Salkantay Trekking and Colored Mountain 6 Days
Adventure in the Andes: Salkantay Trekking and Colorful Mountains
If you are an adventure lover and want to enjoy one of the most impressive trekking routes in the world, our Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain tour is perfect for you. This experience combines exciting trails with breathtaking landscapes. You can join us solo, as a couple or in a group.
Get ready to traverse towering snow-capped peaks before descending through a cloud forest on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You will trek through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer and closer to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The dramatic change in climate and environment makes this hike truly special.
Places you will visit
Highlights
- 1
The Salkantay route: one of the 25 best treks in the world according to National Geographic Adventure Travel.
- 2
Discover the thrill of trekking in Peru and South America.
- 3
Visit unique places: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, Llactapata and Rainbow Mountain.
- 4
Incredible landscapes: waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, cloud forests and wildlife.
- 5
Hike alongside the majestic Salkantay and Ausangate Mountains.
- 6
Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- 7
Reach the top of the beautiful Rainbow Mountain.
Intinerary
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake
Hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake and the majestic Apu Salkantay.
Today we expect you at 4:00 a.m. for an exciting day. After a brief breakfast in Mollepata, we will begin our trek in Challacancha. The first stretch is approximately 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will spend the night. In Soraypampa, you will rest in our exclusive camp. Then, we will hike for 3 hours to the beautiful Humantay Lake. You will admire the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier, an impressive sight in the Andes. On the way back, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at our camp, waking up with the majestic Apu Salkantay watching over you!
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay
A sacred adventure: Salkantay Pass ascent and panoramic views
Wake up with the first rays of the day and enjoy an energizing coca tea to start the exciting hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m). You will hike 7 km for about three hours, ascending the challenging "Trail of the 7 snakes".
At the top, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and the imposing Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m), recognized as a sacred mountain by the Incas. Afterwards, you will descend on a 7 km hike to reach Huayracmachay (3,850 m), where you will marvel at breathtaking panoramic views. This section of the trail offers wonderful views of the valley, is rocky and steep.
Amazon Rainforest Adventure: Exploring Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Cloud Forest
After a revitalizing lunch, you will enter the cloud forest, a tropical rainforest. You will hike 8 km for about three hours, experiencing the change from the Andean climate to the Amazon rainforest and marveling at its unique flora and fauna.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at our camp at Chaullay (2,900 m), where we will serve you a delicious dinner and you will rest.
Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba
Exploring the lush Santa Teresa Valley: A journey to La Playa
Today you will wake up at 6:00 a.m. for your tea and breakfast before leaving camp. Our main destination will be La Playa, hiking through the Santa Teresa Valley. You will enjoy a leisurely hike with beautiful scenery of rivers, waterfalls, orchids and various plantations such as banana, coffee and avocado.
We will pass through the village of Collpapampa and continue descending through a valley full of waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit trees and a great variety of flora and fauna. You may be lucky enough to spot Peru's national bird, known as the 'Calcetín de la roca'.
Exploring the lush beauty of Lucmabamba: A tropical paradise of coffee and nature
At La Playa, we will enjoy a tasty lunch before heading to Lucmabamba, which is an hour away and at an altitude of 2,000m. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the tropical surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm, ideal for coffee lovers. Even if you are not a coffee fan, the aroma in the air is delicious. You will also have the opportunity to visit avocado and orange plantations.
After dinner, you will rest in one of our exclusive campsites. As you relax, you can listen to the different sounds of nature and connect in harmony with mother earth.
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Enjoy your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
After breakfast, you will prepare for another day of adventures on the Inca Trail. You will climb for 2 hours until you reach Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site in front of Machu Picchu. There you will learn about the Inca culture and enjoy breathtaking views. Then, you will descend for 1 hour and 30 minutes, admiring Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu along the way.
Exploring the Road to Machu Picchu: Adventure and Caution on the Trail
You will stop for lunch in Aobamba before reaching Hidroeléctrica. In Hidroeléctrica, you will have the option to take a train to Aguas Calientes or continue walking for 3 hours along the train tracks. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. It is important to be cautious during the rainy season, as the trail can become dangerous.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Embark on a fascinating tour of the amazing Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
On this special day, you will have the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, you will admire the impressive Inca citadel and its outstanding architectural elements. Despite the lack of technology, the Incas managed to build and organize their community, leaving an enigmatic legacy. After the visit, you can choose to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains to enjoy panoramic views.
At the end, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco to rest and get ready for new adventures.
Featured Activities
- Optional
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is an impressive mountain that stands out for its imposing presence and its proximity to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Ver mas$75 - Optional
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain, also called "Old Mountain", offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Inca citadel and the landscapes of the Andes.
Ver mas$75
Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain
Exploring Rainbow Mountain: An unforgettable day in the Peruvian Andes
On our last day of adventure, discover the majestic Rainbow Mountain in the Peruvian Andes. We will start early in the morning by picking you up at your accommodation in Cusco. We will travel for three hours to the South Valley, where you can rest and enjoy breakfast while observing the charming local villages and animals.
Then, we will head to the starting point of the trek at Llacto, at an altitude of 4,630 meters. We will hike along scenic trails among the Andean mountains and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ausangate Mountain.
In this remote region, you will have the opportunity to see the local communities in action and admire their traditional textile skills passed down from generation to generation.
After approximately one and a half hours of hiking, you will arrive at the impressive Rainbow Mountain, at an altitude of 5,100 meters. Here you will be able to enjoy its incredible beauty and take pictures while receiving a personalized explanation from your guide.
Afterwards, we will return to the starting point of the trek and head to a restaurant in Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch. Finally, we will return to Cusco by private transport and drop you off at the door of your accommodation so that you can rest after six exciting days in the majestic Peruvian Andes.
Before to Go
We want your trip to Peru to be an unforgettable and worry-free experience. In this section, you will find all the answers to the questions you may have about traveling with our agency. We have compiled all the important information in one place so that you can easily consult it. We recommend that you read the following information carefully, as it will be of great help to resolve any doubts you may have about our services.
If you have any other questions that we have not addressed here, feel free to leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help you plan an exceptional trip!
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, especially designed for more adventurous hikers who wish to experience higher altitudes and longer distances. The ascent to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) is not overly strenuous or steep, as it is at the beginning of the trek. However, it still requires some endurance and acclimatization time in Cusco before embarking on the trek.
How many days are recommended for acclimatization in Cusco?
It is crucial to make sure you are well acclimatized to the altitude before embarking on a trek. To achieve this, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek begins. This will give you enough time to acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
Even if you have been to another high altitude region of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we suggest spending at least one full day in the city. This will allow you to rest, recover from the trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before embarking on the trek.
Our priority is your well-being and safety, so we recommend that you take the necessary time to acclimatize properly and enjoy your Salkantay Trek experience to the fullest.
Brifing or informative meeting
All briefings and information sessions are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 pm, the night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, we ask that we arrange a new meeting via email, phone or in our office. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information and make sure you are properly informed before you begin your experience.
Payment pending for the hike
To ensure the confirmation of your trip reservation, it is important that you make the outstanding payment two days before your trek/tour, in case you still have a balance to pay.
We offer you two options to make the outstanding payment. You can visit our main office in Cusco, where we will provide you with a specific date and time to complete the remaining payment. In addition, we offer the convenience of online payment through our secure website.
If you prefer to pay in person, we accept credit/debit cards or PAYPAL, but it is important to note that we will apply an additional 5% charge for our payment service (Niubiz) and PAYPAL.
Remember that full payment is required before starting the trek, this allows us to guarantee the availability of our services and ensure a smooth experience for you.
If you have any questions or need more information about the pending payment, please do not hesitate to contact us by email, phone or visiting our office. We will be happy to help you with anything you need."
Eco-friendly duffel bag or sustainable duffel case
The night before the start of your trek, we will provide you with a sturdy duffel bag so that you can pack your clothes for the 6 days. The weight allowance for this bag is up to 7 kg. Our horses will carry your duffel bag, along with your food and camping equipment. It is important to note that you will not have access to the items in your duffel bag until the end of each day, as the riders and horses will always be ahead of the group.
During the trip, you will need a daypack large enough to carry your personal belongings, such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Generally, a 30 to 50 liter backpack is sufficient to meet your needs.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
We offer convenient options to store your luggage. You can choose to leave it at our office or at your hotel, both services are free of charge.
If you have equipment or belongings that you will not need during the trek, we recommend that you store them safely at your hotel. Most hotels offer this service. However, we suggest that you do not leave valuable items in your luggage. It is preferable to place them in the hotel safe and ask for a detailed receipt. In the event of theft (although unlikely), many insurance companies may require a copy of the itemized receipt as part of the claim process. Also, for peace of mind, it is advisable to place items such as credit cards inside a sealed and signed envelope.
We will be happy to help you arrange for the safe storage of your luggage so that you can enjoy your trek without worry.
Traveler's Pickup
We are happy to offer you our pick up service from your hotel, as long as you are in the Historic Center of Cusco. Please note that the schedule may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city with narrow cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnb may be in areas that are difficult for vehicles to access or on steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We recommend that you book accommodation with good access and ease of transportation.
We are committed to providing you with a comfortable experience, so we will be happy to pick you up at your hotel and make sure everything is ready to start your adventure.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires logistical planning, but don't worry, everything is included in your tour!
At Machu Picchu, take a comfortable bus to Aguas Calientes for 25 minutes. Transportation is arranged for your comfort, so you don't have to worry about it!
The tour includes a one-way bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, you can use it to go in both directions. If you want a round-trip ticket, it is available for an additional cost of US$12.00.
In Aguas Calientes, go to the train station and take the train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you tickets and schedules. Arrive at the platform 30 minutes before. The train ride takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, with breathtaking scenery.
Our representative will meet you at Ollantaytambo station and take you back to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip to Cusco lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, ensuring your comfort during the journey to your final destination.
We are committed to providing you with a complete and well-organized experience, so that you can enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu to the fullest without logistical worries.
Group Tours
In the group tours, we meet people of different ages and physical conditions. This means that each person has his or her own pace and speed. When joining a group tour, it is important to accept that there will be people faster or slower than you.
We understand that there may be a need to make modifications to the itinerary. In that case, our guide will assess the situation and, after consulting with all participants, make a decision as to whether such modifications are possible.
We want everyone to enjoy the tour and feel comfortable, so we are open to consider adjustments as much as possible. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Strikes and demonstrations
In Peru, strikes and demonstrations are common and may affect our tours. While we will do our best to keep your trip on schedule, we may have to make adjustments, including departing the night before.
In the event of cancellations or modifications, our operations team will coordinate details with you. Your safety is our primary concern and we will make decisions to protect you at all times.
We want you to enjoy your travel experience to the fullest, despite the possible inconveniences. We are committed to providing you with quality service and ensuring your well-being at all times.
Lost and Found
Please be mindful of where you place your belongings and be sure to take everything with you once you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. Remember that you are solely responsible for your personal belongings during the entire tour.
We want you to enjoy your experience without worries, so we ask you to be attentive and take care of your belongings at all times. Your safety and peace of mind are our priority.
Dates & Availability
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Frequently asked questions about the Tours
How difficult is this hike?
All of our hikes are for hikers of all abilities. There are challenging sections and easier stretches. Our guides are experienced and adapt to different levels. We recommend exercising and acclimatizing before starting the hike. We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
We are committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience and making sure you feel comfortable throughout the entire hike, don't worry, we are here to help you every step of the way!
How is the food?
We are proud of our talented chefs who never fail to prepare a delightful feast, even in the middle of the Andean mountains. All our chefs are specialists in Andean cuisine and can cater to all your dietary needs, so please let us know in advance of your requirements.
Every day we will provide you with delicious and abundant breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with the guarantee that our dishes will surprise even the most demanding food lovers. In addition, to keep your energy levels high, we will provide you with daily snacks and ensure that you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the morning to wake you up, and another in the afternoon to relax you.
How much water should I take with me?
We will provide all the water you need from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water is boiled, filtered and cooled, making it perfectly safe to drink. We recommend that you carry sufficient water storage, either a hydration pack or a water bottle, with a capacity of at least two liters. We also ask that you start your hike in the morning with full containers of drinking water, so that you have enough until lunch due to the time limitation of the porters to prepare drinking water at the first breakfast site.
What are the absolute essential elements?
To participate in this activity, please make sure you have the following items:
- Valid and original passport (copies will not be accepted).
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Immigration card (given on the plane when entering Peru).
- Lightweight, comfortable hiking boots in good condition.
- A high quality, lightweight, adequately sized backpack to carry your belongings.
- Water storage of at least 2 liters, either a hydration pack or a water bottle.
These items are indispensable to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience.
What should I carry in my backpack?
Here is a list of essential items to carry in your backpack during the hike. Remember that it is important to use a good quality, lightweight and comfortable backpack. Also, keep in mind that backpacks should not exceed 25L due to local regulations in Machu Picchu. Recommended items are:
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeve shirts)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medications
- Bandages and plasters
- Camera and extra batteries
- Flashlight
- Extra snacks, energy bars and chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (keep in mind that small change is useful to pay for the use of the local restrooms on the first day).
These items will help you to be prepared and comfortable during the hike - enjoy your experience!
Any advice on what to bring in my duffel bag?
In our service, we will provide a duffel bag for storage during the day. The porters will carry it with a maximum weight of 7 kg, including sleeping bag and air mattress (if you carry or rent them). During the trek, temperatures vary, so we recommend wearing layers of clothing.
Here is a list of recommended items:
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us).
- Air mattress (can be rented from us)
- Lightweight, comfortable shoes for camping
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves
- T-shirts (preferably made of moisture wicking material)
- Hiking pants
- Underwear and hiking socks (4 sets each)
- Fleece liner
- Warm down jacket for cold nights
- Quick drying towel
- Soap and wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Facial moisturizer
- Power pack/battery charger
- Plastic bags to separate wet or muddy clothes
These items will keep you prepared and comfortable during the hike.
Can you help me plan my time before the trip in Cusco?
We care about providing you with an exceptional service, that's why we offer you a free transfer to and from the airport and your hotel, so don't worry about anything! We just need you to provide us with your flight time and flight number in advance.
Besides, we are here for you 24 hours a day in Cusco. If you need help, don't hesitate to call us, visit our office or contact us by email or through our website. Our friendly travel staff will be happy to help you organize your time in Cusco and plan activities and excursions. And best of all, we will not charge you for this service.
We want your experience in Cusco to be unforgettable, so we strive to provide you with a complete and personalized service. We are here to make sure you enjoy your stay to the fullest and feel welcome at all times.
Don't hesitate to count on us for anything you need! We look forward to making your trip to Cusco an incredible experience.
Will I have altitude sickness?
The city of Cuzco is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, which may cause altitude sickness in some visitors. We recommend arriving at least two days before the excursion to acclimatize.
Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are at a lower altitude, around 2,000 meters, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Here are some tips for dealing with the altitude:
- Breathe deeply.
- Rest and relax upon arrival.
- Drink plenty of water to help you adapt faster.
- Coca tea and muña from the Andes can help.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs if you have problems with altitude.
- Consider medications such as Diamox or Acetazolamide (consult your doctor).
- Hotels in Cusco offer supplemental oxygen. Call us if you need it.
We are here to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip in Cusco. If you have questions or need help, contact us.