During the Rainbow mountain hike, you will have opportunities at different lookouts to stop and appreciate the incomparable beauty of the Peruvian mountains and Ausangate valleys and take some memorable pictures. Then while you hike up to Rainbow Mountain, you will see some wild animals like llamas, alpacas, and chinchillas. This part of the Cusco is also exclusive because you will observe Andean life still being practiced traditionally and have the chance to meet and talk directly with the local Quechua people.
Stop at different viewpoints and enjoy the incomparable beauty of the Ausangate area.
Experience the local food at Cusipata during your breakfast and buffet lunch.
Enjoy the chance to meet and talk with the local people and take memorable pictures.
Early at 4:00 am, the guide will pick you up at your hotel or hostel. Please make sure you are waiting in the lobby for your guide, who will look for you. After you board our transportation, you will go to Cusipata, where you will have a delicious breakfast and the chance to stop for some pictures, relax a little and stretch your legs. There is a small shop where you can buy some snacks or water before starting your Rainbow Mountain day hike.
After stopping at Cusipata, you will continue until the starting spot call (Chillihuani). Your guide will organize everything before starting your hike. Then, you will start your journey to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There are 2.1 Miles (3.5 km) of trekking. First, you will go uphill, followed by some flats and uplands that will take you to your goal called Rainbow Mountain, located at 17,125 ft (5,220 m), where you will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys Ausangate. You will enjoy good lookouts and stop and see wild Llamas, Alpacas, and Vicuñas.
After this significant time, you will turn back on the same trail; this time will be easier because most of the path is easy sailing—downhill! (1 hrs) then you will board the bus and enjoy the drive back to the restaurant. Once you get back to Cusipata, you will have lunch; then, you will take your transportation back to Cusco(center), where you will be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas. Almost all groups arrive in Cusco between 16:00 and 16:30.
Not included
Shared service price: $.34.00.
Important: Shared service price is only available with agreement passengers to share this service with other travelers (Group site 12 – 19 People approx.)
Private service price: $.220.00. (based on two people)
Included all mentioned before
Group size upon your request, for people who need a personalize and exclusive service
Departure day is according to passenger request
Price for bigger groups are according to group size
Do you need to book a Private tour? Book here.
What you should bring for Rainbow Mountain
Important to know before you go to Rainbow Mountain
Not appropriate for
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it?
In general, all Rainbow Mountain hikes are worth it, but you have to know the altitude is significant for the walk; that is why a couple of days before in Cusco will help to acclimatize; also, altitude pill and lots of water might help. Weather conditions also make a difference.
How many days do you need in Cusco before Rainbow Mountain?
At least 2-days or 48 hours can help acclimate your body to the altitude and, if possible, do it as one of the last tours in Cusco.
How hard is Rainbow Mountain?
The walk is not very complicated, but the altitude makes a difference; Rainbow Mountain is a medium-difficulty hike.
How do I prepare for rainbow mountain hike?
First, you should sleep early the night before, then take a light backpack with some water, altitude pills, hat, sunglasses, warm jacket, rain poncho, and some snacks for the trek. Then during the hike, try to move at your speed but do not stop for a long time, just enough to breathe and continue. If this does not work for you, it is recommended to take a horse or back to the van.
Why is Rainbow Mountain so colorful?
When the earth’s crust formed, many minerals were gathered layer upon layer, each falling under its weight to compact the soil. After the tectonic plates of Nazca and South America collided, this caused all the sediment to break up, turning in this way and forming ridges, hills and slopes, exposing the strata vertically and also with time with winds, rains, and all other meteorological phenomena. The minerals are oxidized to make it look like today, and now many know it as the rainbow mountain.
What time does the rainbow mountain tour start?
Pick-up usually is between 4:30 to 5:00 am. and then all groups go to Cusipata, where you can do the first stop and enjoy breakfast before starting your trek to the rainbow mountain.
What time does the rainbow mountain tour finish?
It all depends on how slow and fast your group can be during your hike to Rainbow Mountain; however, most groups finish in Cusco from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
Do we use oxygen bottle in first aid?
These tanks hold medicine oxygen. All tanks are brand new and in good condition and have a pressure rating of 2000 psi.
Oxygen is used strictly for people who might feel sick and is not used to improve your hiking or walk with oxygen supply.
Is it possible to visit red valley after Vinicuna?
Unfortunately, this 2022 red Valley is not open and is still closed because of the political conflicts in the area. However, whether the conditions are good, you can enjoy part of the red valley from the main lookout of the Rainbow mountain.
Does the guide speak English?
Yes, they speak English. All our tour guides are local (Peruvians, and they are graduated from a tourism university and got certification from the Peruvian government.e
What is the Maximum number of people on our trip?
Our groups are usually between 12 to 19 people.
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