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3D - 2N
2650
Up to 8 people
Group
This fantastic Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package covers the last section of the Classic Inca Trail and takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the Sun Gate, followed by the amazing trail to the world renowned Rainbow Mountain!
Two amazing trails that take you to two of the most spectacular places in the world, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. Follow the “Ancient Inca Road” through lush subtropical vegetation, cloud forest, expansive mountain vistas and extraordinary ecological varieties. Enter through the Sun Gate for the most jaw dropping views of Machu Picchu.
On your last day, hike to an amazing and eye-catching Rainbow Mountain. Join the millions that have followed the path to this stunning piece of nature. Both hikes offer added hikes for even further discovery. From Machu Picchu hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain for panoramic view of the citadel and its landscape. Also, venture to Red Valley from Rainbow Mountain to discover Mars right here on earth.
We welcome you to the Imperial City of Cusco that sits at 3 400m / 11 155ft above see level. Cusco will take your breath away in more ways than one. It´s good idea to spend the day relaxing and acclimating to the high elevation. Also, explore the architectural wonder that is its historical center. Spending time in its picturesque Plaza De Armas or bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. Try out some alpaca apparel, local Andean Cuisine or just a cup of coffee from one of the many cafes in Cusco.
Get ready for early 4am pick up for a scenic drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We arrive in time for a quick takeaway cup of coffee and breakfast (not included) before catching the 6:10am train to KM104. Upon arrival at the trail head, we stopover to prepare for the hike ahead, apply sunscreen, insect repellent and pack away our box lunches.
The Start of the Hike
Get off the train at the famous Km104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!
Winay Wayna
Once you cross over the bridge, start a steep incline to the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level). From here the views of the valley are stunning. Explore this well preserved site that was only rediscovered in 1942. We stop at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground for our delectable box lunch. This is the point were the Short Inca Trail and the Classic Inca Trail intersect. Enjoy the incredible flora and fauna of this subtropical microclimate that’s close to the jungle. Let us know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at booking.
The Sun Gate
Later, have an hour long walk that gently rolls up and down. Just before reaching the Sun Gate, climb a steep set of steps known as the Gringo Killers. Once past the steps, reach the Sun Gate and have your first jaw dropping view of the UNESCO world heritage site, Machu Picchu. Take time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take photos of Machu Picchu from this unique point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca.
Machu Picchu
Once you reach Machu Picchu, have time to take more photos from the viewing platform above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with the advantage of fewer people. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and check into the hotel. Have a delicious dinner, followed by some time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll not want to miss! Your guide will give you a full tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
Back to Cusco
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back in Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, to begin our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. Drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.
The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. As you start your hike, have views of the Ausangate Mountain and other glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few phrases in Quechua!
The Mountain
After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. There is also an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will be prepared by our cook.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:00pm.
At any time, we will drive you back to airport for you flight back home or next destination. Coordinate your departure times with the office.
End of our service.
***The 2 Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package is available on any date that its best for you (except February when it is closed for maintenance). Join in with our group and get the best deals.
Please contact our Sales team for the cost of these tours.
***Private service is available for $150 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is a optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and 2 Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu Package your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more conveninet for you.
FIRST, to book your Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
Unfortunately the answer is no. Once the tickets for the Inca Trail have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your 2 Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Please ensure that before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. The government authorities are very strict about this !!
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Package does not include extra porter. Tou will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek.
In your daypack for the Short Inca Trail, you should have:
In your duffel that will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
2650
3D - 2N
Up to 8 people
Van, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
