Salkantay + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mtn 5 Days
Salkantay Pass, the Short Inca Trail, and Rainbow Mountain — three landmarks, five days.
Most travelers who want the ultimate Peru adventure face an impossible decision: should I do the Salkantay Trek (glacier + hot springs) OR should I do Inca Trail (Sun Gate + permit) OR should I add Rainbow Mountain (extreme altitude viewpoint)? You can’t experience all three in a normal 4-day trip. Or can you?
The Salkantay + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain 5-Day Ultimate Combo eliminates this trade-off entirely — you experience ALL FIVE Peru highlights in 5 days: Salkantay Pass + Cocalmayo Hot Springs + Llactapata + Sun Gate + Rainbow Mountain.
Five reasons ultra-adventure travelers choose this specific combo:
1. Peru’s 2 highest attractions in one tour. Salkantay Pass 4,630m Day 1 + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m Day 5 — the two highest points accessible via standard multi-day trekking in Peru. No other tour in our catalog combines both. This is the maximum altitude experience for ultra-adventure travelers.
2. 5 experiences in 5 days — the ultimate value. Booking each component separately: Salkantay Trek 4 Days ($456) + Rainbow Mountain Classic Trek ($65) = $521. This combo $618 = saves $107 with unified logistics + guaranteed permit availability + Cocalmayo Hot Springs + Santa Teresa hotel.
3. Multi-ecosystem journey unmatched. Day 1: alpine glacier (Salkantay 4,630m + Nevado Salkantay 6,271m). Day 2: cloud forest + coffee plantations (Lucmabamba). Day 3: cloud forest + permit-only Inca sites (Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna). Day 4: iconic Machu Picchu citadel. Day 5: extreme high-altitude Andean landscape (Rainbow Mountain 5,100m). Five completely different ecosystems in 5 days — impossible in any shorter tour.
4. Only $65 more than Salkantay 4 Days for the Rainbow Mountain 5,100m addition. Our Salkantay Trek 4 Days FINAL is $456. This 5-day version is $618 = $107 more for Rainbow Mountain Day 5 + buffet Quiquijana + private van + entrance fees. The math strongly favors the 5-day version for travelers who have the extra day.
5. Ministry of Culture permit + Sun Gate arrival + Rainbow Mountain INCLUDED. Standard Salkantay tours don’t include the Inca Trail permit (they use PeruRail return to MP with standard Circuit). Standard MP tours don’t include Rainbow Mountain. This combo integrates all three permit-conscious, Sun Gate, and Rainbow experiences with unified logistics.
| ⏱️ Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 🎯 Category | ULTIMATE 5-in-1 Salkantay + Rainbow COMBO |
| 📅 Day 1 | Cusco → Salkantay Pass 4,630m → Cocalmayo → Santa Teresa |
| 📅 Day 2 | Santa Teresa → Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes |
| 📅 Day 3 | Short Inca Trail Km 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes |
| 📅 Day 4 | MP Circuit 3B guided tour + return Cusco |
| 📅 Day 5 | Rainbow Mountain 5,100m + buffet Quiquijana |
| 🕐 Day 1 pickup | 04:30 AM Cusco hotel |
| 🕐 Day 5 pickup | 05:20 AM Cusco hotel |
| 📍 Pickup location | Cusco hotels ONLY (NOT airport) |
| ⛰️ Day 1 max altitude | Salkantay Pass 4,630m |
| 🐎 Horseback ascent Day 1 | To Salkantay Pass |
| ♨️ Cocalmayo Hot Springs Day 1 | 1 hour INCLUDED |
| 🍽️ Day 1 lunch | Box lunch INCLUDED |
| 🍽️ Day 1 dinner | INCLUDED at Restaurant Manu |
| 🏨 Overnight Day 1 | Santa Teresa 2-star hotel INCLUDED |
| ☕ Day 2 breakfast | INCLUDED at hotel |
| 🏛️ Llactapata Day 2 | 2,814m — first MP view |
| 🍽️ Day 2 lunch | INCLUDED with MP view at Llactapata |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 2 | Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included) |
| 🥾 Day 3 Short Inca Trail | 12 km / 5h + 2h stops = ~7h total |
| 🏛️ Day 3 Inca ruins | Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna (permit-only) |
| 🍽️ Day 3 lunch | Box lunch INCLUDED during hike |
| ⛰️ Day 3 Sun Gate | 2,715m Inti Punku |
| 📸 Guardian’s House Day 3 | 15-20 min classic photos |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 3 | Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included) |
| 🎫 Day 4 MP entry | 08:00 AM recommended (flexible 06:00-11:00 AM) |
| 🎫 Circuit | Circuit 3B automatic (Inca Trail ticket) |
| 🎓 Day 4 guided tour | 2 hours private Kondor Path specialist |
| 🚂 Train Day 4 | PeruRail Expedition 74P · 14:55 → 16:31 |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 4 | Cusco (hotel NOT included) |
| 🥾 Day 5 Rainbow Mountain | ~7 km walking hike (NO horseback standard) |
| ⛰️ Day 5 max altitude | Vinicunca 5,100m |
| 🌈 Red Valley Day 5 | OPTIONAL (advance request) |
| 🍽️ Day 5 lunch | BUFFET INCLUDED at Quiquijana |
| 🚐 Day 5 Cusco return | ~16:00-17:00 PM |
| 🎫 MP ticket | INCLUDED (Circuit 3B + SERNANP 2026 fee) |
| 🎫 Inca Trail permit | INCLUDED (Ministry of Culture in your name) |
| 🎫 Rainbow Mountain fees | INCLUDED |
| 🎯 Format | PRIVATE TOUR (your group only) |
| 👥 Group size | 1-10 travelers (+10 contact) |
| 🎓 Age minimum | 14 years with guardian |
| 📅 Operating | March 1 to January 31 — Daily |
| 🚫 CLOSED | February (Inca Trail maintenance) |
| 💪 Difficulty | Very Demanding (Salkantay + Short IT + Rainbow) |
| 💲 From | $618 USD per person (group of 10) |
Start your Salkantay + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mtn 5 Days journey — 5 days of real adventure. – The ULTIMATE 5-in-1 combo — unique in the catalog. – Peru’s 2 highest attractions: Salkantay 4,630m + Rainbow 5,100m. – Horseback ascent to Salkantay Pass Day 1. – Nevado Salkantay 6,271m glacier views. That’s the Salkantay + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mtn 5 Days, in a nutshell.
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Ultimate Combo is the ONLY tour in our catalog combining Peru’s 2 highest attractions (Salkantay Pass 4,630m + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m) with Cocalmayo Hot Springs + Llactapata ruins + Short Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate arrival + Machu Picchu Circuit 3B in 5 days.
This IS the tour for:
Salkantay Trek 4 Days + Short IT ($456):
This 5-Day Combo ($618):
Choose 4-Day if: 4-day budget or no Rainbow interest. Choose 5-Day (this) if: 5 days available + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m priority.
Lares + Short IT + MP + Rainbow 4 Day ($563):
This 5-Day Salkantay Combo ($618):
Choose Lares combo if: cultural Andean communities priority + 4 days only. Choose this Salkantay combo if: glacier trek + Cocalmayo + Llactapata + 5 days.
Trade-off: +$43 + 1 extra day for Salkantay glacier experience instead of Lares cultural.
This 5-day combo stacks three of Peru’s most sought-after landscapes into one itinerary: the Salkantay Pass crossing beneath its namesake 6,271 m peak, the Short Inca Trail’s Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu, and a full day at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) to close the trip. It’s built for travelers who don’t want to choose between the classic Andes trek and the viral rainbow-striped peak — this itinerary delivers both without needing two separate trips.
The route intentionally saves its second-highest point for last. Day 1 tackles Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) early, while trekkers are fresh from Cusco; the trail then drops in elevation over Days 2 and 3 as it moves toward Aguas Calientes and the Short Inca Trail, giving the body a real recovery window at a lower altitude. Only after Machu Picchu, on Day 5, does the itinerary climb back up to serious elevation at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m) — by which point several days of prior acclimatization make that final ascent considerably more manageable than tackling it cold.
Very early start for demanding Day 1.
Pre-tour preparation (night before):
Scenic drive through Andean landscape at dawn.
Soraypampa — Salkantay Trek trailhead.
What happens:
Horseback ascent (~4-4.5 hours) — reduces physical demand at altitude.
Landscape:
Peru’s 2nd highest trek pass.
Views:
Traditional Andean offering ceremony (Pachamama).
Photography time: ~20-30 min.
Box lunch INCLUIDO with panoramic Salkantay views.
Long descent hike (~4-5 hours) through ecosystem transitions.
Ecosystem transitions:
Private van transport to Santa Teresa (~30 min).
Cocalmayo Hot Springs — natural thermal baths.
INCLUIDO:
Recovery benefit: after Day 1 demanding trek.
Santa Teresa 2-star hotel INCLUDED:
Dinner INCLUIDO — typical menu: soup + main course + fresh fruit + non-alcoholic drink.
Early rest — Day 2 begins at ~07:00 AM.
1BL, 1D
Challenging
13.7km (8.5 miles)
5 Hrs.
Salkantay Pass: 4,630m (15,190 ft)
Challway: 2,829m (9,281 ft)
Salkantay Pass: 4,630m (15,190 ft)
~1h drive to Lucmabamba coffee plantations area.
Breakfast INCLUDED: fruit + Peruvian bread + eggs + coffee/coca tea + juice.
Beautiful uphill hike (~4 hours) through coffee plantations + cloud forest.
Cultural stops:
Llactapata — Inca site with spectacular first view of Machu Picchu from an off-the-beaten-path angle (approximately 9 km across the valley).
Historical significance: satellite Inca site + astronomical alignment with Machu Picchu during the winter solstice.
Photography time: ~30-45 minutes.
Lunch INCLUDED — one of the most memorable dining experiences of the tour, enjoying a panoramic view of Machu Picchu while you eat.
Descent from Llactapata (2,814m) to Hidroeléctrica (1,900m) through cloud forest.
Walk alongside the railway (~10 km) — the same route used on the Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day tour.
Aguas Calientes hotel — client books independently (NOT included).
Recommendations:
Dinner NOT included — client chooses the restaurant.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel (client books).
1B, 1L.
Demanding
22 km (13.6 miles)
8 Hrs.
Lucmabamba Town: 2,017m (6,617 ft)
Hidroelectrica 1,811m (5,941 ft)
Lucmabamba Pass: 2,814m (9,232 ft)
Breakfast at the hotel (NOT included).
Prep: passport + camera + water 2L + rain jacket + snacks + sunscreen.
Transport Aguas Calientes → Km 104: coordinated by the guide (~1 hour).
Ministry of Culture ranger station:
12 km permit hike through cloud forest.
🏛️ Chachabamba ruins (~09:30 AM): ceremonial ritual site (permit-only, 20-30 min).
🏛️ Wiñaywayna ruins (~12:00 PM): agricultural terraces + ceremonial complex (permit-only, 45-60 min).
Box lunch INCLUDED at a scenic viewpoint.
Steepest section — 1h15-1h30 climb through cloud forest.
Peak moment of Day 3 — your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu below.
Photography: panoramic views + group photos.
40-minute descent with continuous views of Machu Picchu.
Classic Machu Picchu photos at the iconic viewpoint — an exclusive privilege for Inca Trail permit holders.
25-minute descent.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel (client books independently).
1BL.
Moderate
16km (9.9 miles)
8 Hrs.
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
Breakfast at the hotel (NOT included).
25-minute scenic ride.
⚠️ Flexible entry: Inca Trail tickets allow a 06:00-11:00 AM entry window. The group makes the final decision with the guide.
Circuit 3B is automatically included with the Short Inca Trail permit.
Highlights:
Cultural context: Inca astronomy, Andean cosmology, Pachacuti, and Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition.
Return to Aguas Calientes.
Approximately 4 hours for lunch (NOT included) and personal exploration.
Train service: Aguas Calientes (14:55) → Ollantaytambo (16:31).
Private van transfer (~2 hours).
Overnight in Cusco (hotel NOT included).
Preparation for Day 5: Bring extra warm clothing for Rainbow Mountain, where temperatures can be very cold at 5,100m.
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Early start for your Rainbow Mountain adventure on Day 5.
Bring in your day pack:
Scenic drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
Landscape highlights:
Final gear check, coca leaves, walking sticks, and a final safety briefing.
⚠️ High-altitude warning: 5,100m is an extreme elevation. Walk at your own pace, stay hydrated, and use coca leaves if needed.
Distance: Approximately 7 km round trip.
Elevation: 4,600m → 5,100m (about 500m ascent).
Hiking time: 2–3 hours uphill, depending on your pace.
Trail highlights:
⚠️ Horseback is NOT included. This package includes the walking version of Rainbow Mountain. Travelers who prefer horseback riding should book the Rainbow Mountain by Horse tour separately.
Rest breaks are scheduled throughout the hike for altitude adjustment and hydration.
The highlight of Day 5 — reach the famous Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,100 meters above sea level.
What you’ll see:
Photography time: Approximately 30–45 minutes.
Red Valley is a hidden scenic area located next to Rainbow Mountain.
If requested in advance, the extension includes:
Return hike to Llactoq trailhead (approximately 1.5–2 hours).
The descent is easier but the altitude remains challenging.
Drive through the Andean countryside while descending to a lower elevation.
Buffet lunch INCLUDED at our partner restaurant in Quiquijana.
Typical buffet includes:
A well-earned meal after five unforgettable days of adventure.
Final drive back to Cusco.
Your 5-day adventure officially ends, having experienced Peru’s two highest iconic attractions together with the Salkantay Trek, Short Inca Trail, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu.
After the tour:
Buffet Lunch
Challenging
7km (4.3 miles)
100-minutes
Llactoq: 4,900m (16,076 ft)
Llactoq: 4,900m (16,076 ft)
Rainbow Pass: 5,100m (16,732 ft)
Transport
Accommodation
Horses
Guides
Entrance Fees + Permits — ALL INCLUDED
Meals — 6 INCLUDED
Safety Equipment
Other
Hotels NOT included:
Meals NOT included:
Other items NOT included:
Same operational reasons as Short Inca Trail 2 Days hub + Salkantay 4-Day: 04:30 AM Day 1 pickup + train punctuality Day 4 + Day 5 05:20 AM pickup + logistics.
Recommended: fly to Cusco 2-3 days BEFORE this trek to acclimatize + eliminate flight risks.
Same permit process as Short Inca Trail 2 Days hub:
Day 5 Rainbow Mountain in THIS combo:
Different Rainbow options in our catalog:
If you want horseback: contact us at booking.
Train upgrades Day 4 return:
Machu Picchu extras:
Rainbow Mountain:
Discounts:
Primary ULTIMATE ADVENTURE audience:
Honest disclosure — we’ll redirect you:
Below are some of the most common questions travelers ask before joining the Salkantay Trek, the Short Inca Trail, or the Rainbow Mountain adventure.
The only 5-day combo in our catalog combining Peru’s 2 highest attractions (Salkantay Pass 4,630m + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m) with Cocalmayo Hot Springs + Llactapata + Short Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate + Machu Picchu Circuit 3B.
Day 1: 04:30 AM Cusco pickup + Salkantay Trek Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass 4,630m → Cocalmayo Hot Springs 1h INCLUDED + Santa Teresa 2-star hotel INCLUDED + box lunch + dinner INCLUDED.
Day 2: breakfast + Lucmabamba trail + Llactapata (first MP view) + lunch with MP view + Hidroeléctrica walk → Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Short Inca Trail Km 104 permit + Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna + box lunch INCLUDED + Sun Gate 2,715m + Guardian’s House 15-20 min → Aguas Calientes. Day 4: MP Circuit 3B automatic at 08:00 AM + 2h guided tour + PeruRail Expedition 74P (14:55 → 16:31) + Cusco ~19:00 PM.
Day 5: 05:20 AM Cusco pickup + Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca 5,100m walking hike + optional Red Valley + BUFFET Quiquijana INCLUDED + Cusco ~16:00-17:00 PM. PRIVATE tour from $618 USD (group of 10). Operating March-January daily (closed February). Age 14+.
Salkantay Trek 4 Days + Short IT ($456):
This 5-Day Ultimate ($618):
Choose 4-Day if: budget or no Rainbow interest.
Choose 5-Day (this) if: 5 days available + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m priority.
Lares combo ($563):
This Salkantay Combo ($618):
Trade-off: +$55 + 1 extra day for Salkantay glacier experience instead of Lares cultural.
Physical demand justifies higher age:
Total: ~37+ km hiking across 4 days at extreme altitudes.
Age 14+ ensures fitness, altitude adaptation, and endurance for consecutive demanding days.
Yes — same Ministry of Culture permit as Short Inca Trail 2 Days hub. Limited daily quotas; non-transferable. Book 6+ months ahead for high season.
Yes — horseback optional. Some travelers hike the entire Day 1 (~6-7 hours).
Horseback recommended: non-professional hikers, altitude-sensitive, ages 14- 16, preserving energy for Day 3 Short IT + Day 5 Rainbow.
Hiking recommended for experienced trekkers, highly fit, and adventure purists.
Circuit 3B is automatic (Inca Trail permit ticket includes Circuit 3B).
Different circuit desired: additional purchase required (contact for pricing).
1 hour INCLUDED Day 1 after glacier trek:
Also included in MP by Car 2 Day — but completely different tour focus.
Llactapata — Inca site at 2,814m with first Machu Picchu view from off-the-beaten-track angle. Satellite Inca site with astronomical alignment to Machu Picchu on the winter solstice.
Lunch INCLUDED with MP view — one of the most special moments of the trip.
Walking hike version (NO horseback in standard).
Different options:
If you want horseback: contact for upgrade pricing.
VERY DEMANDING — one of the most demanding tours in our catalog:
Preparation required:
No — 04:30 AM Day 1 + train punctuality + 05:20 AM Day 5 + logistics.
Recommended: fly Cusco 2-3 days before to acclimatize.
Same as Short Inca Trail hub:
Travel insurance STRONGLY recommended.
No — March-January daily, CLOSED February (Inca Trail maintenance).
Best months:
Yes — PRIVATE tour:
Advanced customizations: contact at booking.
5 Day Salkantay Trek New Map
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 1 622.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 1 077.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 899.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 791.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 733.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 688.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 664.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 641.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 635.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 618.00 USD |
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