Explore the stunning natural wonders of Peru with this comprehensive 3-day tour from Cusco. Witness the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, marvel at the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and challenge yourself with a hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. This expertly curated experience offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort, catering to a maximum of 15 travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of the Andean landscape. But what makes this journey truly unique? Let’s dive into the details.
Good To Know
- This 3-day tour from Cusco, Peru features visits to Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu by train, and Rainbow Mountain.
- The tour is expertly organized with transportation, admission tickets, and a knowledgeable guide for a personalized experience.
- Moderate fitness level is required due to the high altitudes and strenuous hiking involved in the itinerary.
- Accommodation is not included, allowing for maximum exploration time during the tour.
- The tour has received an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews, with praise for the stunning scenery and well-organized logistics.
Tour Overview
This 3-day tour from Cusco, Peru covers the highlights of the region, including Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca), and the iconic Machu Picchu.
The tour is expertly organized, eliminating planning hassles and providing transport, admission tickets, and a knowledgeable guide. The small group size is limited to 15 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.
While accommodation isn’t included, the tour’s efficient planning makes the most of the limited time. Suitable for moderately fit travelers, this tour offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to interact with local communities, making it an unforgettable adventure in the Andes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco
Day 1: Humantay Lake
The tour begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM.
You’ll embark on a 4-hour drive to Soraypampa, located at an elevation of 3,850 meters. After a hearty breakfast in Mollepata, you’ll trek for 1.5 hours to the stunning Humantay Lake, situated at 4,200 meters.
The turquoise waters of the lake are framed by the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains. You’ll have the option to rent a horse for part of the trek.
Once at the lake, you’ll have time to take in the breathtaking views, take photos, and make offerings to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits.
Day 2: Machu Picchu by Train
After the captivating experience at Humantay Lake, the tour group heads towards Machu Picchu.
They’re picked up from their hotel at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM, depending on train availability. The drive to Ollantaytambo train station takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
Then, they board the 2-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, enjoying scenic views along the way. From there, it’s a 30-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance.
Day 3: Rainbow Mountain
Early the next morning, the group is picked up from their hotel at 4:30 AM for the Rainbow Mountain tour.
The 3-hour drive takes them to Pitumarca and Cusipata, where they enjoy breakfast before starting the 1.5 to 2-hour trek to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain.
The hike offers stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain. Along the way, travelers interact with local communities.
Reaching the summit at 5,020 meters, they’re rewarded with the iconic multicolored mountain landscape. After time for photos and exploration, the group descends and returns to Cusco, completing the 3-day tour covering Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
Included and Additional Information
Included in the tour package are the services of a knowledgeable guide, all necessary transportation, and admission tickets for Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. However, meals, tips, snacks, and other extras are not included. A moderate fitness level is required, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
| What’s Included | What’s Not Included |
|---|---|
| Tour Guide | Meals |
| Transportation | Tips |
| Admission Tickets | Snacks |
| – | Extras |
The tour has a small group size, limited to 15 travelers. Cancellation is non-refundable, and the price starts from $423.08 per person.
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Tour Reviews and Ratings
The 6 reviews of the tour showcase an overwhelmingly positive response, with an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
The breakdown reveals:
- 5 reviews at 5 stars
- 1 review at 4 stars
Notably, hikers rated the difficulty as moderate to difficult due to the high altitude and challenging terrain.
Reviewers recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 24 hours before the hike.
The non-refundable tour starts from $423.08 per person and isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate fitness level from participants.
Difficulty and Acclimatization
The tour’s hiking difficulty is a key consideration for prospective travelers. The hikes to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain are rated moderate to difficult due to the high altitude and challenging terrain. Proper acclimatization is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
| Altitude (m) | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| 3,850 | Moderate |
| 4,200 | Difficult |
| 5,020 | Difficult |
The tour operator recommends spending at least 24 hours in Cusco before embarking on the hiking portions of the tour. This allows the body to adjust to the high altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Travelers should also pack appropriate gear and be prepared for the physical demands of the hikes.
Tour Booking and Pricing
As per the tour details, the price starts from $423.08 per person, though the exact cost may vary depending on the group size and specific travel dates.
The tour is non-refundable upon cancellation, so it’s essential to thoroughly review the inclusions and plan accordingly.
Key things to consider when booking this tour:
- Tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per group.
- Accommodation isn’t included, allowing flexibility for travelers.
- Meals are provided only during the Machu Picchu portion of the tour.
- Additional expenses like tips, snacks, and extras aren’t covered in the package.
- A moderate fitness level is required due to the high-altitude hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour Separately From the Full Package?
Yes, you can book the Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain tours separately from the full package. The tour operator offers these individual tours, which don’t require booking the entire 3-day itinerary.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy is non-refundable, meaning any cancellations will not receive a refund. This tour package has a strict cancellation policy, so travelers should consider their plans carefully before booking.
Are Children Allowed on This Tour?
The tour allows children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age is not specified, so the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the demanding hiking involved.
Can I Upgrade the Train Ticket to Machu Picchu?
Yes, you can upgrade the train ticket to Machu Picchu. The tour provider offers an option to upgrade the standard train ticket for an additional cost, which provides a higher class of service and amenities during the journey.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Trekking Gear?
The tour provides basic trekking gear, but you may want to bring your own specialized equipment like hiking boots, hiking poles, and layered clothing for the varying temperatures and terrain. Check with the tour operator for specific gear recommendations.
Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu by Train and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days in Cusco
The Sum Up
This 3-day tour of Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Andes. Highlights include the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and the vibrant landscapes of Rainbow Mountain. With a small group size and an expert-organized itinerary, travelers can expect a personalized and unforgettable adventure in Peru.
