8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain

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8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain
8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain

8 Day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu in Sky Lodge Dome (by Trekking)

You can now go on a great tour through the snowy Salkantay to one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World – Machu Picchu. We Highly Recommend to do this package that involves all the best Cusco, Peru Destinations.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World.

Mount Salkantay (or Nevado Salkantay / Salcantay) is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain on the Vilcabamba Mountain range.

Cusco I Mollepata I Challacancha I Soraypampa I Humantay Lake Hike I Salkantay Pass I Chaullay I Loreta I Llactapata I Aguas Calientes I Machu Picchu
Duration of the trip:

7 Days 6 Nights

Total Distance

50 miles

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

4650 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 Min - 08 Max

Hikers on the Salkantay Trail spend one day approaching the mountain from the south, followed by another day trekking near its base as they ascend the impressive Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. The 4-day, 3-night Salkantay Trek is an incredible adventure through the Andes, showcasing a mix of towering peaks, lush cloud forests, rivers, and natural hot springs—perfect for unwinding after a challenging hike. Along the way, you’ll experience dramatic shifts in climate and terrain, and even encounter snow at one of the trail’s highest points, reaching 4,630 meters (15,228 feet) above sea level. On the final day, you’ll cap off your journey with a grand tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel.

8 Days Cusco, Rainbow Mountain Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu Tour Package Overview:

  • TOUR NAME: 8 Days Cusco, Rainbow Mountain Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: Upon Request
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
  • DEPARTURE: Daily.
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 20km
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days befor we begin the Salkantay Trek
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha (for our Passengers and staff) Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 nights in Green Eco Dome ( Private Campsite of Domes at Soraypampa and Loreta La Playa ), 1 night in the hotel (Aguas Calientes), 04 nights in Cusco (at Quechuas Guesthouse B&B Private shower and Bathroom)
  • MEALS: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, 2 tea times + wake-up teas
  • MACHUPICCHU: Machupicchu entrance fee Included.

8 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain Short itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive Cusco & Cusco City Tour (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
  • Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisaq, Ollantaytambo & Chincheros (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
  • Day 03: Rainbow Mountain Ausangate Mountain (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
  • Day 04: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Overnight at Sky Lodge Dome).
  • Day 05: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – La Playa Loreta (Overnight at Sky Lodge Dome).
  • Day 06: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata Incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Overnight Hotel Aguas Calientes).
  • Day 07: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
  • Day 08: Transfer Hotel to Airport or Bus Terminal (End of the Service)

Highlights – 8 Days: Rainbow Mountain, Cusco & Salkantay Trek

  • Explore Historic Cusco: Wander ancient Inca streets, vibrant markets, and visit landmarks like Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán.
  • Sacred Valley Discovery: Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and local villages rich in history and Andean culture.
  • Rainbow Mountain Hike (Vinicunca): Marvel at the striking, multi-colored layers of this natural wonder at over 5,000 meters.
  • Scenic Drive to Soraypampa: Begin the Salkantay Trek with panoramic views of the Andes and glacial peaks.
  • Hike to Humantay Lake: Witness the turquoise waters of this stunning high-altitude lake framed by snowy mountains.
  • Conquer Salkantay Pass (4,630m / 15,190 ft): Reach the trek’s highest point with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and valleys.
  • Descend into the Cloud Forest: Experience dramatic shifts in climate and scenery as you trek from alpine to tropical zones.
  • Relax in Natural Hot Springs: Unwind in thermal baths in Santa Teresa after long trekking days.
  • Arrive at Aguas Calientes: Enjoy a charming evening in the town below Machu Picchu before the big day.
  • Sunrise Visit to Machu Picchu: Explore the legendary Inca citadel with a guided tour, and take in its awe-inspiring beauty at first light.

DAY 1
Cusco City Tour (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)+

DAY 2
Sacred Valley of the Inkas (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)+

DAY 3
Rainbow Mountain Ausangate Mountain (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)+

DAY 4
Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa+

DAY 5
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Loreta La playa coffee camp+

DAY 6
Loreta La playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes+

DAY 7
Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco!!!+

DAY 8
Cusco – Airport+

8 days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain Peru

  • Private Tourist Transportation To Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to get Challacancha better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
  • Private Transportation back from Soraypampa to Cusco and then Ollantaytambo/where we take the train to Aguas Calientes
  • Expeditions Train From Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Round Trip)
  • Machupicchu Entrance fee and Visit of Machupicchu
  • Rainbow Mountain Tour Includes all (Transportation, Breakfast, Lunch, Guide and entrance fees)
  • Sacred Valley and City Tour Includes Bus, Guide and Lunch.
  • 01 Night Hotel Overnight in Aguas Calientes
  • 04 Nights in Cusco Hotel Overnight in Aguas Calientes
  • English – Spanish speaking guide for 2 days on Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English Second Guide Over 16 people Group
  • 2 Nights in Dome at SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITE and LORETA LA PLAYA( Twin bed room, Matrimonial bed room, 3 beds room, 4 beds room Accomodation)
  • Day 1: Soraypampa Campsite at our Geodesic dome
  • Day 2: Loreta La Playa Campsite at our Geodesic dome
  • Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
  • Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
  • Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
  • Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
  • Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
  • Food service in the campsites (2 breakfast,2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
  • Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
  • Salkantay Trek & Humantay entrance fees, valid for 3 days
  • Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
  • Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
  • First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the salkantay trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
  • Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Trail)
  • Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
  • Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
  • Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!

8 Day Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu doesnt include:

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on 1st Day and Lunch and Dinner on day 6
  • Salkantay Entrance Fee (20 soles)
  • The Cuzco Visitor’s Ticket (known as Boleto Turistico – Tourist Pass 130 soles) – which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco.16 Places aprox.

8-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay, Humantay Lake and Machupicchu (Prices for 2025)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance, which will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$1150

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: US$1250

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.

What you need to bring on 8 days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
  • Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
  • Airline tickets (and some copies)
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
  • Camera and Memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Cover for backpacks
  • Pocketknife.
  • Fleece top
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Small towel and swim wear
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
  • 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
  • Sport hiking sandals
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (biodegradable)
  • Watch or alarm clock
  • Water bottle
  • Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
  • Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
  • Flashlight (head light recommended)
  • Money belt
  • Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
  • Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
  • Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

FAQs – 8-Day Rainbow Mountain, Cusco & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Pre-Trip & Planning
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (April–October). Book at least 2–3 months early.

Do I need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?
No official permit is required, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, but Machu Picchu tickets must be secured.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Dry season (May–September) offers the best weather for hiking and views.

Is altitude sickness common?
Yes. Acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days before starting the trek.

How physically demanding is this trip?
Moderate to challenging. Good fitness and some hiking experience are helpful.

What’s the altitude of Rainbow Mountain?
Around 5,200 meters (17,060 ft).

How high is Salkantay Pass?
4,630 meters (15,190 ft).

What are the daily hiking distances?
Between 10–22 km (6–13.5 miles) per day, depending on the day.

Can I hike Rainbow Mountain on the same trip?
Yes, it’s usually included early in the itinerary, after acclimatization.

What kind of weather should I expect?
Cold in the mountains, warm in the cloud forest; rain is always possible, especially November–March.

Packing & Gear
What should I pack?
Layers, waterproof gear, hiking boots, daypack, sun protection, reusable water bottle, and a sleeping bag.

Are sleeping bags and poles provided?
Not always—check with your tour operator. Rentals are usually available.

Do I carry my own gear?
You’ll carry a daypack; pack animals or porters carry the rest (usually 5–7 kg per person).

Are there weight limits for what I can bring?
Yes, typically 5–7 kg for duffel bags, excluding your personal daypack.

Are trekking poles allowed?
Yes, and they’re recommended—rubber tips are required in Machu Picchu.

Accommodation & Food
Where do we sleep during the trek?
In mountain lodges or tents, depending on the tour; basic accommodations are provided in Aguas Calientes.

Are meals included?
Yes, full meals are provided during the trek—usually by a camp chef.

What kind of food is served?
Hearty local dishes: rice, potatoes, vegetables, meat, quinoa soups, pasta, and tea.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, just let your tour operator know in advance.

Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled or filtered water is supplied daily for refilling bottles.

Trail Conditions & Terrain
Is the Salkantay Trek dangerous?
It’s safe with a reputable guide, but conditions can be tough—prepare for altitude, steep descents, and rugged paths.

What type of terrain will I be hiking on?
Mountain trails, rocky paths, jungle trails, and sometimes muddy or snowy sections.

Is Rainbow Mountain a difficult hike?
Yes, due to high altitude—though it’s a short hike, the thin air makes it strenuous.

Are there toilets on the trail?
Basic toilets are available at campsites. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Are showers available?
Some lodges or camps offer cold or basic showers; otherwise, no.

Logistics & Travel
How do I get to the trailhead?
Your operator provides transport from Cusco to the starting point (usually Soraypampa).

Do I need to buy my own Machu Picchu ticket?
Usually included in the tour, but confirm when booking.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but it must be booked in advance as permits are limited.

How do I return to Cusco after Machu Picchu?
You’ll take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to Cusco.

Is tipping the guides and porters expected?
It’s customary and appreciated—typically $5–10 per day per staff member.

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