Are you looking for adrenaline, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and culture all in one trip? Then Inca Jungle and Trek to Rainbow Mountain are for you! In a single trip, you will experience the excitement of exploring the most impressive landscapes of Cusco, combining the Cusco Andes with the cloud forest and reaching the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
Combine the best of two worlds: Inca Jungle & Rainbow Mountain
The countdown has begun. Our Inca Jungle Trek combines the excitement of rafting on the Urubamba River; the adrenaline of descending from the mountains to the jungle; the euphoria of crossing the jungle until reaching Machu Picchu and the impressive view of Rainbow Mountain. By combining both routes, you will be able to:
- Practice mountain biking alongside imposing snow-capped mountains!
- Delight in the best cacao in local communities.
- Relax in the medicinal thermal waters of Cocalmayo.
- Reach Machu Picchu via Hidroelectrica, an impressive route!
- Explore Vinicunca with the best equipment.
- Enjoy Peruvian cuisine.
And much more! Without a doubt, booking Inca Jungle and Rainbow Mountain Trek means living an unforgettable experience.
Inca Jungle Trek: every step is an adventure to Machu Picchu
Challenge your limits by biking downhill from Abra Málaga and reach Santa María, where vegetation and the delicious aroma of cacao await you. Hike along a section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, have fun ziplining, and relax in the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Feel the intense waters of the Urubamba River while practicing canopy and reach Aguas Calientes by traveling through Hidroelectrica. Finish this adventure with a visit to the imposing sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Abra Málaga is located at 4,300 meters above sea level.
- The coffee, cacao, coca, and tropical fruit plantations make this route an immersive experience in local agriculture.
- The Cocalmayo hot springs, besides being one of the most beautiful hot springs in Cusco, are medicinal and have a unique turquoise color.
- Visit Machu Picchu with the guidance of an expert.
- Relax in our comfortable accommodations after a day full of adventure.
The diversity of activities on the Inca Jungle trek makes it an excellent option for travelers looking to get off the traditional train route.
Trek to Rainbow Mountain: the most beautiful colors in the world
A few hours from Cusco, surrounded by red valleys, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque villages, lies Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Reaching this mountain after visiting Machu Picchu is the best way to conclude your trip to Cusco.
- Admire the amazing views of Vinicuncca; its colors look like they are from another world!
- Connect with nature in an environment surrounded by sacred Apus such as Ausangate.
This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging one-day hiking routes. Dare to book it and hike alongside sacred Apus.
What other tours can I combine with the Inca Jungle Trek?
In Cusco, your physical endurance is the limit! And every route is a new opportunity to push your own limits. Therefore, if you want to complement your Inca Jungle Trek with new mountain hiking routes, we will tell you which ones are excellent alternatives.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- Discover one of the most peaceful landscapes and explore colorful mountains with reddish, green, yellow, and ochre tones.
- Enjoy the privileged views of the snow-capped Ausangate.
- This hike is ideal for travelers who enjoy impressive landscapes while taking a short hike.
On this route, you can make a stop to visit the colonial town of Checacupe and its historic suspension bridge. Don’t hesitate any longer and book your trip to Palcoyo.
Humantay Lake
- Known as the turquoise jewel, it is one of the most famous lakes in Salkantay.
- You can reach it on a full-day trip or by doing the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Additionally, if you enjoy camping in front of snow-capped peaks and visiting lesser-known lakes, you can explore the Inkachiriasqa and Qoyllor lakes.
- Humantay Lake is ideal for travelers who enjoy mountain hiking and exploration.
Pallay Punchu
- The name Pallay Punchu comes from its unique shape, where the accumulation of minerals in different layers gave it the colors of traditional Cusco ponchos.
- This natural wonder, despite its beauty, is one of the least visited mountains in Cusco, so you will be able to enjoy a visit away from the crowds!
- The ascent to Pallay Punchu is short, lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace.
- On this mountain, you can find sasawi, a native medicinal plant that is used to treat respiratory illnesses.
Additionally, along the route, you will enjoy privileged views of Langui Lake. Would you like to visit Pallay Punchu? Contact us!
7 Lakes of Ausangate
Few hiking and adventure lovers know about this imposing route just a few hours from Cusco. On this hiking route, in addition to exploring impressive lakes, you can relax in hot springs!
- This excursion starts very early in the morning (03:00 am), but every second is totally worth it.
- You will be able to observe impressive wildlife up close, such as Andean birds, vizcachas, and llamas and alpacas!
- You will be able to hike at the foot of the snow-capped Ausangate, the fifth-highest mountain in Peru.
Without a doubt, visiting the 7 Lakes of Ausangate is not for everyone. If you dare to take this route, contact us!
Waqrapukara
Surrounded by imposing canyons, impressive views, pristine rivers along the way, and cultures that have endured through time, Waqrapukara is a little-visited site in Cusco.
- Throughout the fortress, you can find various traces of constructions dating back to pre-Inca times.
- It is one of the archaeological sites that continues to be investigated, along with Tambopukara, Yactapukara, and Ayapukara.
- It was built in such a way that it has the silhouette of two horns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days do I need?
You need 5 days to do the Inca Jungle and Trek to Rainbow Mountain. However, it is recommended to plan a 7-day stay in Cusco if you want to experience both adventures comfortably and avoid altitude sickness. At Peru Jungle Trips, we recommend acclimatizing your body before starting any hiking route.
• Day 1: arrival in Cusco and acclimatization. On this day, avoid eating heavy or greasy foods and prioritize hydration.
• Day 2: explore the city on a traditional City tour.
• Days 3, 4, and 5: experience the best of our Inca Jungle trek.
• Day 6: challenge the mountains on our Rainbow Mountain tour.
• Day 7: Tupananchiskama Cusco!
2. When is the best season for the Inca Jungle and Trek to Rainbow Mountain?
Definitely during the dry season from May to October.
• During this season, hiking routes are safer and clearer.
• Places such as Vinicunca remain snow-free, allowing you to better appreciate their colors.
Before choosing which month to book your tour, consult our travel advisors about weather conditions and receive personalized advice.
3. What should I bring?
Regardless of the season in which you travel, temperatures in Cusco change constantly. Therefore, it is necessary to bring layered clothing and comfortable shoes. For an Inca Jungle and Trek to Rainbow Mountain, we recommend bringing:
• Layered and quick-drying clothing such as T-shirts, sweaters, windbreakers, and jackets.
• Waterproof down jackets, which are especially useful if you visit Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season.
• Hiking shoes, especially for the hiking routes of the Inca Jungle trek.
• Sunscreen. Although it is cold in Cusco for most of the year and the sky remains cloudy during the rainy season, UV rays are quite intense, so don’t forget to use sunscreen!
• Sunglasses.
• Hat or wide-brimmed cap.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Personal documents such as your passport.
• Personal medications.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed on the hiking routes, always wear layered clothing so you can adapt to any route. If you want to rent or buy specialized hiking clothing, you can do so at Munay camping rental Cusco.
4. How can I prepare for the altitude in Cusco?
The altitude of Cusco takes the breath away from more than one tourist. To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend:
• Rest properly on your first day in Cusco.
• Drink coca tea.
• Avoid strenuous activities during the first few hours.
• Eat light meals.
Remember that Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude similar to that of the first base camp of Mount Everest, so don’t underestimate the altitude!
5. How can I book this tour privately?
It is very simple! Write to us and we will take care of coordinating all the logistics so that you can focus on living the experience! Additionally, this private tour can be adapted to your interests and include unique activities such as visiting Huilloc, where the descendants of the Incas live.
