Cusco Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour Review

Planning a trip that combines both the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and the famous Machu Picchu might seem a bit much, right? I mean, you want enough time to actually soak it all in, not just rush through checking spots off a list. I think finding the “right” tour can actually make or break the whole thing. This is a deep review that will tell you what to watch out for and give you some ideas to make your experience super awesome.

First Impressions: Picking the Perfect Tour

So, before setting off, the hunt to pick a good tour outfit feels truly overwhelming. There are seemingly a million of them that are promising you the best view, best experience, and, well, the lowest price, usually! I did, like, a lot of browsing through reviews, looking at what people said regarding group sizes (very important if you are wanting a personal experience), the level of activity (since Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu both ask for a reasonable amount of physical strength!), and what’s included. A detail that is often missed is making certain that there’s a good plan B for adjusting to the altitude because, trust you me, Cusco sits way up high! I actually found that the outfits that really focus on responsible tourism and helping the local community were better organized all around.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and Altitude Acclimatization

Ok, Day 1 is not a climbing-a-mountain kind of day; I mean, it’s basically all about allowing your body to deal with being at a totally different elevation. I remember I felt very lightheaded just strolling from the airport toward my hotel! I found a hotel that, actually, a lot of tours partner with—nothing over the top, but very clean and with oxygen readily available should you need it. The tour I picked gave an easy walk in Cusco. It really helped me stay awake and also get oriented. The guides, or, at least, the good ones, give very good recommendations for coca tea. I mean, drink lots of it. Actually, that does help a little. Seriously consider taking it pretty easy the very first day; so maybe take a short stroll through Plaza de Armas, and that is about all.

Day 2: Trekking to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

So, waking up super early on Day 2 to head for Rainbow Mountain is a toughie, not gonna lie. The trip in the van is super long—a few hours on kind of bumpy roads—but really the views begin well before the trek even starts! That’s something they don’t often tell you. When you are getting up there toward the start point, you are at a really high altitude; so it feels very cold! I think layering up clothing is definitely the key here. It can be pretty challenging to trek to the top, and it is definitely much harder than I had imagined! It’s steep in sections, and the air is super thin; so, honestly, take it at your own speed, and don’t attempt to be a hero. I swear the views from the summit, are worth it. I feel the landscape, colored with those striking mineral deposits, looks almost unreal, like a painting. Take a minute up there, not to just click photographs but just to absorb it. The trip back can be really tiring; make certain that your tour has good transport and, more importantly, a very experienced driver.

Day 3: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Prep

Ok, Day 3 feels a bit more chill because it mixes a lot of history with some relaxed traveling. I am talking touring through the Sacred Valley, which is definitely worth it if you are really interested in Incan history. Stops at spots such as Pisac as well as Ollantaytambo kind of help you value just how advanced this civilization used to be. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is at the foot of Machu Picchu, will be on train, that, for me at any rate, was something truly awesome. It goes through valleys that are spectacularly scenic, almost building the anticipation. Once there in Aguas Calientes, getting some rest and going through plans with your tour guide regarding the following day at Machu Picchu is something to be certain of.

Day 4: Exploring Machu Picchu

Ok, rising super early in order to catch that bus to Machu Picchu is worth it. So that you are going to be seeing it in that golden early-morning glow; trust us, it really sets a scene. Roaming through the ruins, that is a remarkable feeling—seeing something you may only have read about! I had a very good tour guide who helped paint the entire historical background to life; so it created this feeling of actually walking back in time. Try and ask a lot of questions. There’s really a great deal of information as well as a ton of secret spots that only local tour guides usually know about. Make certain you take that postcard-worthy photograph and also have a look at some of the less known sections. Most people spend the entire time near the most famous spots and don’t branch out; they tend to be well worth the additional exploration. Returning to Cusco in the evening actually gives you a lot of time to think about your visit. And seriously, the visit goes too fast.

What I Learned on This Tour

I’ll be frank: it can be a little challenging at altitude! Picking the right tour definitely made the entire difference. Small groups, knowledgable guides, and people that care about responsible travel can totally make a difference. For sure, Machu Picchu is awesome, but the trek up Rainbow Mountain really shocked me. Just the memory of the entire colored scenery, even after the huffing as well as puffing on my part, is priceless! The whole experience really tied together culture, adventure, and a very good challenge; this is an experience I’m very happy about and fully would endorse to people.