Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu adventure (4 days of hiking) Accommodation during the tour as in the itinerary (double occupancy): 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Cusco 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes 2 nights camping in tents (double tents, tables, chair, and kitchen equipment included) Transportation during the tour as in the itinerary: Pick-up from the airport to the hotel on Day 1 Drop-off from the hotel to the airport on Day 7 Pick-up from the hotel and to the trailhead at the start of the trek Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager service) Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco All meals as in the itinerary — 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks (vegetarian and vegan options available) Boiled water at every campsite Chef, muleteers, horses (to carry belongings, food, and gear) Pre-departure briefing at the hotel before the trek Exclusive cultural exchange activity in Chinchero Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, and Humantay Lake Oxygen and first-aid kit Duffel bag Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room (applies to hotel stays only) Sleeping bag rental Inflatable mattress rental Trekking poles Vistadome train upgrade Rainbow Mountain extension (with or without one night of accommodation) Not included: Flights to Peru Accommodation on Day 6 Accommodation after the tour if you choose the Rainbow Mountain add-on Meals not listed in the itinerary Fee for carrying more than 11 lbs/5 kg ($120) — if applicable Tips for the crew — customary Travel and medical insurance

How fit do I need to be?

This all-women Machu Picchu adventure via the Salkantay Trail requires excellent fitness. The Salkantay Trail is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring steep inclines and declines, varying altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions. With an approximate distance of 46 miles (74 km), participants can expect several days of challenging trekking and long days. The most you’ll hike within a day is 27 km (16.8 mi) for 8-9 hours. Day-by-day distances and hiking times can be found in the itinerary. Generally, you should be a person that hikes regularly, especially in hilly terrain, since you’ll be walking for extended periods at very high altitudes. If you’re not an avid hiker already, we recommend that you start hiking regularly in months leading to the trip . Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and endurance activities is advisable to adequately prepare for the physical demands of the trek. Acclimatization to the high altitude is crucia l, so the tour includes two days of acclimatization in Cusco advance—enhancing the overall experience. We also advise taking medication that can help you with altitude sickness. In summary, a moderate to high level of fitness is essential for a successful and enjoyable completion of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack (25-40L) Sleeping bag (can be rented) Inflatable mattress (can be rented) Hiking poles (can be rented) Hiking boots with good ankle support Raincoat Thick jumper Hiking down jacket Hiking T-shirts Hiking pants Casual clothes for when you’re not hiking Sunscreen and SPF lip balm Other toiletries (hand sanitizer, hand cream, wet wipes etc.) Cap and warm hat Sunglasses Wool stockings or Sport Socks Water bottle (2L capacity) Flashlight/headlamp Camera Personal medications Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing that can be worn in layers. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list prior to the adventure—changes can be made depending on the season and expected weather conditions.

Are the guides and porters on this tour also women?

This all-women’s Salkantay Trek guided adventure was designed to empower women through the strength of other women, which means that your guides make every effort to outfit the trip with women guides and porters. In most cases, guides for these all-women’s trips are women, while porters will often be a mix of men and women. Why? It is exceptionally hard for women in many developing countries to break away from traditional roles; therefore, fewer women guides and porters are available to outfit these trips. Collectively, we have more work to do to continue to elevate the presence of women in the outdoor industry.

Can I also visit the Rainbow Mountain on this trip?

Indeed you can! We totally get that you don’t want to miss out on the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which is why you can add the Rainbow mountain tour (plus the accommodation) at checkout and add it to your trip! If you haven’t heard of it yet, the name tells you all about it—it’s this incredible multi-colored mountain that leaves everyone speechless with its rainbow-like appearance. These colors are created by the sediment of minerals, giving the mountain turquoise, lavender, gold, and other hues. Up until several years ago, it was a hidden gem completely covered in snow! Today you’ll find it in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places To Visit Before You Die”. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-66548" src="https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg" alt="Rainbow Mountain Hike" width="1335" height="785" srcset="https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1335w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-784x461.jpg 784w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-768x452.jpg 768w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-888x522.jpg 888w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1568w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1536w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1776w" sizes="(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px" /> So, your guides have prepared a choice between two one-day treks to the Rainbow Mountain as an extension to your trip. You can add it to your booking at checkout (there will also be an option to choose 1 extra night of accommodation after the Rainbow Mountain tour), but here’s what you can expect. You can choose between the Vinicunca and the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour . Vinicunca is the more difficult, steeper, more strenuous, and longer hike to the most famous viewpoint. Depending on the weather, you might even see the highest mountain in the Cusco region in the distance, Ausangate Mountain. Total distance is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round-trip . Palcoyo tour offers a more gentle climb at a slightly lower altitude, and it’s also a shorter hike, making it significantly more suitable for beginners. With this tour, you’ll get to see three different colorful mountains along the way! It’s also worth noting that it’s less crowded, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse into the Andean culture and their way of life. Total distance is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip . What’s included in these tours? Professional bilingual English-speaking tour guide Pre-departure briefing Pick-up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead Return transportation Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant Emergency oxygen bottle & medical kit One trekking pole Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain What’s not included ? Personal snacks Accommodation — but there’s an option at checkout to choose 1 night of accommodation as well Guide gratuities — optional Horses — available to hire one if you need them at the beginning of your trek This tour typically takes place on the final day of your adventure or the day after. At checkout, you’ll be able to choose the day-long Rainbow Mountain tour of your choice, or opt for the Rainbow Mountain tour + 1 night of accommodation in Cusco .

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the maximum group size is 16 women. It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate. Price is based on two-person tents & twin-share rooms. In case you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and can be added at checkout. Hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this women-only Salkantay Trek is based on twin-share rooms and twin-share tents. If you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and it can be added at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Cusco, which is the beginning point of your trip, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your guide at the airport and get transferred to your hotel. Please keep in mind that you’re expected to arrive before noon on Day 1. If arriving the day before or later on Day 1, you’ll likely have to arrange a transfer to the hotel on your own.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

SALKANTAY TRAIL | PERU

All-Women Machu Picchu Hike via Salkantay Trek

7 days | Moderate to Challenging | 4.86

From $1,589 ()

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You can spend years staring at pictures of Machu Picchu, but nothing prepares you for the moment you see it with your own eyes. If you’ve been dreaming of Machu Picchu, this all-women, 7-day adventure via the Salkantay Trek is your sign to go. Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, the alternative 46-mile Salkantay offers wilder and even more spectacular mountain scenery, cloud forests, roaring waterfalls, and sacred alpine lakes. By the time you reach the Sun Gate and look down at the Lost City of the Incas, the sense of wonder is overwhelming! With every detail taken care of, from cozy lodges to nourishing meals, all you have to do is take each step and let the Andes show you the way.

Adventure Highlights

Wilder, more stunning route: Get to Machu Picchu via a crowd-free Salkantay Trek that offers spectacular mountain scenery
Cultural immersion: Experience the rich traditions of the Quechua weavers’ cooperative in Ocutuan, where you’ll learn about farming, weaving, and Andean culture firsthand
All-women, all-inclusive trek: Join an all-women adventure, where accommodation, meals, expert guidance, and anything else needed for a perfect journey are covered

Duration

7 days

Season

April through November

Group size

Up to 16 people

Accommodation

Standard, Comfort: Hotels (4 nights) and campsites (2 nights)

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Embark on a 7-day guided Salkantay trek adventure, taking you to Machu Picchu. Your journey begins in historic Cusco, and includes a walking tour and a cultural exchange in Chinchero. Trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes, including the iconic Humantay Lagoon and the 15,090-foot Salkantay Pass—all culminating in Machu Picchu. Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels and camping tents, with a dedicated local guide leading the way. Immerse yourself in the natural and historical wonders of Peru on this unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Your journey begins with your arrival in Cusco. We’ll whisk you away to your comfortable hotel in the city. As the day unfolds, join your guide and fellow hikers for an engaging introductory meeting, setting the stage for the remarkable days ahead. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of Cusco City as you embark on a captivating historical tour. As night descends, indulge in a welcome dinner, savoring the flavors of local cuisine that rank among the best in the world.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
Cusco elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)

Day 2: Cusco — Chinchero community Project — Cusco

After breakfast, at 8am, venture from the hotel to visit an Andean culture interpretation center nestled in Chinchero, at an altitude of more than 3,750 m (12,300 ft)! Here, the rich tapestry of Andean traditions comes alive through artifacts and insights into the daily activities of the locals. Witness Andean camelids grazing in the distance and observe the cultivation of crops like potatoes and tarwi.

Experience the rich traditions of the Andes with a warm welcome featuring typical dances of the region. Engage in a hands-on potato and tuber workshop, followed by a seasonal activity such as cultivation, cooking, harvesting, or bull plowing. Enjoy a tasting of traditional community dishes with an included lunch. Witness a weaving demonstration, one of the Andes’ most significant traditions, and explore the community’s production workshop to see the craftsmanship up close. Return to Cusco in the afternoon, allowing you time to prepare for the trek that starts tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 3: Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa (Humantay Lake))

Two women trekkers on a trail between mountains, Salkantay Trek, Peru.

Our adventure begins with an early 5am pickup from the hotel for a two-hour drive to the Mollepata community, where we’ll stop for breakfast (not included). We continue by transport to Challacancha, the official starting point of our hike. Here, we’ll meet our chef and muleteers, check our luggage, and load the horses before beginning the challenging ascent to our campsite. Along the way, we’ll hike along an original Inca trail beside an ancient canal, taking in breathtaking views of the distant Salkantay Mountain. After 3.5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our campsite, where you’ll settle into your accommodations and enjoy a well-earned lunch to restore your energy.

In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, a two-hour ascent rewarded with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters nestled at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. While the temperatures can be quite cold, the beauty of this serene spot makes it well worth the effort. After spending some time at the lake, we’ll make our way back to camp in about an hour, where you can change into warmer clothes before enjoying a delicious dinner. To end the day, our guide will provide a briefing on the following day’s itinerary, preparing you for the moderate to challenging trek ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Soraypampa campsite
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi), 4-5 hours
Minimum/maximum elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft) / 4,200 m (13, 780 ft)
Basecamp elevation: 3,900 m (12,975 ft)

Day 4: Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Wayracmachay — Chaullay

Woman in nature adventure walk in mountain landscape. Girl doing trekking in Machu Picchu path

Start the day early and get ready for an incredible experience! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to Salkantay Pass, passing through Salkantay Pampa and making our way up the winding trail to the summit. Along the way, we’ll take breaks to admire the breathtaking mountain scenery, snap photos, and listen to our guide’s insights while recharging our energy. Reaching the pass at an impressive 4,630 m (15,228 ft), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain—an unforgettable sight and the perfect photo opportunity.

From the pass, we’ll begin our descent to Wayracmachay, where the landscape gradually shifts, revealing a new side of the Andean wilderness. Upon arrival, a delicious lunch prepared by our chefs will be waiting for you. After refueling, we’ll continue descending, and as we lose altitude, you’ll notice a welcome change in temperature. Our campsite, located at 2,900 m (9,514 ft), offers a much milder climate compared to the first base camp. Once there, you’ll have time to rest and freshen up before enjoying a hearty dinner, during which our guide will provide a briefing for the next day’s adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Chaullay campsitec
Hiking distance: 24 km (13.7 mi), 11-12 hours
Minimum/maximum elevation: 2,900 m (9,515 ft) / 4,600 m (15,190 ft)
Basecamp elevation: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)

Day 5: Chaullay-Colcapampa — Loreta La Playa — Lucmabamba — Hidroelectrica — Aguas Calientes

Traditional house by the train tracks in Aguas Calientes, Peru.

After a challenging day, we will wake up early for a delicious breakfast. Today is a more relaxing hike through a stunning trail filled with dense vegetation, vibrant orchids, and towering waterfalls reaching up to 80 meters. We’ll descend through the scenic Santa Teresa Valley to Lucmabamba, where we’ll enjoy lunch before taking transportation to Hidroelectrica. In the afternoon, we’ll continue on foot for about two hours (12 km / 7.5 mi) toward Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Dinner is included, and your guide will provide important details for the highlight of the journey—visiting Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hiking distance: 27 km (16.8 mi), 8-9 hours
Minimum/maximum elevation: 2,000 m (6,560 ft) / 3,000 m (9.845 ft)
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,040 m (6,693 ft)

Day 6: Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Cusco

Today’s the day! We start early, depending on our assigned entry time to Machu Picchu. You can either hike up to the entrance, which takes about an hour and a half, or take the first bus at 5:30am for a 30-minute ride from Aguas Calientes. Our guide will lead a thorough two-hour tour of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, after which you’ll have time to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo, where you should arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. A company representative will meet you upon arrival and arrange transportation back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel*.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 km (3.1 mi), 2 hours
Minimum/maximum elevation: 2,040 m (6,690 ft) / 2,430 m (7,970 ft)

*Note that accommodation for the night is at your arrangement.

Day 7: Departure

As your unforgettable 7-day adventure draws to a close, savor your last breakfast, check out of the hotel and prepare for the departure transfer to the airport. Bid farewell to Cusco, taking with you cherished memories of a journey filled with natural wonders and cultural revelations.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

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Adventure, packed to go

All-Women Machu Picchu Hike via Salkantay Trek

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Yaritza Frisancho

Yaritza is a trip leader and a guide working in the Peruvian mountains. She is very passionate about the outdoors and is proud to be one of the few female adventure tour guides in the Cusco Region. Yaritza’s goal is to climb the highest mountains in Cusco, and she’s close to achieving the goal! Not only does she love being an outdoor guide, but she also enjoys sharing the traditions and the rich culture of Peru with her clients.

5.00

Luz Mabel

Luz has been a mountain guide for over 5 years now and she’s very proud to be a female tour guide in the Cusco Region. Born and raised in Cusco, Luz lives and breathes the Peruvian mountains and the jungle. Luz is passionate about sharing the knowledge about her culture, traditions, and heritage with other people.

What others say about this adventure

4.86 (14 reviews)

Treci D.

|November 2025

Incredible experience! CrossOver Peru's support staff was amazing, from our guide Yaritza, to our incomparable Cook Modesto, and our dedicated Muleteer, Damian. The three of them did everything possible to ensure we had a phenomenal trip. The CrossOver Peru office staff also worked hard to ensure every one of our needs and requests for additional service and tours were fulfilled---top notch responsiveness and customer support in every way possible. I have done similar trekking adventures in several other countries, and can say that the CrossOver Peru team was the most professional, versatile, flexible and experienced ground operator I have ever worked with. I give them my strongest possible endorsement--CrossOver Peru is a top-notch company that will take outstanding care in every detail. Don't hesitate to engage them if you want an unforgettable adventure!!

Cathrine B.

|June 2025

The trip was full of visual spectacles. We were fortunate with great weather that allowed us to spend time and absorb all the areas. From glaciers and mountain tops to rain forest. Rainbow mountain with an offshoot to the red valley was an absolute highlight. So was the food, amazing!!!

Janet V.

|May 2025

The Salkantay trek was amazing. The terrain was very challenging but so beautiful! We had a great tour of Machu Picchu led by Yaritza where we learned so much about the history and significance of this amazing place.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu adventure (4 days of hiking)
  - Accommodation during the tour as in the itinerary (double occupancy):
    
    3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Cusco
    
    1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
    
    2 nights camping in tents (double tents, tables, chair, and kitchen equipment included)
  - Transportation during the tour as in the itinerary:
    
    Pick-up from the airport to the hotel on Day 1
    
    Drop-off from the hotel to the airport on Day 7
    
    Pick-up from the hotel and to the trailhead at the start of the trek
    
    Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
    
    Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager service)
    
    Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco
  - All meals as in the itinerary — 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  - Boiled water at every campsite
  - Chef, muleteers, horses (to carry belongings, food, and gear)
  - Pre-departure briefing at the hotel before the trek
  - Exclusive cultural exchange activity in Chinchero
  - Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, and Humantay Lake
  - Oxygen and first-aid kit
  - Duffel bag
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room (applies to hotel stays only)
  - Sleeping bag rental
  - Inflatable mattress rental
  - Trekking poles
  - Vistadome train upgrade
  - Rainbow Mountain extension (with or without one night of accommodation)
Not included:
- - Flights to Peru
  - Accommodation on Day 6
  - Accommodation after the tour if you choose the Rainbow Mountain add-on
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Fee for carrying more than 11 lbs/5 kg ($120) — if applicable
  - Tips for the crew — customary
  - Travel and medical insurance
This all-women Machu Picchu adventure via the Salkantay Trail requires excellent fitness. The Salkantay Trail is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring steep inclines and declines, varying altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions. With an approximate distance of 46 miles (74 km), participants can expect several days of challenging trekking and long days.

The most you’ll hike within a day is 27 km (16.8 mi) for 8-9 hours. Day-by-day distances and hiking times can be found in the itinerary.

Generally, you should be a person that hikes regularly, especially in hilly terrain, since you’ll be walking for extended periods at very high altitudes. If you’re not an avid hiker already, we recommend that you start hiking regularly in months leading to the trip. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and endurance activities is advisable to adequately prepare for the physical demands of the trek.

Acclimatization to the high altitude is crucial, so the tour includes two days of acclimatization in Cusco advance—enhancing the overall experience. We also advise taking medication that can help you with altitude sickness. In summary, a moderate to high level of fitness is essential for a successful and enjoyable completion of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack (25-40L)
  - Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  - Inflatable mattress (can be rented)
  - Hiking poles (can be rented)
  - Hiking boots with good ankle support
  - Raincoat
  - Thick jumper
  - Hiking down jacket
  - Hiking T-shirts
  - Hiking pants
  - Casual clothes for when you’re not hiking
  - Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  - Other toiletries (hand sanitizer, hand cream, wet wipes etc.)
  - Cap and warm hat
  - Sunglasses
  - Wool stockings or Sport Socks
  - Water bottle (2L capacity)
  - Flashlight/headlamp
  - Camera
  - Personal medications
Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing that can be worn in layers. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list prior to the adventure—changes can be made depending on the season and expected weather conditions.

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This all-women’s Salkantay Trek guided adventure was designed to empower women through the strength of other women, which means that your guides make every effort to outfit the trip with women guides and porters.

In most cases, guides for these all-women’s trips are women, while porters will often be a mix of men and women. Why? It is exceptionally hard for women in many developing countries to break away from traditional roles; therefore, fewer women guides and porters are available to outfit these trips. Collectively, we have more work to do to continue to elevate the presence of women in the outdoor industry.
Indeed you can! We totally get that you don’t want to miss out on the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which is why you can add the Rainbow mountain tour (plus the accommodation) at checkout and add it to your trip!

If you haven’t heard of it yet, the name tells you all about it—it’s this incredible multi-colored mountain that leaves everyone speechless with its rainbow-like appearance. These colors are created by the sediment of minerals, giving the mountain turquoise, lavender, gold, and other hues. Up until several years ago, it was a hidden gem completely covered in snow! Today you’ll find it in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places To Visit Before You Die”.

So, your guides have prepared a choice between two one-day treks to the Rainbow Mountain as an extension to your trip. You can add it to your booking at checkout (there will also be an option to choose 1 extra night of accommodation after the Rainbow Mountain tour), but here’s what you can expect.

You can choose between the Vinicunca and the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour.
- - Vinicunca is the more difficult, steeper, more strenuous, and longer hike to the most famous viewpoint. Depending on the weather, you might even see the highest mountain in the Cusco region in the distance, Ausangate Mountain. Total distance is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round-trip.
  - Palcoyo tour offers a more gentle climb at a slightly lower altitude, and it’s also a shorter hike, making it significantly more suitable for beginners. With this tour, you’ll get to see three different colorful mountains along the way! It’s also worth noting that it’s less crowded, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse into the Andean culture and their way of life. Total distance is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip.
What’s included in these tours?
- - Professional bilingual English-speaking tour guide
  - Pre-departure briefing
  - Pick-up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead
  - Return transportation
  - Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant
  - Emergency oxygen bottle & medical kit
  - One trekking pole
  - Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain
What’s not included?
- - Personal snacks
  - Accommodation — but there’s an option at checkout to choose 1 night of accommodation as well
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Horses — available to hire one if you need them at the beginning of your trek
This tour typically takes place on the final day of your adventure or the day after. At checkout, you’ll be able to choose the day-long Rainbow Mountain tour of your choice, or opt for the Rainbow Mountain tour + 1 night of accommodation in Cusco.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the maximum group size is 16 women.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate.
  - Price is based on two-person tents & twin-share rooms. In case you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and can be added at checkout.
Hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this women-only Salkantay Trek is based on twin-share rooms and twin-share tents. If you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and it can be added at checkout.
To get to Cusco, which is the beginning point of your trip, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your guide at the airport and get transferred to your hotel.

Please keep in mind that you’re expected to arrive before noon on Day 1. If arriving the day before or later on Day 1, you’ll likely have to arrange a transfer to the hotel on your own.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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