Feel the Spirit of the Andes
This package boasts the best of the best when it comes to the Peruvian Andes. It combines the most amazing places in Cusco; Cusco city, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Ausangate, and Rainbow Mountain. If you want to visit all these places when you come to Peru, why not combine them in a fantastic 6-day adventure where every last detail is planned for you?
Recharge yourself mentally and physically by the most powerful energy points in the Cusco region. Immense sacred glaciers like the imposing Apu Ausangate, turquoise lakes, wild animals, and the captivating Rainbow Mountain are the perfect complement to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. This trip really has it all for you to see everything special about Cusco.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Do you only have a week in Cusco but want to see as much as possible? Do you love learning about ancient cultures and also enjoy immersing yourself in local wildlife and seeing some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creations? You don’t need to look any further. Our 6-day epic trip combines visits to the most important sites in Cusco city, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Ausangate, and Rainbow Mountain. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or in a group, you can join us on this adventure of a lifetime.
Feel the call of the Incas as you tour the majestic city of Cusco. Get to know the monumental agricultural laboratory of Moray with its circular terraces and the thousands of small salt pools of Maras. Observe fertile cornfields in the middle of gigantic mountains during your visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
If that wasn’t already enough, you’ll be amazed by the genius of the ancient Peruvian architecture in the city of Machu Picchu, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. To end this incredible trip, you can walk via the grand Apu Ausangate to the Vinicunca Mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain or Mountain of 7 Colors due to the stripes of colors that its surface exhibits as a result of its complex mineral composition.
Don’t wait any longer to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Andes are calling you to sweep you off your feet, share their fantastic energy, and show you some spectacular scenery.
Itinerary at a Glance
-
Day 01
We welcome you to Cusco – City Tour Cusco Half Day
We’ll collect you from the airport and take you to rest in your hotel this morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a Cusco city tour of all the important places.
-
Day 02
Cusco | Chinchero - Moray - Maras Salt Mines - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Head out to the Sacred Valley this morning and stop at Chinchero, Moray, and Maras before taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
-
Day 03
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
You’ll have all morning today to explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour of approximately two hours. Take the train to Ollantaytambo this afternoon and then our private vehicle back to Cusco.
-
Day 04
Cusco | Upis - Arapa Pass - Hatun Pucacocha
Start your 3-day trek today and soak up stunning views of Andean landscapes. This afternoon, enjoy spending time by lagoons and waterfalls.
-
Day 05
Pucacocha Lake| Puca Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya - Surinecocha
Continue hiking through the mountains and get up close to Apu Ausangate. This afternoon, get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain before heading to camp.
-
Day 06
Surinecocha | Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise Walk) - Llactoc - Cusipata - Cusco
Wake up early to beat the crowds at Rainbow Mountain. Learn all about the site and then head down for lunch. Our private transport will take you back to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- The Ausangate Trek takes you to the fifth-highest mountain in Peru. You’ll see through some of the country’s wildest scenery, the perfect opportunity for travelers to get off the beaten track.
- Enjoy the pleasant climate of the Sacred Valley while observing fertile cornfields and the peaceful lifestyle that exists in the area.
- Witness the spectacular site of Moray and try to resolve its mysteries.
- Tour the highest salt mines in the world in the middle of the mountains at Maras.
- Relax during the enchanting train ride to the cloud forest, in the company of the immense Vilcanota River.
- Walk the ancient stone streets of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu, at dawn.
- Join us on this breathtaking trek through the Andean Mountains as you cross epic landscapes and summit gorgeous mountain paths.
- End your adventure with a visit to the beautifully unique Rainbow Mountain.
Why Travel with us
We welcome you to Cusco – City Tour Cusco Half Day
Highlight of the day: Visiting the most important historical sites in the city of Cusco.
Tour the Capital of the Inca Empire
We’ll meet you at the airport this morning to take you to your hotel in Cusco. After a short rest, we’ll collect you and take you on a wonderful Cusco city tour of all the important places.
You can expect to visit Qoricancha, the Cusco Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. You’ll learn all about the Incas and what these important sites mean. Later on, we’ll take you back to your hotel. You’ll have the evening free to spend as you wish.
A representative of Salkantay Trekking will be waiting for you at the Cusco Airport to greet you to our marvelous city and take you directly to your hotel. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 m / 11,155 ft, so you may need some time to acclimatize.
After a short rest, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to explore Cusco on a city tour. Our tour begins in the fascinating Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun, probably the most important Inca place within the city of Cusco. While you take your time to marvel at the exquisite architecture of the place, our guide will share a bit of the history of the Incas with you.
We’ll then continue to the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) to visit the Cusco Cathedral that holds approximately 300 paintings from the famous Cusqueña School. The Plaza de Armas itself is a wonderful place to sit and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and watch the world go by.
Later we’ll visit the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, located in the north of Cusco city. It’s characterized by having been built with colossal rocks that weigh hundreds of tons. Ancient Inca architects cut and polished these giant rocks to build zig-zag walls that span hundreds of meters. Despite the fact that only a small portion of the original site remains, the immense dimensions of Sacsayhuaman continue to inspire and surprise its visitors.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue to the Qenqo temple, carved from a single stone block. This temple has artificial tunnels, one of which forms an amphitheater. The original purpose of the amphitheater has been lost over time, but most experts agree that the area was used to worship the sun, moon, and stars—very important bodies in Inca culture. We’ll then go to Puca Pucara, a site that the Incas used as a military control center.
Our tour ends in Tambomachay, an Inca archaeological site that boasts a series of aqueducts and channels with two water fountains that still run spectacularly in front of your eyes.
At the end of the day, we’ll take you to the door of your hotel to enjoy a relaxing night and some dinner in a place of your choice.
Cusco | Chinchero - Moray - Maras Salt Mines - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Unraveling mysteries at Moray and staring in awe over the Maras Salt Mines.
Visit to Some of the Most Significant Sites in the Sacred Valley
We’ll pick you up after breakfast this morning and make our way toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First, you’ll stop at Chinchero to learn about their pretty textiles from a local family. Then, we’ll keep heading to the archaeological site of Moray and then the Maras Salt Mines, both incredible and unique places. We’ll then head to Urubamba for lunch.
This afternoon, we’ll continue to the last living Inca town of Ollantaytambo to explore and then board the train. We’ll travel along the tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You’ll spend tonight in a comfortable hotel.
We'll pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco at 07:30 a.m. after you’ve had a tasty breakfast. We'll head to our first stop in Chinchero, a beautiful place known not only for its impressive landscapes but also for the quality of its textile art, which is absolutely stunning. We'll visit the home of a local family where we'll learn some of the main textile techniques inherited from generation to generation. The low prices and very high quality of Chinchero fabrics make this an ideal opportunity to do some shopping for yourself or as a gift for someone back home.
As we continue our journey, we'll observe endless farming fields, small traditional communities, and huge snow-capped mountain peaks. Next, we'll arrive at Moray and will visit its spectacular circular terraces. Scholars have verified that Moray functioned as a true agricultural laboratory where food from other altitudes and climatic regions could be produced, even though it looks like something almost extraterrestrial.
Next, we'll go to the Maras Salt Mines that have been in operation since pre-Inca times. Be amazed by the more than 3,000 salt pools flooded daily by water that comes from inside the earth.
At noon, we'll be heading to Urubamba to recharge our energies with a well-deserved lunch. We'll continue our tour of the Sacred Valley and arrive at Ollantaytambo, considered by many to be the last and only living Inca city to this day. Its streets maintain the original layout made by the ancient Peruvians, and the water still runs through the canals found next to the main roads. It’s a quaint and lovely place to visit.
When we've finished touring this pretty historical place, we'll go to the Ollantaytambo train station and begin our ride into the Amazon jungle. It'll be an unforgettable hour and forty-five minutes along the rails next to the furious Vilcanota River.
We'll arrive at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), an intense miniature metropolis where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Without a doubt, discovering Machu Picchu’s secrets and feeling the energy of the place.
Explore the Lost City of the Incas
Perhaps the most exciting day is upon us. You’ll need to wake up early to head to Machu Picchu early and beat the large crowds. You’ll enjoy the sunrise and a guided tour of approximately two hours to all the important sites. Then, you can climb one of the additional mountains if you booked your tickets in advance. You’ll need to make your way back down a little after midday.
Once back in Aguas Calientes, you’ll find somewhere for lunch and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
The day to visit one of the New Wonders of the World is here! You’ll need to wake up before dawn to enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel before you board the bus in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m. The journey takes around 25 minutes and will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
As soon as you step inside, the immense energy of the site will wash over you. This pre-Hispanic marvel of architecture and engineering is built on the top of a mountain in complete harmony with Mother Nature. We'll be one of the first groups to enter, so you'll be able to observe in peace, without the distraction of a multitude of tourists, how the orange light of the dawn sun floods its light over these ancient walls.
You’ll learn all the history of Machu Picchu and visit the most important sectors in a guided tour of approximately two hours. You can also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at this point if you have tickets booked in advance.
At the end of this unforgettable tour, you can choose one of the many restaurants in Aguas Calientes for lunch (price not included in the tour). Then, depending on your train’s departure time, you'll return to the Ollantaytambo station where our driver will be waiting for you to transport you to the door of your hotel in the city of Cusco.
Cusco | Upis - Arapa Pass - Hatun Pucacocha
Highlight of the day: Feeling at one with nature and observing gorgeous landscapes.
Embark on Your Adventure Through Stunning Andean Landscapes
We’ll begin our 3-day trek today and pick you up early to head to Upis, where we’ll begin walking. This morning, you’ll enjoy some truly stunning scenery and observe the Apu Ausangate, who’ll accompany us the whole way. We’ll have lunch at the Upis thermal baths.
You’ll witness more incredible landscapes this afternoon and perhaps even see a condor mid-flight. We’ll get to our camp at Pucacocha and spend the afternoon exploring the lagoons and waterfalls in the area. You’ll enjoy a tasty dinner before heading to bed.
We’ll embark on our adventure very early this morning to the high Andes. We'll pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and go on our private transport to the starting point of our trek in the small town of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). On the way, we'll be able to see pretty picturesque towns and beautiful lagoons in the Vilcanota Valley.
After breakfast, we’ll start walking on a plain that looks directly at the immense Ausangate glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft)—the highest peak in the Cusco region. As we continue, we'll come across local people wearing their beautiful and colorful traditional clothes. Herds of llamas and alpacas will also accompany us along the way. We'll arrive in around 3 hours at the thermal baths of Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) to enjoy our lunch.
After a delicious meal in the middle of the cold and towering mountains, we’ll begin our walk for two-and-a-half hours in a beautiful high Andean valley towards the Arapa pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The spectacular Ausangate mountain will be by our side the entire way.
From the summit, the beauty of the landscape multiplies. You'll be able to observe the sheer size of the mountain range and if you're lucky, the flight of the largest flying bird in the world, the condor. Our guide will tell you a little more about the impressive local flora and fauna.
Then, we’ll begin to descend for two-and-a-half hours until we come across the crystalline multi-colored lagoon of Yanacocha (black lagoon) and then another one hour to reach Hatun Pucacocha (red lagoon), as well as several pretty waterfalls. We’ll find our camp here, where you'll have time to take a re-energizing nap.
In the afternoon, you’ll get to explore the vicinity of the lakes and drink delicious tea. As always, before you go to sleep, a nutritious dinner cooked by our talented chef awaits you.
Pucacocha Lake| Puca Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya - Surinecocha
Highlight of the day: Getting up close to Ausangate and seeing the sunset near Rainbow Mountain.
Feel the Energy Radiating from Apu Ausangate
You’re in for more amazing sights today. You’ll hike through green valleys and past snowy peaks to come face to face with Apu Ausangate. You’ll observe llamas and alpacas grazing and then get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain. We’ll stop for lunch in Anantapata.
In the afternoon, we’ll get some opportunities for fantastic photos before we ascend to Warmisaya pass. We’ll then descend to our camp at Surinecocha lagoon to enjoy a pretty sunset and happy hour and dinner.
There’s nothing better for your body than waking up to a hot herbal tea of coca leaves—this fantastic plant has been used since Inca times to give you an energy boost. Get up early to start one of the most beautiful days of the entire excursion. Today, you’ll be in awe at the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and deep green valleys.
After a hearty breakfast to get you going, we’ll hike up to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). You’ll feel the impressive presence of the Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons. Once you reach the top, you’ll come face to face with the gigantic Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You’ll also be able to observe the extended beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas will be grazing peacefully. From this opening, you’ll already be able to see the start of the Rainbow Mountain range with its striking colorful stripes.
After taking some stunning photos, we’ll continue with a gradual descent for an hour and a half to our lunch point located in Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). Once we’re full and rested, we’ll continue with an ascent to Warmisaya pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From there, you’ll feel like a bird as you observe the vastness of the horizon.
We only have to descend for an hour to the Surinecocha lagoon where our camp for the night will be waiting for you. In our camp, we’ll enjoy happy hour (drinks and snacks) and then dinner before you head to your cozy beds.
Surinecocha | Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise Walk) - Llactoc - Cusipata - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Hiking to Rainbow Mountain and enjoying the site before other visitors arrive.
Get Up Close to the Rainbow Mountain of Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll start our hike to Rainbow Mountain to get there before the large crowds. This way, you’ll get better photos and be able to enjoy the place in peace. It’ll then be time to hike down to Llactoc base camp to catch our private transport that’ll take us to our lunch spot.
This afternoon, we’ll be driving back to Cusco. Make sure you look out the window to enjoy some last mountain views and watch the sun go down. We’ll drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
After a tasty breakfast at 4:00 am, we will walk for 2 hours to Rainbow Mountain to contemplate this colorful valley lit by dawn. You'll have time to enjoy this paradise for an hour before the tourist crowd begins to arrive. Our expert guide will take you directly to the key places to get the best pictures.
Your guide will explain in detail why this mountain has such unique colors. It's one of the most amazing places in South America and one of Peru's main natural attractions. The only other colored mountains can be found in China.
Once we get to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, you'll have enough time to take pictures of this prestigious geological phenomenon.
We'll begin the descent to the base camp of Llactoc for an hour, where the transport will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusipata. There we'll satisfy our appetite with a delicious lunch.
You can enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape at sunset from the transport while we return to the city. We'll arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:00 pm to take you to the door of your hotel for some well-deserved rest.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2)
Entrance for the Ausangate Trek
Entrance for the Rainbow Mountain
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
One member of our staff will be waiting for you at the airport (or bus station) to welcome you and check your itinerary details.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
You’ll have spacious dining and kitchen tents where you can enjoy your food without problems. In addition, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our horses).
Portable Travel Toilet
Duffle Bag (Day 3-5)
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a small sleeping pillow, a cover to protect your backpack on the road, and a rain poncho.
Hiking Equipment
All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. In addition, inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, your tour package includes them.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cusco (Day 1, 3, and 6)
3 Nights in a hotel in Cusco.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
The 2nd night of this tour is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a double, triple or matrimonial room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
2 nights accommodation in Tents - Ausangate Trek
Day 4 and 5: Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.
Meals
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco, Buffet Lunch in the Sacred Valley, and Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals on Days 4, 5, and 6: Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 2 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters). You’ll be able to fill your bottles during each meal.
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will provide you the tea in your tent so that you will be warm from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: A representative of Salkantay Trekking will be waiting for you at Cusco Airport (or Bus Station) to take you directly to your hotel. After lunch, we'll pick you up from your hotel to explore the city on the afternoon city tour.
- Day 2: You will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy the Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero, Maras Moray, and Salt Mines. Then, you'll be transported to Ollantaytambo train station, where you'll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 4: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Tinqui, the starting point of the trek.
- Day 6: Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
Train Tickets
- Day 2: Train Ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition Service).
- Day 3: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Vistadome Service). The PeruRail Vistadome Train Service offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each one of its cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of the surroundings. The Vistadome approaches you to the amazing landscapes and nature on-route, creating a real connection.
Round-Trip Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 3)
Cargo Mules
On days 4, 5, and 6, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
What Is Not Included?
Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.
From PEN 70.00 (US$ 20.00) to PEN 130.00 (US$ 40.00) per person.
Cusco’s Cathedral Entrance Ticket
- Adult: PEN 40.00 (US$ 12.00)
- Students and Children (11-17): PEN 20.00 (US$ 6.00)
- Children (under 10): Free
Qoricancha Entrance Ticket
- Adult: PEN 15.00 (US$ 4.00)
- Students and Children (11-17): PEN 8.00 (US$ 2.00)
- Children (under 10): Free
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Day 1 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 Dinner
Hiking Gear & Clothes
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, accommodation, tents, or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL







CLOTHING















EQUIPMENT



RECOMMENDED






"Machu Picchu, Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 6 Days" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2023 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 800.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Hotel
All the related tours to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the night in the village in a 2 to 3 star hotel (shared room within a double, matrimonial, or triple occupancy room). If you’d like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a single room, please consider that there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo): US$ 60.00
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- City Tour: US$ 30.00 US$ 20.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!