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Hello! Have questions about our destinations? Chat with one of our team members on WhatsApp
The Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days is your chance to hike through stunning Andean landscapes and camp under a sky full of stars. Wake up surrounded by majestic peaks and reach Vinicunca at sunrise, when its colors shine at their brightest. Book now and live this unforgettable Andean adventure.
Moderate
Hike, Camping, Culture Adventure
Max: 4316m. – 14156ft. Min: 2800m. – 9184ft.
Group Service
2-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain, renowned for its vibrant, striped sandstone peaks. This trek offers a chance to witness herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep along with diverse wildlife, such as soaring condors, cara caras, eagles, and possibly vicuñas. Experience camping under a starry sky and savor a delightful dinner. This landscape is unique and unlike any other in Peru or beyond. Don’t miss this exceptional journey.
Your Rainbow Mountain trek kicks off with a 4:00 am hotel pickup, followed by a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. While we prepare our gear, our chef will cook a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day’s hike. Our guides will outline the itinerary and offer safety tips to ensure you’re ready for the trek. The hike begins in a lush green valley, showcasing hundreds of alpacas, local farmers, and the imposing Ausangate Mountain.
The first challenge is crossing the Pucacocha Pass, situated at 4,876 meters (16,000 feet), just above Pucacocha Lake, with Ausangate Mountain ahead. After this ascent, we’ll pause for lunch around noon to recharge for the remainder of the trek.
Our destination for the evening is Anata, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at the base of the Andes. As the sun sets, we’ll set up the dining tent with seating for relaxation and dinner preparation. Enjoy an unforgettable night sky, with constellations and shooting stars, while keeping warm with coca tea or hot chocolate made from Peruvian cocoa.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation: 4,200 m – 5,000 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
This is the highlight of your trek—reaching the stunning Rainbow Mountain! We’ll wake you between 4:00 am and 5:00 am with coca tea delivered to your tent and serve a substantial breakfast to prepare for the final ascent to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Enjoy ample time to take in the panoramic views and explore the mountain’s colorful beauty. Afterward, we’ll descend for an hour to the Red Valley to appreciate its striking red hues before heading to Llacto for lunch. We’ll then return to Cusco by private transport, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 pm, depending on how long you wish to explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Elevation: 5,000 m – 5,200 m – 4,200 m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Included:
Not Included:
Price:
$280 USD per person
The 2-day Rainbow Mountain trek is available on any date with a minimum of 2 hikers.
Personal Pack Horse Included!
Extras:
Added Values for Free:
PACKING LIST
Essential Items to Take:
Items for Your Duffel Bag:
Toiletries:
Daypack for Rainbow Mountain Hike:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WELCOME TO CUSCO
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be greeted and transported to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative with an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS sign at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the trek.
HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE
To book your 2-day Rainbow Mountain trek, complete our booking form by clicking “BOOK NOW”.
A deposit of $211.00 per person is required. You can pay via VISA or PAYPAL on our homepage or booking page. To avoid high credit card fees, you may pay in cash at our office (USD or Peruvian soles). Online payments via VISA or PAYPAL incur a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS ARE BOUGHT?
Yes, date changes are possible with restrictions. Contact our office promptly if you need to adjust your date. Note that deposits are non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, you must bring your original passport, matching the number used for booking. If you change passports, provide copies of both old and new passports. Keep both passports with you if you want to avoid fees.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for various conditions by packing warm clothes and rain gear. Different seasons and microclimates will affect the weather throughout your trek.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
General Tips:
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it’s essential to exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for acclimatization.
Recommended Remedies:
GROUP SIZE
Our maximum group size is 8 people, though typically groups range from 2 to 6 participants. INCA EXPEDITIONS specializes in small, private groups for a more personalized experience.
HIKING THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
Packing:
The evening before the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag to pack your clothes. The weight limit is 7kg/14lbs. Our team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag, food, and camping gear. You will not have access to the duffel bag during the day; carry essential items in a daypack (30 to 50 liters) including a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water.
Fitness Requirements:
The trek is challenging but manageable with moderate fitness. While you don’t need to be an athlete, being in good shape will enhance your experience. Regular walking, hiking, or aerobic exercise in the months before your trip is beneficial.
TOILET FACILITIES
Clean and Private:
Our clients appreciate our private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities. We provide a camping toilet with a seat, set up in a tent away from the campsite for comfort and privacy. The toilet is always accessible and maintained clean.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Assistance:
If you cannot complete the trek due to health issues, we will assist you to the nearest town for medical help. Oxygen is carried on the trek for respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if you cannot finish the trek.
DROP-OFF SERVICE
Included Transportation:
We provide drop-off at your hotel at the end of the trek. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley (e.g., Ollantaytambo or Urubamba), we will drop you there as well. If you stay in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
TIPPING
Appreciation:
Tipping is not compulsory but is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the service. It motivates our staff and is a common practice in the tourism industry across many INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations. Tip according to your satisfaction and the quality of service received.
SUSTAINABILITY
Responsible Tourism:
INCA EXPEDITIONS is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, adhering to principles that protect the environment, benefit local communities, and respect their culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect local places and people.
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