A Real Look at the 2025 ‘4 Days: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain’ All-Included Tour

So, you are thinking about one of those all-in-one trips to Peru, right? I mean, it’s pretty tempting to just book something where everything is apparently sorted out for you. Honestly, this review is about the 2025 version of the popular ‘4 Days: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain’ package. We want to give you a really straight-up look at what it’s actually like, you know, day by day. It’s basically an intense sprint through some of Peru’s most famous spots. At the end of the day, a whirlwind trip like this can be amazing, but it definitely has its own unique kind of pace. This particular package promises a lot in a very short time, so the big question is, you know, does it deliver and who is it really for? We found that, in some respects, the speed is both a positive and a negative. For anyone with very limited time off, it is arguably a fantastic option to see the big three. In fact, if you want to know more about the pros and cons, check out these insider opinions on Peru tour packages. Frankly, let’s get into the specifics of how these four days play out.

Day 1: First Breaths in Cusco and Taking It Easy

Okay, so your first day actually starts the moment you land at Cusco’s airport. You kind of step off the plane and, bam, you feel the altitude almost immediately. It’s a very weird feeling, almost like the air is a little thinner, which, well, it is. The pickup process was, frankly, quite smooth. There was a person holding a sign with our names, which, you know, is always a bit of a relief. From there, it’s a short drive to the hotel, and along the way, you really get your first look at Cusco, which is this kind of amazing mix of Spanish colonial buildings built on top of ancient Inca walls. The tour company had apparently chosen a hotel that was pretty centrally located. As a matter of fact, it was just a few blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas, which you should definitely plan to explore. The room itself was clean and comfortable, nothing incredibly fancy, but honestly, it was totally fine for the amount of time we would actually be spending there. The beds were pretty cozy, and there was hot water, which is sort of a big deal sometimes.

The main instruction for Day 1 is, like, a single word: acclimatize. You know, your body is literally trying to figure out how to work with less oxygen. Cusco sits at a dizzying 11,152 feet (or about 3,399 meters), so you absolutely have to take it easy. We were advised to just walk slowly, drink tons of water, and sip on coca tea, which the hotel provided for free in the lobby. Seriously, every local will tell you to drink it, and it really does seem to help a bit. The “all-included” part for this day basically covers the airport transfer and the hotel room. It’s more or less a free day, which is actually a pretty good idea. You don’t want to be running around on your first day at this altitude anyway. We just took a slow walk to the Plaza de Armas in the afternoon. You can sit on a bench and people-watch for a while; it’s incredibly interesting. Dinner wasn’t included, which gave us the chance to find a local spot and try some authentic Peruvian food, which you can read about in local food guides. Honestly, it was a good, gentle start to a very busy trip.

What’s Really Included on Day 1?

Alright, so to be super clear, what you get on the first day is pretty straightforward. You’re basically getting the logistics of your arrival sorted. This typically includes the pick-up from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). It also includes your first night’s accommodation in a standard tourist-class hotel in Cusco. The breakfast for the following morning is almost always part of the deal, too. What is not included, you know, is your lunch or dinner. Likewise, any personal shopping or extra tours you might want to do, like visiting the Qorikancha or Sacsayhuaman on your own, are not part of the package. It’s almost set up as a ‘settle in’ day. At the end of the day, this approach makes sense because people arrive on different flights and at different times. We felt this was a pretty reasonable setup. You can find more info on what’s standard for Cusco tour inclusions online.

Day 2: The Incomparable Wonder of Machu Picchu

So, Day 2 is honestly what everyone is here for. It starts really early, I mean, like before the sun is even up. We had a super early pickup from our hotel to get to the train station. Now, the train ride itself is actually a huge part of the experience. The package we were on included tickets for the Expedition or Voyager train, which is, you know, very nice. These trains have these huge panoramic windows on the sides and even on the ceiling. As you ride, the scenery just completely changes. You start in the high Andes and then, you know, you descend into this lush, green cloud forest. It’s pretty magical, to be honest. You follow the Urubamba River for a good chunk of the way, and the views are just spectacular. I’d recommend trying to get a window seat if you can; it’s definitely worth asking about when you book. To get the best experience on this train ride, it’s good to research your train options beforehand. It’s more or less a 90-minute to two-hour ride that just flies by because there is so much to see.

Once the train arrives in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, things move pretty quickly. Our guide was waiting right there for us and directed us straight to the bus line. This part can be a bit of a scramble, as there are, like, tons of people. The bus ride up the mountain is a series of very tight switchbacks that take about 25 minutes. It’s actually kind of a thrilling ride in itself. And then, you’re there. You walk through the entrance gate, and after a short walk up a final set of stone steps, you get your first look at the Lost City of the Incas. Honestly, no picture or video can really prepare you for it. It’s just so much bigger and more incredible in person. The way the stone city is just perched on this mountain ridge, surrounded by other massive green peaks, is just, you know, jaw-dropping. We spent a solid couple of hours with our guide, who walked us through the main areas, like the Sun Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone. He explained the history and theories about the place, which was incredibly helpful for context. You can find amazing tips for your guided tour online if you’re curious.

After the guided portion, we had some free time, which was really nice. It gave us a chance to just find a quiet spot, sit down, and try to take it all in. You could also wander around some of the areas again at your own pace. One thing to remember is that there are very strict circuits you have to follow now, so you can’t just wander wherever you want, but you still have enough freedom to feel like you’re exploring. The “all-included” part here covers basically everything for the day trip: hotel pickup, the train tickets, the bus tickets up and down the mountain, the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, and the services of a guide. Lunch in Aguas Calientes was also included in our specific package, which was a nice touch. It was a set menu at a decent local restaurant. By the time you get the train back to Cusco and are transferred to your hotel, it’s pretty late, and you are completely, but happily, exhausted.

Honestly, standing there, looking down at Machu Picchu… it just makes you feel really small in the best way possible. It’s one of those moments that will just stick with you forever, you know?

Day 3: The High-Altitude Hike to Rainbow Mountain

Okay, so if you thought Day 2 was an early start, Day 3 is even earlier. We’re talking, like, a 3:30 AM or 4:00 AM pickup. It’s pretty brutal, but you sort of have to do it to beat the crowds and the worst of the high-altitude sun. The drive to the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain hike is a long one, almost about three hours. You pass through these incredible remote Andean villages, and you can see herds of llamas and alpacas just chilling on the hillsides. The tour company provides a simple breakfast at a small restaurant along the way. Honestly, it’s just enough to give you some fuel for what’s ahead. It is really important to know that this day is physically demanding. You can learn about the best ways to get ready for this hike. Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is at a staggering altitude of about 17,060 feet (5,200 meters). That’s significantly higher than Cusco, and you will absolutely feel it.

The hike itself is, more or less, a slow and steady uphill walk. It’s not technically difficult, like you don’t need rock climbing skills or anything, but the altitude makes every step feel like a real effort. It’s just very hard to breathe. The path is pretty wide and well-trodden. Our guide was really good at setting a very slow, manageable pace for the group, reminding us to take deep breaths. One of the great options they offer, and that we saw a lot of people using, is hiring a horse. Local community members lead horses up most of the way for a fee (this is not part of the “all-included” deal, so you’ll need cash). Honestly, there is absolutely no shame in taking a horse if you’re struggling. It’s actually a great way to support the local community and make sure you get to the viewpoint. You can get more info about the experience of hiring a horse online. The final push to the main viewpoint is a bit steep, and you have to do that last part on foot anyway.

But then, you know, you get there. And it’s totally worth it. The mountain is literally striped with colors—red, yellow, green, and lavender. It’s a very surreal and beautiful sight, created by mineral deposits over millions of years. You have some time at the top to take pictures and just admire the 360-degree views of the surrounding Ausangate mountain range. It can be very cold and windy up there, so layering clothes is definitely the way to go. The hike back down is obviously much easier, but you’re still at a high altitude. After the hike, the tour group has a buffet-style lunch at the same restaurant where you had breakfast. It’s pretty hearty and much needed after the morning’s exertion. The drive back to Cusco is long again, and you pretty much just sleep the whole way. You get back to your hotel in the early evening, completely wiped out. This day’s inclusions were the transport, guide, breakfast, and lunch, and the entrance fee to the park. It was a really, really long and tough day, but also an incredibly rewarding one.

Day 4: Wrapping Up and Reflecting on a Whirlwind Tour

So, the final day of the tour is basically just your departure day. It’s kind of a low-key end to a very high-energy few days. The main thing included on this day is breakfast at the hotel and then the transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight home or to your next destination. The timing of this transfer is, of course, dependent on your flight schedule. The tour company was actually pretty good about coordinating with us to figure out the right pickup time. It’s really just a day for logistics, you know? There’s not a whole lot of activity planned. It’s a bit of a relief after the non-stop action of the previous two days. To be honest, having that airport transfer handled for you is a nice little perk. You can read reviews on various transfer services to see how they compare.

Now, this free morning before your flight can actually be used pretty well. If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, you have a perfect opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping. The San Pedro market is a really cool, chaotic place to explore, or you could wander through the artisan neighborhood of San Blas. It’s your last chance to, like, grab some alpaca sweaters or some of those colorful textiles. Or, you could just find a nice café in the Plaza de Armas, order one last coca tea, and just people-watch. It’s actually a really nice way to reflect on the whole experience. Looking back, this four-day package is basically a highlights reel of the region. You hit the absolute biggest names in a super-efficient, if a bit rushed, manner. You don’t get to spend a ton of time in any one place, but you do get to see them, which for many people with limited vacation time, is exactly what they want. At the end of the day, that’s who this tour is for. You should check some guides on souvenir shopping if that’s your plan.

Overall Value: Was It Really “All Included”?

I mean, when you look at what was covered, it’s pretty comprehensive. Three nights of hotel accommodation, airport transfers, all ground transport for the tours, the round-trip train and bus to Machu Picchu, all the entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, the services of a professional guide for both major tours, and several meals (three breakfasts, two lunches). You are pretty much covered for all the major expenses. What you’re paying for separately are most of your dinners, one lunch, any tips for the guides and drivers, any personal shopping, and extras like renting a horse at Rainbow Mountain. So, in that sense, it’s not literally “all” included, but it does handle all the big-ticket items and logistical headaches. For someone who doesn’t want to mess with booking six different train/bus/entrance tickets and coordinating transfers, the value is honestly pretty high. It’s more or less a stress-free way to see the highlights, and for that, we felt it was a good deal. Knowing what is covered is super important and you can find out more about typical package deals here.