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The Sungate expeditions 3D/2N

Overview

Hike the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain with Qoricancha Expeditions, Experience the royal path of the Inca Trail with a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. This trek takes you on a moderate hike suitable for beginners, families, and elder hikers, leading you to Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate. Along the way, you'll get the unique opportunity to behold Machu Picchu twice. But the adventure doesn't stop there! After completing the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, embark on another thrilling journey to explore the newfound tourist attraction, the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. This tour offers an ideal balance of hiking and sightseeing, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Peru.

FREQUENCY: This tour is run during the whole year.( except February becuase inca Trail is closed due to the Maintenance )
Type of Service: Group tour. english speaking group with a max of 10 hikers.
Availability: everyday (We ONLY need to check Inca Trail permits availability at booking time)
Difficulty: moderate - challenge, Inca trail is about 6h hike located at lower elevation than Cusco // Rainbow mountain is challenge, the levation is at 5150m.

Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?

Expertise and Excellence: Qoricancha Expeditions is renowned for its commitment to excellence in guiding and customer service. With their experienced team, you're in the hands of professionals who will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Qoricancha Expeditions provides expert guides who will share their deep knowledge of the region, offering insights into the ancient Inca civilization and local traditions.
Small Group Advantage: Smaller tour group sizes allow for a more intimate experience, increased interaction with guides, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow travelers.
Memories for a Lifetime: Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions guarantees not only an unforgettable adventure but also memories that will stay with you forever. It's a journey that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Peru.

What ou need to take for this tour:

Original Passport.
Small day pack,.
Insect repellent (Machu picchu is located at begining of jungle)
Sun hat . sun screen.
Rain gear (from November to April is wet season )
Camara.
Wáter
Snack.
Trekking cloth
Hiking shoes.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the Andes with our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain adventure with Qoricancha Expeditions. Trek through ancient Inca paths to reach the iconic Machu Picchu, then add a burst of vibrant color to your experience with a visit to the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain. It's an unforgettable fusion of history, natural beauty, and cultural exploration in the Peruvian highlands.

Included

Briefing the night before of the tour at 6pm
Experienced english speaking tour guide
Round trip Expeditions tourist class train
A 3 *** hotel in Aguas Calientes. (can be upgrade to luxury ones with extra cost)
Meals according the itinerary
All tcikets for the Inca Trail, Machu picchu and Raimbow Mountain
Round trip bus ticket to Machu picchu.

Excluded

Hotel before and after the tour.
Huayna Picchu, it cost $75 each,. but is optional
Travel Insurance - optional but advisable
Tiiping for the crew

Itinerary

Day 1: Hike short Inca Trail to Machu picchu.

Your short Inca Trail adventure begins with an early start as your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. You'll embark on a journey to Ollantaytambo train station, which takes approximately 1.5 hours by road. At the train station, you'll board the train that will take you to kilometer 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail. Upon arriving at kilometer 104, you'll encounter an official checkpoint where you'll need to present your original passport for verification and receive a stamp if you wish to have one. After completing the necessary formalities, you'll get ready for your hike, and your guide will provide guidance as you begin your journey.

The first significant stop along the trail is the Chachabamba Inca site, located at the beginning of the hike. Here, you'll have a guided tour to learn about the historical significance of this site. From there, you'll continue your walk. The initial section of the trail involves a gradual ascent lasting about 3.5 hours. Along the way, you'll have several opportunities to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views, capture photographs, and refuel with snacks. This portion of the trail takes you through a cloud forest, where you can admire remarkable flora, including vibrant orchids and observe hummingbirds. The next remarkable site you'll encounter is Wiñay Wayna, often regarded as a miniature Machu Picchu by many travelers. You'll have a guided tour of this unique Inca site and ample time to appreciate its beauty. Following your visit to Wiñay Wayna, you'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

After lunch, there's approximately one more hour of hiking to reach the Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku. This vantage point is exclusively accessible to Inca Trail hikers and provides a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You'll typically arrive at the Sun Gate around 2 pm, an ideal time to relish the afternoon views of the citadel and possibly witness a captivating sunset. From the Sun Gate, it's another hour of downhill walking to reach the Machu Picchu citadel itself. The trail leads you directly to the upper part of Machu Picchu, offering the most magnificent views. You'll have ample time to admire the scenery, take photographs, and capture videos.

Afterward, you'll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can freshen up with a shower before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. It will be a memorable and fulfilling day, culminating in your arrival at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Acomodation. Tierra Viva Machu Picchu *** or similar
Tickets: Included
Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2: Machu picchu and back to Cusco.

Your day starts early today, as you enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, your guide will pick you up, and walk to the bus station. From there, you'll board one of the early buses that will take you up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once you are there, your guided tour of this remarkable archaeological site will begin. Your guide will lead you through the citadel, sharing in-depth information about its various temples, water channels, and pathways. You'll gain a deep understanding of the history and significance of this sacred city of Machu Picchu.

If you have tickets for Huayna Picchu mountain, you'll have the opportunity to climb it after your Machu Picchu guided tour. The ascent takes approximately 2 hours, including the climb up and down. Huayna Picchu offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

After completing your tour at Machu Picchu and, if applicable, your climb of Huayna Picchu, you'll take a bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, you'll board a train that will take you back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station in the Sacred Valley, our driver will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. The estimated time of your return to Cusco is around 7.30 pm.

It will be a day filled with exploration, learning, and unforgettable experiences as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Accomodation. book on your own.
Tickets. Include.
Meals: Only breakfast at hotel.

Day 03: Raimbow Mountain & red Valley.

Your day begins with an early start, as your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4 am. You'll embark on a journey that will take you to one of Peru's natural wonders – the Rainbow Mountain. The drive to the trailhead is approximately 3 hours long, after 2h driver we stop at Cusipata for breakfast.

Once you arrive at the trailhead, situated at an elevation of 4,350 meters (14,271 feet), you'll get prepared for the hike. Given the high altitude, the area can be cold and dry, so be sure to dress warmly. The hike itself will cover about 4 kilometers and take around 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. This breathtaking natural attraction is located at an elevation of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). You'll have ample time to savor the stunning views, take photographs, and truly appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the place.

Following your time at Rainbow Mountain, the hike continues as you explore the Red Valley, situated at the backside of Rainbow Mountain. The views from the upper part of this valley are captivating, with the landscape drenched in shades of red. This unique experience provides a striking contrast to the colorful Rainbow Mountain.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, you'll trek back along the same path to where your driver will be waiting for you. From there, it's about a 50-minute drive to a local restaurant where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch. Following your meal, you'll be driven back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 5:50 pm. It will have been a day filled with natural wonders and unforgettable landscapes, making it an exceptional addition to your Peruvian adventure.

Acomodation: book on your own
Ticket. Included
Meals: breakfast - Lunch

Thank you for Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions!