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The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail. It is considered by most to be the best alternative route. We think it’s the best route! Not only because of the rampant beauty you will encounter, but also because of the lack of people. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquantifiable value. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred.
Machu Picchu is consistently the #1 travel destination in the world. Why? The answer is simple: the experience is mesmerizing and unique. You aren’t merely driving up to the lookout, getting out of the car, and snapping a few photos; you are traveling to the depths of South America, into the heart of the Andes. Stumbling onto the Lost City of the Incas is just one part of the journey.
The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
Vinicunca — also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain — was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. Formed by weathering, environmental conditions and sedimentary deposits over time, the mountain’s unique minerology created a marbling effect, with layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise towering into the sky.
The former capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Peru’s city of Cusco is a fabulous base from which to explore fascinating archeological and historical sites, as well as enjoy time in nature. Although the city has much to be proud of, many of the area’s delights can be found beyond the city limits. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember.
Machu Picchu Inca Trekking is one of Peru’s leading tour operators. We are trusted for our professional, efficient, and friendly services. With a focus on exploration, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our adventure travel packages will challenge and inspire you as you bond with other like-minded travelers who share a love for exploring new places and cultures.
Duration
Half Day
Price
from: $50
5050 m / 16568 ft
Up to 10 people
No Included
Moderate
Get ready to discover one of the most impressive natural wonders on the planet in the middle of the Andes of Peru. If you visit Cusco, you have to do it! Our one-day tour to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, will take you through remote high-altitude deserts and through isolated communities found in the Vilcanota mountain range. In addition, you’ll be able to witness the immensity of the sacred Ausangate mountain (6,300 masl / 20,900 fasl), the highest in the region.
Our adventure begins at 4:00 am. We will pick you up from your hotel's door to head for 3 hours towards the Southern Valley in our private transport. Remember that the starting point of our walk is at 4,638 masl / 15,216 fasl. Along the way, we'll observe picturesque Andean towns, agricultural platforms from the Inca period, fertile valleys, and beautiful rolling mountains. Even in the morning, the herds of llamas and alpacas will entertain you while you enjoy a delicious continental breakfast.
We'll continue our journey until we reach the starting point of the walk. There we'll head down a meandering path in the middle of the Andean mountains following a beautiful stream. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with an impressive view of the Ausangate Mountain (6,300 masl / 20,900 fasl). Take a few minutes to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.
This whole area is home to many people, and you'll have the opportunity to see them working the land. You'll surely also be surprised to see the traditional clothing they use and that they make themselves thanks to the practice of textile art they have inherited from their ancestors. They preserve their ancient culture and refuse to be submitted by the rules of the western world. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some clothes and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua.
After an hour and a half of walking, we will arrive at the impressive Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,050 masl / 16,564 fasl). Take your time to admire this natural formation's unique beauty and feel the thrill of witnessing an unforgettable spectacle. Explore the surroundings while your guide explains the theories regarding this mountain's origin that seems to be taken from the gods' colorful dream. Take photographs and immerse yourself in the landscape that also shows you the splendor of the great mountain Ausangate in the distance.
There we will take a break between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your steps' speed and the weather condition. If you want to stay longer, inform your guide. Later, there's the possibility of walking through the Red Valley, if the climate and weather allow it. Don't miss this valley of completely red mountains!
It'll take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to arrive again at the starting point where we'll enjoy our box lunch. Once we have filled our stomachs, we'll embark on our private transport back to the city of Cusco. At approximately 5:00 pm we'll leave you at the door of your hotel.
Our adventure begins at 4:00 am. We will pick you up from your hotel's door to head for 3 hours towards the Southern Valley in our private transport. Remember that the starting point of our walk is at 4,638 masl / 15,216 fasl. Along the way, we'll observe picturesque Andean towns, agricultural platforms from the Inca period, fertile valleys, and beautiful rolling mountains. Even in the morning, the herds of llamas and alpacas will entertain you while you enjoy a delicious continental breakfast.
We'll continue our journey until we reach the starting point of the walk. There we'll head down a meandering path in the middle of the Andean mountains following a beautiful stream. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with an impressive view of the Ausangate Mountain (6,300 masl / 20,900 fasl). Take a few minutes to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.
This whole area is home to many people, and you'll have the opportunity to see them working the land. You'll surely also be surprised to see the traditional clothing they use and that they make themselves thanks to the practice of textile art they have inherited from their ancestors. They preserve their ancient culture and refuse to be submitted by the rules of the western world. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some clothes and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua.
After an hour and a half of walking, we will arrive at the impressive Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,050 masl / 16,564 fasl). Take your time to admire this natural formation's unique beauty and feel the thrill of witnessing an unforgettable spectacle. Explore the surroundings while your guide explains the theories regarding this mountain's origin that seems to be taken from the gods' colorful dream. Take photographs and immerse yourself in the landscape that also shows you the splendor of the great mountain Ausangate in the distance.
There we will take a break between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your steps' speed and the weather condition. If you want to stay longer, inform your guide. Later, there's the possibility of walking through the Red Valley, if the climate and weather allow it. Don't miss this valley of completely red mountains!
It'll take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to arrive again at the starting point where we'll enjoy our box lunch. Once we have filled our stomachs, we'll embark on our private transport back to the city of Cusco. At approximately 5:00 pm we'll leave you at the door of your hotel.
You will meet your tour guide and group in our office for an orientation before your tour. The meeting will be at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.
You will meet your tour guide and group in our office for an orientation before your tour. The meeting will be at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Our guides are chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and a desire to share in the experience. They’ll make sure you are safe and happy.
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Our guides are chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and a desire to share in the experience. They’ll make sure you are safe and happy.
All Machu Picchu Inca 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 emergency situations (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, 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.
All Machu Picchu Inca 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 emergency situations (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, 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.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
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 restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing.
Before starting your trekking, our tour leader will provide you a Cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We will give this snack to you at the beginning of each day in your cloth bag.
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands.
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 restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing.
Before starting your trekking, our tour leader will provide you a Cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We will give this snack to you at the beginning of each day in your cloth bag.
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands.
All your transportation is included in this package. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel.
All your transportation is included in this package. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel.
Entrance for the Rainbow Mountain
Entrance for the Rainbow Mountain
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a
Tips are usual on any excursion. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the porters and chefs together.
Tips are usual on any excursion. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the porters and chefs together.
Landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.
Landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about trekking Salkantay in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has 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 are held in your hotel at 5:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the Salkantay Trekking offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. 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 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Storing your luggage at our Office.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to 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 all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pickups:
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, 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.
Group tours:
Group tours are made up of different types of people. 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, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations:
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent 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 excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations 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:
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Total Price
US$50
per person
Pre Payment
US$50
(Required)
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal charges an 8% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only, so you will pay the remainder in cash (on the day of the briefing) with no fees.
Nro of Persons: |
Pax 1 = $50.00 USD Pax 2 = $100.00 USD Pax 3 = $150.00 USD Pax 4 = $200.00 USD Pax 5 = $250.00 USD Pax 6 = $300.00 USD Pax 7 = $350.00 USD Pax 8 = $400.00 USD Pax 9 = $450.00 USD Pax 10 = $500.00 USD |
Please, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to sales@machupicchuincatrekking.com; only after that, we’ll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Cusco by Machu Picchu Inca Trekking 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 Cusco.
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) 984 071 742 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Queshua Street N° 129, Cusco, Cusco - Perú
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
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!
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