Two intense days that combine a guided visit to Machu Picchu with a high-altitude hike to Rainbow Mountain. Ideal for travelers who can handle early starts and thin air, this tour links Inca stonework with alpine vistas.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Pre-dawn air in the Sacred Valley feels thin and purposeful as the tour van slips out of Cusco toward Ollantaytambo. You board a morning train that threads green terraces and steep ravines, arriving in Aguas Calientes with the mist lifting from the Urubamba River. The first day is a paced introduction to Machu Picchu’s stone plazas, narrow stairways and vantage points that frame peaks slicing the skyline.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required: able to walk 1–3 hours on uneven, high-altitude terrain and handle stairs and steep sections.
Wildlife
History
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel attributed to Pachacuti; surrounding towns like Ollantaytambo preserve pre-Columbian terraces and colonial-era architecture.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and time-stamped entries help reduce crowding—stick to marked paths, avoid litter, and respect local sites to limit erosion and cultural impact.
Reserve your spot on the 2 Days Machu Picchu Adventure and Rainbow Mountain today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco before the tour to reduce altitude sickness risk; avoid heavy exercise the first day.
Start early and pack snacks
Pickups are before sunrise; bring high-calorie snacks and electrolyte drinks to maintain energy on steep sections.
Protect from sun and wind
UV is strong at altitude — wear SPF 50, sunglasses and a windproof layer for the Rainbow Mountain summit.
Train & permit timing
Train departures and site entry times can change—carry printed or mobile tickets and arrive at boarding points early.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky, sometimes muddy trails at high altitude.
Layered clothing (base, insulating, windproof)
Rapid weather shifts demand breathable layers and a windproof shell.
Water bottle & electrolytes
Hydration is critical at altitude; pack 1–2 liters and electrolyte mix.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
Strong UV exposure on open high-elevation stretches and at Machu Picchu.