Inca Trail 2027 - Limited permits. Plan early with Apple Travel Peru.
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The 7 Day / 6 Nights Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Trek is Peru’s premier all-inclusive cultural and high-altitude adventure, seamlessly blending rich colonial and Inca history across the country’s most iconic destinations. Designed for travelers seeking a fully managed, moderate-paced experience, this expedition guides you through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo), the Machu Picchu Citadel, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), and the Red Valley. Your journey follows a carefully planned elevation profile built for acclimatization, starting at sea level in Lima, moving up through Cusco (3,400 m) and the Sacred Valley (2,792 m), exploring Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 2,040 m in Aguas Calientes), and culminating at the 5,020 m (16,466 ft) summit of Rainbow Mountain.
The itinerary balances guided walking tours across ancient archaeological ruins with 7 km (4.3 miles) of total high-altitude trekking on Rainbow Mountain day. Everything is fully handled to eliminate logistics stress, featuring comprehensive inclusions: private ground transport throughout, six nights in 3-star boutique hotels (including a Lima airport transit hotel), round-trip Expedition train tickets, shuttle buses, official Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entry permits, tourist pass tickets, select meals, and certified bilingual guides.
Group or Private
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping
Moderate
7
Best Package to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain trek 7 days
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. Upon clearing customs and retrieving your luggage, walk across the covered passenger bridge directly into the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.
Enjoy an effortless check-in and relax after your international flight without navigating city traffic. If arriving early, optional private transfers can be arranged to explore the coastal dining district of Miraflores.
Take a short morning flight over the snow-capped Andes to Cusco. Our driver meets you at the airport exit and transfers you directly to your historic center boutique hotel. Enjoy a warm cup of coca tea during check-in to assist with high-altitude acclimatization.
In the afternoon, meet your expert local guide for an authentic walking tour through Cusco’s historical core:
Depart Cusco after breakfast for a full-day tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop first at the sprawling Pisac archaeological site to explore cliffside agricultural terraces and royal ceremonial quarters. Afterward, browse hand-woven textiles and silver jewelry in Pisac’s bustling artisan market.
Continue deeper into the valley to Moray, where dramatic concentric agricultural amphitheaters served as an Inca crop-testing laboratory. Drive a short distance to the pre-Inca Maras Salt Mines (Salineras), featuring over 3,000 hand-carved saltwater evaporation ponds still harvested by local families today.
Conclude the day in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town. Tour the monumental stone fortress guarding the valley pass before checking into your hotel located in the lower valley for a restful night at lower elevation.
Visit the Ollantaytambo ruins early to enjoy the morning light. Board the Expedition Train for a 1.5-hour scenic rail journey following the Urubamba River through dramatic mountain canyons into the cloud forest town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
After checking into your hotel, take the short 25-minute shuttle bus up the winding road to the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Step through the main gates for a comprehensive guided tour of Circuit 2, exploring the Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner at local restaurants or an optional soak in the town’s natural thermal hot springs.
Return to the sanctuary in the quiet morning light to catch sunrise over the cloud forest. Depending on your permit, you can explore:
After your morning exploration, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch independently. In the afternoon, board your return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will meet you for the return drive to Cusco.
Enjoy an early 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM hotel pickup for your high-altitude adventure. Board your comfortable private transport for a scenic 3-hour drive through the South Valley, winding past rustic Andean villages to the Llacto trailhead (4,638 m / 15,216 ft). Stop en route for a warm, energizing mountain breakfast prepared by our trek crew.
Begin a gentle 1.5-hour trek along glacier-fed mountain streams. Walk past roaming herds of alpacas and llamas while taking in views of the snow-capped peak of sacred Mount Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,944 ft). Along the trail, interact with indigenous Quechua community members dressed in traditional hand-woven textiles, learning about high-altitude Andean life.
Arrive at the famous summit ridge of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) to marvel at its vibrant turquoise, magenta, and golden mineral strata. Enjoy 30 minutes to take photos and soak in the panoramic vistas. Hikers seeking extra scenery can take the optional 45-minute loop through the neighboring Red Valley, an awe-inspiring, crimson high-desert landscape that few tourists see.
Take a 1-hour descent back to the trailhead, where our mountain chef serves a hot, delicious buffet lunch made with local ingredients. After lunch, relax on the 3-hour private return drive to Cusco, arriving at your boutique hotel around 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM for your final evening at leisure.
Enjoy a final buffet breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight departure time, spend your morning shopping for handmade alpaca souvenirs in the bohemian San Blas district, visiting local artisan galleries, or enjoying coffee on the iconic Plaza de Armas.
Your private driver meets you in your hotel lobby 2.5 hours prior to your domestic departure for a smooth transfer to Cusco Airport (CUZ). Board your 1.2-hour flight over the Andes back to Lima (LIM) to connect with your international flight home.
Not ready to leave South America? Seamlessly extend your trip with an Amazon Rainforest wildlife safari in Puerto Maldonado, a cultural excursion across Lake Titicaca in Puno, or a trek through Arequipa & Colca Canyon.
Through responsible tourism practices and sustainable partnerships with highland villages, your trip directly supports rural Andean families and local community projects.
We restrict our group departures to a maximum of 8 participants per tour. Unlike massive commercial groups, our small size ensures personalized attention, faster transit times, and closer interactions with your guide.
Our guides are fully licensed, fluent in English and Spanish, and hold university degrees in Tourism and History. Every guide undergoes annual wilderness first aid certification and high-altitude emergency training.
From airport transfers to train tickets and entry passes, every detail is pre-arranged so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Our guides, drivers, cooks, and field crews are the foundation of our company. We ensure fair living wages, proper equipment, and medical insurance coverage for every staff member.
Based directly in Cusco, Apple Travel Peru is proud to be a 100% locally owned and operated family business. When you travel with us, you work directly with native Andean experts who know every inch of the region, ensuring an authentic local perspective, personal care, and zero
| Service Level | Price per Person (USD) | Details |
| Small Group Package (Max 8) | $899 USD | Guaranteed small group + 3-Star Hotels + Expedition Train |
| Private Tour Package (2–3 Pax) | $1,150 USD | Dedicated private guide, private transport & personalized schedule |
| Private Tour Package (4+ Pax) | $980 USD | Dedicated private guide & transport for families/groups |
| 4-Star Luxury Hotel Upgrade | +$290 USD | Upgrade to 4-star hotels in Cusco & Sacred Valley |
| Vistadome Train Upgrade | +$67 USD | Panoramic glass ceilings, gourmet snack & live cultural show |
| Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mtn | +$75 USD | Official climbing permit for extra mountain peaks |
This 7 Days / 6 Nights package brings you through Peru’s top cultural and high-altitude regions: Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo), Machu Picchu Citadel, and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) & the Red Valley.
The Rainbow Mountain trek covers a total hiking distance of 7 km (4.3 miles) round-trip along a gentle to moderate incline. It is rated moderate to challenging purely because of the extreme high altitude, starting at 4,638 meters (15,216 feet) and topping out at 5,020 meters (16,466 feet) at the summit. Because this excursion takes place on Day 6 of your 7-day itinerary, your body will already be well-acclimated after spending 4 days traveling through Cusco (3,400 m) and the Sacred Valley (2,792 m).
Our $899 USD group price covers your complete 7-day journey:
This package is best for travelers seeking a fully managed, moderate-paced Peru package that combines major cultural landmarks with an epic high-altitude trek without having to manage complicated logistics or mountain permits.
Unlike high-volume tour operators that bundle travelers into 20 to 30-person tour buses with rigid itineraries, Apple Travel Peru delivers an exclusive, high-comfort experience:
Your package includes the official government-issued entrance permit for Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (or the premier classic route established by the Ministry of Culture). Circuit 2 grants access to the upper classic viewpoint, Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana.
Our base package price ($899 USD) does not include domestic flights between Lima and Cusco. However, Apple Travel Peru can add round-trip domestic flight reservations (LATAM Airlines) to your booking upon request for approximately $180–$250 USD per person, including carry-on and checked luggage fees.
Temperatures vary significantly between regional destinations:
On Days 3 to 5, passenger trains enforce a strict baggage limit of 5 kg (11 lbs). You will leave your main suitcases safely stored free of charge at your Cusco hotel or our Cusco office and travel carrying a light 3-day backpack.
Yes. Our buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley and our mountain chef on the Rainbow Mountain trek fully accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-restricted diets at no extra charge.
Clean, bottled or purified drinking water is provided during your Rainbow Mountain trek lunch and breakfast stops. For general sightseeing days, bring a reusable bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are prohibited inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
To book, complete our official booking form or contact our sales team with full legal names, passport details, dates of birth, and nationalities. A deposit of $300 USD per person is required to confirm your non-refundable permits and train blocks.
Your remaining balance is due up to 2 days prior to departure, payable in cash in Cusco (USD or Soles, no merchant fee) or online via VISA/PayPal (5.5% merchant service fee).
Machu Picchu entry permits and train passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable by government law. Date changes require purchasing new permits subject to official availability.
Yes. You must present your original physical passport at airport check-in counters, train boarding gates, and official Machu Picchu entry checkpoints.
All Apple Travel Peru guides carry first aid kits, digital pulse oximeters, and emergency medical oxygen cylinders on high-altitude excursions.
Yes. Local indigenous community members offer horse rentals along the main trail for approximately 80 to 100 Peruvian Soles ($22 to $28 USD) paid directly in cash.
Standard train departures from Aguas Calientes are reserved for 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, bringing you back to your Cusco hotel by 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Upgrade your return train trip to the Vistadome Panoramic Train for $67 USD per person for leather seating, panoramic glass windows, a light gourmet snack, and an onboard cultural dance show.
All tours and treks operate rain or shine. Guides carry emergency gear, first-aid kits, pulse oximeters, and medical oxygen. A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is required packing gear regardless of the season.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Initial deposits are non-refundable because government regulations render Machu Picchu permits and train tickets non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations made 15+ days prior to departure forfeit the deposit; cancellations made within 14 days of departure are 100% non-refundable.
The itinerary is engineered with a gradual elevation profile: you start at sea level in Lima, spend two nights in Cusco (3,400 m), drop down to sleep in the lower Sacred Valley (2,792 m) and Aguas Calientes (2,040 m), and explore Machu Picchu (2,430 m) before tackling the high-altitude 5,020 m summit of Rainbow Mountain on Day 6.
Apple Travel Peru guarantees a strict maximum group size of 8 participants per departure to ensure safety, personalized attention from your guide, and a cohesive group pace.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
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