Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru is a 3-hour trek of 8 km/4.9 miles trail, and reaches the top at 5,036 m /16,000 ft. The Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco shows the second most famous attraction after Machu Picchu. Its name suits and describes perfectly the mountain of the vibrant colors. And, these have been formed over the years through weathering and erosion. This creates the breathtaking display of colors you’ll encounter when Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
The Rainbow Mountain trailhead is just 3 hours driving from the city of Cusco in Peru. Start the hike to Rainbow Mountain, leading you up via highland pathway. Afterwards, the Andean trail prepares you for the short but steep climb to the lookout point. The Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru seems very long and difficult, but that is just because of the altitude. But, with a good determination, acclimation and the right company, you can conquer the Rainbow Mountain elevation.
The Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru can be organized with horses, which offers a good option to handle hiking in the altitude. Riding a horse to the Rainbow Mountain makes it a lot of easier your visit to this incredible place. With this option trekkers could only walk for about half an hour or less. And, this section of the trail offers the best views for photographs and enjoying the fantastic surrounding landscapes.
The Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru can be organized either on a premium or standard service.
The Rainbow Mountain Hike is one of the best treks in Peru. The hikes to Rainbow Mountain used to require at least 5 days, but now you can get there in a day trip!
For this private adventure our private vehicle heads towards the south valley of Cusco and reaches the trailhead of Phulawasipata. The hike to Rainbow Mountain starts here and takes about 3 hours back and forth.
The Andean trail offers beautiful Andean landscapes with the Ausangate Mountain behind. This is the tallest peak in the region of Cusco and has been considered a holy place of worship by indigenous Peruvians for a millennium. The tradition of prayer and making offerings continues to this day. Its valleys are also populated by wild and domestic camelids. With some luck, you might be able to spot them on your hike!
For the Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru, the altitude is something you should put into consideration. The trail is not too steep and wouldn’t be difficult if it wasn’t for the altitude. We suggest that you take this hike at the end of your trip to allow a good acclimation.
The symptoms of high altitude sickness (“soroche” in Peru) can include headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness and shortness of breath. In some cases, these symptoms can develop into more serious situation. This can happen when you climb quickly to high altitudes and generally above 10,000 ft. / 3,050m.
The Rainbow Mountain Hike takes place in the Andes of Peru, which offers two different seasons: dry (May through November) and wet (December through March). Therefore, the best time and highly recommended season to take this hike is during the dry season.
If it’s a clear day, the views while on hike and the top are incredible. We don’t recommend the Rainbow Mountain Hike in the rainy season because it might ruin your experience. Also, the hike could be harder as the trail becomes muddy and slippery.
(PREMIUM SERVICE)
The full-day private Rainbow Mountain Hike begins with a pick up at 7:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we will take a 2-hour drive to Cusipata in our comfortable private vehicle. The paved road heads off to the south valley of Cusco and passes picturesque Andean villages. Our journey continues for another one hour, this time in a dusty but scenic road. This typical andean road shows farming villages and beautiful andean landscapes.
Rainbow Mountain full-day tour continues and reaches the trailhead at phulawasipata at an altitude of 4,600 m. Here, you will ride a horse and ascend enjoying a typical Andean scenery with herds of alpacas and llamas. Views of Ausangate Mountain will grace us as we hike the last section of the trail. You’ll also see many red-colored mountains and green valleys which are the main highlights of this adventure.
We summit the Rainbow Mountain after a total hike of approximately 2 hours. The Rainbow Mountain lookout point is at an elevation of 5,036 m / 16,500ft. From this spot enjoy the natural and fantastic vibrant colors, such as red, turquoise, yellow and others. Additionally, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take pictures and take it all in. We’ll stay approximately one hour at the summit. We’ll descend the same trail for a few minutes and head towards the Red Valley.
The Rainbow Mountain in Peru neighbors the incredible red valleys, some of the best places on earth. The quiet environment adds an extra context to your visit. You can actually walk all over the sandy red hills to feel and almost believe that you are on a different planet. This hike grants trekkers with two different lookout points for the best view of the entire attraction.
After visiting this spectacular place, we’ll walk down for one hour to the parking lot. Here, you will have some time to enjoy of your box lunch before heading to Cusco. The returning journey will take the same route as in the morning, arriving in Cusco city around 7:00pm.
(STANDARD SERVICE)
The Rainbow Mountain Hike starts with a pick up at 5:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then, We will take a 2-hour drive in our private vehicle, heading to the south valley of Cusco. When we reach Cusipata, we will enjoy our breakfast. This also gives a chance to use the bathroom and strech your legs after two-hour journey. Eat as much as you can because you still have an hour to go and digest.
This Rainbow Mountain hiking tour continues in our transport for one more hour to reach the trailhead of phulawasipata. Here, begin your hike enjoying a typical Andean scenery with herds of alpacas and llamas. Views of Ausangate Mountain will grace us as we trek through villages and interact with locals. You’ll also see many red-colored mountains and green valleys who are the main highlights of this adventure.
We summit the Rainbow Mountain after a total hike of approximately 2 hours. we’ll reach our destination at an elevation of 5036m/16,500ft. From the lookout point enjoy the natural and fantastic vibrant colors. Also, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take pictures and take it all in. We’ll stay for 20 minutes at the summit and another in the lower area. We’ll descend for one hour the same way back to the trailhead. Our private transportation takes us for another one hour to our lunch spot.
Finally, we will take a 2-hour drive back to Cusco and we’ll drop you off at your hotel at 5:00 pm.
The Rainbow Mountain Peru Hike is perfect for friends, couples, and families because you can leave any date you wish. With our private tours, you can also set your pace to maximize your experience. You don’t have to wait for anyone else, the Rainbow Mountain Tour starts with only 02 passengers.
Prices are per person, valid through 2023 | |||
2 | 3 – 4 | 5 – 6 | 7 – 8 |
$ 175 | $ 125 | $ 95 | $ 80 |
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE INCLUDES:
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK EXCLUDES:
BRING FOR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE:
We will design a customized trip to connect you with our country through your interests, you can modify a tour package on our website. You decide where to visit, how long to spend in each place, what type of accommodation suits best for you, and more including:
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Length: Full day
Tour Type: Private Service
USD $: 125.00
Adventure Tour