- Day tours
- Ollantaytambo- Rainbow mountain
Experience an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes combining the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with the spectacular Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain. This adventure is perfect for travelers who want to discover both the ancient Inca heritage around Machu Picchu and the high-altitude beauty of the Cusco Andes in one incredible trip.
Begin your adventure on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, following the original Inca stone trail from Km 104. Hike through ancient archaeological sites, lush mountain scenery, and the famous Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca sites along the route. Continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you can enjoy your first views of Machu Picchu before descending toward Aguas Calientes.
After exploring Machu Picchu, continue your adventure into the remote highlands of Cusco with the Ausangate Trek. This challenging trek takes you through traditional Andean communities, turquoise lagoons, high mountain passes, glaciers, and some of the most impressive scenery around Ausangate Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region.
The journey culminates at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), famous for its naturally colored mineral layers. Reaching the viewpoint provides an unforgettable experience at more than 5,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Price & Duration
This combined 5-day adventure — 2 days on the Short Inca Trail and 3 days on the Ausangate Trek — is priced at $1,100 USD per person, all-inclusive.
Tour Details at a Glance
Why Combine the Short Inca Trail with Ausangate?
Combining these two adventures allows you to experience two very different sides of the Peruvian Andes. The Short Inca Trail takes you into the world of the ancient Incas and Machu Picchu, while the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain introduce you to remote mountain landscapes, traditional Andean culture, and high-altitude trekking.
This combination is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for more than a standard Machu Picchu tour. You will experience ancient archaeological sites, local communities, high mountain passes, colorful lagoons, Ausangate Mountain, and the famous Rainbow Mountain all in one carefully organized trip.
A Complete Cusco Adventure
From the historic Inca Trail to the high-altitude landscapes of Ausangate, this itinerary combines culture, hiking, adventure, and authentic Andean experiences. With the support of a local team based in Cusco, you can enjoy the journey with experienced guides, organized transportation, permits, and the logistics needed for a safe and memorable adventure.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days)
The most convenient and accessible way to reach the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu along the original Inca-built trail. Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic hiking experience.
Ausangate Mountain Trek (3 Days)
A high-altitude journey through glacial lagoons, high-altitude birdlife, and herds of vicuñas and alpacas roaming free. The snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, with its crystal-clear waterfalls, marks the highlight of the trek before reaching the world-renowned Rainbow Mountain.
Why Choose This Combined Tour?
What’s Included (Confirma si esta lista es correcta antes de publicar)
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is this combined tour? It’s rated challenging. The Short Inca Trail covers 12 km over moderate terrain, while the Ausangate Trek involves high-altitude passes above 5,000 m — good physical fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
How many days does the tour take in total? 5 days total — 2 days on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, followed by 3 days on the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain.
Is altitude sickness a concern? Yes — this is one of the biggest challenges of the Ausangate portion, which reaches over 5,000 m. We recommend at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting.
Do I need prior trekking experience? Some hiking experience is recommended given the altitude and multi-day nature of this combined trek, though no technical climbing skills are required.
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in private transportation provided by our office. The pick-up will be early in the morning to ensure a timely departure to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, specifically to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train heading to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Your train journey will last approximately an hour and a half, bringing you to Kilometer 104, the starting point of your hike toward the Sun Gate and the ruins of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive at this sacred city, you will have the chance to take the iconic photos of Machu Picchu. You can also take a moment for meditation or recharge your energy in this sacred Inca city.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Inca Ruins – Cusco
On the second day, you will start with breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, your guide will accompany you to the bus station, where you will take a bus up to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu for your guided tour of this magnificent lost city of the Incas.
The guided tour of Machu Picchu will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which your guide will take you through the city’s impressive Inca constructions, including the Temple of the Sun, the Palace of the Inca King, and other sacred temples within this ancient site. Your guide will also share fascinating stories and historical insights, bringing the wonder of Machu Picchu to life.
After the guided tour, you will board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch in town. Later in the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco, where this part of your journey concludes.
Day 3: Cusco – Ocongate – Pacchanta – Seven Lagoons – Upis
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey toward the stunning mountains of Ausangate. The drive takes approximately three hours to reach the small town of Ocongate, where you will have time for a short break.
Afterward, we will continue driving for a couple more hours until we arrive at Pacchanta, a picturesque location where we will meet our horseman and pack animals. You’ll have about 30 minutes to take in the breathtaking surroundings and capture some photos, with views of snow-capped peaks and naturally colorful mountains.
From Pacchanta, we will begin our hike toward the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas of the region’s pristine landscapes, including serene lagoons and rugged mountain terrain. Around midday, we will stop to enjoy a well-prepared lunch amidst the tranquility of nature.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Upis, where we will set up camp for the night, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes — an incredible opportunity to relax, soak in the scenery, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 4: Upis – Ausangate Lake – Ananta Pass – Pampa Alcataury
The hike begins early in the morning, fueled by a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the challenge ahead: crossing the Puka Qhasa Pass. This stretch is considered one of the most demanding yet rewarding parts of the Ausangate trek, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
As you make your way toward the next campsite, you will be surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature and the unique wildlife that inhabits the region. The trail is lined with sparkling lagoons in varying shades of blue and green, as well as cascading waterfalls flowing from the glaciers of Ausangate mountain — an ever-changing landscape that is truly mesmerizing.
Upon reaching the summit of the pass, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the striking Red Valley and the rugged terrain that cradles the iconic Rainbow Mountain. It’s a moment of awe and serenity, perfect for taking in the grandeur of the Andes.
From the summit, the journey continues with an additional hour of trekking before arriving at your campsite, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness — the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 5: Pampa Alcataury – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain
On the final day of your trek along the Ausangate route, the day begins early with a sunrise wake-up call. Starting early ensures you’ll be among the first to arrive at the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, giving you the unique opportunity to take in its vibrant colors and capture incredible photos without the crowds.
Upon reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the serene beauty of this natural wonder, enjoying unparalleled panoramic views of rugged peaks, colorful valleys, and vast open skies. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on the journey and immerse yourself in the magic of this awe-inspiring place.
After taking your time to enjoy the views and capture lasting memories, we will begin our descent, trekking for about an hour to the designated lunch spot to relax and enjoy a well-earned meal.
Following lunch, we will start our journey back to Cusco. The return drive takes approximately three hours, giving you time to rest and take in the final views of the Andes before arriving in the city, where your adventure concludes — marking the perfect end to a truly unforgettable exploration of the Ausangate region.
