The Inca Trail 2D/1N & Rainbow Mountain packs two of Peru’s bucket-list experiences into 3 action-packed days. Trek the Short Inca Trail from KM 104 through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, then hike to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,036m.
If you have limited time in Cusco but want both the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain, this is your package. The Short Inca Trail gives you the authentic experience of hiking the original pathway through the Sun Gate, while Rainbow Mountain delivers Peru’s most surreal landscape. Doing them back-to-back also means you tackle Rainbow Mountain’s extreme altitude with better acclimatization from the previous day’s trek.
Day 1 is the Short Inca Trail: train to KM 104, hike through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Day 2 brings a full guided tour of Machu Picchu and train back to Cusco. Day 3 is an early morning departure to Rainbow Mountain for a high-altitude hike to one of the most colorful landscapes on earth.
3 dayss
8
English, Spanish
This tour combines trekking with day tours, so fitness requirements vary by day. The Inca Trail portion requires good physical fitness with steep ascents and altitude above 4,000m. The Rainbow Mountain hike reaches 5,036m. Day tours in the Sacred Valley are moderate with some walking at ruins.
Start a training program 8-12 weeks before departure. Focus on cardiovascular fitness with hiking, running, or cycling 3-4 times per week. Include hill climbs and stair work to prepare for the steep trail sections.
We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400m) at least 2-3 days before your tour begins. The itinerary is designed to help you acclimatize gradually before the more demanding trek days. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and drink coca tea.
Pack for both trekking and day tours. You need broken-in hiking boots, warm layers for high altitude, rain gear, and comfortable clothes for city/valley days. Your porter carries your overnight gear on trek days. See the Packing List tab for details.
Consult your doctor before traveling to high altitude. Consider altitude medication (Diamox) as a precaution. Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,036m so proper acclimatization is essential. Our team carries supplemental oxygen and first-aid supplies.
