Discover to the Astounding Rainbow Mountain Tour
Discover the most incredible spot in the Andes of Peru. The Rainbow Mountain Trek is a well-recommended day tour in Peru. Discovered just a few years ago, it turned into a famous place for all travelers who visit Cusco and Peru.
Located in the Vilcanota mountain range at 5,036 m (16,522 ft) near to the sacred mountain Ausangate, you will also have the option to explore the stunning views at the Red Valley, which will transport you to another landscape that, for many, looks like Mars.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
At Machu Picchu by Locals we designed an special itinerary that allows you to exlore this inigmatic Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley before the crowds arrive. During our Rainbow Mountain day tour, you will explore the most incredibles andean landscapes surrounded by towerred snow mountains, lakes and some of wildlife. Join us in this epic adventure on our day tour from Cusco.
On the Rainbow Mountain hike, expect to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the inhabitants in the small communities, observe numerous herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in the mountains, and be a first-hand witness of millions of years of geological history. The imposing mountain landscape is sure to be the protagonist of your photographs. Choose Machu Picchu by Locals for the ultimate tour in the Andes.
Highlights: Rainbow Mountain
Hiking distance: 8km/4.8miles (3 hours hike round trip)
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: March to December
Max. Altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
Itinerary at a Glance
-
Day01
Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley - Cusco
Discover the breathtanking landscapes in the high Andes of Peru and be amazed with the natural colours of Vinicunca Mountain.
Cusco | Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain Peru, Red Valley
Highlight of the day: Arriving at the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and enjoying the amazing view of the Red Valley
The Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour starts early in the morning to enjoy this natural marvel at its best. Between 3:30 and 4:00 am, we will collect you directly from your hotel to start our ride to Cusipata town. First, we will drive for around two hours, where we will stop for 30 minutes to enjoy our Andean typical breakfast.
After, we continue our journey for another hour to the head of the trail Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), where the guide will provide you with the information and safety talk before start hiking. From there, at the foot of the sacred mountain, Ausangate, we begin our hike. We start with an approximately 1.30 hours ascent with our destination being Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca with elevation of (5,036 meters / 16,522 ft).
Along the way, we get the opportunity to observe diverse South American camelid species like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. When we reach the Seven Colors Mountain, or Rainbow Mountain, you will have some time to rest, enjoy the impressive landscape, and take photos of Vinicunca Mountain, which shows us all its imposing colors: red, pink, turquoise, and yellow.
Addicionally, you will have the option to hike towards the Red Valley, located just 20 minutes from Rainbow Mountain, this is unreal place where offers a ddiferent and unique landscapes, enjoy before the crowds arrive.
At this point, it will be time to start descending along our return route. We descend for an hour towards the bus station, where we will board the bus and drive to our restaurant in Cusipata, where we enjoy an energizing lunch.
Finally we return back to Cusco city arriving at approximately 3:30pm to 4:00pm.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Rainbow Mountain Tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
-
-
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Humantay Lagoon departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
-
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Rainbow Mountain.
-
Transportations
-
-
-
Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning once you done with the Humantay tour to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
-
-
Food
-
-
-
-
Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.
-
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
-
-
-
WE NOT INCLUDED
-
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour, we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
-
Entrance Fees
The entrance fees are not included and you can pay it directly at the control, in total will be S/25 soles for the 2024 season
-
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
-
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TOUR PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before you leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged—but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to bring it as light as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks, and Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in Cusco
Preparation Before your Tour
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we try to make the best of our booking system work as easily as possible for you. Once you decide to do some of our day tours, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details, which we need to book your tickets. We need a previous deposit of 50% of the price per person. Once you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation form that all the booking process has been set up satisfactorily.
Is Machu Picchu by Locals Team Contacting us Before Rainbow Mountain Tour?
Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after they have confirmed the reservation. Please, you, ask to check your e-mail constantly, and also if you have some issue, let us know to solve it as soon as possible.
Can I Skip the Red Valley Hike?
Yes, you can avoid the extra hike to the Red Valley. After exploring the Rainbow Mountain you can start going down to the bus station. Then you will drive back to Cusipata.
Where to Stay in Cusco for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. Also, there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near to the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. We will send you a notification for the pickup if it is not possible to access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, the night before your tour, you will meet with your tour guide, who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations, please ask the Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.
Important Information About the Trek
Are There Bathrooms Facilities Along the Tour?
Yes, our car will stop in some places where you can use the restroom (toilets). Also, in the restaurants you will find these; if you need it as an emergency, just let your tour guide know to stop in the nearest bathroom.
How Challenging is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?
Well, the Rainbow Mountain tour is considered a moderate and challenging tour in Cusco, and it is well recommended to have a few days in Cusco to acclimatize the altitude. Hiking to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, you’ll reach 5,036 meters (16,522 feet), and it is very important to prepare and rehydrate properly.
What Happens if I Get Altitude Sickness?
No worry, our guide and team are professional, and they know how to solve this kind of problem. Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these and an oxygen balloon in case you need it. Also, during our Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake tours, there will be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover. Our team always has a radio.
Do I Need Hiking Boots?
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. However, for our traditional day tours where you do not need to hike for hours, you can go with sneakers. The Rainbow Mountain and Humantay lake tour you need ones with ankle support, which are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down on slippery stairs, and some of them could be muddy, uneven, and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
Should I use Walking Sticks During the 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if it is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.
Where Do I Store my Luggage?
In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the tour, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you will change your hotel after the trek, we have available our storage in the Machu Picchu by Locals office; get more info from our office team.
What Should I Expect as far as Weather?
The weather in the Cusco region and parts of the Andes is unpredictable; even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season, and March and October are bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year.
Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help with the mosquitos, which can be a nuisance in some parts of the trail.
From: USD 45.00 per person
USD 40.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Day Tour
Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour
Map of Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
-
Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
-
Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
-
Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
-
Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
-
Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
Why Travel with us
Social Project
Everything from one source
There's a reason why so many people recommend our adventure holidays.
What Our Clients Say
We take great pride in taking care of our guests
Our travellers are our best advocates, and they frequently recommend our specialist travel services to friends, colleagues and family when planning a trip to our region.