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If you’re dreaming of soaking up the best of Cusco’s iconic sites in a short burst, this 3-day guided tour might just be the perfect fit. Designed for those who want to experience Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain without the hassle of planning every detail, it offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery.
What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides ensure you truly understand what you’re seeing, elevating the visit from a simple photo opportunity to a meaningful encounter. Second, the variety of destinations packed into just three days makes it an efficient way to tick off Cusco’s most spectacular sights.
A potential consideration? The days are quite packed, especially with early mornings and long travel hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with good physical fitness and a sense of adventure.
This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize their time, enjoy guided experiences, and meet fellow travelers along the way. If you’re after authentic encounters without the stress of logistics, this trip offers a compelling, value-packed option.
Key Points
- Combines Cusco’s top sights: Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain
- Group tour with shared transportation, guides, and entrance tickets
- Early mornings and full days — expect some long travel hours
- Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness levels
- Excellent value for the price compared to independent trip planning
- Highly praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery
An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Cusco Tour
Day 1: The High Altitude Trek to Humantay Lake
The journey begins at the crack of dawn, with a 5:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. This early start is typical for high-altitude excursions, as you want to beat the crowds and enjoy the stunning morning light. The drive from Cusco takes about four hours to Mollepata, a small town famous for its hearty breakfast options. Here, you’ll fuel up before heading towards Soraypampa, perched at 3,850 meters above sea level. This stop is important not just for breakfast but also as the starting point of your trek.
The walk from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake takes around 1.5 hours, ascending gradually and offering plenty of chances to catch your breath and admire the breathtaking mountain scenery. Once you arrive, the lake at 4,200 meters offers a view that’s nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay provide a dramatic backdrop as you snap photos and breathe in the crisp mountain air.
What makes this stop special? The chance to offer a small gift to the mountain spirits (Apus), a local tradition that adds a layer of cultural respect to your visit. For those less inclined to hike, horses are available to rent, making this accessible to a range of fitness levels.
The descent back to Soraypampa is much easier and offers a chance to relax and enjoy a hearty lunch. The return journey to Cusco concludes around 6:00 pm, leaving you with a memorable day in the mountains.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – The Incan Marvel
This day begins with a hotel pickup between 6:00 am and 8:00 am, depending on your train ticket schedule, emphasizing flexibility and convenience. The drive to Ollantaytambo train station takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, followed by a scenic 2-hour train ride through lush valleys and rugged terrain en route to Aguas Calientes — the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Included in the tour are train snacks, which are a thoughtful touch for such a long journey. Once in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride (roughly 30 minutes) takes you up the mountain to Machu Picchu itself. Here, a guided tour of about 2 hours introduces you to the main highlights of this world-famous citadel, including the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, and Royal Rooms. The guides do an excellent job of weaving in historical insights, making the visit more than just photos.
After the guided tour, you’re free to explore independently or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. There’s also the option to visit the hot springs nearby, adding a relaxing end to a busy day.
The return train to Ollantaytambo takes about 2 hours, and from there, a coach whisks you back to Cusco. Expect to arrive around 10:30 pm, making this a full, activity-packed day.
Day 3: Rainbow Mountain – The Colorful Wonder
The early bird catches the rainbow, with a pick-up at 4:30 am. Your journey heads south from Cusco, passing through the South Valley to Pitumarca — a small, scenic town where the adventure continues. After a 3-hour drive, you’ll stop in Cusipata for breakfast, fueling up for the hike ahead.
The trek to Vinincunca (Rainbow Mountain) is typically 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through traditional villages and herds of llamas and alpacas. This part of the journey offers countless photo opportunities and the chance to interact with local people in their traditional attire. The highlight is reaching the mountain of seven colors at 5,020 meters, where you can take in the surreal scenery and capture photos of the vibrant strata of mineral deposits.
Expect the descent to be equally scenic and leisurely, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours back to Cusipata. After a late lunch, the journey concludes with a comfortable drive back to Cusco, arriving by late afternoon.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
Transportation and Group Size
The tour employs shared transport, including comfortable tourist vehicles, trains, and buses. With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience, but still have the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. The early start times mean your alarm will be ringing, but it’s the price for visiting these high-altitude and popular sites without the crowds.
Cost and Value
At $423.08 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that includes guided visits, entrance tickets, train and bus transfers, and meals. For comparison, planning these logistics independently would cost significantly more and require day-long research. The convenience of having everything arranged streamlines your trip while providing peace of mind.
Accessibility and Physical Requirements
While the tour is designed to be accessible to most, the high altitudes and walking involved mean travelers should have moderate physical fitness. The trek to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain may be challenging for some, but alternative options like horse rentals and shorter walks help make it feasible.
When to Book
Because this tour is highly popular, it’s advisable to book at least 30 days in advance, especially if traveling during peak season. Confirmations are straightforward, and the tour provider, LIBERTY PERU TRAVEL, is praised for timely communication and professional service.
The Authentic Experience and What Travelers Say
The tour has received perfect ratings, with reviewers highlighting the expert guides and stunning scenery as the main highlights. One reviewer noted that the guide met them at the hotel the day before, which helped with coordination and reduced stress. They also appreciated the notice period before pickups, making the days flow smoothly.
Another traveler described it as a “fantastic tour but very long days,” emphasizing the importance of good physical stamina. Yet, they also praised the value for money, as the tour covers all major highlights efficiently.
From the reviews, it’s clear that the knowledgeable guides add significant value, sharing cultural insights and helping travelers maximize their experience at each site.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour?
This package suits travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the stress of individual bookings. It’s perfect for those with moderate fitness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to see Cusco’s most photogenic locations in a short period. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded travelers, thanks to the group format.
If you’re after a relaxed, luxury experience, or prefer to avoid early mornings and strenuous walks, you might find this tour a bit intense. However, for active travelers eager to tick off iconic sites, this guided adventure offers great value and authentic encounters.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves some walking and high-altitude trekking, so it’s best for those with moderate physical fitness. Horses are available for some segments, which can help accommodate different needs.
What should I wear or bring?
Layered clothing is recommended due to temperature fluctuations. Don’t forget comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. It’s also wise to carry a water bottle and some snacks, even though meals are included.
How early do I need to book?
Booking about 30 days in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and preferred dates.
Are meals provided?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast on days 1 and 3, and lunch on days 2 and 3. Meals for Machu Picchu are not included, giving you flexibility for independent dining.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. The tour provider would likely reschedule or adjust plans, but always check their cancellation policy in case of extreme conditions.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup from Cusco hotels is offered, and the return journey is included, making logistics straightforward.
In all, this 3-day tour delivers a well-curated, exciting introduction to Cusco’s most famous sights. With expert guidance, a balance of adventure and comfort, and a good value price, it’s an excellent choice for travelers ready to experience Peru’s highlights efficiently and authentically.
