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Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco
PRICE FROM
USD $20
Discover the splendor of Rainbow Mountain, Peru.
Are you ready to discover a place that looks like it’s straight out of a dream? The Rainbow Mountain in Peru is a natural spectacle that will leave you breathless.
With its stunning stripes of color that seem hand-painted. this unique destination invites you to explore a landscape that defies imagination. Forget everything you’ve seen before; here, nature has outdone itself. Come and experience the magic of Rainbow Mountain, an adventure you’ll remember forever!.
You’ll find Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, near the Inca capital of Cusco. and is one of the most breathtaking natural views. The paths are hard because of the high altitude, over 5,000 meters.
Your trip also includes a visit to the Red Valley. a beautiful area that looks like a red desert and adds to the Vinicunca adventure. Don’t miss the chance to explore these unique places with our exclusive Vinicunca tour. Join us, the direct operators, and see the true colors of Rainbow Mountain.
Summary: Rainbow Mountain Hike
This itinerary offers a rich experience encompassing natural beauty, cultural immersion, and flexible options for your comfort and enjoyment.
- Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
- Estimated Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Elevation: Rainbow Mountain at 5100 meters above sea level
- Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy conditions
- Additional Note: Horses are available for rent at the checkpoint before the hike, typically costing between 80 to 100 soles, with potential for negotiation, to assist with the ascent of Rainbow Mountain.
Itinerary
Day
01
01
Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Join us for a one-day Rainbow Mountain trek from Cusco, offering breathtaking scenery. Your incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek journey begins at 4 a.m. when we pick you up from your accommodation. We embarked on a three-hour journey through the South Valley to reach the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m). Along the trip, there are stunning views of farmed Inca terraces, ancient communities, valleys, and high Andean peaks.
We’ll stop for your breakfast. You may have a nice breakfast while watching the llamas and alpacas.
Following breakfast, we return to our starting place. At the starting site, you can use the bathrooms and prepare for the trek .
We then continue the meandering trail for 1.5 hours till we arrive at our target, the rainbow mountain. When we reach the mountain’s crest, you may snap photos and enjoy the view. We spend 30 minutes at the summit, giving you ample time to explore the mountain peak.
Following that we stroll for 45 minutes over the red valley. taking in the brilliant red valley and mountains before returning to the trailhead. We will travel back to Cusco in 3 hours and drop you off at your accommodation about 5:00 p.m.
Here are some essential tips for your Rainbow Mountain adventure:
1. Prepare for the altitude: Rainbow Mountain sits at over 5100m/16,000 feet, so acclimating to high altitude is crucial. Make sure you drink plenty of water. take breaks when you feel like it, and think about taking altitude sickness medicine if your doctor suggests it.
2. Dress in layers: Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. Bring warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, but also pack lighter clothing for sunny periods.
3. Choose the right footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must for the hike. While regular sneakers suffice for many, mountain hiking shoes offer better support and comfort. especially for the 4 to 5-hour trek.
4. Protect yourself from the sun: UV rays are stronger at high altitudes. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to shield yourself from sunburn and glare.
5. Pack snacks and water: There are no vendors along the trail. so bring enough snacks and water to keep you fueled and hydrated throughout the hike.
6. Carry cash: Entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are payable in soles. Make sure you have enough cash on hand for these payments. They do not accept card payments.
7. Respect the environment: Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder, so help preserve its beauty by leaving no trace. Make sure you throw your trash in the right place and stick to the trails to keep the ecosystem safe.
WHAT'S IT LIKE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the unique flora and animals, as well as the alpacas and llamas that surround you.
- Trek across some of the most magnificent Andean landscapes.
- Enjoy the view of Cusco’s tallest mountain and watch the snow-capped mountain.
- Trek to one of the world’s most unusual places.
What’s Included?
Pre – departure Briefing
Attend our full briefing at 6:00 p.m. the day before your departure at the Sap Adventures office to ensure you’re trekking-ready. Can’t make it in-person? Not an issue. Simply contact us via WhatsApp at +51960827076 to schedule a virtual briefing. To ensure a smooth setup, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a bespoke session with your tour guide.
Experienced Guides
Our trips are guided by certified bilingual (English and Spanish) tourism guides. All guides working with SAP are Peruvian government-licensed and have graduated from recognized Peruvian colleges or tourist schools. This guarantees that you receive informed and expert advice throughout your trip.
Medical Kit
SAP guides have specific training in first aid and CPR. They also carry a first aid package for situations including altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, and scrapes. In addition, if required, we will promptly evacuate you off the path and transport you to a clinic for treatment.
24/7 Customer Service
- Our WhatsApp and local phone services are accessible 24 hours a day.
- In any emergency, our guides can reach us via satellite phone.
Meals
- Breakfast: Treat yourself to a range of options including fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit salad, and your preference of bread or pancakes with butter and jam.
- Buffet Lunch: Dive into our buffet lunch, where you can choose from a variety of dishes to satisfy any palate.
Transport
Experience a comfortable journey from Cusco to the Colorful Mountain and back with our modern fleet of new vehicles, specifically tailored for tourist services.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Rainbow Mountain Entrance Fee: 30 Soles. This fee is set by local authorities and communities.
- Red Valley Entrance Fee: 20 Soles. Make sure you have cash handy for this fee.
- Personal Gear: Don’t forget to bring along any personal gear you might need for the tour.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides and staff are not included but are warmly welcomed.
What’to Pack?
- Extra money in soles
- Personal medications
- Water bottle or camel back
- Sunscrean
- Personal Care Products
CLOTHS
- Hiking Boots
- Light Footwear
- Trekking Socks
- Trekking Pants
- Short
- Long sleeve T-Shirts
- Warm Jacket
- Raincoat or Rain Poncho
- Sun hat
- Neck Gaiter or Buff
EQUIPMENTS
- Trekking Poles
- Backpack (15 – 25 L)
- Camera and chargers
- Power Bank
- Snacks
Rainbow Montain Tour Price
Price per person:
$20 USD
**Transparent and Fair Pricing for Rainbow Mountain Tours: Our rates for the Rainbow Mountain tour are both competitive and in line with standard pricing in Cusco. Whether you reserve online or visit our office in Cusco, you can expect consistent pricing. Our dedication is to deliver top-notch service, guaranteeing the best value for your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Early Pickup: Our team will collect you from your accommodation between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Alternatively, you can opt to meet us directly at our office at 5:00 AM.
- Departure from Cusco: After everyone is gathered, we’ll leave Cusco around 5:15 AM for a two-hour drive to Cusipata village.
- Breakfast in Cusipata: Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant and have some downtime to unwind.
- Journey to the Entry Point: We’ll then continue by vehicle for another hour to the Rainbow Mountain entry point, where a 30 soles entrance fee is required.
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain: The hike begins from the checkpoint, lasting about 1.5 hours to the summit, gradually ascending from 4700m to 5100m. You’ll have ample time at the top for photos, guide insights, and mingling with locals, spending around an hour there.
- Red Valley Option: Following the summit, the tour proceeds to the Red Valley. Entry here incurs an additional 20 soles fee. Alternatively, you can choose to return via the same path. The hike back through the Red Valley takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the meeting point with the vehicle.
- Lunch in Cusipata: Once everyone regroups, we’ll head back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch around 1:30 PM.
- Return to Cusco: Post-lunch, we’ll embark on the roughly two-hour journey back to Cusco, aiming to arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 PM.
Our Testimonials
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