8-Day Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek with Rainbow Mountain

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. and begin our journey toward Soraypampa, located at 3,900 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast. Afterward, we begin the ascent to Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters. The hike takes approximately two to two and a half hours.

Once we reach the lake, you will have time to enjoy the scenery, learn about the importance of the surrounding mountains and take photographs of the turquoise water beneath the Humantay Glacier.

We then descend for approximately one and a half hours to our lunch area. After lunch and a short rest, we continue toward our campsite at Salkantaypampa. Upon arrival, our trekking staff will have the tents and camping equipment prepared.

• Cusco altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
• Soraypampa altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Humantay Lake altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Campsite: Salkantaypampa
• Campsite altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tents
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
• Hiking time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Day temperature: 15–20°C / 59–68°F
• Night temperature: -2 to 5°C / 28–41°F

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Inkachiriasca Pass – Yanacaca

After your first night in the mountains, our trekking staff will wake you with a hot cup of coca tea. We then enjoy breakfast and prepare for the most demanding section of the journey.

Today, we hike toward the highest point of the trek. The first ascent takes approximately three to four hours before reaching Pampa Japonesa, our lunch spot surrounded by impressive views of Salkantay and the neighboring snowcapped mountains.

After lunch, we continue ascending toward Inkachiriasca Pass, located at 5,100 meters above sea level. From the pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With some luck, we may also see Andean condors flying overhead.

After spending time at the pass, we begin a long descent of approximately three to four hours toward our campsite at Yanacaca.

• Campsite: Yanacaca
• Campsite altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Highest point: Inkachiriasca Pass at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tents
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Hiking time: 8–10 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Day temperature: 10–15°C / 50–59°F
• Night temperature: -3 to 3°C / 26–37°F

Day 3: Yanacaca – Pampacahua – Wayllabamba

After breakfast, we begin descending through beautiful highland landscapes. Along the route, we will see mountain rivers and waterfalls supplied by the surrounding glaciers.

We continue hiking through the Andes and pass the rural community of Pampacahua. The landscape gradually changes as we descend toward the valley and enter a milder environment.

Upon reaching Wayllabamba, we officially connect with the Classic Inca Trail. From this point onward, the route follows the original trail used by the Incas to reach Machu Picchu.

At Wayllabamba, we say goodbye to our horsemen because horses are not permitted along the regulated Classic Inca Trail. Our porters will transport the camping equipment during the remaining trekking days.

• Campsite: Wayllabamba
• Campsite altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tents
• Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Hiking time: 8–9 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Day temperature: 18–22°C / 64–72°F
• Night temperature: 5–10°C / 41–50°F

Day 4: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Pacaymayo

Our trekking staff will wake you with a hot cup of coca tea before breakfast. Today, we face one of the most challenging sections of the Classic Inca Trail: the ascent to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass.

After breakfast, we begin a steady climb through several ecological zones. The trail initially passes through a cloud forest before entering the open Andean highlands.

We stop at Llulluchapampa to rest and recover our energy before continuing toward the pass. As we approach the summit, the vegetation becomes sparse and the views across the Andes become increasingly impressive.

Warmiwañusca is the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail at 4,215 meters. After enjoying the views and taking photographs, we descend for approximately two hours along original Inca stone steps toward Pacaymayo.

At the campsite, our staff will welcome you with hot drinks before dinner.

• Campsite: Pacaymayo
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Highest point: Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tents
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Hiking time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult and challenging
• Day temperature: 15–20°C / 59–68°F
• Night temperature: 2–6°C / 36–43°F

Day 5: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca

Today is one of the most culturally rewarding sections of the journey. After enjoying a hot cup of coca tea and breakfast, we begin the ascent toward Runkurakay Pass.

Along the route, we explore several important Inca archaeological sites. The first is Runkurakay, a semicircular structure believed to have served as a resting place or control station along the trail.

We then cross the pass and continue toward Sayacmarca, an impressive archaeological complex built on a rocky promontory. Its location offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

The landscape and ecosystem change throughout the day as the trail moves between different elevations. We continue through the cloud forest and mountain terrain before reaching our campsite near Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town Above the Clouds.”

At the campsite, we have a small farewell ceremony to thank our porters for their work and support during the trek.

• Campsite: Phuyupatamarca
• Campsite altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tents
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
• Hiking time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Day temperature: 15–22°C / 59–72°F
• Night temperature: 3–7°C / 37–45°F

Day 6: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes

We begin the final trekking day at approximately 5:00 a.m. and follow a long downhill section toward Wiñay Wayna. This part of the route includes numerous original Inca stone steps and passes through lush cloud forest.

Wiñay Wayna is one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Its name means “Forever Young” in Quechua. The complex features agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains and residential structures built into the mountainside.

After exploring the site and enjoying lunch, we continue toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

We then descend toward Machu Picchu and stop at the upper viewpoints to take the classic postcard photographs. After enjoying this memorable arrival, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes and check into our hotel.

• Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,050 m / 6,726 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Day temperature: 20–26°C / 68–79°F
• Night temperature: 12–15°C / 54–59°F

Day 7: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu – Return to Cusco

We return to Machu Picchu early in the morning for a professionally guided tour of the archaeological complex. Your guide will explain the history and purpose of its principal temples, plazas, terraces and residential areas.

If your Huayna Picchu permit has been reserved in advance, you will also have the opportunity to climb this famous mountain. The hike offers impressive views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.

After completing the visit, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time for lunch before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at the train station, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Huayna Picchu altitude: 2,693 m / 8,835 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
• Activity time: Approximately 4–5 hours
• Huayna Picchu hike: Approximately 2.5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 8: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. and begin the drive toward Rainbow Mountain. After approximately two hours, we stop for breakfast.

We then continue driving for approximately one more hour to reach the trailhead, located at approximately 4,800 meters above sea level.

The hike involves a gradual ascent of approximately two hours. Upon reaching the main viewpoint, you will have time to admire the colorful landscape, learn about the area and take photographs.

Afterward, we descend for approximately one and a half hours to the parking area. Our transport will take us to enjoy a buffet lunch before returning to Cusco.

We expect to arrive back at your hotel between approximately 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

• Rainbow Mountain altitude: Approximately 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast and buffet lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
• Walking distance: Approximately 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Total duration: Approximately 8–9 hours, including transportation
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Day 9: Departure from Cusco

At the appropriate time, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cusco Airport for your departing flight.

Please confirm your flight information in advance so that we can schedule the transfer at the most appropriate time.

• Service included: Transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport
• Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, depending on your departure time