Experience our Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco, combining remarkable Inca sites with the colorful landscapes of Vinicunca in two unforgettable days. Explore Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac before hiking to Rainbow Mountain, one of the most spectacular high-altitude destinations in Peru.

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2-Day Experience • Departure from Cusco • Sacred Valley + Rainbow Mountain • Professional Guide • Group & Private Options

What Is the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour?

The Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour is a two-day experience from Cusco combining Inca archaeology, Andean culture, and a high-altitude mountain adventure. Day 1 explores Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac before returning to Cusco. Day 2 takes you to Vinicunca, where you’ll hike to Rainbow Mountain at approximately 5,020 meters above sea level.

Quick Facts

Tour Price

Group Service

From US$69 per person

Private Service

US$210 per person

The private option provides a dedicated guide, personalized pace, and greater flexibility throughout the experience.

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Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour Highlights

• Combine the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain in two days.
• Explore five important Sacred Valley destinations.
• Experience traditional Andean culture in Chinchero.
• Discover the circular Inca terraces of Moray.
• Visit the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.
• Explore the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.
• Discover Pisac and its impressive Inca terraces.
• Hike through spectacular high-Andean landscapes.
• Reach Rainbow Mountain at approximately 5,020 meters.
• Admire views toward the Ausangate mountain range.
• Choose between group and private services.
• Begin and finish the experience in Cusco.

Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Your Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco begins with a journey through one of the most historically important regions of the Inca Empire, the first day combines archaeology, traditional Andean culture, agricultural landscapes, and remarkable mountain scenery while exploring several of the Sacred Valley’s best-known destinations.

Chinchero – Andean Culture and Inca Heritage

Begin in Chinchero, a traditional Andean town surrounded by agricultural fields and impressive mountain scenery, discover Inca archaeological remains and learn about textile traditions that local communities continue to preserve using ancestral weaving techniques and natural materials. Chinchero provides an excellent introduction to both the ancient and living cultures of the Andes.

Moray – Circular Inca Terraces

Continue to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site characterized by enormous concentric terraces descending into natural depressions, the different terrace levels create varying environmental conditions, and Moray is commonly associated with agricultural experimentation during the Inca period. Its unusual design makes it one of the most distinctive archaeological landscapes in the Sacred Valley.

Maras Salt Mines – A Living Andean Tradition

Next, visit the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of traditional salt pools cascade down the mountainside, naturally salty water feeds the terraces, which local families continue to use for salt production. Beyond their striking appearance, the salt pools represent a living cultural tradition connected to the communities of the Sacred Valley.

Lunch in the Sacred Valley

Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a selection of Peruvian dishes before continuing your archaeological exploration.

Ollantaytambo – A Living Inca Town

After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s most impressive examples of Inca urban planning, explore monumental terraces, ceremonial structures, sophisticated stonework, and the dramatic mountain setting of this important archaeological complex. The modern town below still preserves elements of its original Inca street plan and water channels.

Pisac – Terraces and Andean Landscapes

Complete your Sacred Valley exploration at Pisac, famous for its extensive agricultural terraces and archaeological remains overlooking the valley, depending on the itinerary and operating conditions, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the traditional atmosphere of Pisac town and its artisan market. After the visit, return to Cusco and prepare for the high-altitude adventure awaiting you the following day.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2 – Rainbow Mountain Adventure

The second day takes you away from the archaeological landscapes of the Sacred Valley and into the dramatic high Andes, depart Cusco early and travel toward the trailhead for Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain.

Journey into the High Andes

Travel through changing Andean landscapes as the route climbs toward the Rainbow Mountain region, along the way, you’ll experience a very different side of Cusco: remote highland communities, open valleys, grazing animals, and mountain scenery dominated by the Ausangate range.

Hike to Rainbow Mountain

From the trailhead, begin the guided hike toward Rainbow Mountain. The trail crosses a high-altitude landscape surrounded by colorful mountains and wide views across the Andes, because of the elevation, the hike can feel considerably more demanding than a similar-distance walk at lower altitude. Therefore, maintaining a comfortable pace is important.

Reach Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain

Arrive at the famous Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at approximately 5,020 meters / 16,466 feet above sea level, here the naturally colored mineral layers of Vinicunca create one of Peru’s most recognizable mountain landscapes. Take time to appreciate the scenery, photograph the colorful formations, and enjoy panoramic views across the high Andes before beginning your descent.

Lunch and Return to Cusco

After descending, enjoy a buffet lunch before beginning the return journey, later, travel back to Cusco, completing two days that combine Inca archaeology, Andean culture, and one of Peru’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.

Why Choose a Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco?

Many travelers visit the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain on separate tours. This two day itinerary brings both experiences together in one coordinated program. On the first day, you’ll focus on the cultural and archaeological world of the Incas, exploring Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, then, on the second day, the experience changes completely as you travel into the high Andes for the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. As a result, the itinerary offers two very different perspectives on the Cusco region: its extraordinary Inca heritage and its dramatic natural geography, for travelers with limited time, this 2-day Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain itinerary provides an efficient way to experience both without organizing separate tours and logistics.

What’s Included

• Tourist transportation
• Professional guide
• Sacred Valley guided tour
• Rainbow Mountain guided hike
• Buffet lunch on Day 1
• Buffet lunch on Day 2
• Group or private service according to your reservation
• Return transportation to Cusco

What’s Not Included

• Sacred Valley archaeological entrance tickets unless specified
• Maras Salt Mines entrance fee unless specified
• Rainbow Mountain entrance fee unless specified
• Accommodation in Cusco
• Breakfast and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities

Who Is This Tour For?

This two day experience is ideal for:

• Travelers interested in Inca history and archaeology
• Adventure travelers
• Couples
• Friends traveling together
• Photography enthusiasts
• Visitors interested in Andean culture
• Travelers comfortable with high-altitude hiking
• Visitors who want to combine cultural and natural attractions
• Travelers with limited time in Cusco

Altitude and Preparation

How Difficult Is Rainbow Mountain?

Day 1 involves relatively moderate sightseeing and walking at archaeological sites. However, Day 2 is considerably more demanding because of the altitude. Rainbow Mountain reaches approximately 5,020 meters / 16,466 feet, where the reduced oxygen level can make physical activity significantly more difficult, therefore, travelers should walk at a comfortable pace and arrive adequately prepared for high altitude conditions.

Do I Need to Acclimatize Before the Tour?

Yes. We recommend spending adequate time acclimatizing in the Cusco region before attempting Rainbow Mountain. Although visiting the Sacred Valley first creates a more gradual travel itinerary before the high-altitude hike, Day 1 should not be considered a substitute for proper acclimatization.

What to Bring

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Warm layers
• Waterproof outer layer
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Small backpack
• Personal medication
• Cash for personal expenses and local fees

Weather in the high Andes can change quickly, so layered clothing is particularly important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour?

The complete experience takes two days. Day 1 is dedicated to the Sacred Valley, while Day 2 focuses on the high-altitude hike to Rainbow Mountain before returning to Cusco.

What places are visited in the Sacred Valley?

Day 1 includes Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, providing a combination of archaeology, traditional culture, and Andean landscapes.

What is the maximum altitude of the tour?

The highest point is Rainbow Mountain, at approximately 5,020 meters / 16,466 feet above sea level.

Is Rainbow Mountain difficult?

The physical challenge comes primarily from the high altitude. Travelers should be comfortable walking in mountain terrain and should allow adequate time to acclimatize before attempting the hike.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Technical hiking experience is not generally required. However, reasonable physical fitness and preparation for high altitude are recommended.

Where do I stay after Day 1?

The itinerary returns to Cusco after the Sacred Valley tour. Accommodation in Cusco is not included unless specifically stated in your reservation.

Are meals included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included during the Sacred Valley experience on Day 1 and after the Rainbow Mountain hike on Day 2.

Is this tour available privately?

Yes. Both group and private options are available. The private service provides a dedicated guide and greater flexibility throughout the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Because Rainbow Mountain reaches approximately 5,020 meters, suitability depends on the child’s age, physical condition, acclimatization, and experience at altitude. Families should carefully consider the high-altitude conditions before booking.

Experience Inca History and Rainbow Mountain in Two Days

Explore Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac before venturing into the high Andes to discover Vinicunca on our Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour. Combine remarkable Inca archaeology, living Andean culture, colorful mountain landscapes, and a high-altitude adventure in one carefully organized two-day journey from Cusco.

Reserve Your Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain Tour