From Cusco: An Inside Look at the Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour

Okay, so you’re thinking of squeezing Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain into one quick getaway from Cusco? Very understandable. Many people find themselves short on vacation time but huge on wanting to see the star attractions in Peru. I wanted to give you the lowdown on doing just that, because you know, planning is half the fun. You need to know if it’s genuinely doable and, really, is it something you’d even enjoy? This right here is your deep review, the stuff you actually want to know.

What’s the Big Idea Behind a Speedy Tour?

Often people wonder, with limited time, is this combined trip actually worth it? Short answer is that, yes, absolutely it can be, if you go in knowing what to anticipate. This kind of package aims to throw some of Peru’s biggest hitters into a couple of whirlwind days, which is that it lets you tick off major bucket-list stuff like the famous Machu Picchu and the crazy-colored Rainbow Mountain without having to use up an entire week of vacation. The key here is being ready for a fast tempo and some fairly early mornings. What you trade in sleep, you gain in sights.

First Stop: The Machu Picchu Part

Okay, picture this: Day one zooms you straight toward Machu Picchu. Expect a really, very early wake-up—think before sunrise—so that you can then catch a bus to Ollantaytambo. Here, that is where you board a train. You will be enjoying some seriously pretty scenery as it makes its way to Aguas Calientes. Getting to Aguas Calientes, which is at the bottom of Machu Picchu, gives you just a bit of time to grab a bite before going up, up, up to the main event.

Experiencing Machu Picchu

That moment when you see Machu Picchu appear out of the mist? Well, it’s kind of unreal. With your tour, you get a proper guide that’s very essential because it is them that will lead you through all the major spots, sharing historical tidbits and, well, secrets. You are talking about the Sun Gate, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone… Hearing about the significance behind all these structures actually helps you view it all. Be sure to take some time just to wander slightly and take it all in. Those classic shots are pretty classic for a reason.

What About the Crowds?

Yeah, the crowds are going to be a consideration. Machu Picchu is, you know, super famous, which just means that you aren’t getting the location to yourself. Tour operators tend to adjust schedules a little to attempt to beat the biggest concentrations, yet still, anticipate sharing this magnificent spot with a lot of people. So keep that in mind, it really doesn’t reduce the wonder, but be prepared mentally.

The Trip Back and Getting Ready for Day Two

Once you are done absorbing the essence of Machu Picchu, it is time to head back to Aguas Calientes. Then hop on a train back to Ollantaytambo, and finally catch a bus back to Cusco. Once you arrive it’s all about getting some rest before your very early start to go see Rainbow Mountain, this is something pretty much vital.

Day Two: Conquering Rainbow Mountain

Okay, so Rainbow Mountain—or Vinicunca, its local name—is another very, very early start. Most tours begin picking up people before dawn. You will drive a few hours. Usually the drive is southeast of Cusco, toward the trailhead. Keep in mind that the altitude is pretty high at Rainbow Mountain (over 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet). This piece can be tough, which is why it’s extra important to get acclimatized to Cusco before considering the tour.

The Hike Itself

Brace yourself. It’s not very much of a stroll. It’s fairly a hike to get up to Rainbow Mountain, and it’s that altitude that makes things seriously tougher. Plenty of tours offer the opportunity to rent a horse for part of the trip if you prefer that kind of thing, which is that could be something to consider. It usually takes roughly 2 to 3 hours to hike to the top, give or take how quickly you acclimate, and when you reach there, well, the view certainly is one thing.

That View From the Top

Seriously, Rainbow Mountain really lives up to all the promotion. The slopes are splashed in stripes of gold, red, lavender… You are viewing all of this against a really clear sky. It’s the kind of thing that is really unforgettable, and definitely worth the effort if that sounds like your jam.

Heading Back

When you’re through with the views (and the photographs!), it’s time to head back down. The hike back actually seems pretty quick and then after that, it’s back in the transportation for the long ride back to Cusco. Generally, you will get in during the late afternoon or the evening, which means you can eat some dinner and finally catch up on some relaxation.

Some Key Things to Keep in Mind

When considering a quick two-day blitz of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, there really are things you want to think about before booking. It’s crucial to figure out whether or not this trip is well matched for how you want to see these destinations.

Getting Used to the Height

Honestly, this is the top one. Cusco sits at a huge elevation, and Rainbow Mountain is considerably higher. You really need to have a minimum of two or three days in Cusco just to get your body used to it. If you have just gotten off of a plane and then attempt these tours, you can find yourself experiencing altitude illness. Listen to the body and take it seriously.

Fitness Stuff

While you certainly don’t need to actually be a triathlete, it surely does help to be in pretty decent shape. The hike to Rainbow Mountain is physically rough due to that height. Machu Picchu, whilst slightly less challenging, still entails plenty of walking. Evaluate how comfy you really are with multi-hour hikes.

What You Want From a Trip

Are you wanting an in-depth cultural deep or do you want to see famous stuff? In a super-quick trip such as this, time is very brief, which means you will not actually have loads of opportunities for deep chats or discovering backstories. It’s largely about visiting the iconic locations and experiencing a speedy summary. Think if this pace actually matches with your kind of travel.

The Weather

Mountain climate actually can be wild. The sun might be extremely bright one minute and then the next there’s rain or, well, snow. So, layer that clothing, and find clothes which can handle a lot.

What to Pack

When packing for the two-day sprint, think functional and minimal. You want comfy walking footwear because you actually will use those; sunscreen plus a hat, because you’ll be high in the atmosphere; rain gear which you should also have. Also, those hiking poles, those can turn out to be invaluable specifically when hiking up or down Rainbow Mountain. Also bring your camera gear too.

Booking Tricks and Money Stuff

Book it ahead. Doing that can very frequently get you more ideal pricing and make sure that you actually have a space. Look closely at what is included: the entrance fees, food, transport… Get that stuff nailed down before. Discover if that cost also includes the Rainbow Mountain horse hire, too.

Okay, Is This Tour Really a Good Option for YOU?

Taking a whirlwind tour of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain can really give you access to two remarkable places with a limited schedule. But it comes with some compromises: it has that intensity; you do not get the depth that slowly traveling can provide. I think that this sort of tour genuinely is outstanding for specific people, those who perhaps are short on holiday, those who’ve actually already acclimatized to Cusco and who really wish to just snag photos and visit the largest sites. Understand where your priorities truly are and align your expectations!