View in the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Rainbow Mountain Tour

Day Tour
Inca Trail Video
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate - Challenging Difficulty

Hike to the Astounding Multi-colored Mountain

Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain Peru
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate - Challenging Difficulty

Embarking on the most incredible spot in the Andes of Peru, The Rainbow Mountain Trek is a well-recommended day tour in the entire country of Peru. Just a few years after being discovered, it turned into a famous place for all travelers who visit Cusco and Peru.  Located in the Vilcanota mountain range at 5,036 m (16,522 ft) near the Sacred Ausangate Mountain, you will also have the option to explore the stunning views at the Red Valley, which will transport you to another landscape that, for many, looks like Mars.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

At Machu Picchu by Locals we designed an special itinerary that allows you to exlore this inigmatic Rainbow Mountain before the corwds arrive. During our Rainbow Mountain day tour  you will explore the most incredibles andean landscapes surrounded by towerred snow mountains, lakes and some of wildlife. Join us in this epic adventure on our day tour from Cusco.
On the Rainbow Mountain hike, expect to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the inhabitants in the small communities, observe numerous herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in the mountains, and be a first-hand witness of millions of years of geological history. The imposing mountain landscape is sure to be the protagonist of your photographs. Choose Machu Picchu by Locals for the ultimate tour in the Andes.

Highlights: Rainbow Mountain
Hiking distance: 8km/4.8miles (3hours hike round trip)
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: March to December
Max. Altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

    Discover the most stunning colorful  mountain in the Andes of Peru and be amazed with the natural colors.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco |Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain Peru, Vinicunca

Highlight of the day: Arriving at the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and enjoying the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape

for the Rainbow Mountain Tour You will need to wake up early to enjoy this natural marvel at its best. Between 3:30 and 4:00 am, we will collect you directly from your hotel to start our ride to Cusipata town, located to the south of Cusco city. First, we will drive for around two and a half hours, where we will then stop for 30 minutes in the district of Cusipata (3310 m a.s.l.).

There, we find a restaurant where we get to enjoy an appetizing breakfast. After this, we continue our journey for another hour to the head of the trail Llacto (4630m.a.s.l. / 15,190ft), where we speak about the details of our route. From there, at the foot of the sacred mountain, Ausangate, we begin our hike. We start with an approximately 2 hour ascent with our destination being Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca with elevation of (5,036 meters / 16,522 ft).

Along the way, we get the opportunity to observe diverse South American camelid species like alpacas, llamas, and vicunas. When we reach the Seven Colors Mountain, or Rainbow Mountain, you will have some time to rest, enjoy the impressive landscape, and take photos of Vinicunca Mountain, which shows us all its imposing colors: red, pink, turquoise, and yellow. At this point, it will be time to start descending along our return route. We descend for an hour towards the bus station, where we will board the bus and drive to our restaurant in Cusipata, where we enjoy an energizing lunch. Finally we return back to Cusco city arriving at approximately 4:30pm to 5pm.

Meals Icon
Breakfast and Lunch Meals
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
8 km / 4.8 miles Walking Distance
Starting Elevation Icon
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Highest Elevation
Walking Time Icon
2 - 3 hours Walking Time
  Inclusions

At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Rainbow Mountain Tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.

WE INCLUDE

Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide

    • Pre-departure briefing

      Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Humantay Lagoon departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.

    • Professional Cultural Guide

      All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Rainbow Mountain.

Transportations

      • Private Transport

        We included all the transportation during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning once you done with the Humantay tour to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.

Food

        • Meals

          At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.

        • Medical First Aid Kit

          All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • Water bottle

    Every customer need water during this tour, we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks

  • Entrance Fees

    The entrance fees are not included and you can pay it directly at the control, in total will be S/25 soles for the 2024 season

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.

  Recommendations

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR PACKING LIST

At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important

  • Passport
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking pant
  • Trekking poles

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.

  • Rain gear
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Personal medication or Own first aid kit
  • Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
  Faqs

PREPARING FOR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK!

Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in Cusco

BOOKING SYSTEM

At Machu Picchu by Locals, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do some of our day tours, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which we need to book your tickets, we need a previous deposit of 50% of the price per person. Once as soon as you paid it, we immediately book a spot for this tour once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation form that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.

IS MACHU PICCHU by LOCALS TEAM CONTACTING US BEFORE FLYING TO PERU?

Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after have confirmed the reservation, please you ask to check constantly your e-mail, also if you have some issue let us know to solve as soon as possible.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.

ALONG THE TOUR

IS THERE BATHROOM OR PUBLIC TOILETS ALONG THE TOUR?

Yes, our car will stop in some places where you can use the restroom (toilets) also in the restaurants you will find these, if you will need it as emergency just let your tour guide knows to stop in the nearest bathroom.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TOUR?

Well along our day tour is particularly not very challenging however our tour of Rainbow mountain and Humantay lake are challenging specially for people who does not has experience hiking/climbing on the mountains, we recommend to training with some exercises a few times per week to don’t have problem, also is recommendable to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this tour are located over 3500m/10859ft

WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve this kind of problem, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these and oxygen balloon in case you need it. Also, during our Rainbow mountain and Humantay lake will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?

Definitely, it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. However, for our traditional day tours where does not need to hike for hours you can go with a sneakers. The Rainbow mountain and Humantay lake tour you need ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down on slippery stairs and some of them could be muddy, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?

In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Machu Picchu by Locals office, get more info with from our office team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year.

Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.

  Pricing

From: USD 35.00 per person

USD 30.00: from 4 people to more

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

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Contact Machu Picchu by Locals

Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

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Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.

Machu Picchu by Locat travel agency

Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco

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Day Tour
Rainbow Mountain Tour


Price from $ 35 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 12 People

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Map of Rainbow Mountain Tour



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

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