Nature has been very generous with the Cusco region, giving it some of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of Peru in the world. In this setting, two names stand out: Vinicunca and Machu Picchu. Therefore, taking a trip between these two destinations means traveling through the deepest part of the Peruvian highlands, moving from mountain peaks to the lushness of the jungle brow.
For its part, Vinicunca, also known worldwide as the Mountain of Seven Colors, has become one of the most visited destinations in the Cusco region. Its beauty lies in the minerals that, after centuries of erosion, have painted the hillsides in colors at more than 5,000 meters of altitude.
On the other hand, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a modern wonder and the greatest pride of Peru, is the final destination for every traveler. Located near the sacred valley and following the path of the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu amazes visitors with its architecture and mystery that can be seen in its ancient granite walls. Connecting both points is possible, and in this guide, we will explain the best logistics to do it.
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How do I get from Vinicunca to Machu Picchu?
The best way to connect these two points without having a private car is through a combination of bus, train and taxi. The total trip can take approximately 9 hours and 24 minutes, with a cost ranging between $180 and $600, depending on the type of train service and the private transfers chosen.
It is important to understand that there is no direct route between both attractions. Vinicunca is located southeast of Cusco, while the route to visit Machu Picchu goes toward the northwest. For this reason, the mandatory connection point to organize these adventure holidays in Peru is the city of Cusco. From here, you must plan the departure to the mountain of colors and, later, the trip toward the Sacred Valley to take the train to the citadel.
Distance between Vinicunca and Machu Picchu
To measure the journey through the highlands, these are the reference measurements:
- Distance between Machu Picchu and Vinicunca: 255 km.
- Distance by road: 351.6 km (including the train section).
Because much of the journey crosses high mountain areas and sharp curves, travel times are longer than what the distance in kilometers might suggest. For this reason, most itineraries suggest making both visits on different days to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.
How to get to Vinicunca from Cusco?
Vinicunca is located in the district of Pitumarca, within the province of Canchis. Its geography is deeply linked to the Ausangate snowy mountain, one of the most imposing sacred mountains in the region. Since it is located within the Vilcanota mountain range, the route represents a true physical challenge, with altitudes ranging between 4,710 and 5,200 meters above sea level.
If you prefer autonomy and want to live your adventure vacations in Peru at your own pace, here we detail the route step by step:
- From Wanchaq to Checacupe: The day must start very early (around 3:30 a.m.). You must go to the bus terminal on Huayruropata Avenue (Wanchaq), in front of the Garcilaso Stadium. The buses going to Sicuani will drop you off in the town of Checacupe after about two and a half hours of travel.
Approximate cost: S/ 7.00. - From Checacupe to Pitumarca: Once in Checacupe, go to the Main Square. There you will find shared taxis or buses bound for Pitumarca. The trip is short, approximately 15 minutes, and the departure frequency is constant.
Approximate cost: S/ 1.00. - Pitumarca to Chillca: From the main square of Pitumarca, vehicles depart for the community of Chillca. This section is longer and goes into the mountain range for about two and a half hours.
Approximate cost: S/ 15.00. - Final section (Chillca – Vinicunca): From Chillca, the real hike to the rainbow mountain begins. The trail is demanding due to the altitude, so you can hire the services of local muleteers to guide you. After an intense walk of approximately two hours, you will reach the top to enjoy one of the best landscapes of Peru.
Entry prices to Vinicunca
To access the mountain and contribute to the maintenance of the route managed by the local communities, the costs are:
- Nationals: S/ 5.00
- Foreigners: S/ 10.00
Recommendations
- It is recommended to travel from April to August.
- Bring equipment such as a hat, a small backpack, comfortable sneakers, a warm jacket, sunscreen, a trekking pole, a blanket, and water for hydration.
- It's important for travelers to acclimatize to Cusco and travel a few days in advance to avoid soroche or altitude sickness. Here are some tips.
- Buy groceries in Cusco or Pitumarca; these are the only places where you'll find stores to buy groceries or water.
- Vinicunca Mountain, has become a major tourist attraction, visited by thousands of national and international tourists. With so many travelers each year, a contingency plan is needed to protect it so future generations can enjoy it.
How to visit Rainbow Mountain with a tour?
Are you unsure about visiting Vinicunca on your own? You can also book a tour. There are several travel agencies online or in Cusco's Historic Center that offer a one-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain.
The tours include direct transportation to the checkpoint, meals, entrance fees, and tour guides. The tour begins with pickup at the door of each hotel.
Rainbow Mountain tours begin in Cusco in the early morning (3 or 4 a.m.) and conclude at night (7 or 8 p.m.).
What does a Vinicunca tour include?
Most agencies include these services:
- Transportation (round trip).
- Meals (breakfast and lunch).
- Entrance fees.
- Tour guide.
- Not included:
- Horseback riding.
- Walking poles.
- Rain poncho.
- Snacks.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
If you are looking for the most efficient and comfortable way to complete your tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco, the train is, without a doubt, the best option. This journey involves traveling approximately 120 kilometers (74 miles) through a mix of paved roads and railways that cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, ranking as one of the most scenic routes among the best destinations in Peru.
How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train?
To start this trip, the first step is to go to the train station of your choice. Depending on your itinerary and the service you booked, you can depart from different points near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco:
- San Pedro Station / Wánchaq Station: Located just 10 minutes from the historic center.
- Poroy Station: Located about 20 minutes from the city.
- Ollantaytambo Station: It is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cusco. This station is the most used, as it offers more departure times and additional train services throughout the day.
The trip and the arrival
Once at the station, you will board the train that will take you to the Machu Picchu Pueblo station (Aguas Calientes). The travel time by rail varies between 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the starting point.
When you arrive at the town, the last part is done on the buses of the Consettur company (the only authorized operator), which depart every 10 minutes and take you to the entrance gate of the Inca Citadel in a journey of only 30 minutes.
Finally, after this tour, you will be in front of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. To ensure the success of this trip, we recommend buying your entry tickets at least 30 days in advance, thus securing your place in one of the most desired destinations in the world.
How to get to Machu Picchu on a one-day excursion?
If you prefer to travel on your own and do a one-day tour to Machu Picchu, you must follow precise logistics to make the most of your time in one of the best destinations in Peru:
- Departure from Cusco: Go to the "Pavitos" station in the Historic Center around 5:00 a.m. to take the bus to Ollantaytambo. (Time: 1h 45m).
- Train Segment: In Ollantaytambo, board the 7:45 a.m. train to Aguas Calientes. It is vital to have bought this ticket weeks in advance. (Time: 1h 45m).
- Ascent to the Citadel: Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (9:15 a.m.), get your shuttle bus ticket to the main gate of the archaeological zone. (Time: 30m).
Entry and Visit: Present your ticket (we recommend the 10:00 a.m. time slot). Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco allow a stay of about 4 hours inside the complex. - Return to Cusco: After the visit, go down to the town to take the return trains (suggested times: 16:22, 17:23, or 18:20), following the same route back to the city. (Return time: 3h 30m).
Additional Option: Reaching Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
For those looking for a complete experience, the walking route is the best option. To do this journey, tourists must book an authorized tour 4 or 5 months in advance, as spots are limited. The classic itinerary is distributed like this:
- Day 1: The trip starts in tourist transport to kilometer 88 of the Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu road. From there, the ascent on foot begins to the Wayllabamba camp. (Distance: 13 km).
- Day 2: This is the most demanding day, climbing to the Warmiwañusca pass (4,215 m), the highest point of the route, to then go down to the Pacaymayo camp. (Distance: 11 km).
- Day 3: The least physically demanding segment, known for the descent toward the Peruvian high jungle. Various archaeological sites are visited before spending the night in Wiñaywayna. (Distance: 16 km).
- Day 4: The final segment of 3 km is done to the Sun Gate to visit the citadel and, finally, return to Cusco from Machu Picchu by train. This tour is complete and includes equipment, meals, guides, and entries.
Best Tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek
- 5 Day Inca Trail
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Lares Trek
- Short Inca Trail
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
