Salkantay Adventure Tour – 9 Days to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our team will be waiting for you in the airport’s waiting area. We will then provide transportation to the downtown area of Cusco, where your hotel is located. After settling into your hotel, you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to acclimate to the altitude and explore the city.

Cusco is a remarkable city with a rich history, and its main plaza is a great place to start your exploration. You can take a leisurely stroll around the plaza, admiring the beautiful architecture, shops, and cafes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and begin to appreciate the charm of this historic city.

Enjoy your free time in Cusco, and take it easy to adjust to the higher altitude before embarking on your Inca Trail adventure.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or similar ***
• Meals: None
• Entry Fees: No Include

Your tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 am. From there, you will depart Cusco in our private transportation, making your first stop at an Alpaca farm. Here, you’ll have the chance to see four different types of animals: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. These animals were of great importance to our ancestors, and your guide will explain the differences between each of them.

Continuing on your journey, you will arrive in Pisac. This place was once considered the capital of corn and potatoes, and depending on the season, you may see the farming area. The Pisac Inca site will be your next stop, where you’ll embark on a walking tour to explore the famous circular Andean terraces, rooms, and water fountains. Pisac is one of the largest Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.

After exploring the beauty of this remarkable Inca site, you will drive back to Pisac town, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the local market. This market is a typical one where local people still practice the exchange of products. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs if you wish.

Following your visit to Pisac, you will continue driving for approximately an hour until you reach Urubamba. Here, you will stop for lunch at a delightful restaurant. After enjoying your delicious meal, you’ll drive for about 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. This picturesque town is home to a beautiful Inca archaeological site, where you’ll have a guided tour. Exploring this site will take about an hour, during which your guide will explain its historical importance.

Finally, you will return to Cusco, where you will meet your trekking guide. They will provide an overview of the upcoming Salkantay trek and answer any questions you may have. This day will be a wonderful introduction to the history and beauty of the Sacred Valley.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or similar ***
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: breakfast and Lunch

Your trekking adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel at 4:30 AM. From there, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive to the starting point at Soraypampa, which sits at an elevation of 3,850 meters. Upon arrival, our talented chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead.

After enjoying your breakfast, it’s time to prepare for the hike. Make sure you have sunscreen, a sun hat, and sufficient water. The first destination on your trek will be Humantay Lagoon, which is about a 2-hour uphill walk. The lagoon is situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters and is surrounded by stunning glacier peaks. During the winter season, you can expect breathtaking views of the area.

Our guide will provide you with informative insights about the region. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Humantay Lagoon, you’ll hike back for about 1 hour to the lunch spot, where our chef will be waiting to serve you a delicious meal.

After lunch and a short break, you’ll continue along the Salkantay path for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach Salkantay Pampa, where you’ll spend the night at an elevation of 4200 meters. Our team will set up the tents, and you’ll have some time to relax and take in the magnificent views of Salkantay Glacier. Happy hour will be followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. The night may be cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing for your comfort.

• Accommodation: Camping with *****
• Meals: B-L-D
• Ticket: all included.
• Walking distance: 12km

Your day begins with a wake-up Coca tee at 4:45 AM, and you’ll be greeted with a hot cup of coca tea delivered to your tent. This early start allows you to be among the first to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters). After sipping your tea, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and we’ll provide you with water for your containers and snacks.

Then, it’s time to hit the trail. The hike to Salkantay Pass will take approximately 2.5 hours, and it offers some of the most stunning views of the Salkantay Glacier and the surrounding landscapes. Take your time to soak in the beauty and capture some incredible photographs.

After enjoying the pass, you’ll continue on the trail, which now leads downhill, eventually leading you into the cloud forest. This downhill section will take about 2 hours, and you’ll arrive at Huayracmachay. Here, our chef will be ready to serve you a delicious lunch along with refreshing drinks. Following lunch, you’ll have another 3 hours of hiking until you reach your second campsite, Colpapampa (2,450 meters). This campsite is located in a small jungle community and is at a lower elevation, characterized by a humid and hot climate, as well as the presence of mosquitoes.

• Accommodation: Camping in tent
• Meals: B-L-D
• Ticket: all included.
• Walking distance: 15km

The next day of your expedition begins with another early wake-up tee. After breakfast, you’ll start your hike, which will last approximately 4 hours as you follow the valley. This part of the trail often goes along the car road, and along the way, you may have the chance to see orchids, various bird species, and agricultural areas. Local people in this region cultivate fruits and, most notably, coffee, which is known for being one of the best in Cusco.

After walking for about 4 hours, you’ll reunite with your chef, who will prepare a delicious lunch for you. Following lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a coffee farm area, where a local family will teach you about the coffee production process that results in some of the finest coffee in Cusco. If you’re interested, you can purchase a small pack of their coffee, typically priced between 30 to 50 soles.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the famous Cocalmayo hot springs in the region. You’ll take a minivan from your campsite, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. Here, you can relax and enjoy the soothing hot springs. Afterward, you’ll return to the campsite for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

• Accommodation: Camping in tent
• Meals: B-L-D
• Ticket: all included.
• Walking distance: 13km

On this day, you will embark on an important part of the journey as you walk along the famous Inca Trail that connects Machu Picchu to the jungle. The hike will be a gradual ascent lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading you to the Llactapata Inca site. This site is located in front of Machu Picchu and offers breathtaking, unique views of the area.

Following your visit to Llactapata, you’ll continue for about 2 hours downhill until you reach the hydroelectric station. Here, your chef will be waiting to prepare lunch. This meal will mark your last lunch with the trekking team, so it’s a moment to say goodbye and express your gratitude for their hard work.

After lunch, you’ll bid farewell to the chef and porters and embark on the final leg of your journey. It will take approximately 3 hours to walk along the railway tracks until you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Along this section of the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to see beautiful orchids, the Mandor waterfall, various bird species, and experience the rich flora and fauna belonging to Machu Picchu National Park.

Finally, you will reach Aguas Calientes town, situated at an elevation of 2000 meters. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you can take a well-deserved shower and rest.

• Accommodation: Inti Punko Machu Picchu Hotel or Similar ***
• Meals: B-L-D
• Ticket: all included.
• Walking distance: 14km

This is the most anticipated day of your journey. After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the upper part of the Inca site, where you will have the opportunity to witness the sunrise (depending on the season you visit) and capture the most breathtaking photographs of Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore and fully appreciate the magic and grandeur of this new wonder of the world.

Following the sunrise and photographic session, you’ll embark on a comprehensive walking tour led by your guide. This tour will take you to the most important sectors and palaces within Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Your guide will provide detailed information about the historical and cultural significance of the site.

If you have obtained a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, one of the famous mountains overlooking Machu Picchu, you can proceed with the hike. The climb typically takes about 2 hours, including the ascent and descent. Please note that there is a limited number of daily tickets for Huayna Picchu, so it’s essential to book in advance.

After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll bid farewell to this extraordinary archaeological site and take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you will enjoy your final lunch with the group (please note that lunch is not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. The estimated time of your return is around 8:00 PM.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or similar ***
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: NA.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4.30 am, so your day begins early. The drive to the trailhead takes about three hours, with a stop for breakfast to get you ready for the adventure. When you reach the trailhead at 4,350 meters, you’ll get set to begin your hike.

Because of the high altitude, the area is cold and dry, so dress warmly and come prepared for the hike. The first part of the trek is a 4-kilometer climb that takes about two and a half hours to reach the top of Rainbow Mountain, also called Winikunqa. At 5,150 meters, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain, you’ll continue hiking to the Red Valley, which is behind Rainbow Mountain. From higher ground, you can admire the valley’s vivid red colors. This landscape is truly unique.

After exploring Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, you’ll hike back along the same path to meet your driver. Then, you’ll take a 50-minute drive to a restaurant for lunch. Once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll head back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel around 5:50 pm.

This day gives you the chance to see the amazing beauty of Rainbow Mountain and its surroundings, making it a memorable and rewarding experience.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko Hotel or similar ***
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: NA.

Time to say goodbye, 2 hours before your flight departure we Will take you back to the airport.

• Accommodation: No include
• Ticket: NA
• Meals: brekafast at hotel.