Andean Explorer with Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain – 9 Days

Day 1: Cusco Cathedral - Qoricancha - Saqsahuayman - Qenqo - Puka Pukara - Tambomachay

1. Cusco Cathedral
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel so you can rest and acclimatize. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will begin a half-day city tour starting with the Cusco Cathedral, a colonial jewel built on the site of the ancient Inca palace of Wiracocha.
2. Qorikancha
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Then we will visit the Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo, where you will appreciate the harmonious union between Inca and colonial architecture.
3. Sacsayhuaman
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Afterwards, we will take our transport to Sacsayhuamán, an imposing fortress of enormous perfectly assembled stones.
4. Q'enqo
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We will continue to Qenqo, an Inca ceremonial center associated with worship
5. Puka Pukara
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Then we will visit Puka Pukara, known as “the red fortress,” which served as a lookout point and resting place.
6. Tambomachay
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We will end at Tambomachay, a ceremonial complex dedicated to water, famous for its aqueducts and perfectly crafted fountains.
7. Cusco
   10h
   When we finish, we will return to your hotel so you can rest and recharge your energy for the next day.

Day 2: Cusco - Taray - Pisac - Ollantaytambo - Chinchero - Cusco

1. Cusco
   1h 30m
   We start the day at 8:30 a.m. with a pick-up at your hotel to head to Pisac.
2. Mirador Taray
   30m
   On the way, we will make brief stops at the Qorao and Taray viewpoints, from where you can appreciate the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
3. Pisac
   2h
   Upon arrival in Pisac, we will visit its archaeological site and traditional artisan market.
4. Urubamba
   1h
   Then we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes.
5. Ollantaytambo
   1h
   In the afternoon, we will continue on to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive archaeological complex, with ceremonial fountains, terraces, and temples.
6. Chinchero
   1h
   We will end the day in Chinchero, where you will learn about Andean textile art in a natural dyeing demonstration and visit its archaeological site and colonial church.
7. Cusco
   10h
   Afterwards, we will return to Cusco in our transport and drop you off at your hotel.

Day 3: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp

1. Cusco
   2h
   Today marks the start of the Salkantay adventure. We will pick you up at your hotel around 5:00 a.m. for a 2 hour and 15 minute drive to Mollepata, where you can use the restrooms and enjoy a light breakfast.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Then we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike and where you will meet our team.
3. 3h · Admission ticket included
   We will begin the trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), walking 7 km / 4.35 miles along an ancient Inca canal until we reach our Sky Camp.
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   There you will enjoy lunch and a short rest.
5. Humantay Lake
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, we will hike to the impressive Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The round trip takes about 2.5 hours and covers 3 km / 1.86 miles. You will have free time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.
6. 10h · Admission ticket included
   Upon returning to camp, tea time and a delicious dinner will await you, accompanied by a beautiful sunset. Finally, you will rest under a starry sky in your igloo.

Day 4: Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa - Mountain Sky View

1. 1h · Admission ticket included
   We start the day early with an energy-packed breakfast and a cup of coca tea before beginning the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 12,190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
2. 4h · Admission ticket included
   The challenge consists of covering 7 km / 4.34 miles in about 4 hours. At the top, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, considered apus or sacred mountains.
3. Colcapampa
   5h
   Then we will begin the descent along a winding 7 km / 4.35 mile trail to Huarayramachay, where we will have a well-deserved lunch. After a rest, we will continue into the cloud forest, walking 9.5 km / 5.9 miles for approximately 3.5 hours until we reach Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where our exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp is located.
4. 10h · Admission ticket included
   Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest surrounded by lush vegetation after a challenging and memorable day.

Day 5: Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes

1. Santa Teresa
   5h
   We start the day at 6:00 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast before setting off on a scenic hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you will see rivers, wild orchids, waterfalls, fruit trees, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Upon arrival at Zona Propiedad, our private transportation will be waiting to take us to La Playa to visit a farm where we will participate in everything from harvesting to tasting organic coffee.
3. 10h · Admission ticket included
   After this enriching activity, we will return to our private transportation to arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where lunch will be waiting for you and you can settle into our exclusive Super Jungle Domes camp.
   In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings.
   At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner and a restful night accompanied by the sounds of nature.

Day 6: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Ahobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

1. 1h · Admission ticket included
   You will wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea in your Super Jungle Domes and enjoy the last breakfast prepared by our chef.
2. Mirador de Llactapata
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Then we will begin a three-hour ascent to enter an original section of the Inca Trail, which will take us to the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). Here you will receive an explanation from the guide and you will be able to admire your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   We will then descend to Aobamba, where we will enjoy lunch before continuing on to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft).
4. 3h
   From this point, we will continue walking for about three more hours along the train tracks through the tropical vegetation.
5. Aguas Calientes
   10h
   Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have the afternoon free to rest or explore the town. In the evening, we will meet at 7:00 p.m. for dinner at a local restaurant before resting up for the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

1. Aguas Calientes
   1h
   Today we start the day very early, at 6:00 a.m., with a light breakfast before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
2. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
   2h · Admission ticket included
   This will allow us to arrive before the crowds. Upon entering, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the temples, terraces, palaces, and ceremonial enclosures, with free time for photographs.
   Then, if you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). This activity is optional, requires an additional ticket, and takes between two and three hours round trip.
3. Aguas Calientes
   1h
   After the visit, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch.
4. Cusco
   12h
   Finally, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco - Quiquijana - Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) - Cusco

1. Cusco
   2h
   We start the day very early, picking you up at your hotel around 4:00 a.m. and heading to the South Valley of Cusco.
2. Quiquijana
   1h
   After a three-hour drive, we will stop for a continental breakfast before continuing to the starting point of the hike, located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
3. Rainbow Mountain Peru
   2h · Admission ticket included
   During the ascent, you will enjoy spectacular views of the imposing snow-capped Ausangate mountain and observe Andean communities going about their daily lives, surrounded by llamas and wearing colorful traditional clothing. After a hike of approximately 1.5 hours, we will arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft).
   
   After a brief explanation from the guide, you will have between 30 and 60 minutes to explore the site and take photographs.
4. Cusipata
   45m
   We will then begin the 45-minute descent to the starting point and board the transport to Cusipata for lunch.
5. Cusco
   10h
   Finally, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Day 9: Cusco - Cusco Airport (or Bus Station)

1. Cusco
   5h
   Today you will have a more relaxed morning. After breakfast, you will pack your belongings and, if you wish, you can buy some last-minute souvenirs. Later, we will coordinate with you the exact pick-up time to transfer you to the airport or bus station, from where you will continue your vacation or begin your return home.

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.

• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
• Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
• Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
• Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required