Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain Adventure
Overview
Read HERE for info on 2023 Dates.
Enjoy biking, hiking, and rafting during our multisport on our Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour. Meet and travel with adventurous women just like you! You’ll spend 4 days on a multisport journey to Machu Picchu including Hiking, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, and Zip-lining. Prior to your journey, you’ll spend 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You will also embark on a single day hike to Rainbow Mountain.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
During the first part of your adventure you’ll explore the ancient ruins, landmarks, and museums of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Explorer Chick on private tours. Sites to see include Cusco Cathedral, the Inca Museum, and Sacsayhuaman. Our private guide will walk us through each site giving us a personal tour and revealing the stories of the Incan Culture. Along the way, we’ll have a few surprises and special moments that will leave you moved by the spirituality and kindness of the Quechua culture.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
On Day 3, it’s an epic and challenging day of hiking to Rainbow Mountain. It’s a super early start to drive our private bus to over the dirt roads to our trail head. Upon arrival, our team of chefs and porters will set up our dining tent and cook up a delicious and nutritious breakfast as you take in the views of the surrounding towering peaks. Then, you’ll hike deep into the spectacular painted hills, also known as Vinicunca.
The Red Valley will blow you away with the striking contrasts of green and red. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a technicolor, fantasy land. Of course, the goal is Rainbow Mountain which will require every ounce of grit you can muster. The hike per se isn’t challenging, but the altitude will test your limits. Yet, the reward is the summit surrounded by an unexplored land filled with snow-covered glaciated peaks, wildly desert landscapes, herds of alpaca, and immaculate beauty.
Cycling, Rafting, Hiking and Zip-lining
You’ll start your multisport journey to Machu Picchu on Day 4 with a string of exciting adventures. To reach the sacred site, you’ll first downhill cycle for nearly 30 miles descending from the high mountains into the cloud forest. It’s rush riding downhill while also taking in the high mountains around you. Then it’s an exciting white water rafting trip down the Urubamba River. The river is beginner friendly and your guides will have you in stitches! You’ll also hike a scenic portion of the Inca Trail high above the Urubamba River. Walking along cliff sides, you’ll get your first taste of Incan Steps while admiring their engineering feats.
Visit a real working coffee farm where you roast, hand grind, and sip on coffee. Hmmmm….Yes, it is as good as it sounds! Of course, we’ll take time to relax and sooth sore muscles in crystal clear hot springs. Next up is Zip-lining! Our course will have you soaring upside down, like Wonder Woman, across mountains and over canyons. Our final adventure is hiking another portion of the Inca trail to Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Town).
Machu Picchu
The next morning, we wake super early to be one of the first to board the buses to the gates of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival our local guide will quickly usher us through the queues and kick off our private tour awarding us some privacy before the crowds descend on the ruins. Our local guide will take us through Machu Picchu pointing out areas of significance. Oh, and the BEST spots to snag those Machu Picchu Glamour Shots. Then with remaining time, take an opportunity to climb Mt. Machu Picchu!
Deluxe Camping
Throughout your Multisport Adventure, enjoy Deluxe camping in 4 person tents that sleep only 2 people. We’ll have a team of porters and professional chefs who will aid our group with our overnight gear, setting up our tent city, and cooking us scrumptious meals. Yes, our team quickly becomes our heroes! All you are left to do is exhale, free your mind, and take in the challenging, sacred journey.
Adventure Highlights
- Journey to Machu Picchu over 4 days by multi sport adventures with exclusive and private Explorer Chick tours with local Peruvian guides.
- Embark on the challenging trek to see the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain.
- Follow in the footsteps of the Inca hiking portions of the Inca Trail.
- Mountain Bike from high altitudes down to the cloud forest coasting downhill and taking in the view. \
- White Water Raft the fun Urubamba River.
- Soak in natural hot springs relaxing your sore muscles.
- Zipline in the mountains across canyons and high above the Urubamba River.
- Immerse yourself in two days of Peruvian culture while acclimatizing to the higher altitudes. Enjoy the sites and sounds of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Learn Peruvian and Incan history with several private tours to the must see sites including Cusco Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman.
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything in-between easy.
- Private Explorer Chick, small group, women only tour. Embark on your adventure with an encouraging and supportive group of bold women!
Day 1 – Arrivals to Cusco, Peru
You will be greeted at the Cusco Airport for your private transfer to to our boutique style hotel. In the afternoon, you will meet your local guides and Explorer Chick Leader who will be guiding you throughout your adventure. Then you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Plaza de Armas leading to your guided tour of the Inca Museum. This will be a perfect introduction to the Inca and Pre-Inca cultures. Afterwards, you’ll walk to the San Blas district for a Welcome Reception including dinner, drinks, and a stunning view overlooking the the city of Cusco.
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: Welcome Dinner with Peruvian Drinks
Day 2 – Explore Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
You’ll continue acclimatizing with light walking and tours today. You’ll start your morning with a city tour of Cusco including stops at the Saint Christopher Church and the Cusco Cathedral. We’ll also take the time to explore the shops of San Blas to grab souvenirs and all things alpaca. We then drive to the highlands to tour Quenko, The Temple of Fertility followed by a picnic lunch with specialty drinks. Following lunch you’ll follow an ancient Incan trail to the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site. It’s hilltop location has deemed it a fortress and also offers spectacular views of Cusco below. Following our tour of the Unesco World Heritage site, you’ll enjoy a group dinner.
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: Buffet breakfast, chef-prepared picnic lunch, Dinner, and snacks
Day 3 – Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Hiking Hours: 4 hours ascent/3 hours descent
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous due to the high altitude conditions
High Altitude: 16,666 feet
It’s an early start to an epic and challenging day of hiking to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll go deep into the spectacular painted hills, also known as Vinicunca. Rainbow Mountain is an unexplored land filled with snow-covered glaciated peaks, wildly desert landscapes, herds of alpaca, and immaculate beauty.
The day starts with a 6am departure and 3 hours of driving through traditional villages with a panorama of the Andes before arriving at the trail head at 15,000 ft. You’ll slowly make your way through the valley and gradually up to the summit. As soon as you arrive at the peak of the mountain, you will see a variety of wildlife including llamas and alpacas. This is the only place in Peru where wild Vicuñas and Andean camel can be seen. You will have plenty of time to take in the panorama of the valley, the tallest peak in the region – Ausangate Glacier (21,000′), and snap infinite pictures of the vibrant minerals that form the painted hills.
During your descent you’ll have the chance to meet the local Quecha people, who still follow the old customs of the Incas and weave the typical garments that are available in various shops throughout Peru. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel for an evening to enjoy on your own.
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Trail Lunch and snacks
Day 4 – Downhill Cycling and White Water Rafting
Cycling: Approximately 3 hours/moderate downhill
Rafting: Moderate with River Level III
It’s an early start with departure at 630am to begin our drive to the pass of Abra Malaga at 14,500ft. You will get suited up in protective gear for your ride including helmets, gloves, vest and high quality bikes for your 5,000 ft descent over nearly 30 miles and 3 hours. You’ll ride downhill on a paved road surrounded by the mountains and without a care in the world. You’ll experience the micro-climate change as you leave behind the snow capped mountains and enter the cloud forest with warm and humid temperatures. Our van will be with us the entire ride with our luggage and emergency support.
We then will have a short drive for the next part of our adventure: river rafting along a part of the Urubamba River! Don’t let the Class II and III river rapids fool you! Your experienced guides will ensure a wild ride with opportunities to jump from rocks, swim, and surf the rapids. All the safety gear including helmets and life
jackets is provided and you’ll be accompanied by rescue boats.
After rafting, we transfer to our campsite located near a beautiful Andean family-owned coffee farm high in the hills overlooking the beautiful Valley below.
Accommodation: Deluxe Camping (Shared – 2 per Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Snacks
Day 5 – Andean Coffee Farm, Inca Trail Hiking, and Relaxing in Hot Springs
Hiking Hours: 3 Hours
Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Following our chef prepared breakfast, we drive to a local, small Andean Farm. Here we will have the opportunity to observe traditional farming techniques as we explore the farm’s tropical orchards and rows of yucca. You will learn of the value of cocoa plants and have the opportunity to hand pick, roast and taste the wonderful coffee from this high jungle region. You’ll have the option to purchase directly the coffee grown from our hosts. Following our morning farm tour, you will hike for 3 hours on an original Inca Trail overlooking the Urubamba river and the valley’s of the Santa Teresa region. In the evening, you’ll enjoy some R&R in the best hot springs of the Cusco region. The springs are fed with natural clean water coming from the rocks of the volcanic formation. You’ll have plenty of time to relax (maybe with an adult beverage) while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Tonight, we camp near the village of Santa Teresa where our chef will be waiting for us with a delicious dinner to celebrate our amazing day.
Accommodation: Deluxe Camping (Shared – 2 per Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Snacks
Day 6 – Mountain Zip-Lining and Hiking the Inca Trail
Hiking Hours: 3 hours
Hiking Distance:6.5 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Your morning will be spent zipping across the river canyon from one mountain to another over 6 lines, one suspension bridge, and one rock climb. You’ll be able to fly upside and like Super Woman. After your zip-line adventure, it’s a short 30 minute drive to the hydroelectric town to embark on our hiking to Aguas Calientes. This section of the trail follows the flat Inca trail near the railroad which surrounds Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is also the trail that was used by the American professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of it being lost. He walked along this valley looking for the lost city of the Incas, Vitcus Vilcabamba, and luckily fell upon Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you can unwind in your hotel room before our dinner at a local eatery.
Accommodation: Hotel, Auguas Calientes (Shared – 2 per Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Snacks
Day 7 – Machu Picchu and Climb Mount Machu Picchu
Hiking Hours: 2 hours + 2 hour mountain climb
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
It’s another early morning to board the first bus to Machu Picchu and to get the most of our day. You’ll enjoy a 2 hour Explorer Chick private tour learning about the history and mystery of the whole Incan complex. After your 2 hour tour, Following this tour you will be guided to the Machu Picchu Mountain entry where you will enjoy the included climb to the summit. Alternatively, you may wish to hike to the Sun-Gate and Inca Bridge where you can explore further this wonderful historical site.
Following our time in Machu Picchu, we’ll board the buses back to Aquas Calientes to enjoy your celebratory lunch at one of the local restaurants of the village. Then you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private transfer back to Cusco city arriving roughly at 8pm. Your evening is free to enjoy how you see fit
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Lunch, and Snacks
Day 8 – Farewell Peru
Our saddest day of the adventure. Hugs and farewells. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your private transfer to Cusco airport. You are welcome to book your flight from Cusco at anytime from Cusco.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.
- Exclusive Cusco City tour including a chef prepared picnic lunch
- Private tour of Inca Museum in Cusco
- Private Sacred Valley guided tour with a traditional lunch buffet
- Full day Rainbow Mountain Tour with Chef prepared picnic lunch
- Mountain bikes with safety equipment and van support
- Santa Maria white water rafting with safety equipment
- Santa Teresa Zip-line adventure
- Privately guided group tour of Machu Picchu with plenty of time to enjoy the sacred site on your own and climb permits for Machu Picchu Mountain
- 4 Nights in a Boutique Hotel in Cusco (Shared)
- 2 Nights Deluxe Camping
- 4 Person tents Shared by 2 Explorer Chicks
- Sleeping Bag, Pillow, Deluxe Air Foam Mattress
- Trekking Poles
- 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Shared)
- Peru Rail Expedition train tickets and Aguas Calientes bus tickets for Machu Picchu
- All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-7, L-6, D-5
- Private Explorer Chick land-transportation throughout itinerary including airport transfers
- A commemorative Explorer Chick shirt.
- All tips for included meals and local guides.
- A detailed Travel Guide upon booking with everything you need to know for your trip.
- The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!
- One local English/Spanish speaking guide(s) throughout the full itinerary
- One experienced Explorer Chick Leader ensuring your trip is seamless and unforgettable!
- Small Group experience! Your Explorer Chick Adventure is exclusive and limited to 12 women
*Packages do NOT include your airfare to Cusco, alcoholic beverages, Explorer Chick Leader Tips, meals not included in the itinerary, or costs for additional activities.
*Does NOT include your Explorer Chick Guide’s Tips – Tipping your Explorer Chick Guide is optional, but customary. If you wish to recognize your Explorer Chick Guide for exceptional service,we recommend you tip them 10-25% of your trip costs.
*A passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your arrival date is required.
We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking your airfare.
Your trip begins and ends in Cusco, Peru.
Arrival: Plan to arrive on Day 1 in Cusco, Peru prior to 12pm. (CUZ)
Departure: Plan to depart Cusco, Peru anytime on Day 8. (CUZ)
Your arrival and departure airport transfers in Cusco are included with your package.
Our Explorer Chicks who wish to arrive early or stay beyond their departure day in Cusco have the option to add Pre and Post Hotel stays conveniently located at our Rendezvous Hotels. Rooms are $155/night and can be added during booking. The advantage of booking a Pre-Tour Hotel stay is to allow for any luggage or travel delays plus it will give you an extra day to acclimate to the high altitude.
You will receive a travel guide attached to your booking confirmation with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip!
We highly recommend training prior to your retreat. The itinerary is packed full of hiking in alpine conditions with elevations ranging from 11,000 feet in Cusco up to 16,666′ on the Rainbow Mountain Trek. Explorer Chick has built in a 2 day period of acclimatization to reduce possible effects on the trail. You should be comfortable with hiking up to 12 miles in a day. This is an incredible adventure whose intensity should not be discounted due to the popularity of the destination.
You should be training on rough and rugged terrain – not perfectly paved sidewalks. Train how you play! Also, find steps, a hill, or the Stairmaster and get to climbing! Your quads, booty, and calves will thank you. Train in all the weather – This even means rain! Please consider the physical demands carefully as it is for the safety and enjoyment of the group.
Train your tootsies! Do not show up with brand new hiking boots or trail shoes. You should be spending hours upon hours in your boots leading up to your adventure to break them in. Better to suffer blisters at home than to miss out on a hike due to painful hot spots on your feet. This is our number one injury. Do not let it happen to you!
Altitude: At all times your trip will be above 8,000 feet, the elevation where anyone is at risk of altitude sickness. All people are susceptible to altitude sickness regardless of your age, gender and fitness.
Before your trip:
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. There are also prescription drugs that aid with altitude sickness. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.
Still not convinced that THIS is the adventure for you?
We’ve rounded up some of our most popular blog posts, so you can get to know us a bit better and learn what really goes down on your Explorer Chick Adventure.
- Remember How it Feels to Play
- You are NOT Alone
- The Power of Explorer Chick
- What Does an Explorer Chick Look Like?
- We are ALL IN
- We Do Dumb Stuff
- The Explorer Chick Purpose
- The Traveler vs. the Tourist
- 6 Benefits to Booking with a Tour Company
You can always reach us by email with more questions! Info@ExplorerChick.com
To protect your travel investment and your hide, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. World Nomads is our trusted travel insurance provider. Receive an no-hassle, online quote in less than 2 minutes.
Trip Price:
$3,999
Save $300 with Early Bird Pricing!
See our Discount page for Codes and Expirations!
Non-Refundable Deposit: $550 due at booking to secure your spot
Pre and Post Tour Hotel Stays – $155/night
Single Hotel and Tent Upgrade: $450
Payment Plans Available: Email payments@ec-old.design-works.com after booking to set up your monthly payment plan.
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1 Review
Lisa Ventrella
October 23rd, 2018I would not have changed one single thing about our week in Peru. It was just the right mix of challenging and fun. Every day was packed full of new adventure and I was able to truly be present in every moment. The shaman blessing was a unique experience I will never forget. Of course, who you travel WITH is as important as where you travel TO, and our group of 11 fearless ladies shared something amazing. These views are ones you have to work for, but they are worth every step.