Rainbow Mountain

Peru

Impressive archaeological heritage of ancient civilizations testifies art, customs, rites and development.

Heritage

Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca citadel, is recognized as a member of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

If you love history and nature, this is the perfect combination for you. After a quick stop in Lima, fly to Cusco to begin your pilgrimage to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. You will enjoy some time learning about the Incas and other indigenous ancient cultures and their heritage to the world. Then enjoy a two-day hiking adventure to the colorful and picture-perfect Rainbow Mountain. Fall in love with the landscape. Suddenly it will become obvious why all this area has been venerated by many cultures over the years.

PACKAGE DETAILS

DAY 1 - LIMA

As soon you arrive to Quito an airport representative will be waiting for you at your airplane gate; he will assist during the migration and customs procedures. After customs a representative of Link Experiences will be waiting for you at Quito’s airport in order to welcome and accompany you during the transfer from airport to hotel. Quito’s airport is located 40 minutes away from the main city. Day at leisure to rest. Accommodation Quito Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 2 - LIMA

Pick up at your hotel and short drive to the Surquillo Market. The city's market is probably the best place to sample local produce and observe how different goods coming from the coast, highlands and jungle converge in one place. Then you will be transferred to El Bolivariano old tavern, where you can taste different types of piscos and traditional snacks. Sip a Pisco Sour while the ceviche demonstration is carried out by the local chef. Tasting continues at another renowned restaurant. Visit the residential and busy streets of Miraflores and San Isidro. Stroll around San Isidro´s Financial Center, Golf Club and Olive Grove Park; the city's oldest natural site. Continue your tour in Miraflores, where ancient inhabitants of the valley built the adobe pyramid of Huaca Pucllana. Make a stop at Parque del Amor (The Love Park) and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. Then you will be transferred to Lima´s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its long, wooden balconies were once used by flirty ``tapadas`` to see while not being seen. Colonial buildings surrounding the Main Square and the Cathedral stand out impressively. The Presidential Palace, City Hall and the Archbishop's Palace complete a nice sight. Be spooked by an astounding image at the Catacombs below the San Francisco Convent. Bargain for authentic handicrafts at the Indian Market, shop at Larcomar Mall or relax at your hotel. Accommodation in Lima city. Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 - LIMA / CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

A transportation service will pick you up from your hotel at the established time and will transfer you to the airport of Lima. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to the Sacred Valley, where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South American camelids and textiles showroom, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments. You will then visit the Pisac, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for two reasons: the craft market established between colonial buildings, and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area. Lunch at local restaurant. Accommodation in Sacred Valley Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 4 - SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

A transportation service with a guide will pick you up from your hotel in Urubamba at the established time and will drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station. The guide will assist you at the station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes in approximately two hours. This town is also known as ``Machu Picchu Pueblo`` and is the last stop before the entrance to the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes you will find the railway station, a crafts market, restaurants and accommodation of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early. Finally, after a short transfer you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that is believed served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572). Machu Picchu, which means ``Old Mountain``, is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Once in the citadel you may optionally also visit the Intipunku (Sun Gate) and the Inca Bridge. Enjoy a delicious lunch at local restaurant In the afternoon, take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes town and take the train back to Cusco. A transportation service with a guide will pick you up from the train station at the established time, and will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco City. The guide will assist you with your check-in. Accommodation in Cusco city Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

DAY 5 - CUSCO

You will start your tour visiting the Coricancha, also known as ``The Temple of the Sun`` (Quri Kancha 'Golden Temple'), which was built by the Inca Pachacutec and at the arrival of the Spaniards became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. Here, during the Inca Empire reverence was surrendered to the sun (``Inti``), and there was a time when it was covered with gold. Then visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument in the Plaza de Armas. Its construction began in 1560 and ended only in 1654. For this purpose hundreds of stones were extracted and transported from Sacsayhuaman fortress under the command of the Ecclesiastical Council. You will continue your tour to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, one of the most emblematic buildings of the Incas (located just minutes from town center) built by the Inca Pachacutec in the fifteenth century. This is a huge fortress built with large stones whose transportation remains still a mystery. Each June 24th, during the winter solstice, the feast of Inti Raymi is recreated here, where the sun is worshipped. Continue to Quenqo, located 4 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Quenqo is an archaeological complex of mainly religious use where it is believed agricultural rituals were performed. Finally get to know Puka Pucara, located 7 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Puka Pucara, which means ``Red Fortress``, was an architectural complex of alleged military use with multiple spaces, plazas, baths, aqueducts, walls and towers, and it is believed the entourage of the Inca used it while he rested in Tambomachay. Return to the hotel. Accommodation in Cusco city Meals included: Breakfast.

DAY 6 - CUSCO – VINICUNCA 2D/1N

The main characteristic of the mountain Vinicunca has made it re-baptized with different names like ``The Seven-Colors Mountain`` or the ``Rainbow Mountain``. Its unique coloration has made it a must-see destination for travelers from all over the world who are attracted to this place for its striking particularity. The two-day trip to Vinicunca Mountain begins early in the morning, where you will be transferred from the city of Cusco to the archaeological site of Uchullucllo on a route that will take you through extraordinary landscapes. Then you will head to Qesoyoni where, after your arrival, you will have a Lunch Box. You will participate in an acclimatization walk around the area and during the afternoon you will enjoy dinner. Overnight at the camp. Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner.

DAY 7 – CUSCO

The day starts early in the morning with a nutritious breakfast to then begin the hike through the mountain range; a trek that is estimated to last about three hours. Upon arrival, one of the most impressive visual experiences to be found awaits for you: the 7 Color-Mountain. You will have time to visit and appreciate it for an estimated time of 30 to 45 minutes depending on weather conditions. Afterwards, you will begin the descent to Qesoyoni and then enjoy lunch. The return to Cusco will begin after lunch and arrival to the city will be around 8 p.m. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

DAY 8 – CUSCO - LIMA

A transportation service with a guide will pick you up from your hotel at the established time and transfer you to the airport. Flight to Lima Meals included: Breakfast

INCLUDED

TOUR GUIDE:

  • English-Spanish speaking – guide-driver in private basis

ACCOMMODATION:

  • Double accommodation with daily breakfast. Accomodation is subject to availability until confirmation.

TRANSPORT:

  • All transfers & private ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Assistance with the check-in procedure at airport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

  • All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary with private bilingual speaking guide (English & Spanish)
  • Meals as detailed on the program, Peruvian and international gastronomy.
  • Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N
  • Cusco tourist tax
  • Machu Picchu package, services on PRIVATE BASIS:
    o Transfer hotel / train station / hotel
    o Round trip train ticket on board selected train
    o Entrance fee to Machu Picchu plus round Trip bus
    o 2.5 hours Private basis tour with local guide
  • Personalized assistance 24/7

NOT INCLUDED

Personal expenses, Extras and Tips.

YES

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Meals not stated in the program.

YES

International or domestic air tickets.

YES

Medical services.

NOT

Personal travel insurance.

NOT

Early check-in / Late check-out.

NOT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Our rates are quoted on a per person basis, subject to change without notice and may only be guaranteed after booking.
  • If the suggested / listed hotels for this program are not available at the time of confirmation, we will offer new hotel alternatives with reviewed prices.
  • Rates applicable for receptive passengers, not corporate.
  • Trek to Machu Picchu includes guided assistance during the first day of visit, but not the second day.
  • The Cathedral of Lima does not open on Sundays.
  • Koricancha Temple in Cusco does not open on Sunday mornings or religious holidays.
  • Rates are subject to change if they match with Inti Raymi dates (from June 20th to 27th), Independence Day (July 28th and 29th), international events, Christmas and New Year.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Comfortable and light clothes are the most convenient choice for traveling on Perus coast, while warmer clothes are best for stays in the highlands. Passengers must not wear sleeveless T-shirts, shorts, miniskirts or very tight clothes when visiting temples, religious places or official buildings. Sunblock lotion, sun glasses, a hat or cap and a mosquito repellent can be also very helpful during the trip.

Please have in mind that check-in hour in most hotels starts at 13:00 hrs. Early-arriving guests will be subject to room availability, while waiting in the hotel lobby.

 

RELEVANT INFORMATION ON THE NEW ENTRY REGULATIONS IN MACHU PICCHU

Current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu include a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel and the first entry accompanied by a guide. If the visitor makes an alternate route (Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu) he will have 3 more hours, additional to the 4 hours of the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter again during the afternoon shift or the following day, he must first acquire an extra ticket to enter on the new shift. There is no sale of tickets in the archaeological zone.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUGGAGE TRANSFER ABOARD THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU

  • Carry the same ID card submitted to the agency, as train tickets and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
  • In all train services to Machu Picchu the passenger may only carry hand luggage (backpack, purse or briefcase), with a maximum weight of 5kg / 11lb. You will find your luggage at your chosen hotel.
  • Size allowance: 62 linear inches, 157cm (height + length + width)
  • 1 bag or backpack: Weight 5kg/11lb, Size (length + width + height) 62 inches/157cm

“Had such a blast here in Ecuador, thank you Link Experiences for giving amazing memories we will never forget”

Josephine Skriver

Copenhagen, DENMARK

This is your starting point

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Enjoy a trip back in time to the Inca's land, savor the world renown Peruvian cuisine and discover some of the most renowned sites in Peru.

DETAILS

If you love history and nature, this is the perfect combination for you. Machu Pichu, Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain and Lima are part of this itinerary.

DETAILS

Taste Lima´s exquisite cuisine, while visiting its beautiful historic center and modern districts!

DETAILS