Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights worth booking?
Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights is a 168-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1135 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 168 hours
- From
- $1135 per person
Experience the Salkantay, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain trek in 7 days, an ideal experience for travelers who want to see the main icons of Cusco in a single adventure. Explore Lake Humantay, circle the imposing Sal
What you get
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and hand towel.
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
- Lunch
About this experience
Experience the Salkantay, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain trek in 7 days, an ideal experience for travelers who want to see the main icons of Cusco in a single adventure. Explore Lake Humantay, circle the imposing Salkantay mountain, reach Machu Picchu via unique Andean routes, and culminate with the authentic Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy expert guides, exclusive camps, and reliable logistics that guarantee a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. This tour is perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts who are looking for a complete and well-organized experience. Highlights - Humantay, Salkantay, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in one trip. - Exclusive camps and comfortable services. - Professional guides with Andean knowledge. - Diverse landscapes: glaciers, valleys, and cloud forest. - Small groups and complete logistics.
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and hand towel.
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
- Lunch
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
- Dinner
- 1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
- Transportation of personal belongings.
- 2 nights in a superior 3-star hotel at Cusco
- All private transport and transfers during the tour
- Entry fees to Salkantay Trek and Humantay lake
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
- Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
- Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca).
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Not included
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Pickup included
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek 7 days
Pickup included
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Salkantay Trekking
Know before you go
- 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.
- Not recommended for children under 8 years old due to walking distances and altitude.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
We had the very best time on our 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. The views were amazing & Our guide was Julio Cesar-Choque and being in his group was truly one of the highlights of our trek. He is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, kind and always quick to help us trekkers with anything we needed. He taught us so much about the Inca culture and peru. We shared many laughs along the way & we will cherish our trek forever. Our accommodations were very nice and clean, the food cooked by our chef Marcos was delicious. He went out of his way to meet all dietary restrictions of the group & had different foods, drinks and desert daily. He even made us hot water bottles for our sleeping bags on our coldest night of camping. The hike was very beautiful and we enjoyed so many scenic views, Julio was always making sure we had beautiful photos to remember our trip by & sharing his vast knowledge of the area with us.
via Tripadvisor
Great Staff, Views and Experience
Julio Cesar Choque, Marcos, Pedro and all the other staff involved were incredible the whole time. Very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the culture both past and present. The accommodations were far superior to tent camping and my goodness the food was tasty and very plentiful. (thanks Marcos). Honestly for the price I don’t think you can go wrong. They included nearly everything.
via Tripadvisor
Fredy Apaza world delight
I cannot say enough good things about our Salkantay Trek experience. The trek itself was breathtaking, but what truly made it exceptional was our guide, Fredy Apaza. Fredy is, without question, one of the best guides I have ever had anywhere in the world. His energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the mountains were contagious from day one. He was attentive to every member of the group, constantly checking in to ensure everyone was safe, comfortable, and having a great experience. He kept the group organized, on time, and moving efficiently while somehow making every day feel relaxed and enjoyable. What sets Fredy apart is his incredible depth of knowledge. Beyond the history and geography of the region, he shared Indigenous knowledge, local traditions, and different ways of understanding the world that added an entirely new dimension to the trek. His passion for passing on knowledge was evident in every conversation. He is a gifted storyteller and speaker who could turn a simple rest stop into a fascinating lesson about culture, history, agriculture, or the mountains around us. Fredy is also genuinely one of the funniest people I’ve met. He kept the group laughing throughout the trek and created an atmosphere where strangers quickly became friends. His kindness, patience, and care for others shone through constantly. Hearing him speak about his family, it was clear he is a devoted husband and father who brings that same level of care and dedication to his work as a guide. The entire operation exceeded my expectations. The cost of the trek was honestly unbelievable considering everything that was included. The accommodations were comfortable, clean, and far better than I expected for a multi-day trek through the Andes. A special shoutout also goes to Mauro, our chef. The food was incredible. Every meal felt like it belonged in a restaurant rather than on a mountain trek. The variety was remarkable, with fresh and creative dishes every day. The portions were enormous—so much food that finishing everything was nearly impossible. At no point was anyone hungry. Between the spectacular scenery, the excellent accommodations, Mauro’s amazing cooking, and Fredy’s world-class guiding, this was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re considering the Salkantay Trek, stop thinking about it and book it. And if you have the opportunity to trek with Fredy Apaza as your guide, consider yourself incredibly lucky. I would do this trek again in a heartbeat. That review would make any guide blush—and from what you’ve described, Fredy sounds like he earned every word of it.
via Tripadvisor
6 days 5 nights Salkantay and short Inca trail starting May
Marcito our Salkantay Trekkking guide was awesome, thorough, entertaining and competent. He truly brought the Inca history alive.
via Tripadvisor
The experience of a lifetime!
This company truly knows what they’re doing. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, from the comfortable, clean, and surprisingly cool accommodations to the seamless organization of all the logistics for our family group of 9. A huge shoutout to our incredible chef, Mauro, and sous chef, Milton. Not only did they complete the trek too, but they also prepared an impressive variety of delicious meals every single day. The quality of the food exceeded all expectations, especially considering where we were (The mountains! The jungle!). Of course, seeing Machu Picchu after several long and challenging days of hiking was an unforgettable highlight. But what made the experience truly exceptional was our guide, Fredy Apaza. Fredy is unbelievably knowledgeable about the culture, history, and natural beauty of this place. He shared so much with us throughout the trek and quickly became like a member of our family. I honestly can’t imagine doing this trek without Fredy. His passion, expertise, encouragement, and kindness made the entire experience unforgettable. Anyone lucky enough to have Fredy as their guide is in for something special. If you’re considering the Salkantay trek, I can’t recommend this company enough.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 168 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1135 to $1190
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $1135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights take?
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Plan for about 168 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 168-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 168-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 7 Days / 6 Nights start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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