Tourist seeing a wonderful Inca construction on a tour in Cusco

Cusco Highlights tour 7 Days

7 Days & 6 Nights
Starting from US$795 per person
Accommodation Icon
Sky Camp & Hotels Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,100 m / 16,732 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Easy to Challenging Difficulty

Journey to the unmissable Cusco Traditions and Adventure

Cusco City - The Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Humantay Lake - Salkantay Pass - Rainbow Mountain
Accommodation Icon
Sky Camp & Hotels Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,100 m / 16,732 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Easy to Challenging Difficulty

Do you want to explore the most important sites of Cusco in one of our most favorite treks for travelers? Then this tour is ideal for you. We have created a trip that combines the best of both worlds. This 7-day program will take you through spectacular monuments, lush valleys and trails that lead to glacial mountains, considered the highest in the region.

Journey to the unmissable Cusco Traditions and Adventure 7 Days Map The all in one unmissable journey of Cusco highlights 7 Days Map
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Before You Go
  • Packing List
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

Your adventure begins in the city of Cusco exploring its closest archaeological sites. Then, from the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will visit the impressive sites: Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo until arriving by train to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, where you will have a guided tour to learn the origins of this sacred place and appreciate its imposing Inca architecture.

Afterwards, you will head up the famous 2-day short trail to Salkantay Mountain, appreciating the magical Humantay Lake and the imposing snow-capped Salkantay in the distance, before resting in our exclusive Sky Camp. Finally, you will visit the Montaña de Colores Rainbow Mountain on a trek accompanied by the beautiful view of Ausangate, a memorable trip that you can't miss!

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day 01

    Explore the City of Cusco

    In the morning, arrive in the imperial city of Cusco and take a break. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the most important sites and discover their incredible history.

  • Day 02

    Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Salt mines of Maras - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

    We will leave for Chinchero. We will continue to the agricultural laboratory of Moray. Later, we will go to the salt mines of Maras. Afterward, we will go to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious lunch. Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Day 03

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    You’ll wake up early to visit Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours. Later, you’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, from where our private transportation will take us back to Cusco.

  • Day 04

    Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Sky Camp - Humantay Lake

    Travel to Challacancha to start hiking to Soraypampa. Hike up to Humantay Lake in the afternoon and spend the night in our Sky Camp.

  • Day 05

    Sky Camp - Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soyrococha - Soraypampa - Cusco

    This morning, hike up to the Salkantay Pass along the Trail of the 7 Snakes. Enjoy the stunning views before heading to lunch and back to Cusco in our private transport.

  • Day 06

    Cusco - Cusipata - Llacto - Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca

    You will take an epic day hike to Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca. Also, enjoy breakfast and lunch, before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.

  • Day 07

    Depart Cusco or continue your adventure

    Farewell with a transfer to Cusco airport or bus station. Or continue exploring the city with the various activities we have on our website.

What's it like

Highlights

  • Explore the most important points of Cusco in a City Tour: Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Temple of the Sun, Qenqo, among others.
  • Get to know the Sacred Valley on a historical and open-air tour to learn about the diverse Andean culture and the amazing architecture of the Incas.
  • Travel by train through farmland and along the Vilcanota River to the majestic historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu to explore with your expert guide.
  • Appreciate the magical Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain on a challenging 2-day short trek.
  • Spend the night in our exclusive Sky Camp surrounded by nature, contemplating the stars and the beautiful mountain scenery.
  • Witness the hypnotic hues of the Colored Mountain on the last day of this incredible adventure.

Why Travel with us

  Itinerary
Day 01

Explore the City of Cusco

Highlight of the day: Learn all about the ancient Inca culture and observe their incredible craftsmanship.

Touch Down in Cusco City and Explore the Sites

Accommodation Icon
Hotel in Cusco Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Walking Time Icon
5 hours Walking Time

Arrive in the imperial city of Cusco, and we will take you to your hotel to freshen up and settle in before a half-day city tour. This tour is very relaxed, and you won't have to exert yourself too much on the first day. It is the perfect way to acclimatize to the altitude.

On the tour, you will visit some of the city's most important sites and monuments and learn all about its history. You've probably heard that Cusco was the home of the Incas, but there were also many cultures before them, since 1,000 BC to be exact. The attractions you will visit on your tour of the city are:

  • The Cusco Cathedral
  • Qoricancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent
  • Sacsayhuaman
  • Q’enqo
  • Puka Pukara
  • Tambomachay

Welcome to the Imperial City of Cusco, also known as the cultural capital of Peru. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to check-in, drop off your luggage and freshen up. You will have time to rest before finding a place to have lunch. After lunch, we will take you on a half-day tour of this impressive city to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m.a.s.l.).

An unforgettable experience awaits you as you know the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. People have lived in Cusco since approximately 1,000 BC and considered it the center of the regional culture, known as Qosqo. It has been a place of great importance. It has played a significant role in all the civilizations that have lived in the area throughout history, starting with the native peoples of Peru, long before the Incas with whom we usually associate the region today.

Once the Inca empire spanned beyond Peru, Cusco became the center of the powerful and extensive reign. After the Incas, the Spanish also used the city as a colonial capital.

On this half-day city tour, you will learn much more about the history of Cusco and see some of the most important landmarks and archaeological sites.

The attractions you will visit on tour include:

The Cathedral of Cusco: One of the most emblematic places in Cusco is the Cathedral, which is located in the main square and has an incredible artistic value. It is a colonial monument built over the Inca Palace of Wiracocha. Inside the Cathedral, you will find many carved, detailed, and refined wooden works: the choir, the pulpit, and the altars. There are also many beautiful paintings from the Cusco School of Art (including a picture of the Last Supper in which Christ and his disciples eat guinea pig) and impressive pieces of embossed silver.

Qoricancha Temple and Convent of Santo Domingo: This religious center was of great importance to the Incas and was built to worship the sun, the deity par excellence for the ancient civilization. Inside, you will find smaller temples dedicated to various celestial bodies: the sun, the moon, and the stars. Outside, you will see beautiful gardens and royal fountains. What is most striking is the combination of extraordinary Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. More pieces from the Cusco School of Art are also on display.

Sacsayhuaman: 2 km from the city center, you will find this impressive site built with huge carved rocks that come together harmoniously. You will see that three superimposed platforms have an average length of 360 meters. Some stones rise over 9 meters high. Take some time to walk around and appreciate the fantastic architecture while enjoying the most spectacular view of the city of Cusco and the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Q'enqo: 1.4 km from Sacsayhuaman is the Inca ceremonial center of Q'enqo. The most outstanding feature of this complex is an open space known as an amphitheater. Hundreds of years ago, Inca mummies would have been found in the various niches surrounding the site. Today, the amphitheater is only half its original height.

Puka Pukara: The name of this site means red fortress, due to the reddish tint that is the result of a large amount of iron in the rocks. Many believe that the fortress was perhaps an old warehouse (Tambo) that served as a place of rest and surveillance to protect Tambomachay. In this complex, you can appreciate impressive architecture, fountains, aqueducts, and several Inca enclosures.

Tambomachay: The last stop of the City Tour is this fascinating complex where you can see finely carved stones, fountains, and aqueducts to transport water from nearby springs and hot springs. For this reason, Tambomachay is associated with the cult of water. In front of this construction, there is a tower that is believed to have served as a watchtower and communication tower.

Day 02

Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Salt mines of Maras - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the day: Explore fascinating archaeological sites.

Epic day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Hotel in Aguas Calientes Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Walking Time Icon
11-12 hours Walking Time

Today we will leave Cusco early in the morning and head to Chinchero to learn about its textile art and visit the home of a local family. Then, we will continue to the impressive agricultural laboratory of Moray. Later, we will head to the salt mines of Maras, where you will find more than 3,000 salt ponds that are flooded with water from inside the earth. At noon, we will go to Urubamba for a delicious lunch. Afterward, we will visit Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes for dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel.

We will pick you up early from your hotel to head to our first stop in Chinchero, a beautiful place known not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for the quality of its textile art. Here, we will visit the home of a local family, where we will learn some of the leading textile techniques that have been preserved from generation to generation.

We will continue appreciating diverse cultivated fields, small traditional communities, and substantial snow-capped peaks. We will then arrive at Moray and visit its spectacular circular terraces. Studies have proven that Moray functioned as a valid agricultural laboratory where food from other altitudes and climatic regions could be produced. Afterward, we will go to the salt mines of Maras, a place functioning since pre-Inca times. There, you will find more than 3,000 salt ponds flooded daily with water coming from inside the earth.

At noon, we will head to Urubamba to recharge our batteries with a well-deserved lunch. We will continue our tour through the Sacred Valley until we reach Ollantaytambo, considered the last living Inca city. It is a picturesque and charming place to visit.

Once we have finished exploring this beautiful city, we will head to Ollantaytambo station and begin our train ride through the Amazon jungle. It will be an unforgettable hour and forty-five minutes along the tracks next to the mighty Vilcanota River. Finally, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, an intense miniature metropolis where we will have dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 03

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Discovering the best-kept secrets of Machu Picchu.

Discover Machu Picchu’s Secrets on the Ultimate Guided Tour

Meals Icon
Breakfast Meals
Accommodation Icon
Hotel in Cusco Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Activity Duration Icon
2-3 hours exploring Activity Duration
Machu Picchu Site Elevation Icon
2,430 m / 7,972 ft Machu Picchu Site Elevation
Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration) Icon
Moderate to Challenging (2-4 hours) Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration)
Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation
Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
3,000 m / 9,843 ft Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation

Wake up early to have a good breakfast before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu. We like to leave early to avoid the large crowds of tourists. Once inside, you will watch the sunrise over the fantastic site and then you´ll have a guided tour of approximately two hours to all the most important sites. You can then take a tour of one of the additional mountains if you have booked your tickets in advance. Around noon, you´ll descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.

In town, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant, then head to the train station and board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. Now it will be time for a well-deserved rest.

Today you will wake up very early at 5:00 a.m. to enjoy breakfast without rushing. This way, we can board one of the first buses leaving for Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft.). This is the only way to avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy the complex in peace while the sun rises and casts an impressive orange glow on the enormous stones.

Once at the Inca citadel, you will need to show your entrance ticket and passport. If you are a student, you must bring your ID card. You will not be allowed to enter without these documents.

You will feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. Happiness will flood you as you observe how the golden sunlight gradually covers every corner of Machu Picchu. You will learn all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour in which you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for approximately two hours through the most significant parts of the tour. If you have booked tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, now it's time to go hiking. Then, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

In Aguas Calientes, you will find a place to have lunch and then board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo; from there, you will travel to Cusco in our private transportation, and we will drop you off at the door of your accommodation. Your arrival time will depend on the time of your train ticket.

Day 04

Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Sky Camp - Humantay Lake

Highlight of the day: Contemplate the gem that is the Humantay Lake and enjoy the drastic change in color that contrasts with the white background.

Hike to the Turquoise Jewel in the Andean Mountains

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Sky Camp Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
12 km / 7.46 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
5 - 6 hours Walking Time
Humantay Lake Elevation Icon
4,200 m / 13,780 ft Humantay Lake Elevation
Campsite Elevation Icon
3,900 m / 12,795 ft Campsite Elevation
Accommodation Icon
Hotel in Cusco Accommodation

We will pick you up from your accommodation and head to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha. From there, we will spend the morning hiking to our exclusive Sky Camp located in Soraypampa, where you will have lunch and settle in before continuing with the tour.

In the afternoon, we will hike to the most turquoise and beautiful lagoon with a white and snowy background, the Humantay Lake. Before returning to Soraypampa for dinner, you will spend some time at the summit and capture some wonderful photos, gaze at the stars and get some rest. In the evening, you will rest in your Sky Camp.

Early today morning, your exciting 2-day adventure begins when the tour guide and our transportation will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. The first stop of the day will be in Mollepata for a nutritious breakfast. Then, we will continue the trek until we reach Challacancha for a short rest.

From here, we will begin the hike to Soraypampa, where our campsite is located. This first stretch is not very challenging and will help you adapt to the altitude. You will notice that you follow a small Inca canal most of the way, and you will be able to contemplate the beautiful Andean landscape.

We will arrive at our Sky Camp located in front of the majestic and snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, where the chef will be waiting for us with an exquisite lunch. Afterward, you will have some time to rest in your igloo or walk around the site before preparing for our afternoon hike.

Then, you will ascend to the Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Once you reach the top, you will need to take it easy due to the altitude. Here, you will have time to enjoy the beautiful view of the lagoon that sparkles like a jewel amidst the white background of the snow-capped mountain.

Later, you will return to our Sky Camp to enjoy a nice dinner and contemplate the stars. Your guide will tell you all about Inca astronomy. When you go to bed, you can look out the roof of your igloo and let the constellations lull you to sleep.

Day 05

Sky Camp - Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soyrococha - Soraypampa - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Arrive at the Salkantay Pass and contemplate the incredible mountain scenery.

The trail of the Seven Serpents is over

Meals Icon
Breakfast, and lunch Meals
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
14 km / 8.70 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
7 hours Walking Time
Salkantay Pass Elevation Icon
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Salkantay Pass Elevation

Get up early to have a nutritious breakfast before starting the trek along the 7 Serpents Trail to the Salkantay pass. Once you reach the top, you will have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the fantastic views of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Then, you will descend to the lunch spot.

After lunch, you will continue to Sky Camp and hike another half hour to board your private transport. Enjoy the last panoramic views from the window as we take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.

Today is the big day because we will reach the highest point of the trip, where you will encounter beautiful landscapes surrounded by impressive mountains. You will enjoy a full and nutritious breakfast before gradually ascending to Salkantaypampa. Then, you will traverse a challenging trail known as 'The 7 Snakes Trail' until you reach the impressive Salkantay pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Here you will spend some time taking some memorable photos and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

After contemplating the view of the snow-capped mountains and feeling the force of nature, we will pass through rocky landscapes and descend until we reach our lunch spot at a place called Soyrococha. After lunch, we will continue descending towards Soraypampa and have a view of the great forest of snow-covered stones in the distance. All your efforts will be greatly rewarded with incredible scenery all around.

Once we arrive at Sky Camp, we will have a break to drink water or eat some snacks before we embark on the final stretch for half an hour to board the shuttle. Throughout this last part of the trip, you will have plenty of opportunities to take great pictures of valleys, mountains, rivers, and farmland. Finally, we will arrive in Cusco and drop you off at your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Day 06

Cusco - Cusipata - Llacto - Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca

Highlight of the day: Arrive at the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Hike to the Rainbow Mountain

Meals Icon
Breakfast, and Lunch Meals
Accommodation Icon
Hotel in Cusco Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
7 km / 4.35 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
2 - 3 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
5,100 m / 16,732 ft Highest Elevation

We will pick you up early to begin our adventure. On the way, we will stop for breakfast and get the energy we need. Afterward, we will continue the journey to the start of our hike. We will drive for an hour and a half through beautiful landscapes and observe the unique Andean wildlife as we make our way along the challenging trail to the Rainbow Mountain (Colored Mountain). Once there, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the 360° view and take some memorable photos.

Later, we will descend for an hour until we reach the starting point of the hike, from where our transportation will take us to a restaurant for lunch and then return to the city of Cusco. Your day will end when we drop you off at your accommodation and take a relaxing break after an incredible adventure.

Our last day of adventure begins at 4:00 a.m. We will pick you up in our private transportation and drive for three hours to Cusco's South Valley. Despite the early start, you will have the opportunity to sleep a little longer on the way, thanks to the comfortable transportation and cozy blankets we will provide you with.

Along the way, we will observe picturesque Andean villages, Inca-era agricultural terraces, fertile valleys and beautiful mountain gorges. We will stop to appreciate the herds of llamas and alpacas that will entertain you while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast that will give you the nutritional boost you need to start the trek.

We will continue our journey until we reach the starting point of the trek, Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft); from there, we will follow a beautiful stream and go along a winding path in the middle of the Andean mountains. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Take a few minutes to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.

This remote region is home to many people, and you will have the opportunity to see them working the land. Also, you will be amazed to see the traditional clothing they wear and make thanks to the artistic textile talents they have inherited from their ancestors. By keeping these traditions alive, an ancestral culture is preserved. Your guide will explain the meaning of some of the garments, and if you wish, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua, the native language of many inhabitants of the area that has been spoken since the time of the Incas.

After an hour and a half hike, we will arrive at the incredible Colored Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take your time to admire the astonishing beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You will explore the surroundings and admire the breathtaking scenery while the guide explains the theories that exist about the origin of this mountain that looks like something out of a colorful dream. Take this opportunity to take some amazing pictures or simply immerse yourself in the scenery. We will spend about 30 minutes to an hour at the top, depending on how fast you have walked and the weather conditions. If you want to stay there longer, let your expert guide know.

It will take us another hour to reach the starting point of the hike; from this point, we will board our transportation to the restaurant in Cusipata, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch. Then, we will board our private transportation again to return to the city of Cusco. We will leave you at the door of your accommodation to rest after an incredible day.

Day 07

Depart Cusco or continue your adventure

Highlight of the day:

Say goodbye to Imperial Cusco

Meals Icon
Breakfast Meals

It's time to say goodbye but keep the best memories of this trip. At the most convenient time, we will take you to the airport or bus station.

Or continue exploring among the countless activities Cusco has to offer. There is so much to see and we are here to plan your perfect vacation. Feel free to consult our specialists for more details.

It's time to say goodbye but keep the best memories of this trip. At the most convenient time, we will take you to the airport or bus station.

Or continue exploring among the countless activities Cusco has to offer. There is so much to see and we are here to plan your perfect vacation. Feel free to consult our specialists for more details.

  Inclusions

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?

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure Briefing

  • Experienced Tour Guide

    Our official tour guides speak fluent English and Spanish, are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!

  • Sleeping Bag (Day 4)
  • First AID Kit
    All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions for them every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). 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. For Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass and Rainbow Mountain, you’ll receive a pair of trekking poles and a rain poncho.

  • 24/7 Customer Service

    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your tour.

Accommodation

  • Hotel in Cusco (Day 1,3,5, and 6)

    4 Nights in a hotel in Cusco.

  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 2)

    1 night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (includes luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu)

  • Accommodation in our Exclusive Sky Camp (Day 4)

    You will spend 1 night at our Sky Camp located in front of the impressive Humantay and Salkantay glacier mountains. From your glass-toped igloo, you will be able to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky with exceptional views of the constellations.

Meals

  • 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 2 Dinners
    • 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.
    • Day 4: Breakfast in Mollepata. At our Sky Camp, you’ll enjoy lunch and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks; served on the spot by our expert cooks and staff. (Vegetarian and vegan options are available at no cost)
    • Day 5: Breakfast at our Sky Camp and Lunch at Soyrococha
    • Day 6: Breakfast and Lunch in the Rainbow Mountain Trek
    • Day 7: Breakfast at your hotel in Cusco
  • Water (Days 4,5,6)
    • For Salkantay: A good supply of boiled, filtered, and cooled water. Please bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (2 liters recommended) which you can refill during each meal.
    • For Rainbow Mountain: A water bottle
  • Wake up tea

    Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed 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 (Day 4,5,6)

    For the hikes, we'll provide you with snacks of local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc., to enjoy during the walk. To avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, you'll receive a cloth bag.

  • Hygiene Products

    You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.

Transportation

  • Transport

    All transportation and transfers between indicated hotels, airports, and bus or train stations are included (according to the itinerary).

  • Train Tickets
    • Day 2: Expedition Train: from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
    • Day 3: Vistadome Train: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

    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 the route, creating a real connection.

  • Round-Trip Bus Transport Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 3)

Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
  • Entry to the Rainbow Mountain
  • Entry to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Trek

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.

  • Meals and drinks not indicated
  • Hiking Gear & Clothes
  • Duffle Bag
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff

    Tipping is the standard in any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our 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.

  Before You Go

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.

It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.

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.

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.

  Packing List

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

ESSENTIAL

Valid Passport
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Personal Care Products

CLOTHING

Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking socks
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Pair of thermal pants
Shorts
Shorts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Raincoat or rain poncho
Waterproof or wool gloves
Waterproof or wool gloves
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Wool hat for the cold
Neck gaiter or buff
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunglasses with UV protection

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)

RECOMMENDED

Camera and charger
Camera and charger
Power bank
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Bathing suit
Bathing suit
Towel
Towel
Flashlight
Flashlight
  Pricing

"Cusco Highlights tour 7 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$ 795.00 per person.

Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person.

Balance (Cusco): US$ 395.00 (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:  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 sales@salkantaytrekking.com.

  Enquire Now

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.

Personal Details

Trip Details

14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =

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!

Feel free to reach us via email at sales@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179

Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru

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