This 4-day itinerary pairs a Cusco city tour and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with the high-altitude spectacle of Vinicunca (Mountain of Colors). Expect large elevation changes, short steep hikes, and a mix of rail, bus and walking transfers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Early morning light pools in the plazas of Cusco as a guide meets you at the airport and the city’s layered stonework slides past the window on the drive to your hotel.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness recommended and experience with 2–3 hour uphill walks; be prepared for high-altitude exertion.
Wildlife
History
Cusco was the administrative and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire; many city stones were reused in colonial-era buildings, preserving precise Inca masonry.
Conservation
Machu Picchu has regulated visitor windows and limits to protect fragile ruins; stay on marked paths, carry out waste, and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce impacts.
Reserve your spot on the 4 day tours || Mountain of Colors || City Tour and Machu Picchu today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before hard efforts
Spend your first day in Cusco taking it easy to reduce altitude sickness risk before the Mountain of Colors early start.
Train and site tickets in advance
Reserve your Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train and Machu Picchu entry well ahead, especially in high season.
Bring cash in soles
Small shops and taxis in mountain towns often prefer cash; carry small bills for tips and snacks.
Protect against sun and cold
At altitude UV is stronger and temperatures swing—combine sunscreen and a warm windproof layer for comfort.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, uneven trails to Vinicunca and Andean approaches.
Insulated windproof jacket
Cold, windy conditions at 4,500–5,080 m can be severe even in daytime.
Reusable water bottle and electrolyte mix
Hydration helps combat altitude effects during hikes and transfers.
High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
Strong equatorial UV at altitude can cause sunburn quickly, even on cloudy days.
summer