Explore Machu Picchu From Urubamba in 6 Days, Minimizing Altitude Sickness

Your adventure begins early in the morning when your guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco. You will travel by bus to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu. The early departure ensures you arrive in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes you will board a bus with your guide that will take you on a scenic drive to the entrance of Machu Picchu. As you ascend, you will catch a glimpse of the lush landscape and the Urubamba River flowing below.

Once at the entrance, our expert guide will lead you through the gates of Machu Picchu. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Inca citadel, you will be captivated by the serene and mystical atmosphere. Your guide will share with you the rich history of Machu Picchu and architectural wonders of Machu Picchu, giving you a deep insight into the significance of each area.

After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to explore the site on your own. Stroll through the other areas of the site and enjoy the panoramic views from different vantage points.

When you are ready to return, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can relax and enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants, (Not included) savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine.

After lunch, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. The train ride takes around 1.45 hours, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your incredible Machu Picchu experience while enjoying the panoramic views of the Sacred Valley on the way back. Once you arrive in Ollanatytambo, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, concluding your unforgettable day exploring one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

Entrance ticket: Circuit 2 (The best Machu Picchu circuit included)
Meals: Not included
Minimum elevation: Minimum altitude is 2878.90 m (9445.21 ft).
Maximum elevation: The highest altitude is at Machu Picchu 7,972 feet (2,430m) above sea level
Duration of tour: This is a full day tour
Type of train: Expedition (Round trip)
Overnight accommodation: in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo

Enjoy a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley, departing from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. We begin the day exploring the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, where you will discover the architectural wonders of the ancient Inca civilization. Next, venture into the picturesque town of Pisac to stroll through its vibrant market, brimming with colorful textiles, handicrafts and local delicacies. Next, we drive up to the Pisac ruins, located high above the valley, which offer panoramic views and insight into Inca history and spirituality.

Entrance ticket: All entrance tickets included
Meals: Not included
Minimum elevation: Minimum altitude is 2878.90 m (9445.21 ft).
Maximum elevation: The highest altitude is at Pisac 11,152 feet (3,399 meters).
Duration of tour: 6 hours
Overnight accommodation: in Cusco (Not included).

To make the most of our time at Rainbow Mountain, our incredible Full Day Rainbow Mountain starts early at 4:00 am. Your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, and we will depart in our private transportation, driving for approximately 2 hours on a paved road towards the South Valley. Along the way we will stop for breakfast and recharge our energy for our adventure.

After breakfast, we will continue our journey in our van, traveling for 1.5 hrs on a dirt road to reach the trailhead. On the way, we will cross the impressive Andean mountains, passing through picturesque villages such as Paucarpata (3,310 meters / 10,860 feet) and the community of Chillihuani, until we reach the checkpoint at Llaqto. We will also have the opportunity to observe herds of llamas and alpacas, and perhaps even see local shepherds going about their daily activities.

Arriving at the village of Pitumarca, located at an altitude of 4,650 meters / 15,255 feet, we will begin our hike along a winding trail through the foothills of the majestic Andes. As we ascend, breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna, including llamas, alpacas, and possibly chinchillas and vicuñas, will enrich our experience. Vicuñas, the only wild member of the llama family in Peru, are particularly elusive and fascinating to see.

After an ascent of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, we will arrive at the impressive Rainbow Mountain, located at 5,020 meters / 16,466 feet above sea level. At the Vinicunca lookout point, we will take our time to marvel at this natural wonder, with its vibrant layers of turquoise, orange, brown and red rock sediments. Your guide will explain the geological theories behind this extraordinary formation, making the experience even more enriching.

Take lots of pictures and enjoy the spectacular views. On clear days, you will also be able to see the majestic Ausangate (6,300 meters), the most revered Apu in Andean cosmology and the highest peak in the region. We will spend between 30 minutes and an hour at the summit, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

After our adventure our private transport will be waiting to take us back to the village of Cusipata, where a delicious buffet lunch awaits us at a local restaurant. After lunch, we’ll drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Entrance ticket: All entrance tickets included
Total Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
Lowest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
Physical Grading: ★★★☆☆ Moderate to difficult, depending on level of physical fitness
Overnight accommodation: in Cusco (Not included).

Our tour begins at 9:00 AM with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We will begin by exploring the fascinating surroundings of the city, starting with the ruins of the Temple of Water, an ancient site steeped in history and significance. Next, we will visit the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where you will marvel at its impressive stonework and learn about its historical significance.

Continuing our journey, we will explore the mysterious ruins of Qenqo, known for its intricate carvings and labyrinthine passageways. Next, we will head to the Inca Museum, where you will have the opportunity to see the most complete collection of artifacts from the Inca and pre-Inca cultures, offering an in-depth look at the region’s rich heritage. Our tour will also include a visit to the bustling San Pedro Market in the city of Cusco. Here you will experience a vibrant atmosphere, taste local food and see traditional handicrafts. This tour offers a complete overview of Cusco’s historical and cultural treasures, making it an unforgettable experience.

Entrance ticket: All entrance tickets included
Meals: Not included
Minimum elevation: Minimum altitude is 11,152 feet (3,399 meters).
Maximum elevation: The highest altitude is at Tambomachay 3,700 meters above sea level (12,139 feet elevation).
Duration of tour: 4 hours
Overnight accommodation: in Cusco (Not included).

At the end of our itinerary, we will arrange transportation to the Cusco airport based on your flight departure time. If you decide to extend your stay in Cusco for an extra day, we can easily adjust your airport transfer accordingly for your departure day.