Machu Picchu, Palccoyo Mountain and Humantay Lake

This Palccoyo Experience's tour lasts for 3 days and it's the ideal short one to explore the highlights of the Inca heartland. This tour is both interactive and introduces you to some of the most amazing places to go across the mountains – one being the colorful Palccoyo Mountain and the other beautiful Humantay Lake – in addition to an experience of the legendary Machu Picchu citadel.

You will find nice hotels, bilingual guides with English at their service and all the means of transportation necessary to maximize your time in Cusco. Perfect for those who only have a few days to spend in the gorgeous and fascinating region of the Andes Mountains without having to sacrifice their trip to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

This tour will surely highlight those of you who are visiting Peru for the first time or those who are seeking "must-see" experiences in the Andes in three amazing days of scripture, living culture and some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Peru.

Overview

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Machu Picchu Tour

You will start at an airport transfer – this will be a comfortable bus ride to the station of the train in Cusco. The bus will take you to Ollantaytambo, which is followed by the scenic train ride in the beautiful valley to Aguas Calientes. From there you are transferred to Machu Picchu citadel by bus called the Consettur–which is available at Aguas Calientes–and departs at 06:00 and 17:30. Your professional bilingual guide will be the one to take you on a tour of Machu Picchu, visiting the temples, impressive terraces and sacred plazas of this wonder of the world. Advanced Inca engineering and essentially the history of the site will be discussed. Upon return by bus, you arrive at Aguas Calientes where there is time for lunch and exploring the town at your own speed. In the evening (from 6 PM to 8 PM) you embark on the train towards Ollantaytambo. Expect that we will meet you back at Cusco's Plaza Regocijo at approximately 10:00 PM so we can take you back to Cusco.

Highest altitude: 2,430 m (Machu Picchu)
Lowest altitude: 2,040 m (Aguas Calientes)
Route: Airport – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Day 2: Palccoyo Mountain (Rainbow Mountain)

The Palccoyo Mountain adventure begins as early as 4:30 – 5:00 AM with pick up from the hotel. Afterwards you'll be accompanied to Cusipata where you will enjoy a gastronomic break before continuing to Checacupe to see the bridge of the Incas and the bridge of the Colonels. Afterwards you head back towards the base camp and then roll some 30-45 minutes de-escalating uphill to the Palccoyo Pass 4,880 m. The views from the top are amazing with a breathtaking panorama of the colorful Rainbow Mountain, Three Palccoyo (three peaks), Ausangate and the Stone Forest. On average it will take you about 1 hour to have a picture taken while you admire the magnificent scenery this less populated Rainbow Mountain offers for you. Descending, down to Lusha snacks will be served in Cusipata after which they will eat a warm and comforting catered lunch. At last, it is time to go back to Cusco by private bus, at around 5:30 PM to Plaza Regocijo. It's an experience that happens at Palccoyo Mountain and is an absolute highlight of the tour.

Highest altitude: 4,880 m (Palccoyo Pass)
Lowest altitude: 3,300 m (Cusipata)
Route: Cusco – Cusipata – Checacupe – Palccoyo Mountain – Cusco
Difficulty level: Moderate

Day 3: Humantay Lake & Departure

The last Rumbling Adventure to Humantay Lake starts early, at the scheduled pick-up time from 4:00-4:30 AM to take you to Mollepata for the copious breakfast. You then head straight for Soraypampa in order to embark on the hike. The walk takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to the shores of the beautiful and soul-baring turquoise Humantay Lake with the snow capped epic mountains in sight. There's a lot of time to admire the scenic views, take photos and enjoy this magical landscape. Once you've finished you come back down and head to Mollepata for a warming hot lunch. The return trip will be then to Cusco (Plaza Regocijo) between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. Your private transfer from the hotel to the airport will be provided by our team at the agreed upon time. End of services.

Highest altitude: 4,200 m (Humantay Lake)
Lowest altitude: 2,900 m (Mollepata)
Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco – Airport
Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

The uphill hike to Humantay Lake takes about 1 hour 45 minutes one way. The trail is well-defined but has some steep sections, so moderate fitness is recommended.

The hike to Palccoyo Mountain is short and gradual (only 30-45 minutes uphill), making it one of the most accessible Rainbow Mountain options.

Yes, after arriving in Cusco you go directly to Machu Picchu. This allows you to make the most of your limited time in the region.

Most travelers highlight the combination of the iconic Machu Picchu experience with the natural beauty of Palccoyo Mountain (Rainbow Mountain) and Humantay Lake.

No previous experience is required, but good physical condition and proper acclimatization to altitude are important for the mountain days.

Machu Picchu starts with airport pickup, Palccoyo Mountain between 4:30-5:00 AM, and Humantay Lake between 4:00-4:30 AM.