A six-day loop from Cusco that pairs high-altitude trekking to Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu with market walks, salt terraces, and a hands-on Peruvian cooking class—ideal for travelers ready to manage altitude and craving cultural depth.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning in Cusco arrives with bell-like sunlight cutting across the Plaza de Armas and the smell of coffee and coca tea warming the air. On this six-day loop you move from polished colonial cobbles up into high Andean air: Pisac’s market stalls, the stepped salt pans of Maras, the circular agricultural labs at Moray, the stone streets of Ollantaytambo, the lost-city terraces of Machu Picchu, and a predawn push to the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and prior day-hiking experience are recommended; be prepared for sustained high-altitude walking and steep sections.
Wildlife
History
The Sacred Valley was a central agricultural and administrative corridor for the Inca empire; sites like Moray illustrate sophisticated crop experimentation at microclimates.
Conservation
High-altitude ecosystems are fragile—stay on trails, pack out waste, avoid feeding wildlife, and support local guides and community-run enterprises.
Reserve your spot on the Sacred Valley Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend at least 24–48 hours in Cusco before heavy hikes; take it slow, hydrate, and consider acetazolamide if prone to altitude sickness.
Start early for Rainbow Mountain
Pick-up is typically ~4:00 a.m.; bring a headlamp and warm layers for pre-dawn transport and a cold summit wind.
Bring cash for markets and tips
Pisac and local vendors often prefer soles; have small bills for textiles, snacks, and guide gratuities.
Footwear and footing
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support help on uneven, sometimes muddy trails, especially after rain.
Water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 L)
High altitude increases dehydration—carry 2–3 liters and refill when possible.
Sturdy hiking boots
Ankle support and aggressive tread help on steep, rocky, or muddy Andean trails.
Layered insulation (fleece + wind shell)
Temperatures swing from cold mornings to strong sun; layering manages rapid shifts.
winter
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)
High UV at altitude makes sun protection mandatory even on cool days.
summer