Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights

7 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

Experience the Salkantay, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain trek in 7 days, an ideal experience for travelers who want to see the main icons of Cusco in a single adventure. Explore Lake Humantay, circle the imposing Salkantay mountain, reach Machu Picchu via unique Andean routes, and culminate with the authentic Rainbow Mountain.

Enjoy expert guides, exclusive camps, and reliable logistics that guarantee a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. This tour is perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts who are looking for a complete and well-organized experience.

Highlights

- Humantay, Salkantay, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in one trip.
- Exclusive camps and comfortable services.
- Professional guides with Andean knowledge.
- Diverse landscapes: glaciers, valleys, and cloud forest.
- Small groups and complete logistics.

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and hand towel.
Experienced Mountain Guide
Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
Lunch (Optional[5])
Lunch
3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
Dinner (Optional[4])
Dinner
1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
Breakfast (Optional[6])
Breakfast
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 3-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
Transportation of personal belongings.
2 nights in a superior 3-star hotel at Cusco
All private transport and transfers during the tour
Entry fees to Salkantay Trek and Humantay lake
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train
Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca).
Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Clothing and personal hiking equipment
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04.00 and 04:30 am.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humatay Lake - Sky Camp

    5 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    We start very early, picking you up at your hotel around 4:00 a.m.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Mollepata

    We will travel two hours to Mollepata to enjoy breakfast and continue on to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. Here you will meet the team that will accompany you throughout the adventure.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3

    You will begin a three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), covering 7 km (4.35 miles) to our exclusive Sky Camp. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a short rest.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Humantay Lake

    In the afternoon, you will hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a 3 km (1.86 mile) round trip that takes approximately three hours. You will have time to admire its turquoise waters and take incredible photos.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 5

    We will end the day with a hearty dinner and a night of rest under the stars in your comfortable igloo-style dome.

    10 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 2

    Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa

    4 stops
  • 6

    We start the day with coca tea and an energy-packed breakfast before beginning the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point on the route.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 7

    The climb is considered difficult and takes three hours to cover the 7 km (4.34 miles) to the summit, with spectacular views of the apus and the imposing Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).

    4 hours Admission ticket included
  • 8

    From the summit, we will descend 7 km (4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay, where we will enjoy a revitalizing lunch. Then we continue to the cloud forest with a 9.5 km (approx. 3.5 hour) hike to Collpapampa (2,950 m/9,678 ft), where our exclusive Mountain Sky View camp is located, surrounded by nature and local wildlife.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9

    We end the day with a comforting dinner and a well-deserved rest.

    10 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 3

    Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes

    4 stops
  • 10

    We start at 6:00 a.m. with a cup of hot mate and an energy-packed breakfast before beginning the hike to La Playa through the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you will see waterfalls, rivers, orchids, banana, coffee, and avocado plantations; and, with luck, even a cock-of-the-rock.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 11

    Upon arrival at La Playa, we will enjoy a tasty lunch and then continue on to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where our Super Jungle Domes camp is located.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Lucmabamba Coffee Experience

    In the afternoon, we will visit an organic coffee farm to learn about the entire process, from bean to export.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 13

    We will return to camp to enjoy a delicious dinner and rest surrounded by the sounds of the Andean jungle.

    10 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 4

    Lucmabamba, Llactapata - Ahobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

    5 stops
  • 14

    After enjoying an energizing breakfast, we will begin the hike by ascending for two hours along an original section of the Inca Trail. During the ascent, you will be able to appreciate the Santa Teresa Valley until you reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft).

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 15
    Mirador de Llactapata

    Here, the guide will give a brief explanation and you will have time to explore and enjoy the first views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from a unique viewpoint.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 16

    Then we will descend for approximately an hour and a half to Aobamba, where we will enjoy lunch. Afterward, we will continue for 30 minutes to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft)

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 17

    At this point, we will continue with a hike of approximately three hours following the train tracks surrounded by vegetation and mountains.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Aguas Calientes

    Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into the hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before resting up for the big day at Machu Picchu.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    4 stops
  • 19
    Aguas Calientes

    Today is the big day. We start early with a light breakfast so we can be among the first to arrive at Machu Picchu and enjoy the visit with fewer crowds.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    Once inside, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the most important areas of the citadel: temples, houses, terraces, squares, and agricultural areas, while the guide explains the history and significance of this unique place.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 21
    Ollantaytambo

    At the end, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and you will have time to buy souvenirs before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 22
    Cusco

    There, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding an unforgettable experience.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain

    4 stops
  • 23
    Cusco

    We will start this day around 4:00 a.m., picking you up at your hotel door. We will travel for three hours to the South Valley of Cusco, where you will see llamas and alpacas in their natural environment.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 24
    Cusipata

    We will make a brief stop to enjoy breakfast and then continue on to Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the starting point of the hike. We will follow a beautiful trail alongside a stream, advancing along a winding path between Andean mountains. During the ascent, you will enjoy incredible views of Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft).

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 25
    Rainbow Mountain Peru

    After 1 hour and 30 minutes of hiking, we will arrive at the Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), where you will receive a brief explanation and have time for photos.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 26
    Cusco

    Then we will begin the return trip, which will take approximately 1 hour to the starting point, where our transportation will be waiting for you. Finally, we will go to a restaurant in Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch before continuing by transportation to Cusco to conclude the day.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 7

    Cusco - Cusco Airport

    1 stop
  • 27
    Cusco

    Today you will start the day with a leisurely breakfast and time to get ready, pack your bags, and do some last-minute shopping if you wish. We will arrange an exact pick-up time with you to transfer you to the airport or bus station, depending on your next destination. Our team will make sure you arrive on time and without any hitches, ending your trip in complete comfort.

    5 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking
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Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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