Overview
Overview.
- Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno Alqatarwi – Ausangate – Ananta – Surine Cocha
- Day 2: Ananta – Surine Cocha – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain –LLaqto – Cusco
Useful Information.
- Starting altitude: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft
- Maximum altitude: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
- Walking Distance: 21 km / 13,048 miles
Itinerary
Rainbow Mountain Tour – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Alqatarwi – Ausangate – Ananta – Surine Cocha
We will pick you up at your hotel at 4:00am and set out on a drive through the South Valley of Cusco. The drive to the trailhead is a 3 hours long. While packing up the gear our chef will be preparing a hot breakfast to get you fueled up for the hike ahead of you.
After breakfast, we will load all the gear on the horses and begin our hike Following a large green valley , you will be immediately surprised by the literally herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain.we will hike through villages and interact with the local people. We have the opportunity to see vicuñas. Vicuñas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru.
The hike begins with a 2 hour ascent to the first pass Pucaccocha(4,930m / 16,170ft.) the pass sits just above Pucaccocha lake, and the impressive Ausangate mountain is directly in front of you.
After being awed by their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the environment.
From here, we take a 1 hour ondulating path to Ananta where we will stop for the delicious lunch Prepared by our trekking chef.
After lunch we continue hiking for another 1 ½ hours until we reach at the highest point of our trek, Warmisaya pass (5025 m / 16,486 ft.) From here we will have our first views of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
We will then descend for 40 minutes to the camp at surine cocha. where we will enjoy a beautiful evening surrounded by this unique landscape at the base of the Andes Mountains.
This night you will see an unforgettable night sky full of constellations, shooting stars, and keep yourself warm with hot coca tea coffe and dinner before you drop into your tens.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner / snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft.
- Maximum Elevation: 5,025 m / 16,486 ft.
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 8,6 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Ananta – Surine Cocha – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley- Cusco
We will wake you up with a cup of hot coca tea and the gorgeous sunrise. Our chef will prepare a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for your final climb to Vinicunca(Rainbow Mountain). This is a 1 hour ascent to the colored rainbow mountain. Upon arrival you can take all the time you want soaking in the amazing vistas of the surrounding lands and explore the mountain itself. Take some time to really enjoy the beauty around.
At this point, it is time to head down. The hike will take 1 hour decent. Our chef will be waiting for us at the bottom at Llaqto. where we will enjoy a final delicious lunch before our bus journey back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the early evening.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / snacks
- Minimun Elevation: 4,638 m / 15,216 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
- Walking Distance: 7 km / 4,349 miles
- Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Inclusions
Includes in the Rainbow Mountain Tour:
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in cusco to your Hotel
- Assistant Tour guide for groups of 9+
- Pre-trek Briefing 1 or 2 days before your Rainbow Mountain Tour.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Quesiuno Alqatarwi
- Return transportation from Llaqto Cusipata to your hotel Cusco.
- A 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping Mattress
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent and portable toilet
- Professional Chef
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Afternoon Snacks and. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Hot water for washing
- Boiled and cold water to refill your water bottles.
- Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- First aid kit.
Does Not Include in the Rainbow Mountain Tour
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on Day 2
- Tips for the crew(Guide,Chef, wranglers)
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What you need to take for the Rainbow Mountain Tour
- Original Passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket,pants / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Rainbow Mountain Tour – Prices
Group Service Price
- US$350 per person.
Private Service Price
- US$400 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$10
- Sleeping Bag US$20
- Single Tent Supplement US$20.00
FAQs
Why is the rainbow mountain in peru colorful?
The colors of the mountain actually come from the rich mineral deposits compressed into layers over millions of years. The red layers are iron oxide, while oxidized limonite gives some layers a brown hue. Chlorite gives off a green hue in other layers, and finally, iron sulfide is what makes Rainbow Mountains Yellow layers.
How hard is Rainbow Mountain hike?
We rate this 2 day Rainbow Mountain trek as challenging and moderate.
How much hiking is there each day?
We will be hiking for approximately 5 to 6 hours per day, depending on your pace. We will cover 14km on the 1st day and 7km on the 2nd day. The trekking time each day will be broken up with rest stops to allow you to take photos, enjoy the views and also have lunch.
How can I prepare for the altitude and avoid altitude sickness?
Despite being just 2 days, the Rainbow Mountain 2 day trek reaches some of the highest elevations of any trek in the region, so the more time spent acclimatizing, the better. We recommend a minimum of 2-3 days.
The best way to prepare yourself for the high altitudes reached on this trek is to spend time acclimatizing at a high-altitude city, such as Cusco. Some people make the mistake of going too high, too soon. Acclimatization should be gradual, and the first day or two should be taken slowly.
When you are not acclimatized, high altitudes put a lot of stress and strain on the whole body – not just your lungs. Therefore, you should make sure to get plenty of rest when you first arrive at altitude, and not over-tax yourself. Light, nutritious meals, plenty of fluids (water or herbal tea), and restful sleep will all help you adjust and avoid symptoms of altitude sickness.
What is the best time of year to do the Rainbow Mountain 2 day trip?
Between April and October is the best time of year to plan your 2 day Rainbow Mountain hike. This is known as “dry season” in the Andes, when conditions are most favourable to trekking. The trails should be clean and dry, and you are most likely to have clear, sunny days while you hike. Dry season also coincides with winter, though, so it can feel quite cold. On this trek, expect overnight temperatures well below freezing!
Dicember to March is the rainy season, so we don’t recommend hiking the 2 day trek to Rainbow Mountain during these months. Heavy rains can provoke rockslides and road washouts, creating unsafe trekking conditions. Rain also often means snow at higher elevations. This can dramatically affect your trekking experience and, what’s more, your views of the spectacular Rainbow Mountains themselves!
What do I need to carry on my Rainbow Mountain hike?
Since most of your belongings will be carried by the mules in the duffle bags we provide, the only thing you really need to carry with you is a light day pack. In your day pack, you should carry all the essentials you will need for each day’s hike. You will only have access to your duffle bag once we reach the campsite. The mules often go on ahead with the muleteers to set up the campsite, so they are not with you all along the trail.
Some things we consider essential to put in your daypack:
- your (filled) water bottle
- some extra layers, plus a warm hat (beanie), gloves and scarf
- camera
- rain poncho
- sun protection: sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Water is very important during the trek, and we recommend 2L per day. We will provide boiled and filtered water during the hike, every morning after breakfast, where you can refill your water bottle. However much water you need, let your guide know so that enough water can be boiled for everyone’s needs.
We provide meals and snacks during the trek, and meal times are a hearty experience!
Can I charge my devices during the hike?
There is no electricity facility at the campsites on the Rainbow Mountain, so we recommend taking extra battery packs or power bans with you.
What kind of food can we expect on the 2 day Rainbow Mountain?
Our Rainbow Mountain 2 day tour starts and finishes in Cusco. The last dinner is not included, but all other meals are.
Our professional trekking chef will be with you on your trek to prepare delicious and nutritious meals to fuel you up to the Rainbow Mountain. You will be surprised what amazing food our team can come up with at almost 5000m elevation!
We carefully train our chefs so that they know what meals to cook and they know all about peoples’ dietary requirements. Just let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or preferences whilst on the trek.
What kind of accommodation can we expect on the Rainbow Mountain trek?
You will spend one night camping on the trail.We use tents on all of our treks which are set up for you by our team of hardworking staff.
We also provide an Inflatable mattress, however you must bring your own sleeping bag unless you rent one of ours. We have warm sleeping bags available for rent.
What permits do I need for Rainbow Mountain?
The entrance ticket for Vinicunca is included in the cost of your trek. You do not need to purchase any other permits in order to join this hike.
Are there restrooms along the trail?
Very basic bathroom facilities are available along the trail. But,we have portable toilets (and toilet tent) are provided on every multi-day camping based trek.
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS
- A pair of walking poles (included)
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
