Customizable private tour with flexible start date
Overview
Marvel the vibrant natural colors of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain hike. An oportunity to interact with Quechua people, who proudly preserve their beautiful traditional culture as you trek through the stunning Andean valley. Enjoy beautiful snow-capped peaks and glaciers, as well as large herds of alpacas, horses, and birds of prey, all against the backdrop of an incredible multi-colored mountain range. The Vinicunca region, offers a unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Peru, making it a must-see destination on your trip.
Prices & Inclusions
All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide’s discretion.
Rainbow mountain Map
Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)
- Starting at:
- $170
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 tank.
Not Included:
- Horses, which can be rented at the trailhead (100 soles roundtrip).
- Trekking Poles – $15
- Tips for the driver, guide and cook of PUMADVENTURES.
- A lightweight, waterproof day pack.
- Sturdy hiking boots.
- Warm clothes and hiking pants, not jeans.
- Layers of clothes for variable temperatures.
- Camera with charged batteries.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses.
- Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat.
- Insect repellent.
- Water proof clothing and or a rain poncho.
- Water bottles (reusable, not disposable).
- Personal medical kit.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips.
- Walking sticks (rentable).
- Favorite snacks.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Copy of passport and student ID card if applicable
Itinerary
Cusco → Rainbow mountain → Red Valley → Cusco
Full Day: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Your incredible trekking adventure through Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley begins with pickup from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. You’ll enjoy a 3-hour drive through the South Valley (4,638 m/15,216 ft), where the early morning darkness gives you the opportunity to rest or even take a short nap before beginning this exciting day.
Upon arriving at your breakfast spot, you’ll be greeted by the lively herds of alpacas and llamas that inhabit the area. Savor a delicious and hearty breakfast before returning to the truck for the final stretch to the trailhead. We begin our hike following a beautiful stream, with stunning views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. This will be an excellent opportunity to interact with the local people, who still maintain their traditional Quechua culture. You’ll learn about their traditional clothing and the meaning of the different hats the men wear. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide to teach you a few words in Quechua!
After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, we will finally reach our destination: Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After marveling at the unique beauty of this colorful landscape, you will have time to explore the area. Take photos or simply admire the view. We will spend about 30 minutes at the summit. Afterwards, we will hike into the Red Valley for 45 minutes, enjoying the colorful beauty of its mountains. To conclude the adventure, we will return along the same trail to the start of the trek.
We will begin the 3-hour return journey to Cusco and will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.
- There is an option to rent a horse from the locals right at the start of the hike.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Box Lunch).
