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Tour Map
Rainbow Mountain Hike is a unique mountain formation in the Andes of Peru that features the different colors of the rainbow.
The unique appearance is due to volcanic activity in the region, which creates individual layers rich in specific minerals depending on time periods. Tectonic activity is slowly pushing the earth upward and revealing the spectacular shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet that lie beneath.
Known as Vinicunca by locals, Rainbow Mountain was known as a place that was difficult to access. Fortunately, in recent years it has become more accessible thanks to road improvements that have allowed for easier access.
We will pick you up for the Rainbow Mountain hike from 4:00 to 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb or hostel in Cusco. It will be a 2 hour journey to the point of our breakfast which is in Cusipata, after having finished we have 1 more hour by car to the point of our walk.
Once we reach the beginning of the walk we will travel approximately 2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain Range. At a slower pace it could be 2.30, or if you get really fit quickly and acclimatise well, some people can do it in 1.30 hours. The hike includes some short breaks where the guide will explain important information about the mountains and the geography of the area. You may have a chance to see some of the locals, including llamas and alpacas that frequent this area.
Upon arrival at the top of Rainbow Mountain, around 9-10:00 am, you will have approximately 1 hour to explore the spectacular views of the surrounding areas: valleys, mountains and to see the highest glacial mountain in Cusco: Ausangate , whose summit is at an elevation of 6,384 m / 20,944 ft, making it one of the highest mountains in Peru.
After giving you some time to take some treasured photographs, your guide will tell you some intriguing facts about this fascinating place, such as why the colors? – and will also share some details about Inca history.
Some last photos of this spectacular mountain, if you have included the red valley, we will also go to explore that place that is 25 minutes from the rainbow mountain and at the end we begin to descend to where our transportation is and we head to Cusipata for lunch.
After lunch, it will be a 2 more hour drive to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel around 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and easy as possible. In this section you will find quick answers to all those questions you had about Rainbow Mountain Hike 1 Day in one place. Please read the following information carefully; will help you with any questions about our services.
All briefings take place at your hotel at 6:30 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another schedule at the (Peru Travel Luxury) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there they will give you a small canvas bag, in which you will store all the belongings that you intend to take on the walk and that will not be in your backpack.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Travel Luxury company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
I did this hike alone to Rainbow Mountain and it was a unique experience thanks to the Peru Travel Luxury team and with the complement of the natural wonder, it was excellent. thank you so much!.
