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Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tours

4.8 (62 reviews)

Explore the essential historical and natural landmarks of the Peruvian Andes on a multi-day trip. These itineraries combine ancient Inca sites in the Sacred Valley with guided treks to the colorful Rainbow Mountain.

🗓️ 3 to 5-day itineraries
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included
🚆 Train and bus tickets included
Top-rated expert guides
5-Day Tour to Machupicchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
4.8 (22) ⏱ 120h

5-Day Tour to Machupicchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain

A 5-day trip through the Peruvian Andes visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.

5-Day Tour: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
5.0 (21) ⏱ 120h

5-Day Tour: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain

A five-day guided journey through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu at sunrise, and the peaks of Rainbow Mountain.

3 Days Tour in Machu Picchu at Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
4.6 (14) ⏱ 72h

3 Days Tour in Machu Picchu at Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain

Visit Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain on a three-day tour starting and ending in Cusco.

Sacred Valley, Machupicchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour / 3 Days Free Cancellation
4.6 (5) ⏱ 72h

Sacred Valley, Machupicchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour / 3 Days

A small-group journey through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the vibrant peaks of Rainbow Mountain.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Sacred Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.

T
Tom H. New Zealand, May 2026
5.0

"Absolutely epic trip. The 3-day itinerary packs in a lot, but it never felt overly rushed. Seeing the massive stones at Pisac and then heading to Machu Picchu the next day was unreal. Plus, not having to figure out the colectivo system ourselves was a lifesaver."

E
Elena M. Spain, Jan 2026
4.4

"Great way to see all the highlights without planning it yourself. Machu Picchu was obviously the star, but Chinchero market was a lovely surprise. I knocked off a little bit because the hike up Rainbow Mountain was super crowded, but the guide kept our small group together perfectly."

S
Sofia R. Canada, Dec 2025
4.6

"A really solid 3-day tour. The Maras salt mines were my absolute favorite part of the valley, just stunning. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes was beautiful. Just a heads up, the pace is pretty fast so you need to be in decent shape."

D
David L. Australia, Nov 2025
4.9

"We booked the 5-day comprehensive tour. Everything ran like clockwork. Pickup from our Cusco hotel was right on time. Walking around the Moray terraces was fascinating. Make sure you pack lots of layers, the mornings in the Andes are freezing but the midday sun is brutal."

M
Maria K. USA, Nov 2025
4.8

"Did the 5-day package and it was completely worth the money. Our guide for the Sacred Valley was incredibly knowledgeable about Incan history. Ollantaytambo blew my mind. The only tough part was Rainbow Mountain—the altitude is no joke, but the views are insane."

J
James T. UK, Aug 2025
5.0

"Brilliant experience from start to finish. Having all the logistics sorted—trains, hotels, and the Boleto Turistico—took so much stress off our shoulders. The buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley was surprisingly good. Highly recommend arriving at the ruins early like our guide suggested to beat the crowds."

What to Expect on Your Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour

A multi-day adventure through the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain combines ancient Incan history with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes. You will explore monumental archaeological sites, vibrant local markets, and surreal natural wonders before culminating your trip at the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

🏺

Pisac Ruins & Market

Explore dramatic hillside terraces, ancient ceremonial baths, and the region's largest Inca cemetery before browsing traditional textiles in the local market.

🏰

Ollantaytambo Fortress

Climb massive stone steps at this living Incan town, which serves as a testament to advanced urban planning and was the site of a historic battle against the Spanish.

🧂

Maras Salt Mines

Witness over 5,000 ancient salt-evaporation ponds terraced along a steep canyon, creating a stunning patchwork of pink, tan, and white pools.

🌱

Moray Terraces

Walk around giant circular depressions carved into the earth, used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops in varying microclimates.

🌈

Rainbow Mountain

Hike to the famous multi-colored peaks of the Andes. This challenging high-altitude trek rewards you with vibrant, mineral-striped mountain views.

⛰️

Machu Picchu

The ultimate culmination of your tour. Ride the scenic train through the valley to explore the world-famous mountain citadel with an expert guide.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning a multi-day trip to the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu requires some preparation. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour.

Tour Types Available

Most options are 3-day to 5-day comprehensive packages that bundle the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu. You can choose between small group tours, often capped at 10 to 17 people, or private experiences.

Ticket Inclusions

Multi-day tours typically include the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), Machu Picchu entry, and Rainbow Mountain fees. However, verify if the Maras Salt Mines is covered, as it requires a separate 10 Soles cash fee at the gate.

Cancellation Policies

Be aware that many of these multi-day packages have strict 'all sales are final' policies. Because train tickets and Machu Picchu entries are strictly regulated and non-refundable, late cancellations are rarely accommodated.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Travelers should have at least a moderate physical fitness level. Rainbow Mountain involves high-altitude hiking above 16,000 feet, and ruins like Ollantaytambo require climbing steep stone steps. These tours are not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Logistics & Pickups

Tours generally include convenient hotel pickups in the downtown Cusco historic center. If you are staying in an Airbnb or outside this area, you will need to coordinate a nearby meeting point with the local operator.

Altitude Considerations

The Sacred Valley sits at around 9,000 feet, making it a great place to acclimatize before tackling higher elevations. Spending your first few days here helps your body adjust before hiking Rainbow Mountain or returning to Cusco.

Packing Essentials

You will need flexible layers for shifting Andean weather, slip-resistant shoes, and sun protection. Bring a small daypack, as bags larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm are strictly prohibited at all archaeological sites.

Which Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour Is Best for You?

3-Day Essential Tour5-Day Comprehensive Tour5-Day Premium Package
Duration 3 Days5 Days5 Days
Group Size Small GroupMax 10-17 PeopleSmall Group / Private
Inclusions Transport, Train, Guide, Entry TicketsHotels, All Tickets, Meals, Trains3-Star Hotels, Airport Transfers, All Entries
Price From $470$599$614

Plan Your Visit to Sacred Valley

Archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Early Access: Arriving between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM is highly recommended to avoid large tour groups and capture the best morning light for photography.
  • Local Markets: The traditional markets in Pisac and Chinchero start early. For the best atmosphere, plan to visit between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM before the main tourist buses arrive.

Most multi-day tours include private transport, but if you are traveling independently to the valley, you have several options:

  • Train: PeruRail and Inca Rail run from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes ($65-$75+). Note that the Poroy station typically closes from January to April for weather and maintenance.
  • Private Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs around S/. 80.00 to S/. 100.00.
  • Colectivo: Shared local vans departing from Av. Huayruropata in Cusco cost S/. 15 to S/. 20 (USD 4-6) and take about 2 hours.

The Andean climate dictates the best times to explore the region:

  • Dry Season (May to October): This is the optimal time to visit, offering mostly sunny days and minimal rainfall. June, July, and August are the peak tourist months, so advance booking is absolutely essential.
  • Rainy Season (November to April): Heavy rains can disrupt travel, especially from January to April when the Poroy train station closes. However, the landscapes are incredibly lush and green during this time, and crowds are much thinner.

The Sacred Valley is generally more accessible than many high-altitude destinations, though challenges remain at specific ruins:

  • Wheelchair Users: The flat valley floor and sites like the Moray viewpoint or Maras Salt Mines are highly accessible. However, hillside ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo have steep stone steps that are not wheelchair friendly.
  • Elderly Travelers: The valley's lower altitude (9,000 feet) helps prevent altitude sickness. Walking slowly and pacing yourself is essential when exploring the terraced ruins.
  • Families: The region is fantastic for kids, featuring interactive sites like the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary and the salt pans.

Facilities vary significantly depending on where you are in the valley:

  • Restrooms: Public bathrooms are available at the entrances of all major archaeological sites, usually requiring a small fee of 1 or 2 Soles in cash.
  • Food and Drink: Local markets offer snacks, while roadside restaurants between Maras and Chinchero serve regional specialties like Manca chicharro.
  • Luggage: Large bags (over 40 x 35 x 20 cm) are prohibited inside the ruins, so leave them in your tour van or hotel room.

To protect these ancient sites, the Ministry of Culture enforces strict regulations:

  • Prohibited Items: Drones, tripods, selfie sticks, and walking sticks with metal tips are completely banned. You must obtain a special permit for professional photography gear.
  • Dress Code: Wear neutral, comfortable clothing. Promotional clothing with large logos, costumes, and lewd behavior are strictly forbidden.
  • Respect the Ruins: Climbing on restricted walls, scratching stones, or disturbing local flora and fauna will result in immediate expulsion and legal sanctions under Peruvian law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the entrance tickets included in the multi-day tours?

Most 3 to 5-day tours include the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) and Machu Picchu entrance. However, the Maras Salt Mines require a separate 10 Soles cash fee, which is sometimes excluded, so check your specific itinerary.

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is challenging primarily due to the extreme altitude, which exceeds 16,000 feet. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness and spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.

What is the cancellation policy for these tours?

Because these packages include train tickets and Machu Picchu entries that are strictly regulated by the government, most multi-day tours have an 'all sales are final' policy with no refunds for cancellations.

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

Yes, altitude sickness is a real risk. It is highly recommended to spend your first few days resting in the Sacred Valley (9,000 feet) before heading up to Cusco (11,150 feet) or Rainbow Mountain to help your body adjust.

Can I bring my drone to film the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu?

No, drones are completely banned over all archaeological sites in the region. Unauthorized use can lead to immediate confiscation of your equipment and expulsion from the site.

Where do the tours pick up from?

Tour operators generally provide free pickup from hotels, hostels, and apartments located within the historic center of Cusco. If you are staying outside this area, you will need to coordinate a central meeting point with the tour provider.

Is the train to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, multi-day tours covering the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu include round-trip train tickets, usually from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Some tours allow you to upgrade your train class for an additional fee.

Can I bring a large backpack on the tour?

While you can bring luggage for the hotel stays, large backpacks exceeding 40 x 35 x 20 cm are strictly prohibited inside the archaeological sites and Machu Picchu. You will need to leave large bags in the tour vehicle or at your hotel.

Are meals included during the trip?

Most multi-day itineraries include daily breakfast at your hotel and a few specific lunches, such as a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley. Dinners and other meals are typically at your own expense.

When is the best time of year to book this tour?

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, offering clear skies for Rainbow Mountain and the ruins. June through August are the busiest months, so you should book well in advance.

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