased pre-booked tickets, you can hike along Huayna Picchu to get an incredible birds-eye view of the ruins and peaks. Consider bringing along a small sketchbook or journal to document your adventures visiting the numerous little hidden corners of this magical site.

Once everyone has enjoyed the sights, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. From there, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy – private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodations: Hotel on your own
  • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 2,430 m/7,972 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Rainbow Mountain Hike

The last day will have you waking up bright and early at 4 a.m., picking you up from the hotel for a 2-hour drive to Cusipata village. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local home to get a taste of local life, then prepare for the adventure ahead.

(You’ll want to stock up on calories so you’ll have energy for a steadier and more involved climb!)

After an hour’s drive, you’ll arrive at the trailhead Llacto to begin your hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain. This 1.5-hour trail offers steady and manageable climbs, with the final stretch being a little steeper. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the whimsical view of Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant mineral bands.

Not only do they look like rainbow strips cutting through the earth, you’ll also see the Ausangate Mountain (the tallest in Cusco!) towering in the distance as well as the picturesque Red Valley.

After enjoying the views, transportation will be waiting for you at the foot of the mountain to take everyone back to Cusipata. After a delicious lunch, you’ll return to Cusco around 4 p.m. You’ll have the rest of the day to kick back, unwind, and enjoy the sights at your leisure.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Accommodations: Hotel on your own
  • Lowest Elevation: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 5,020 m/716,469 ft
  • Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 3 hours
  • Level of Difficulty: Challenging

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • 2 Day Inca Trail
  • Rainbow Hike 1 day
  • Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
  • Professional guide fluent in English
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
  • One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • One box lunch, one dinner, two. Breakfast and one lunch
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to and from Aguas Calientes
  • Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance permits
  • Entrance to the rainbow mountain hike
  • Ground transportation to all locations included in the trip
  • First aid kit

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Hotel – optional upgrades
  • Huayna Picchu ticket: $75 USD per person
  • Vista Dome: $60 USD per person
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary 
  • Tips for your guide (don’t forget to read our tipping guide)

Items to bring with you:

  • Backpack (if not waterproof bring waterproof backpack cover or a poncho that will cover your backpack)
  • Original passport
  • Sturdy Hiking boots
  • Sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended), sun hat, sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain poncho or a good rain jacket
  • Toiletries / small towel
  • Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional)

SHORT INCA TRAIL PRICE & ADD-ONS

Group: USD $640 per person
Private: USD $760 per person

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

  • Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
  • If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
  • Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.

Discounts

  • Under 18 years Discount: USD $20
  • Under 7 years Discount: USD $35

Rentals

  • Hiking poles – USD $15 (pair)

Frequently Asked Questions.

How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

The Rainbow Mountain Trek (or Rainbow Mountain Hike) is one of the more difficult locations due to its high altitude, requiring a few hours to complete and giving experienced hikers a challenge. However, newer hikers can still enjoy themselves thanks to our seasoned guides and well-rounded itinerary!

Can A Beginner Climb Machu Picchu?

Absolutely. Machu Picchu is a beloved destination for both experienced and beginner hikers. At Eco Andes Trekking, our tour guides regularly lead travelers of all shapes and sizes to ensure everyone walks away with happy memories.

What Food Will I Need For My Trip?

A well-rounded meal full of protein and vitamins is essential for a long hiking trip. At Eco Andes Trekking, we provide a box lunch for your two-day hike with trail mix, a chicken sandwich, a quinoa wrap, an energy bar and a seasonal fruit.

Where Will I Stay During My Trip?

You need to get plenty of rest so you can enjoy your hike to the fullest, so we also provide a comfortable hotel in our package at Aguas Calientes. This little town is popular tourist destination that many travelers visit to eat, unwind, and rest.

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:

Group: $640

Private: $760

DURATION:

3 Days / 2 Night

AVAILABLE ADD-ONS

OVERVIEW

INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE

WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT

Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back

We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.

That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.

Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.

We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local

We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.

We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service

Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.

We’re Committed to Our Team

Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.

We Look Out for Our Community

A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.

We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style

We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.

We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru

Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.

Our Reputation is Built on Trust

Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.

We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly

Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.

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