Highlights of Rainbow Mountain

  1.  Unique Natural Wonder: Marvel at the striking, multicolored sandstone layers that make Rainbow Mountain one of Peru’s most extraordinary landscapes.
  2.  Scenic Andes Trek: Embark on a short yet rewarding hike through the high Andes, surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
  3.  Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, soaring eagles, and majestic caracara falcons along the trail.
  4. Snow-Capped Peaks & Glaciers: Admire breathtaking panoramas of Ausangate Mountain and the surrounding glacial scenery.
  5. Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditions of remote Andean communities and glimpse their timeless way of life.

Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
    Hotel We will pick you up from your hotel reception in Cusco at 3:30 a.m. to begin your Rainbow Mountain adventure. The journey starts with a three-hour private drive about two hours on a paved road followed by one hour on a dirt road until we arrive at the trailhead.

 Meal: Breakfast, lunch. Distance: 7 km/4.3 mi. Walking Time:3 -4 hours. Difficulty: Moderate

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel reception in Cusco at 3:30 a.m. to begin your Rainbow Mountain adventure. The journey starts with a three-hour private drive about two hours on a paved road followed by one hour on a dirt road until we arrive at the trailhead.

Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a box breakfast to fuel up for the hike. Then, we’ll begin our trek to the summit of Rainbow Mountain. The ascent takes around one hour, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the vibrant Andean landscapes, while spotting llamas, alpacas, and local vendors offering coca tea, soft drinks, and snacks.

At the summit, you’ll have time to soak in the panoramic views and capture stunning photographs. We typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the top, depending on the weather and the group’s pace.

After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we continue with a short 30-minute hike to the breathtaking Red Valley, a special corner of the world. We then make our way back to the trailhead, which takes about one hour. From there, we drive roughly one hour to the town of Cusipata, where a delicious lunch awaits. After lunch, we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.

  • Meal: Breafastand Lunch
  • Trailhead Elevation: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 5,034 m / 16,515 ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
  • What’s included in the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 Day?
  • Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
  • Private transport from Cusco to Llacto trailhead and back to Cusco
  • English speaking, experienced and professional guide
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • Snacks wáter, some fruits
  • Blanket: Since our departure from Cusco is scheduled for 3:30 a.m., the early morning temperatures can be quite cold. To ensure your comfort and warmth during the journey, we will provide you with a blanket.
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Not Included
  • Horses, which can be rented at the trailhead (100 soles roundtrip)
  • Trekking Poles – $15 USD
  • Tips for the driver, guide

Prices

The Rainbow Mountain Trek & Red Valley 1 Day is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

Group Size Price (USD per person)
2 people 150.00
3 people 125.00
4 people 100.00
5+ people 80.00

Required Pre-payment: US$ 50.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing

IMPORTANT INFO

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 15 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFING

We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time. Will be ready any time for our clients.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & RED VALLEY?

Step one: to book Inca Trail toMachu Piccchu 4 days, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

  • Gender

  • Passport number

  • Full name

  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)

  • Nationality

Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

  • Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the 4-days Inca trail permits have been bought. Classic Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

  • Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

To prepare for the Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.

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

The Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (5,030 m / 16,502 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

Weather on the Rainbow Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

TIPPING

Tipping after a trek, such as the Rainbow Mountain is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture to show gratitude for the efforts of the guide, porters, chefs, and other staff.

PACKING LIST

What to Bring for a Day Hike

  • A lightweight, waterproof day pack
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm clothes and hiking pants
  • Layers of clothes for variable temperatures
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
  • Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat in cold season
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Water bottles
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
  • Walking sticks if needed (rentable)
  • Favorite snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Passport
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