Rainbow Mountain Full Day

1 Day

General description

Rainbow Mountain is a unique natural formation located close to the Ausangate Mountain range. This mountain reflects its name, in that it features brightly colored minerals that cascade down and blend into each other. This challenging hike takes you up to approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) so it is only recommended for travelers who are well acclimated to the high altitude.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Rainbow Mountain

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 4:00 AM and drive approximately 3 hours south of Cusco. Along the way, we will travel on the highway and stop at a local restaurant for breakfast. After that, we continue along a scenic mountain road passing through traditional villages and fertile valleys. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, the tallest peak in Cusco Province at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet).

Our hike begins at 4,540 meters (14,983 feet) and takes about 2 hours to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain. Although the hike is short and gradual, we will take our time due to the high altitude, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and looking out for llamas and alpacas grazing nearby.

The summit of Rainbow Mountain sits at 5,030 meters (16,789 feet) and showcases vivid stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, created by the mineral composition of the mountain. You will have the opportunity to hike an additional 50 meters (164 feet) for incredible photos of this natural wonder.

After taking in the views, we will begin our descent, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the vehicle. We will then stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at approximately 4:00 PM, completing this unforgettable adventure.

Included

Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel at the end
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua. Our guides are equipped and trained to practice First-Aid and administer oxygen if
needed.
Breakfast and lunch at a buffet restaurant

Not Included

Horse to ride (this can be contracted at the beginning of the hike if you prefer)
Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
Water
Tips for your guide and driver (optional)

Recommendations

A small day backpack to carry your personal belongings and boxed lunch
Trekking poles (or you can rent a pair from us)
Good sneakers or light hiking boots
Camera
Rain jacket and plastic poncho (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March)
Comfortable hiking clothes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Cap for the sun
Warm clothes including a fleece, warm hat, and gloves
Toilet paper
Water

Prices

Price: group service.
35 USD per person.
Price: Private service.
2 persons 99 USD per person
3 persons 89 USD per person
4 persons 79 USD per person
5 persons 69 USD per person
6 persons 59 USD per person

Frequently Asked Questions:

How To Book The Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Trek With Cachi Life Peru?

In order to book your Rainbow Mountain with us, you need to click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment. Once we receive your deposit, we will send a confirmation to your email. So your trip to Rainbow Mountain is 100% confirmed.

Is The Any Student Discount?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a student discount for our Rainbow Mountain day trip.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour?

It is not mandatory to bring your Passport. But if you want to have a stamp on it, bring it. The stamp on your Passport costs 2 soles.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Rainbow Mountain Trip?

Not, because our Rainbow Mountain tour groups leave from Cusco. If you stay in the sacred valley, we can take you in private service and there will be an upgrade of $30 for the transport from the sacred valley.

Can I Rent A Horse In The Rainbow Mountain?

Local people at Rainbow Mountain offer horse rentals for visitors. Upon reaching the checkpoint, you can conveniently rent horses directly from the locals, with assistance from our tour guide. The cost for the ride up ranges from 70 to 100 soles, equivalent to approximately 20 to 25 dollars. This fee includes a person who will lead the horse up to the mountain, allowing you to simply enjoy the ride.

It’s worth noting that horse rental prices can fluctuate based on the day’s demand. During peak times with a high number of visitors to Rainbow Mountain, prices may increase, while they may remain lower during low season(November to March. Negotiating with the friendly locals is a common practice, and it’s important to be aware that they only accept Peruvian soles as payment.

Best Time To Hike The Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is between April and November, coinciding with the dry season. In contrast, the months from December to March constitute the rainy season, the the trail may be muddy, wet and the Mountain might be covered with snow and misty.

Is It Cold At The Rainbow Mountain?

Typically, during breakfast hours, the morning tends to be chilly, often reaching temperatures below freezing. As the sun rises, the weather tends to become milder. At higher elevations, such as the mountain top, conditions are cold and windy, with temperatures ranging between 5-15°C (40-60°F). In overcast and rainy conditions, the temperature typically falls within the range of 0-10°C (32-50°F). For an optimal experience, the recommended months to visit Rainbow Mountain are from April to November.

If One Experiences Altitude Sickness, What Do You Do?

All of our tour guides have an oximeter and oxygen tanks on our Rainbow Mountain day trip. If you start to feel unwell, the guide will check your oxygen level and give you oxygen if needed. If you still don’t feel better, we will take you to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.

Are There Any Age Restrictions For The Rainbow Mountain Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Rainbow Mountain tour. However, at Cachi Life Peru, we recommend a minimum age of 8, as we have observed that children under 8 often struggle with the cold and sometimes experience altitude sickness. If you plan to bring your child to Rainbow Mountain, we strongly suggest dressing them in warm clothing and arriving in Cusco at least three days in advance to help them acclimate to the altitude.

How Far In Advance Should I Book The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Tickets for Rainbow Mountain are always available and do not sell out, allowing you to book even at the last minute. However, during the peak season from May to August, it is strongly advised to book at least one month in advance, as travel companies often face a shortage of guides during this time.

Are There Toilets During The Rainbow Mountain Hike?

There are four toilets available along the Rainbow Mountain trail via the Cusipata Route. The first is located at the trailhead, with two positioned midway and the last at the summit. These are privately managed by local residents, and a fee of 2 soles is required to use them.

Do I Need Extra Money For The Hike?

We strongly suggest that you bring cash in soles when visiting Rainbow Mountain. There are many locals selling things like handicrafts, snacks, drinks such as soda, Gatorade, and beer. You will also need cash to use the restroom or get a stamp on your passport. If you get tired, you can rent a horse to finish the tour. Keep in mind, none of these vendors accept credit cards, so it’s important to have cash with you.

Are Hiking Sticks Helpfull For The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

At the start of the hike, you won’t need walking sticks since the path is mostly flat. But towards the end, the trail goes uphill, and walking sticks are very useful. During the rainy season, it’s important to bring the sticks because the trail gets muddy and slippery, and sometimes it snows. The sticks help you find firm spots to step on.

I Don’t Like To Go In A Shared Group, Can You Arrange A Private Tour For Me?

Sure! We can arrange your private trip to Rainbow Mountain. Click here to check out our private tour to Rainbow Mountain.

Can I Charge My Devices In My Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour?

There are no places to charge your device at Rainbow Mountain, so make sure to bring a portable charger. You can only charge your devices in our van.

Is It Safe To Go On A Rainbow Mountain Tour?

Yes, it is safe to visit Rainbow Mountain with us. Our guide brings an oxygen tank and a first aid kit, and they have over 5 years of experience. Also, our vans are new, and our driver has 5 years of experience.

How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Rainbow Mountain is considered a moderately challenging hike. The trek, located in the Peruvian Andes, reaches an elevation of about 5,040 meters (16,535 feet), which can pose difficulties due to altitude sickness. The trail spans approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) round trip, with steep ascents and variable weather conditions adding to the challenge. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and suitable clothing are crucial for a successful hike.

How Many Days Should I Spend Getting Used To The Altitude Before Hiking Rainbow Mountain?

It’s best to stay in Cusco for at least 3 days before starting the hike to Rainbow Mountain so your body can adjust to the higher altitude. If you’re arriving from somewhere with a similar altitude to Cusco, you should still spend at least one day to rest and recover before you start the hike.

What Do I Do If I Get Tired/Exhausted During The Trek?

If you’re feeling tired, our guide will suggest you take a horse to help you reach the top. If you decide not to continue, you can return to the starting point where you’ll find our van.

Can You Visit Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking?

The only alternative is to take the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour. However, you’ll still need to walk for about 10 minutes. The walk is easy because the trail is mostly flat with just a bit of uphill to reach the viewpoint.

If I’m Afraid Of Heights, Can I Still Join The Tour Rainbow Mountain In Peru?

The path to Rainbow Mountain is broad and clearly marked, and there are no cliffs around. So if you’re afraid of heights, you should be fine. There is a viewpoint that might look a bit scary, but you can avoid that area and still get a classic photo of Rainbow Mountain.

Do You Include The Red Valley On Your Rainbow Mountain Tour?

Yes, we do visit the Red Valley as part of our Rainbow Mountain day trip. However, it’s optional. If you’re feeling tired, you can skip the Red Valley and head back to the starting point of the trail.

I Will Be Traveling With My Family, Including Two People Who Are 65 Years Old. Do You Think They Can Handle It?

We had people aged 50 to 65 who were active and had no problems. We suggest using a private service so you can take your time getting to Rainbow Mountain. Also, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor, let them know you’ll be going to an altitude of 5,040 meters, and follow their advice.

Can I Keep My Extra Stuff In Your Van?

Yes, you can store your extra things in our van. We always use a big van for the Rainbow Mountain trek, so there will be enough space.

Can You Drop Me Off In The Airport After The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Yes, we can drop you off to the airport after your trek. You’ll be dropped off first because the airport is on the way before we get to Cusco city center.

Extra information:

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP

Things To Know

It is not recommended for people who have heart problem or other serious medical condition
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 08 years old.
Not recommended for people over 70 years of age.
It is not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not wheelchair accessible
Higher elevation also means colder, nearly freezing temperatures, so be prepared. Whether you decide to take a one-day tour, make sure to wear very warm clothes. Also bring coca leaves to fight off altitude sickness and carry the minimum gear possible to ease the hike.
Try to go all the way to the viewpoint. You get a 360° view not just a rainbow Mountain, but of the nearby glacier and a gorgeous valley in the other direction. We think most people didn’t realize what they were missing by not going all the way up.
The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain is going to be in the morning or evening hours, either right after sunrise, or right before sunset.
The hike to the top is no joke. Constantly changing weather conditions, combined with high altitude, can be a challenge for experienced hikers. But if done right it’s manageable even for those who don’t hike much.
Don’t go to the Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon in the rainy season because of lighting. Since the high concentration of mineral. There is a high chance to get stricken by lighting.
Dont forget Passport stamp on Rainbow mountain. It cost 2 soles.

Our Recommendations

Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before you set off on your hike to the Rainbow Mountain. This is by far the best insurance for a smooth and enjoyable trip. We recommend you spend at least 2 days in Cusco prior to the excursion.
Don’t forget wáter!. Drinking lots of water will help with the altitude. We advise bringing at least 2 liters per person on the hike with you and have an extra bottle to leave in the van for when you get back.
Go to sleep early and try to avoid drinking or partying the night before, because We will pick you up at 4:00 am and the physically challenging trek will be much more bearable without a hangover.
If you have altitude sickness symptoms, descend as quickly as you can. It’s nothing to mess around with.
If you are going to Machu Picchu the day before your trip to the Rainbow Mountain, tell your travel company to book your return train ticket early.

Cost for photos

If you plan to take a photo with locals and their llamas, they typically expect a tip of 5 soles (approximately $2). This modest contribution provides to local people of the community with some additional income.

Local Culture

Many local people can be seen wearing their traditional attire on the way to Rainbow Mountain. They don’t wear it for commercial purposes, but rather as a custom that has been preserved for generations. You might also spot some of them herding their llamas and alpacas along the route.

Animals

At Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to capture distinctive photos. Local residents often bring their alpacas and llamas, which are dressed in amusing ways, for visitors to take pictures. The llamas sport vibrant ear tags, and some even wear sunglasses.

Prepare For The Altitude

Rainbow Mountain is over 5,000 meters above sea level, so it’s important to be ready for the trip. The best way to prepare is by arriving in Cusco at least three days before visiting Rainbow Mountain. We suggest starting with a city tour, then visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, saving Rainbow Mountain for the last day. Also, drink plenty of water. If you still feel the effects of the altitude, you can take altitude sickness medicine like Diamox. Just make sure you’re not allergic to it if you choose to take it.

Dress In Layers:

The weather at Rainbow Mountain is very unpredictable. It can change quickly—one moment it might be sunny, and within minutes, it could turn cloudy, windy, and very cold. Because of this, we suggest wearing layers to be prepared for any type of weather. Bring warm clothes for cold conditions and lighter clothes for hot weather.

Respect The Environment In The Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain is a stunning natural wonder. As more people visit it, it’s important for us to take care of the environment to keep it beautiful for future generations. The area around the mountain has special plants and animals that can be easily harmed by thoughtless behavior. To help protect it, stick to marked trails, don’t litter, and avoid bothering the wildlife. By being responsible tourists, following local customs, and reducing our environmental impact, we can make sure Rainbow Mountain stays as breathtaking as ever.

Tips To Hike The Rainbow Mountain

Take it slow: As you are hiking higher in elevation, it’s important to go at a slow and steady pace to avoid altitude sickness.
Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the trek to stay hydrated and prevent altitude sickness.
Take breaks: It’s essential to take regular breaks and listen to your body. If you feel tired or dizzy, take a break and let your body rest.

Groups Tours

when you in group service, you should agree that some people must be faster or slower than you. most of the time, the group go 60% of the trail go together because the trail is almost flat. but the last part of the trail most group split, people who are going first should wait at the summit the rest of the group to get the explanations.

Strike And Demontrations

If there is strike on the day of your departure. We will keep an eye on how bad things get. If the roads are completely blocked, we will cancel your Rainbow mountain trip and give you a full refund. Your safety is very important to us.

Solo Traveler

We are happy to welcome solo travelers on our Rainbow Mountain tour. However, before booking, we kindly ask that you send us a message via WhatsApp or email to check if there is an existing group you can join. If no group is available and you still wish to do the tour alone, please note that a minimum charge for two people will apply, as we are unable to operate the tour for a single person due to the associated costs.

Cancellations And Refunds

Full Refund: If you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts, you will receive a full refund, minus the transaction fee charged by the credit card company.
Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours but before 7 PM the day before the tour, you’ll lose your deposit.
No Refund: If you cancel after 7 PM the day before the tour, you won’t get any payment back and will lose the full payment.

Starting from

US$35 USD

Duration

1 Day

Destination

Cusco

Type of activity

One Day Trek, Trekking in Cusco

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