CUSCO – PIURAY LAGOON – HUCHUYQOSQO – CUSCO

This excursion involves approximately 8 hours of walking (including rests, lunch and a tour of the archaeological complex), crossing ecological levels such as quechua, suni and puna, with their characteristic flora and fauna.
We leave the city of Cuzco early in the morning, taking the road north towards the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. On the way to the town of Chinchero, we can appreciate the extensive fields of crops, which have been cultivated since ancient times. We travel along one of the Banks of the Piuray lagoon, to the community of Tauca (3762 masl / 12343 ft), where our walk begins.
We follow a disused dirt track, with a gentle gradient, to the Pucajasa Mountain Pass (4393 masl / 14413 ft), where we will have a spectacular view of the Urubamba mountain range. This pass is about 200 meters long. We begin our descent and find sections of Inka trail, and we can also appreciate radical changes in the ecological levels.
We arrive at Huchuyqosqo (3688 masl / 12099 ft), where we enjoy our snack-lunch. After a short descent, we begin our tour of the archaeological complex, after which we will descend to the town of Lamay (2938 masl / 9639 ft). Here we will board our transport back to the city of Cuzco.

End of our service.

IT INCLUDES

• Pick up from the hotel in Cusco.
• Professional guide service in Spanish / English
• Private transportation Cusco – Tauca
• Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo.
• Meals: a box lunch per hiker.
• Oxygen tank and first aid kit.
• Private transportation Lamay – Cusco

Not Included

• Extra food.
• walking poles (can be rented in our office $ 10 for the entire trip).
• Optional tip for field staff.

Recommendations to bring

• Wear mountain boots.
• Carry trekking poles (can be rented at the agency).
• Carry a headlight (very important).
• Carry a camera and spare batteries.
• Carry sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Carry personal medical kit.
• Rain clothes: a good raincoat and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
• Carry toilet paper.
• Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc (soles or dollars).
• Carry a bottle of water (1 liter recommended).

DÍA 01: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – WACAHUASI.

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel at 05:30 am and travel for 1 hour towards the Sacred Valley we will stop at the lookout to take panoramic photos of the Valley and the guide will give a brief explanation the place, then continue to the village of Calca, where we will make a short stop and a visit to the local market where typical local products are sold, then we will transport about 2 hours to the village of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) in this place we will welcome our road team (chef, carrier) before the walk we will have the opportunity to go to the medicinal thermal baths of Lares (3,250 m / 10,662 ft) and enjoy a relaxing bath, the temperature varies between 28 ° C to 34 ° C.

Then we will begin our adventure, walking Andean flat terrain for about 2 hours for better acclimatization to the bridge of Vilcabamba where our team awaits us with lunch, after lunch we will enjoy a short break and continue for 3 hours to the village of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft) during the trek find children from nearby villages using their traditional costumes to welcome us is a great opportunity to support and share good times with them. Wacahuasi is the place of our first day of camp, this camp the night will be colder recommend wearing warm clothes for the night, then we will have tea time ideal for sharing experiences in the day time. Later we enjoy dinner and finally the night.

• Estimated time to walk: 4 to 5 hours.
• Total distance: 11 km
• Altitude of our camp: 3,750 meters above sea level.

DÍA 02: WACAHUASI – PUNTA TORO

This day is one of the most exciting days, after breakfast early in the morning we start our trek where we see beautiful lakes, mountains and snow chains; worth mentioning is the longest day and arduous trek. The first leg of the trek will be for 4 hours until the highest point during the tour we will stop to observe native animals of this area such as llamas and alpacas villagers use these animals for their daily lives; Alpaca is used in the production of their clothing, the fur of this animal has the nolina a chemical that repels water and is also used as food; Meanwhile, the flame is used as cargo. The guide will give a brief description of these animals and can also differentiate. These animals were sacred in Inca times were sometimes sacrificed in honor of their gods. We may also see birds in the area as the Cara Cara a bird of prey.

Upon arriving at Abra de C’asa Spend (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) the highest part of the route we can see the beautiful lagoon of Cocha Auroray (4,470 m / 14,665 ft) and at this point the guide will explain about the place and the customs of the people who inhabit it. After taking the pictures start to decline by about 1 hour to the lagoon Cocha Auroray and there we were waiting for our team lunch. After enjoying lunch continue walking downhill for 4 hours between cloud forests on the road also observe another beautiful lagoon Cocha Yura until we reach our camp Punto Toro (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), arriving at the camp can rest and share anecdotes of this long and arduous day; to end the day we will have dinner. Overnight in the camp.

• Estimated time to walk: 6 to 7 hours.
• Total distance: 15 km
• Altitude of our camp: 3,850 meters above sea level.

DÍA 03: PUNTA TORO – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

This will be the easiest day, we get up a little later and calmly enlist their belongings and have breakfast, then we say goodbye to our team of road and start to descend for 1 hour to the town of Yanahuara (2,850 m / 9,350 ft ) town that has a mild climate is a provider of food to the city of Cusco, in this place we will take a transport for 15 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) living Inca town where the architecture is seen Inca streets narrow. After lunch we take the train, the trip is about 2 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft) Upon arrival at the village our guide will take you to the lodge where you will be informed about some activities you can do in this time and coordinate the dinner.

• Estimated time to walk: 1 hour.
• Total distance: 3 km
• Altitude of our accommodation: 2,000 meters above sea level.

DÍA 04: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

This day finally we visit Machu picchu, after breakfast your guide will meet you by you hotel lobby and you go to the bus stop to board the bus, we will drive for about 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu we pass the control where you show your ticket and passport, you will have a private, guided tour, to visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and cemeteries, the tour will be for more than two hours, After the visit, you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own (optional, climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain, this costs an additional $ 35 USD per person). You can also hike to the Sun Gate or the Inka Bridge, for these 02 places there are no additional payments.
At the appropriate time, we will take the bus and descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes usual train departure to Ollantaytambo is in the afternoon, followed by car two hours drive to your hotel in Cusco.

Hotel night in Cusco.  End of our service.

INCLUDED

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Private transport from Cusco to Lares (the starting point of the walk).
• Professional bilingual guide.
• Food 3 breakfast / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Double tents for up to 3 people.
• Tents (mattresses, chairs), dining tent, kitchen.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.

NOT INCLUDED

• First breakfast and lunch on the fourth day.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented in our office $ 25 for the entire trip).
• Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 35 USD optional).

Recommendations to bring

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”
• ISIC card (www.isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking).
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at the agency).
• Hiking boots and sandals (very important)
• Trekking poles (you can be rented at the agency).
• Coats: layers of varying temperatures, especially at night. Thermal / gloves / scarves: woolen socks / woolen hat for cold nights, shirts for the whole trek.
• (Very important) Headlamp.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Rain gear: a good raincoat and rain pants and a rain poncho plastic.
• Toilet paper.
• Small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and gratuities, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
• Swimwear for the hot springs.
• Water Bottle (recommended 1 liter)

ITINERARY

• Day 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi.
• Day 02: Wacahuasi – Paso Sacsallaully – Mantanay.
• Day 03: Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

DÍA 01: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – WACAHUASI.

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel at 05:30 am and travel for 1 hour towards the Sacred Valley we will stop at the lookout to take panoramic photos of the Valley and the guide will give a brief explanation the place, then continue to the village of Calca, where we will make a short stop and a visit to the local market where typical local products are sold, then we will transport about 2 hours to the village of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) in this place we will welcome our road team (chef, carrier) before the walk we will have the opportunity to go to the medicinal thermal baths of Lares (3,250 m / 10,662 ft) and enjoy a relaxing bath, the temperature varies between 28 ° C to 34 ° C.

Then we will begin our adventure, walking Andean flat terrain for about 2 hours for better acclimatization to the bridge of Vilcabamba where our team awaits us with lunch, after lunch we will enjoy a short break and continue for 3 hours to the village of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft) during the trek find children from nearby villages using their traditional costumes to welcome us is a great opportunity to support and share good times with them. Wacahuasi is the place of our first day of camp, this camp the night will be colder recommend wearing warm clothes for the night, then we will have tea time ideal for sharing experiences in the day time. Later we enjoy dinner and finally the night.

• Estimated time to walk: 4 to 5 hours.
• Total distance: 11 km
• Altitude of our camp: 3,750 meters above sea level.

DÍA 02: WACAHUASI – PUNTA TORO

This day is one of the most exciting days, after breakfast early in the morning we start our trek where we see beautiful lakes, mountains and snow chains; worth mentioning is the longest day and arduous trek. The first leg of the trek will be for 4 hours until the highest point during the tour we will stop to observe native animals of this area such as llamas and alpacas villagers use these animals for their daily lives; Alpaca is used in the production of their clothing, the fur of this animal has the nolina a chemical that repels water and is also used as food; Meanwhile, the flame is used as cargo. The guide will give a brief description of these animals and can also differentiate. These animals were sacred in Inca times were sometimes sacrificed in honor of their gods. We may also see birds in the area as the Cara Cara a bird of prey.

Upon arriving at Abra de C’asa Spend (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) the highest part of the route we can see the beautiful lagoon of Cocha Auroray (4,470 m / 14,665 ft) and at this point the guide will explain about the place and the customs of the people who inhabit it. After taking the pictures start to decline by about 1 hour to the lagoon Cocha Auroray and there we were waiting for our team lunch. After enjoying lunch continue walking downhill for 4 hours between cloud forests on the road also observe another beautiful lagoon Cocha Yura until we reach our camp Punto Toro (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), arriving at the camp can rest and share anecdotes of this long and arduous day; to end the day we will have dinner. Overnight in the camp.

• Estimated time to walk: 6 to 7 hours.
• Total distance: 15 km
• Altitude of our camp: 3,850 meters above sea level.

DÍA 03: PUNTA TORO – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

This will be the easiest day, we get up a little later and calmly enlist their belongings and have breakfast, then we say goodbye to our team of road and start to descend for 1 hour to the town of Yanahuara (2,850 m / 9,350 ft ) town that has a mild climate is a provider of food to the city of Cusco, in this place we will take a transport for 15 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) living Inca town where the architecture is seen Inca streets narrow. After lunch we take the train, the trip is about 2 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft) Upon arrival at the village our guide will take you to the lodge where you will be informed about some activities you can do in this time and coordinate the dinner.

• Estimated time to walk: 1 hour.
• Total distance: 3 km
• Altitude of our accommodation: 2,000 meters above sea level.

DÍA 04: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

This day finally we visit Machu picchu, after breakfast your guide will meet you by you hotel lobby and you go to the bus stop to board the bus, we will drive for about 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu we pass the control where you show your ticket and passport, you will have a private, guided tour, to visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and cemeteries, the tour will be for more than two hours, After the visit, you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own (optional, climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain, this costs an additional $ 35 USD per person). You can also hike to the Sun Gate or the Inka Bridge, for these 02 places there are no additional payments.
At the appropriate time, we will take the bus and descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes usual train departure to Ollantaytambo is in the afternoon, followed by car two hours drive to your hotel in Cusco.

Hotel night in Cusco.

End of our service.

It includes

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Private transport from Cusco to Lares (the starting point of the walk).
• Professional bilingual guide.
• Food 3 breakfast / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Double tents for up to 3 people.
• Tents (mattresses, chairs), dining tent, kitchen.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.

Not Included

• First breakfast and lunch on the fourth day.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented in our office $ 25 for the entire trip).
• Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 35 USD optional).

Recommendations to bring

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”
• ISIC card (www.isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking).
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at the agency).
• Hiking boots and sandals (very important)
• Trekking poles (you can be rented at the agency).
• Coats: layers of varying temperatures, especially at night. Thermal / gloves / scarves: woolen socks / woolen hat for cold nights, shirts for the whole trek.
• (Very important) Headlamp.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Rain gear: a good raincoat and rain pants and a rain poncho plastic.
• Toilet paper.
• Small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and gratuities, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
• Swimwear for the hot springs.
• Water Bottle (recommended 1 liter)

ITINERARY 2-Day Salkantay Trek

DAY 01: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – LAKE HUMANTAY – SOYROCCOCHA

We pick you up at 5:00 am from your hotel to the town of Mollepata. On the way, you can enjoy seeing some local towns such as Izcuchaca and Limatambo. In addition, you will have spectacular views of the impressive valleys and the famous Salkantay mountains covered with snow. Arriving at the town of Mollepata we will have a delicious Andean breakfast, and you also have time to go around Mollepata. After an hour in Mollepata, we continue in the same car to Soraypampa.

Putting on our comfortable shoes, we take a 1-hour walk to Lake Humantay, enjoying the incredible views that surround us. When arriving at Humantay, we take the time to explore the lake and enjoy its beauty. After spending time at Lake Humantay, we returned to the trailhead in Soraypampa and then walked 2 more hours to our camp located in Soyroccocha. There we enjoyed tea time and then dinner. We sleep early, ready for the walk of the next days.

• Accommodation: camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms / 6 miles
• Time: approximately 6 hours

DAY 02: SOYROCCOCHA – PASO SALKANTAY – LAKE GLACIAL – COLPAPAMPA

After a delicious breakfast, prepare for a moderate climb on your second day of hiking. In one hour, you will reach the highest point of the hike (4,650 m / 15,367 ft). From here, we relax and enjoy nature in its purest form, feeling at the height of the huge snow-covered mountains of Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,717 ft), Humantay and Huayanay, the white and steep rivers of the area and the lakes small and humble Outside the main trek route, we take a side walk for half an hour to enjoy the panoramic and truly exquisite Salkantay turquoise lake. Returning to our main trekking route, we will walk towards our original beginning, where we will have our lunch, and then we will take our van back to Cusco arriving at 6 pm in the afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
• Distance: 12kms / 9 miles
• Time: approximately 7 hours

IT INCLUDES Salkantay Trek 2 Days

• Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
• Private transportation to Soraypampa, starting point of the tour
• Food 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. All these meals are prepared by our chef and his assistant.
• Professional guide during the whole trip (English and Spanish)
• lunch
• Trekking sticks
• Coca tea is served every morning in your store
• Transfer to the hotel at the end of the tour
• Emergency riding horse

Not Included Salkantay Trek 2 Days

• Sleeping Bag, you can rent in our office ($ 20.00 for the entire trip).
• Trekking poles, you can rent in our office (the $ 15.00 USD for the entire trip).
• Tips
• Drinks.

Recommendations to bring

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”
• Small backpack
• Warm clothing
• Rain clothes
• Sunglasses
• Trekking pants
• Trekking poles (can be rented at the agency)
• Camera with spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at the agency)
• Headlight (very important)
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Small towel

Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay Trek 2 Days / 1 Night

How long does it take the hike for the rainbow mountain?

The way up takes between 1.5 to 2 hours on a regular trail, If you make the same way to return akes like 1.5 hours and if I return through the red valley it takes about 2 hours.

When is the best time to go?

It is a difficult question to answer as Peru has a vast variety of conditions. The best time is Dry season runs from May to November, and this is typically the time that is most recommended.

Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?

For Rainbow Mountain, you do not need to carry any documents, only for emergencies or some unexpected control you can take a copy of your passport.

What type of transportation is used?

All the vehicles that we use for this type of tour are the Sprinter Mercedes Benz modern minibusses that have all the documentation required by the national authorities, all the cars are maintained daily to keep them in good condition and clean, and each vehicle got logged correctly.

Will the altitude affect me?

When traveling throughout the Andes in Peru, some people will suffer some effects of it. If you plan to hike the rainbow mountain, we recommend arriving 2 or 3 days before the start to acclimate and rest or you can do it on the last day of your time in Cusco since that the rainbow mountain is at 5000m.

What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?

We recommend being in Cusco for at least two days and drinking as much water as you can and drinking coca tea that can order anywhere you want, you can also prepare it yourself with boiled water and dried coca leaves. At least one day before the tour we recommend eating light food and if you have any medication prescribed by a doctor you can take it and the best thing that you can do is to keep in mind that you will be fine.

How do I reserve a space for the rainbow mountain?

Just click on the BOOK NOW button and fill out all the required information and one of our sales advisors will contact you immediately and if you want to talk by WhatsApp with a specialist, you can contact this number. +51 990 272 027

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We require a booking deposit of 20 dollars for Rainbow Mountain; if you cancel the tour 24 hours in advance, you will have a 100% refund, if you do not do it within 24 hours, you will lose the money deposited.

What happens after I make my deposit?

Once we receive the deposit, we confirm your reservation through email sending you all the details about the tour.

Can I go by horse to the Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, you can go by horse to the mountain of colors, you can rent horses directly from the local people that cost between 60 and 80 soles per person.

How long will I stay in the rainbow mountain?

The time that we usually spend at the rainbow mountain viewpoint is about an hour, depending on the group pace and the weather conditions.