Salkantay + Sacred Valley + Rainbow Mtn 6 Days
A Sacred Valley acclimatization day added to the classic Salkantay-to-Rainbow Mountain combo.
Most first-time Peru travelers face a critical decision: do you tackle Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m on Day 1 (with altitude sickness risk) OR do you spend precious days acclimatizing first (losing bucket-list experiences)? You shouldn’t have to choose. Not with a proper 6-day plan.
The Salkantay Trek 6 Days + Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Ultimate Combo eliminates this trade-off entirely — you get Sacred Valley Day 1 acclimatization advantage + Peru’s 2 highest attractions + Short Inca Trail permit + Machu Picchu + comprehensive experience in one unified 6-day tour.
Five reasons discerning 6-day travelers choose this specific combo:
1. The ONLY combo with Sacred Valley Day 1 acclimatization. Every other Salkantay tour starts with the extreme altitude of Salkantay Pass 4,630m on Day 1 — creating altitude sickness risk. This combo starts with Sacred Valley Day 1 (Pisac 2,972m + Urubamba 2,871m + Ollantaytambo 2,792m) — perfect lower-altitude acclimatization buffer before Salkantay Day 2. First-time Peru visitors dramatically reduce altitude sickness risk with this smart 6-day structure.
2. Peru’s 2 highest attractions in one tour. Salkantay Pass 4,630m Day 2 + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m Day 6 — the two highest points accessible via standard multi-day trekking. After 4 days of progressive acclimatization (Sacred Valley + Salkantay + Llactapata + Short IT + MP), your body is ready for Rainbow Mountain 5,100m Day 6. Maximum altitude achievement with maximum safety.
3. 6 experiences in 6 days — the ultimate comprehensive value. Booking each component separately: Sacred Valley Full Day (~$60) + Salkantay Trek 4 Days ($511) + Rainbow Mountain Classic Trek ($61) = $632. This combo $626 = saves $6 with unified logistics + acclimatization advantage + Sacred Valley integration + Ollantaytambo overnight advantage.
4. Buffet CUSIPATA Day 6 — unique post-Rainbow celebration venue. After the extreme altitude Rainbow Mountain hike, you deserve a proper celebration meal. This combo uses Cusipata restaurant (different from Salkantay 5-Day FINAL) — an intimate local venue with an authentic Peruvian buffet. Unique to this 6-day tour.
5. Multi-ecosystem journey unmatched in our catalog. Day 1: Sacred Valley Inca cultural sites (Pisac + Ollantaytambo). Day 2: alpine glacier (Salkantay 4,630m + Nevado Salkantay 6,271m). Day 3: cloud forest + coffee plantations (Lucmabamba). Day 4: cloud forest + permit-only Inca sites (Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna). Day 5: iconic Machu Picchu citadel. Day 6: extreme high-altitude Andean landscape (Rainbow Mountain 5,100m). Six completely different ecosystems in 6 days — impossible in any shorter tour.
| ⏱️ Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| 🎯 Category | ULTIMATE 6-in-1 with Sacred Valley acclimatization |
| 📅 Day 1 | Sacred Valley: Pisac + Buffet Urubamba + Ollantaytambo |
| 📅 Day 2 | Cusco → Salkantay Pass 4,630m → Cocalmayo → Santa Teresa |
| 📅 Day 3 | Santa Teresa → Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes |
| 📅 Day 4 | Short Inca Trail Km 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes |
| 📅 Day 5 | MP Circuit 3B guided tour + return to Cusco |
| 📅 Day 6 | Rainbow Mountain 5,100m + buffet Cusipata |
| 🕐 Day 1 pickup | 08:00 AM Cusco hotel |
| 🕐 Day 2 pickup | 04:30 AM Cusco hotel |
| 🕐 Day 6 pickup | 05:20 AM Cusco hotel |
| 📍 Pickup location | Cusco hotels ONLY (NOT airport) |
| 🏛️ Day 1 Pisac altitude | 2,972m |
| 🍽️ Day 1 lunch | Buffet INCLUDED at Los Tres Mosqueteros Urubamba |
| 🏛️ Day 1 Ollantaytambo | 2,792m (Fortress + Living Inca village) |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 1 | Cusco (hotel NOT included) |
| ⛰️ Day 2 Salkantay Pass | 4,630m |
| 🐎 Horseback ascent Day 2 | To Salkantay Pass |
| ♨️ Cocalmayo Day 2 | 1 hour INCLUDED |
| 🍽️ Day 2 lunch | Box lunch INCLUDED |
| 🍽️ Day 2 dinner | INCLUDED at Restaurant Manu |
| 🏨 Overnight Day 2 | Santa Teresa 2-star hotel INCLUDED |
| ☕ Day 3 breakfast | INCLUDED at hotel |
| 🏛️ Llactapata Day 3 | 2,814m — first MP view |
| 🍽️ Day 3 lunch | INCLUDED with MP view at Llactapata |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 3 | Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included) |
| 🥾 Day 4 Short Inca Trail | 12 km / 5h + 2h stops = ~7h total |
| 🏛️ Day 4 Inca ruins | Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna (permit-only) |
| 🍽️ Day 4 lunch | Box lunch INCLUDED during hike |
| ⛰️ Day 4 Sun Gate | 2,715m Inti Punku |
| 📸 Guardian’s House Day 4 | 15-20 min classic photos |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 4 | Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included) |
| 🎫 Day 5 MP entry | 08:00 AM recommended (flexible 06-11 AM) |
| 🎫 Circuit | Circuit 3B automatic (Inca Trail ticket) |
| 🎓 Day 5 guided tour | 2 hours private specialist |
| 🚂 Train Day 5 | PeruRail Expedition 74P · 14:55 → 16:31 |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 5 | Cusco (hotel NOT included) |
| 🥾 Day 6 Rainbow Mountain | ~7 km walking hike (NO horseback standard) |
| ⛰️ Day 6 max altitude | Vinicunca 5,100m |
| 🌈 Red Valley Day 6 | OPTIONAL (advance request) |
| 🍽️ Day 6 lunch | BUFFET INCLUDED at Cusipata (unique venue) |
| 🚐 Day 6 Cusco return | ~16:00-17:00 PM |
| 🎫 MP ticket | INCLUDED (Circuit 3B + SERNANP 2027 fee) |
| 🎫 Inca Trail permit | INCLUDED (Ministry of Culture in your name) |
| 🎫 Rainbow Mountain fees | INCLUDED |
| 🎫 Sacred Valley Boleto | INCLUDED (Pisac + Ollantaytambo) |
| 🎯 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 | $626 USD per person (group of 10) |
The Salkantay + Sacred Valley + Rainbow Mtn 6 Days makes the most of 6 days. – The ULTIMATE 6-in-1 combo — unique in the catalog. – Sacred Valley Day 1 acclimatization advantage. – Pisac Archaeological Complex Day 1. – Buffet Los Tres Mosqueteros Urubamba Day 1. The Salkantay + Sacred Valley + Rainbow Mtn 6 Days delivers on every one of these.
The Salkantay Trek 6 Days + Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Ultimate Combo is the ONLY tour in our catalog combining Sacred Valley Day 1 acclimatization advantage + Peru’s 2 highest attractions (Salkantay Pass 4,630m + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m) + Cocalmayo Hot Springs + Llactapata + Short Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate + Machu Picchu Circuit 3B in 6 days.
This is NOT the tour for:
This IS the tour for:
Salkantay Trek 5 Days + Short IT + Rainbow ($561):
This 6-Day Combo ($626):
Choose 5-Day FINAL if: already acclimatized to Cusco altitude + 5 days budget. Choose 6-Day (this) if: first-time Peru visitor + acclimatization priority + Sacred Valley interest + 6 days.
Salkantay Trek 4 Days + Short IT ($511):
This 6-Day Combo ($626):
Choose 4-Day FINAL if: no Rainbow interest + already acclimatized + 4 days budget. Choose 6-Day (this) if: comprehensive 6-day experience with Sacred Valley + Rainbow.
This 6-day itinerary adds a full Sacred Valley day at the very start — Pisac and Ollantaytambo — before the Salkantay Pass crossing, a short Inca Trail hike to the Sun Gate, and a closing day at Rainbow Mountain. It’s the most complete version of this combo route, giving travelers Inca ruins, high-altitude trekking, and the rainbow-striped mountain in a single, logically sequenced week.
That opening Sacred Valley day isn’t just sightseeing — it’s deliberate acclimatization. The Sacred Valley towns sit noticeably lower than Cusco, giving the body an easier first full day of activity before the trek proper begins. Day 2 then tackles Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) with that extra buffer day already banked, and the route descends again through Days 3 and 4 toward Machu Picchu, keeping elevation exposure manageable until the final push back up to Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m) on Day 6 — by then the best-prepared day of the entire trip.
Sacred Valley acclimatization Day — perfect altitude buffer before Salkantay.
Pre-tour preparation:
Scenic descent from Cusco (3,350m) to Sacred Valley.
Landscape:
Pisac — ceremonial + agricultural terraces at 2,972m.
Highlights:
Cultural context: Pisac’s role in Inca astronomical alignment + agricultural innovation.
Scenic Sacred Valley drive to Urubamba (2,871m).
Buffet lunch INCLUDED at partner restaurant Los Tres Mosqueteros Urubamba — Peru’s iconic Sacred Valley buffet venue.
Typical buffet spread:
Value differentiator: Los Tres Mosqueteros is the same venue used in the Super Sacred Valley Tour ($76) — premium Sacred Valley buffet quality.
Continue to Sacred Valley — descend to Ollantaytambo (2,792m).
Ollantaytambo — the ONLY inhabited living Inca village in the world.
Fortress highlights:
Village highlights:
Cultural context: Ollantaytambo’s role as an Inca stronghold of resistance + agricultural terracing.
Return to Cusco via the scenic Sacred Valley route.
Overnight in Cusco (hotel NOT included — cliente reserva).
Evening preparation:
Acclimatization benefit: Day 1 Sacred Valley altitude (2,792-3,350m) has helped your body prepare for Salkantay Pass 4,630m Day 2.
Buffet Lunch
Easy
2 km / 1.2 miles
1–2 Hours
Cusco: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Sacred Valley: 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
Pisac: 3,300 m (10,826 ft)
Very early start for Salkantay Day.
Pre-tour preparation (night before):
Scenic drive at dawn.
Soraypampa — Salkantay Trek trailhead.
Breakfast: local restaurant (NOT included).
Horseback ascent (~4-4.5 hours) — reduces physical demand.
Landscape:
Peru’s 2nd highest trek pass.
Views:
Traditional Andean offering ceremony (Pachamama).
Box lunch INCLUDED with panoramic views.
Long descent (~4-5 hours) through ecosystem transitions.
Van transfer (~30 min).
Cocalmayo Hot Springs — recovery after glacier trek.
INCLUDED: entrance + 1 hour + FREE locker.
Santa Teresa 2-star hotel INCLUDED:
Dinner INCLUDED: soup + main course + fresh fruit + drink.
Overnight: Santa Teresa Hotel (INCLUDED).
Box Lunch, Dinner
Challenging
13.7 km (8.5 miles)
5–6 Hours
Soraypampa: 3,930 m (12,893 ft)
Santa Teresa: 1,575 m (5,167 ft)
Salkantay Pass: 4,638 m (15,213 ft)
~1h drive.
Breakfast INCLUDED: fruit + Peruvian bread + eggs + coffee/coca tea + juice.
Beautiful uphill hike (~4 hours) through coffee plantations + cloud forest.
Cultural stops: coffee plantation + traditional farming community interactions.
Llactapata — Inca site with spectacular first MP view from off-the-beaten-track angle.
Photography time: ~30-45 min.
Lunch INCLUDED — special meal with MP panoramic view.
Descent through cloud forest.
Walk alongside railway (~10 km).
Aguas Calientes hotel — client books.
Recommendations:
Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel (client books).
Breakfast, Lunch
Moderate
22 km (13.6 miles)
8 Hours
Lucmabamba: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
Hidroelectrica: 1,890 m (6,200 ft)
Llactapata Pass: 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
Breakfast at hotel (NOT included).
Prep: passport + camera + water 2L + rain jacket + snacks + sunscreen.
Transport Aguas Calientes → Km 104: coordinated by guide (~1h).
Ministry of Culture ranger station:
12 km permit hike through cloud forest.
🏛️ Chachabamba ruins (~08:30 AM): ceremonial ritual site (permit-only).
🏛️ Wiñaywayna ruins (~11:30 PM): agricultural terraces + ceremonial complex (permit-only).
Box lunch INCLUDED at scenic viewpoint.
Steepest section (1h15-1h30 climb).
Peak moment Day 4 — first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Photography: panoramic + group celebration.
40-min descent with continuous MP views.
Classic MP photos — Inca Trail permit privilege.
25-min descent.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel (client books).
Box Lunch
Moderate
16 km (9.9 miles)
7 Hours
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
KM 104: 2,100 m (6,889 ft)
Inti Punku: 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
Breakfast at the hotel (NOT included).
25-min scenic ride.
⚠️ Flexible entry: Inca Trail tickets allow a 06:00-11:00 AM window.
Circuit 3B automatic with Inca Trail permit ticket.
Highlights:
Back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (NOT included) + exploration.
Train service: Aguas Calientes 14:55 → Ollantaytambo 16:31.
Private van transfer (~2h).
Overnight in Cusco (hotel NOT included).
Preparation for Day 6: extra warm clothing for Rainbow Mountain (COLD at 5,100m).
None
Easy
A light walk
2-Hour Guided Tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Machu Picchu Upper Sector: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Early start for Rainbow Mountain Day 6.
Bring in day pack:
Scenic drive to Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
Final gear check + coca leaves + walking sticks + briefing.
⚠️ Physical warning: 5,100m altitude is EXTREME.
Distance: ~7 km round-trip
Elevation: 4,600m → 5,100m
Time: 1–2 hours ascent
Trail characteristics:
⚠️ Walking hike standard — NO horseback. If you prefer horseback, book Rainbow Mountain by Horse ($87) separately.
Peak moment Day 6 — Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,100m.
What you’ll see:
Photography time: ~30–45 minutes.
Adjacent to Rainbow Mountain — 45–60 minutes of additional hiking.
Return hike to Llactoq (~1.5–2 hours).
Descent to Cusipata — unique venue for this 6-day combo.
BUFFET lunch INCLUDED at our partner restaurant in Cusipata, a different venue from Salkantay 5-Day FINAL (Quiquijana).
Typical buffet selection:
Cultural note: Cusipata is also the lunch location used for the Red Valley Peru Tour. In this 6-day combo, it serves as the celebratory meal after completing the ULTIMATE Peru adventure.
Well-deserved feast after six unforgettable days.
Final return to Cusco.
Total tour completed — six unforgettable days exploring Peru’s highest attractions, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with the advantage of gradual acclimatization.
Buffet Lunch
Demanding
7 km (4.3 miles)
100 Minutes
Llaqtoc: 4,900 m (16,076 ft)
Cusipata Valley: 3,310 m (10,860 ft)
Rainbow Pass: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
Transport
Accommodation
Horses
Guides
Entrance Fees + Permits — ALL INCLUDED
Meals — 7 INCLUDED
Safety Equipment
Other
Hotels NOT included:
Meals NOT included:
Other items NOT included:
Same operational reason as other combos: 04:30 AM Day 2 pickup + train punctuality Day 5 + 05:20 AM Day 6 pickup + logistics.
Recommended: fly to Cusco 2-3 days BEFORE or arrive Day 1 in time for Sacred Valley acclimatization tour.
Sacred Valley Day 1 advantage: this tour’s Day 1 is Sacred Valley (lower altitude), so if you arrive in Cusco morning of Day 1, you get a gentle altitude introduction — but book early flight arrivals to ensure 08:00 AM pickup.
Same permit process as Short Inca Trail 2 Days hub:
Day 6 Rainbow Mountain in THIS combo:
Different Rainbow options in our catalog:
If you want horseback: contact us at booking.
Day 6 buffet Cusipata in THIS combo:
Different from Salkantay 5-Day FINAL (which uses Quiquijana buffet). This buffet, Cusipata, is unique to this 6-day tour.
Train upgrades Day 5 return:
Machu Picchu extras:
Rainbow Mountain:
Discounts:
Primary comprehensive-adventure audience:
Honest disclosure — we’ll redirect you:
The only 6-day combo in our catalog combining Sacred Valley Day 1 acclimatization + Peru’s 2 highest attractions (Salkantay Pass 4,630m + Rainbow Mountain 5,100m) + Cocalmayo + Llactapata + Short Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate + Machu Picchu Circuit 3B.
Day 1: 08:00 AM Cusco pickup + Pisac Inca ruins + buffet Los Tres Mosqueteros Urubamba INCLUDED + Ollantaytambo Fortress + return Cusco (hotel NOT included).
Day 2: 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 3: breakfast + Lucmabamba trail + Llactapata (first MP view) + lunch with MP view + Hidroeléctrica walk → Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included).
Day 4: Short Inca Trail Km 104 permit + Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna + box lunch INCLUDED + Sun Gate 2,715m + Guardian’s House 15-20 min → Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included).
Day 5: MP Circuit 3B automatic at 08:00 AM + 2h guided tour + PeruRail Expedition 74P (14:55 → 16:31) + Cusco ~19:00 PM (hotel NOT included).
Day 6: 05:20 AM Cusco pickup + Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca 5,100m walking hike + optional Red Valley + BUFFET Cusipata INCLUDED + Cusco ~16:00-17:00 PM. PRIVATE tour from $626 USD (group of 10). Operating March-January daily (closed February). Age 14+.
Salkantay 5 Days + Short IT + Rainbow ($561):
This 6-Day Combo ($626):
Choose 5-Day if: already acclimatized to Cusco + 5 days budget.
Choose 6-Day (this) if: first-time Peru visitor + acclimatization priority + Sacred Valley interest + 6 days.
Altitude sickness risk: Salkantay Pass 4,630m is EXTREME altitude. Starting there Day 1 (without acclimatization) causes altitude sickness in many travelers.
Sacred Valley altitudes (Day 1):
These are LOWER than Cusco (3,350m) — perfect acclimatization buffer before Salkantay Day 2.
Result: safer, more comfortable Salkantay Pass Day 2 experience for first-time Peru visitors.
Physical demand justifies higher age:
Total: ~40+ km hiking across 5 days at extreme altitudes.
Age 14+ ensures fitness + altitude adaptation + endurance.
Yes — Day 4 uses Short Inca Trail permit (same Ministry of Culture regulation as Short IT 2 Days hub).
Circuit 3B automatic (Inca Trail permit ticket includes Circuit 3B).
Cusipata — small Andean village used as buffet venue for Day 6 after Rainbow Mountain.
Unique to this 6-Day tour:
Menu: Peruvian classics + Andean specialties + salad bar + desserts + drink.
Yes — book Salkantay 5-Day FINAL instead (this URL) at $561 and save $65.
But recommended for first-time Peru visitors: keep Day 1 for safety.
Yes — horseback optional. Some travelers hike entire Day 2 (~6-7 hours).
Walking hike version (NO horseback in standard).
Different options:
If you want horseback Day 6: contact for upgrade pricing.
VERY DEMANDING:
Preparation: cardio training 6-8 weeks + broken-in hiking shoes + altitude adaptation (Sacred Valley Day 1 helps).
No — 04:30 AM Day 2 + train punctuality + 05:20 AM Day 6.
But: Day 1 is 08:00 AM Cusco pickup — you could arrive Day 0 evening or very early Day 1 morning.
Same as Short Inca Trail hub:
Yes — PRIVATE tour:
Advanced customizations: contact at booking.
No — departures happen March through January; February is closed for SERNANP and Ministry of Culture trail maintenance.
Best months:
6 Day Sacred Valley, Salkantay Trek, Short Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain second map
PRIVATE TOUR pricing — based on group size.
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 1 774.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 1 138.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 953.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 824.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 768.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 713.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 686.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 655.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 647.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 626.00 USD |
6 Day Sacred Valley and Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail
6 Day Sacred Valley Salkantay Trek and Rainbow Mountain
Salkantay Trek 6 Days
