The Ultimate Andean Expedition – Salcantay, Classic Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
Cusco
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Price:
$1720.00
Duration
9 Days
People:
20
Journey Overview
Beginning in Cusco, this Salkantay and Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu brings mountain landscapes and Inca heritage into one continuous journey.The approach to Soraypampa opens the route into the Andean highlands, where nights at camp keep the mountain setting close to the experience.At Humantay Lake, water and surrounding peaks give the trek a striking
early focal point before the trail continues toward Salkantaypampa.
From these mountain camps, the route rises to Frozen Inca Pass, then descends through Yanacaca toward the Inca Canal and its valley setting. The scale of the landscape changes with the trail, from high pass terrain
to Huayllabamba and the junction with the Classic Inca Trail. Here, the journey takes on a new direction as the path leads to Ayapata, connecting the Salkantay region with the historic approach to Machu Picchu.
Across Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkurakay, ascent and descent carry the trek through successive mountain settings before the route reaches Chaquicocha. Cloud forest then draws the landscape closer around the trail,
with archaeological remains bringing Inca history into the green slopes. At Wiñay Wayna, nature and stonework share the same mountain setting, giving the final camping stage a distinctive sense of place.
The approach through Intipunku, the Sun Gate, leads onward to Machu Picchu, where the trail journey meets the stonework of the archaeological site. A bus to Aguas Calientes and the panoramic Vistadome train begin the return toward Cusco, carrying the experience from the trail back to the city. The final Rainbow Mountain hike brings the journey into the Andes again, ending on the open slopes of Vinicunca after days among passes and Inca sites.
Highlights:
- Connect the Salkantay highlands with the Classic Inca Trail in one trek
- Hike to Humantay Lake before continuing toward the high-pass crossing
- Cross 3 Major passes Inca Chiriaska, Warmiwañuska and Runkurakay
- Follow cloud-forest trails and archaeological landscapes toward Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu
- Explore Rainbow Mountain’s distinctive colors in a high-Andean setting.
Inclusions
Comprehensive physical training plan & monitoring (with your agreement)
Detailed Gear review & guidance
Airport pick-up and drop-off
2 night hotel accommodation on 1st day and on 7th Night; bed & breakfast.
Transfers to and from the mountain
National Park entry and climbing fees
All meals and boiled drinking water on the mountain until Machu Picchu
Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen
2 Person tent
Entry tickets to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Trek area
Exclusions
International flights from and To Cusco
Any meals not mentioned in Itinerary.
Tips to driver, guide etc.
Any personal expenses such as mineral water, laundry, liquor, snacks, WI-FI etc.
Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation, etc.
Additional transportation charges for airport pick-up and drop-off will apply if flight timings are not coordinated.
Any additional charges for medical treatment or changes in itinerary due to medical reasons.
Any additional expenses arising from itinerary extensions or changes due to natural calamities, flight delays or cancellations, roadblocks, vehicle breakdowns, medical reasons or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the event organizers and their associates.
Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
Single Occupancy
Items not specified in “Inclusion”
Journey Plan
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Day 1 – Arrival at Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, a city shaped by its Inca heritage and Andean setting. The former Inca capital brings a sense of history to the arrival day. Keep your pace gentle while settling in after travel. Allow time to rest and take in the city at an unhurried pace.Use the available time to organize your belongings and keep personal essentials accessible. At altitude, even ordinary walking can feel different. Choose rest over strenuous activity and pay attention to how you feel. A quiet arrival day leaves room to settle in without rushing.Transportation Private transfer (1 hour, 45km)Max. Altitude 11,152 ft / 3,399 mAccommodation Premium HotelMeals included None -
Day 2 - Cusco to Soraypampa via Mollepata
Leave Cusco early and travel toward Mollepata. Continues to travel through Marcoccasa and Challacancha toward the trailhead to Soraypampa. Mountain slopes and open Andean terrain frame the trail. Settle into a measured trekking pace as the road approach gives way to walkingFollow the trail toward Soraypampa, with 7.5 miles covered across the stage. The route gains 1,640 ft, with a smaller descent of 164 ft. Keep your footing steady and allow pauses to appreciate the mountain scenery. Your trekking day finishes at Soraypampa Camp.Distance 7.5 mi / 12 kmWalking time 4 – 6 hoursDifficulty Easy to ModerateMax. Altitude 12,795 ft / 3900 mAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 3 - Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and Salkantaypampa
Begin your Humantay Lake hike from Soraypampa after breakfast. The trail ascends toward water framed by Andean peaks and mountain slopes. At the lake, the meeting of shoreline and mountains gives you a distinct perspective on the surrounding landscape. Take a closer look at that setting before continuing along the route.The hike leads onward toward Salkantaypampa through the high mountain terrain. Ascent and descent give your day a varied trail profile. Lunch at Salkantaypampa brings a pause in the day’s movement. Your second camping night keeps the Andean mountain setting at the center of the experience.Distance 8.1 mi / 13 kmWalking time 6 – 7 hoursDifficulty MediumMax. Altitude 14,764 ft / 4,500 mAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 4 - Salkantaypampa across Frozen Inca Pass to Inca Canal
From Salkantaypampa, ascend toward Inca Chiriaska, also known as Frozen Inca Pass. Your Frozen Inca Pass crossing brings the high Andean terrain into focus. The pass is the high point of this trekking stage. Measured hiking lets you follow the route through the pass section with attention to the trail.The descent continues toward Yanacaca, where lunch breaks up the hike. From here, follow the route down toward the Inca Canal. This long downhill section calls for steady footing as the landscape shifts from pass to valley. Inca Canal Camp is your destination for the third night under canvas.Distance 8.7 mi / 14 kmWalking time 7 – 9 hoursDifficulty Very StrenuousMax. Altitude 16,732 ft / 5,100 m at Frozen Inca PassAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 5 - Inca Canal through Huayllabamba to Ayapata
Follow the trail from Inca Canal toward Huayllabamba. Mountain surroundings accompany your approach to the valley area. At Huayllabamba, the route connects with the Classic Inca Trail. This junction gives the day its defining moment as you join the historic trail on the way to Ayapata.Lunch at Huayllabamba provides a break before you continue toward camp. The stage combines ascent and descent across its full distance. Set a steady pace through the remaining trail sections and take in the mountain setting along the way. Ayapata marks the end of your hike and the fourth camping night.Distance 9.3 mi / 15 kmWalking time 7 – 9 hoursDifficulty StrenuousMax. Altitude 12,795 ft / 3,900 mAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 6 - Ayapata across Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkurakay to Chaquicocha
Ascend from Ayapata toward Dead Woman’s Pass, also called Warmiwañuska. Sustained uphill hiking leads into the mountain setting of the pass crossing. From the pass, your route descends toward Pacaymayu Alto. The changing gradient gives the stage a clear sequence of climbing and descending.Continue toward Runkurakay Pass as the Classic Inca Trail leads through mountain and archaeological landscapes. With 2 pass crossings in the day, your hike follows successive ascents and descents. Take in the surroundings while keeping a measured pace on the downhill sections. Chaquicocha Camp brings this substantial trekking stage to a close with your fifth camping night.Distance 9.9 mi / 16 kmWalking time 7 – 9 hoursDifficulty Very StrenuousMax. Altitude 13,829 ft/ 4,215 m at Dead Woman’s PassAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 7 - Chaquicocha through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna
Leave Chaquicocha and follow the Inca Trail through cloud forest. Vegetation shapes the setting around your route, with archaeological sites adding another layer to the hike. A long descent carries you through this forested mountain landscape. Keep your attention on the trail while enjoying the natural surroundings.Your Wiñay Wayna trek reaches an archaeological complex set into the green slopes. Look closely at how the Inca remains sit within the surrounding landscape. The trail continues to Wiñay Wayna Camp for your sixth camping night. Here, the day ends with forest and Inca heritage sharing the same mountain setting.Distance 6.2 mi / 10 kmWalking time 5 – 7 hoursDifficulty Moderate to EasyMax. Altitude 12,073 ft / 3,680 mAccommodation CampingMeals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner -
Day 8 - Wiñay Wayna through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu and Cusco
An early start from Wiñay Wayna leads you toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate. From this approach, look toward Machu Picchu as visibility allows. The mountain setting frames your arrival at this point on the Inca Trail. Continue from the gate toward the archaeological site.At Machu Picchu, follow your permitted visitor route through the historic setting. Take time to notice the stonework and its relationship with the surrounding mountains. After the visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. Your panoramic Vistadome train journey begins the return toward Cusco and the night at your hotel.Distance 5.6 mi / 9 kmWalking time 4 – 5 hoursDifficulty Moderate to EasyMax. Altitude 8,924 ft / 2,720 mAccommodation Premium HotelMeals included Breakfast -
Day 9 - Rainbow Mountain excursion & Departure
Your Rainbow Mountain hike leads toward Vinicunca for a separate Andean excursion. Follow the ascent at a pace suited to the altitude. Across the slopes, colored bands reflect mineral-rich geological layers. [DR03] Take in those patterns and the surrounding mountain terrain as conditions allow.The excursion follows an uphill approach and a return descent. From the higher part of the hike, look across the patterned slopes. Give the downhill trail the same attention as the ascent. Complete your return hike before continuing with the onward travel arrangements.Distance 5 mi / 8 kmWalking time 4 – 5 hoursDifficulty Moderate to StrenuousMax. Altitude 17,060 ft / 5,200 mTransportation Private transfer (1 hour, 45km)Meals included Breakfast
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$1720.00
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General price: Adult (18+ years) $1720.00 / ticket
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General price: Adult (18+ years) $1720.00 / ticket
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General price: Adult (18+ years) $1720.00 / ticket
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General price: Adult (18+ years) $1720.00 / ticket
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General price: Adult (18+ years) $1720.00 / ticket
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Journey Map
The Ultimate Andean Expedition – Salcantay, Classic Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
Cusco
