Rainbow Mountain Trek and Red Valley 1 Day

Physical Level

Moderate

Trip Style

Hike, Culture, Adventure

Max Altitude

5100 meters

Group Size

08pp Average - 20ppl Max

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Rainbow Mountain stands as one of Peru’s most captivating destinations, renowned for its vibrant hues and striking appearance. Begin your journey from Cusco and enjoy a brief hike through the stunning Andes. This trek provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including majestic eagles and caracara falcons. The uniquely colorful sandstone peaks set this landscape apart from any other in Peru. Marvel at snow-capped summits, alpaca herds, glaciers, and birds of prey within this exceptionally vibrant mountain range.

Highlights

Rainbow Mountain: Nature’s Colorful Canvas

Located in the Andes of Peru, Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its vibrant, multi-colored slopes. This geological masterpiece boasts stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue, created by mineral deposits over centuries, resulting in a kaleidoscope of colors that change with the light.

The trek to Rainbow Mountain typically starts early in the morning, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including rugged peaks and lush valleys. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and the anticipation builds. When you finally reach the summit, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular.

This stunning destination is not just a feast for the eyes but also a cultural experience, as you may encounter local communities and their traditions along the way. Visiting Rainbow Mountain is truly a highlight of any trip to Peru, showcasing the extraordinary beauty of nature and the rich heritage of the region.

Trip Details

Pick-Up: Your adventure starts with a 4am hotel pickup in our private van, followed by a transfer to the trailhead.
Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off.
Hike: The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours along a trail through a desert valley with unobstructed glacier views.
Rainbow Mountain: Admire the brilliant colors of Rainbow Mountain.
Red Valley: Continue hiking for 45 minutes to the Red Valley.
Return Hike: Head back to the trailhead, soaking in the incredible glacier and valley views.
Highest Elevation: 5100m / 16732ft
Return to Cusco: After lunch, travel back to Cusco by van and arrive at your hotel around 5pm.

Note: Horses can be rented for most of the trek, though the final 600m is too steep for horses. Rental costs are approximately 100 soles for a round trip, and your guide can assist with negotiations.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mt – Llacto – Cusco

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mt – Llacto – Cusco

Your exciting Rainbow Mountain trek begins with a 4am pickup from your hotel! We will drive for 3 hours through the South Valley to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216ft). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

At your breakfast spot, you’ll be entertained by herds of alpacas and llamas in the early morning light. After a filling breakfast, we will proceed with a final 5-minute drive to the trailhead. Our hike begins along a picturesque stream, offering views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. This is a great opportunity to interact with local people, who preserve traditional Quechua culture. You can learn about their traditional clothing and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Feel free to ask your guide to teach you a few Quechua phrases!

After hiking for about 1.5 hours, we reach Rainbow Mountain (5,020m / 16,466ft). Take time to appreciate the unique beauty of this colorful terrain, capturing photos or simply soaking in the scenery. We will spend around 30 minutes at the summit before hiking 45 minutes to the Red Valley to experience its vibrant colors. We will then return to the trailhead.

We will drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 5:00pm.

Note: Horses can be rented from local vendors at the trek’s starting point for about 100 soles round trip. Your guide will help with the price negotiation.

Inclusions

Included:

Hotel pick-up on the day of the trek
Private transportation from Cusco to Llacto trailhead and back
English-speaking, experienced, and professional guide
Meals as outlined in the itinerary (vegetarian options available with prior request)
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Not Included:

Horse rentals at the trailhead (100 soles round trip)
Trekking poles – $15
Tips for the driver, guide, and cook from INCA EXPEDITIONS

What to Bring

WHAT TO BRING FOR A DAY HIKE

Lightweight, waterproof day pack
Sturdy hiking boots
Warm clothing and hiking pants (avoid jeans)
Layers for varying temperatures
Camera with charged batteries
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat
Insect repellent
Waterproof clothing or rain poncho
Reusable water bottles
Personal medical kit
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Walking sticks (available for rent)
Favorite snacks
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Copy of passport and student ID (if applicable)

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
- The name of the university
- The student’s name and photo
- A valid expiration date
ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

The traveler is older than 25
The ID is expired
The ID does not have an expiration date
ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

PRICES

1-Full Day Humantay Lake Trek Availability:

Group Price:
$25 USD per person

Private Price: Upon Request
$USD per person

Pricing Options

Group Service

US $ 25.00

BOOK NOW

$ 80.00 USD

BOOK NOW

Private Service

$ 0.00 USD

BOOK NOW

Aditional information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please review the following details carefully. They will address any questions you may have about our services and the trek to Rainbow Mountain.

WELCOME TO CUSCO

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your complete flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS sign at the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING

The briefing for the Rainbow Mountain Trek will be held the evening before the trek at 6pm at our office, located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 207 (second floor) within the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, you can store your main luggage either at our office or at your hotel during the Rainbow Mountain Trek, whichever is more convenient for you.

HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

Step 1: To book your Rainbow Mountain Trek, please complete our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage or by following this link.

Make sure to have the following details for each participant in your group:

Full name (as per passport)
Gender
Passport number
Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

Step 2: A deposit of US$53 per person is required to secure a permit for the trek. You can make this deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL icons on our homepage, or by using the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page. For VISA payments, click here.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs are available in the historical center for cash withdrawals. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, but a 5.5% service fee will apply. For PAYPAL payments, log into your account and use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

If you need to change your departure date, it may be possible for a fee, depending on what has already been purchased. Please contact our office as soon as possible to discuss changes.

Note: Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel your Rainbow Mountain Trek.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

Weather conditions can be unpredictable. We recommend bringing warm clothing and good rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as snow or rain is possible. The high altitude can bring sudden temperature changes and storms.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

If you are physically fit and spend 3 days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you should be fine. For altitude sickness, the recommended remedies include WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, which our guides carry. For more information, visit this link.

We offer Cusco City and Sacred Valley tours that you can book to help with acclimatization. Check out our day tours on our main page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

Our maximum group size is 8 people, though groups usually range from 2 to 6 participants. INCA EXPEDITIONS specializes in small, private groups, ensuring a personalized experience.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

Yes, the trek is challenging due to high altitude and a steep final section, reaching up to 5100 meters / 16732 feet. Good physical condition and proper acclimatization are essential. It is advisable to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m / 11,047ft) before starting the trek. If you have other treks or tours planned, consider scheduling Rainbow Mountain as your final activity.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

If you cannot complete the trek due to health issues, INCA EXPEDITIONS will assist with transportation to the nearest town. For fatigue, you can rent a horse. We carry oxygen for any respiratory issues. In extreme cases, helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if you cannot finish the trek.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Yes, the package includes drop-off at your Cusco hotel. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley (e.g., Ollantaytambo or Urubamba), we will drop you off there as well.

TIPPING

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated for excellent service. It’s an important part of Peruvian culture and motivates our staff to provide outstanding service. You can tip based on your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism. We adhere to principles of environmental protection, respect for local culture and religion, and benefit local communities. Our local staff is trained to understand and respect the places and people involved.

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