Tour Rainbow Mountain Trek – 1 Day
Activity Level : Challenging -
Overview of the Rainbow Mountain Trek
from Cusco through the spectacular Andes and hike up to Rainbow Mountain Trek. Never before or after will you experience anything like the colorful sandstone of Rainbow Mountain. Discover the reasons behind the rainbow colors with an informative guided tour. The recently discovered area is surrounded by breathtaking snowcapped peaks, herds of alpaca, glaciers and many different species of birds. This trip of a life time awaits, take a day tour to Rainbow Mountain.
Highlights
- The hike up takes about 1.5 hours along a trail that goes up a desert valley, with full view of glaciers.
- Enjoy the colorful Rainbow Mountain
- Hike for 45 minutes to the Red Valley.
- The hike back to the trail-head enjoying the amazing views of glaciers and valleys.
- Highest elevation: 5100mt/16732ft
Note, A horse can be hired for the majority of the trek. However, the last 600m are too steep for horses and you will have to walk this last part. The cost of the horse is about 100 soles roundtrip which your guide can negotiate.
Full Itinerary for the Rainbow Mountain Trek
Day 1. Cusco – Rainbow Mt – Red Valley – Cusco
Today begins at 4am with pick up from your hotel. Rainbow Mountain awaits as we set out on a drive for 3 hours through the South Valley, before arriving at the trailhead of Llacto. On the drive see farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, verdant valleys and high Andean peaks.
After you have had your fill and are satisfied with breakfast, we take a short drive to the start of the trek. Firstly, we will follow a lovely stream, with amazing views of Ausangate Mountain and stunning glaciers.
Have the opportunity to interact with the local people and see their traditional culture. Your guide will explain the different clothes and the hats worn by the men. Ask the guide to teach you a few words in Quechua.
Hike for about 1.5 hours and reach our destination: Rainbow Mountain! (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty of this colorful landscape, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Later, you are able to hike across to the Red Valley for 45 minutes, enjoy the red valley and mountains and finally we walk back to the trail head.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 5:00pm.
Note, there is an option to rent a horse from local people right at the starting point of the trek.
What’s Included for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Included
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek.
- Private transport from Cusco to Llacto trailhead and back to Cusco
- English speaking, experienced and professional guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Not Included
- Horses, which can be rented at the trailhead (100 soles roundtrip)
- Trekking Poles – $15
- Tips for the driver, guide and cooks
Pricing for the Rainbow Mountain Trek
| # of Persons | PricePer Person |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $150 pp |
| 3 persons | $125 pp |
| 4 persons | $99 pp |
| 5 persons | $80 pp |
| 6 or more persons | $70 pp |
Why choose our tour services
Small groups
Join a small group of like-minded travellers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Philosophy & values
We are experts in the field of making dreams come true! With a unique experience in all of Cusco, wherever you want to go, we can take you there
Locally based guides
At Hotel Andenes del Inca, we have experienced tour guides. And they are all locals, which means they know the area you are exploring like the back of their hand.