The Rainbow Mountain Hike takes about 3 hours and has a total distance of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). The hike to Rainbow Mountain shows spectacular landscapes of the Andes mountains in Peru. In fact, it is so breath taking and must do when you are in the Cusco region.
Rainbow Mountain Hike starts with a small hill, flattens out for a while, then there’s a steep section. Once again a short flat part, then a really steep part at the end that is very hard. But, go slow, more challenging section comes at the final stretch where the elevation change is the highest.
The Rainbow Mountain is the second most famous attraction in Peru after Machu Picchu. So, we recommend to put this incredible attraction in your bucketlist destination when visiting Cusco. And, the Rainbow Mountain Day Hike is a perfect trip to enjoy the vibrant colors and the spectacular surrounding vistas.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU FACTS
Rainbow Mountain Hiking time: 3 hours RT, based on regular pace.
Rainbow Mountain Trail Distance: 7 km. (4 miles)
Rainbow Mountain Weather: Always cold and changeable.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU
The Rainbow Mountain was under thick layers of Andean glacier for centuries. And then, a climate change made gradually its work of melting the snow. In fact, this was a long process until the famous stripe colors show up. However, it is still possible to see snow all over the mountain during wet seasons.
The Rainbow Mountain is a natural formation with perfect stripes of vibrant colors and surrounded by impressive snow mountains of Ausangate. This Mountain is the deity 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.
It became so pupular in 2016, but was in the late 2015 that adventurers of the Ausangate Trek posted the first photos of the mountain. Treks to see the Rainbow Mountain used to require at least 5 days, but now you can get there in a day hike. With its unsurpassed beauty and power, the Rainbow Mountain Hike is an excellent option for trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE
Trailhead: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level.
Summit: 5,025 meters (16,486 feet) above sea level.
When you take the Rainbow Mountain Hike, the altitude is something you should put into consideration. Trail is not too steep and wouldn’t be hard if it wasn’t for the altitude. Do this hike towards the end of your trip to allow for 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.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE DIFFICULTY
The difficulty level of the Rainbow Mountain Hike is moderate for the first part and difficult at the end. Although the elevation makes it difficult, you will be rewarded with beautiful views and a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top!
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE ELEVATION GAIN
The Rainbow Mountain trailhead begins at 4,328 meters (14,000 feet) and climbs to just over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). So, the rainbow mountain hike elevation gain is 700 meters (2296ft.)
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU WEATHER
The Rainbow Mountain Peru weather is very changeable frequently and quickly. From sunny day to gloomy and minutes later snowfall and at lower altitude rain or hail. But, we suggest to be prepared for all type of weather or unexpeted events.
BEST TIME TO HIKE THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU
The peruvian Andes offers two different seasons: dry (May to november) and wet ( December to April). And the best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season.
If it’s a clear day, the views at the top are incredible. We don’t recommend this hike on a rainy, cloudy day, as you wouldn’t be able to see anything at the top and the hike is quite hard. The entire trail will be muddy, slippery and snowy.
- Itinerary & Map
- Prices & Inclusions
- Client Reviews
- Reserve Tour
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE IN PERU FULL DAY
The Rainbow Mountain Hike starts with a pickup at 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco. 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 continental breakfast. This is your last chance to use the proper bathroom and get some snacks. We recommend that you get some lemon-flavored candies and lots of water.
Our Rainbow Mountain tour continues in our transport for another one hour to reach the trailhead of phulawasipata. Here you will begin the Rainbow Mountain Hike enjoying a typical Andean scenery with herds of alpacas and llamas. Views of Ausangate Mountain will grace us as we hike through villages and interact with the locals. You’ll also see many red-colored mountains and green valleys who are the main highlights of this adventure.
After a total hike of approximately 2 hours, we’ll finally reach our destination, Rainbow Mountain (5025m/16,500ft). The natural, vibrant colors are amazing. Once at the top, you’ll have free time to explore, take pictures and take it all in. We’ll enjoy approximately 30 minutes at the summit. We’ll descend the same trail for 1 hour to finish the Rainbow Mountain Hike, and continue by car to our lunch spot.
Finally, we will take a 3-hour drive back to Cusco and we’ll drop off at your hotel at 5:00 pm.
TOUR MAP
Trip Level: 
Doable
TOUR DETAILS:
Length: full day
Tour Type: Private Service
PRICE FROM:
$125.00
Lodging: No hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Activity: Adventures Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
The Rainbow Mountain.
Red Valley, Ausangate snow mountain.
Pricing
Private Service:
| Prices are per person, valid through 2022 | |||
| 2 | 3 - 4 | 5 - 6 | 7 - 8 |
| $ 175 | $ 125 | $ 95 | $ 80 |
The Rainbow Mountain hike in Peru is perfect for friends, couples, and families because you can leave any date you wish. With our private premium tours, you can also set your pace to maximize your experience. You do not have to wait for anyone else the Rainbow Mountain tour starts with only 02 passengers.
Rainbow Mountain Hike Includes:
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Roundtrip private transportation between your hotel and the trailhead at Quesiuno.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
- One continental breakfast and one box lunch.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Emergency horse .
Rainbow Mountain Hike Excludes:
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us).
- Dinner and bottles of water.
- Travel /Health / Emergency insurance.
Extra Services:
- Walking Sticks: $ 8.
Bring for Rainbow Mountain Tours:
- Original Passport.
- Sufficient drinking water.
- Rain jacket/poncho and pants.
- Warm clothing, hat, and gloves.
- High-energy snacks.
- Sunblock, minimum 30+ recommended.
- Sunglasses and sun hat.
- Camera with extra batteries.
- Binoculars.
- Trekking poles (can also be rented from us).
Step 1/2
Booking Form
Step 2/2- Dear passenger, Make an initial Deposit in Order to book your Tour or Program.
Option 1Pay with your Credit Card
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Option 2Pay with PayPal:Prices already include 7% of the transaction fee.
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