Trek
The hiden tresure in the Peruvian andes
In recent years, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru and the region of Cusco, due to the unique feature of being a mountain of relief and sediments of different colors that were accumulated over millions of years and over time emerged to the surface now resembling a rainbow.
The rainbow mountain, also known as Vinicunca Mountain is a gem in the Andes that due to its location at the summit remained hidden, covered by constant snow, but due to global warming the locals and explorers were able to see the vibrant colors of the mountain and today it has become one of the most visited destinations like the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the citadel of Machu Picchu. This beautiful mountain rises up to 5200m (17,100 ft.) Located southeast of the imperial city of Cusco, it is flanked by colorful mountains, the Red Valley, and has as its backdrop the highest snow-capped mountain in the Cusco City, Ausangate.
Kuntur Peru offers you a fascinating experience in private transportation departing from Cusco city to the south valley, passing through picturesque colonial villages and rugged Andean landscapes and a two-hour hike that will take you to the viewpoint located at 5000 m / 16,400 ft. from where you will have a panoramic view and part of the Red Valley located very close to the rainbow mountain, do not miss this incredible trip through the mountains of southern Cusco.
Trip Details
Highlights
- The picturesque towns along Cusco’s South Valley
- A stop at Oropesa town to see the artisanal Chuta bread
- Enjoy the scenic views along the Valley
- Hike uphill at the foothill of colored mountains
- The Majestic views of the Rainbow Mountain
- Private transportation service
Route Map
The Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley height gems
A trip to the Rainbow Mountain will take you to the Peruvian highland, exploring remote villages, snow mountains peaks, abrupt landscapes, and Andean scenaries. Hear stories of sacred mountains, andean tradictions and culture, and why it becomes one of the main destination in the Peruvian Andes. Don't miss the chance to explore and live a life time experience with Kuntur Peru Travel.
Trip Overview
Embark on a fascinating adventure along the southern Valley of Cusco City through small and picturesque towns; a journey in private transport, accompanied by one of our experienced tour guides, enter through the Chillihuany community to the end of the road, which is where begins the two-hour hike to see the Rainbow mountain.
The trail takes us gradually uphill the mountainside, then a steep ascend to reach the pass, from where you will be delighted by the astounding views of the colored valleys and the Rainbow Mountains. Get the chance to hire a horse from locals if necessary.
A glimpse of our Itinerary
The Rainbow Mountains, the hidden treasure in the Andes.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am on board our transport, a three hours ride to the trailhead, hike about two hours to Vinicunca Mountain, then explore part of the Red Valley on the way back to the trailhead, return on our private transport back to your hotel in Cusco City.
What to expect
- We will pick you up from your hotel or place of stay; we offer door-to-door services on all our excursions.
- Private transportation SUV or minivan, experienced drivers guarantee safe travel.
- All meals included during the tour Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
- Entrance tickets for Rainbow Mountain
- Oxygen bottle to use in case of emergency.
- Private and customizable service on all our tours.
Degree of difficulty
Rainbow Mountain tour is rated as a demanding activity, as it is a high-altitude hiking activity. it is suggested to hike at a slow pace since it will help you acclimate to the altitude, we advise avoiding hiking on de wet and heavy rainfall days (in December, January, and February) being the winter season or dry season (May to November) ideal to experience the Rainbow Mountain.
Why you should go with us
- Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
- Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
- We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinion of our travelers.
- Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once booking the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
- Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp. and private tour services.
- No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
- Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
- Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly and great storytellers.
- Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.
Itinerary
Day 1 The Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley Hiking Tour
In order to have an authentic experience and to be able to enjoy the astounding views that only Rainbow Mountain offers we must leave early and avoid the crowds of visitors; it is estimated that more than 1500 visitors tend to hike Vinicunca Mountain every day.
One of our guides and our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am; we will start the journey along the southern valley of Cusco City; we will pass through the traditional villages of Saylla, Tipon, Oropesa, Andahualillas, and others; one of the towns where we will stop will be at Oropesa, known for the elaboration of ¨Pan Chuca¨ a traditional sweet bread of Cusco, we will continue to Cusipada town, from where we will access to Chillihuany community, then to the trailhead at Phulawasipata. The trip by transport takes about 3 hours.
From Phulawasipata, we will hike for about two hours along the mountainside on a gradual path and steep uphill near the Vinicunca pass, from where we will enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, Ausangate snow-capped Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, and part of the Red Valley in the background. After having taken your pictures and a short rest, we will continue to the majestic Red Valley, about two hours hike, which is from where we will return to the starting point at Phulawasy to board the transport that will take us to the place of lunch in Cusipata town, then continue along the main road back to the city of Cusco.
.
- Meals
Breakfast & Lunch - Difficulty
Mod – Demanding - Max Altitude
5,050 m. / 16,568 ft. - Circuit
3hrs drive, 2hrs hike - Transportation
Private transport. - Tour Style
Hiking, Adventure
- Accommodation
Cusco
Including
Rainbow Mountain tour Includes
- All private transportation SUV or Minivan.
- Personal tour Guide: we work with experienced local guides.
- Entrance fees to the rainbow mountain.
- Entrance fees to the Red Valley.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
- First aid kit for emergency
- Oxygen bottle to use in case of emergency
What to take
- Small Day pack for a day hike, no more than 25L recommended
- Warm clothes. The weather in the mountains is cold and windy
- Rain jacket. Always recommended to bring.
- Sun hat
- Charged Phone and Camera
- Power bank in case the batteries runs out
- Sunscreen 35+ fps protection recommended
- Water bottle. Hard plastic or metal material
- Peruvian Soles in cash
- Toiletries
- Extra snacks.
What does not include
- Hiking poles (For rent: USD 10.00)
- Gratuities
- Any personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
The pricing below is subject to a new Peruvian law governing the employment of porters on the Inca Trail. These changes are expected to substantially raise the cost of operating the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu for all accredited tour companies. Please, contact us for further details.
$ 160.00 per person Price per person 2pp
- Price for 2 trekkers: 160.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 140.00 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 120.00 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 110.00 USD per person
Discounts
Students from Universities benefit traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Students under 17 years old and children do not need the ISIC to apply for a discount. Please, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com. We will be glad to help you.
- Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$15.00
- Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 15.00 Discount
Groups booking
GO ON GROUP SERVICE:
From USD 100.00 per person for 8+ up to 12 participants in the group. Please note booking in advance is required.
We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as free walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on Cusco City tours, Sacred Valley tours, or items for hiking activities. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com
Trip Info
Weather in Cusco City
Hiking to the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley is a very high-altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 14 F. / -10 C. And in the early mornings of the dry season, during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind that if the weather is rainy or cloudy, it will be windy and colder, and it may change instantaneously, particularly when going up at the high-altitude passes; as with any high-altitude hike, you should bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Tour departure
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.
It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.
Note on Itinerary
The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please, notice that due to some circumstances occasionally turns beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.
Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.
Gratuities for the trekking crew
One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you to make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.
Porters: Each porter $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)
Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)
Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.
Faqs
Booking
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REASONS TO EXPLORE THE RINBOW MOUTIAN
- Rainbow Mountain is by far one of the best destinations in Peru and the favorite for many in the world.
- Experience a fascinating Red Valle along the mountain range
- Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscape, and snow-capped mountains surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.
- Explore and discover much more about the Andean culture through the stories from our expert guides.
- The Rainbow Mountain is an unmissable destination if you are planning to travel to Peru and Cusco City.
- Immerse yourself in the Andean Culture and enjoy the astounding views around Vinicunca Mountain.
- Be part of an exceptional experience traveling with Kuntur Peru and our experienced tour guides.
- Rainbow Mountain one-day tour is a unique experience, where you will explore along the Red Valley.
- Come across and feel safe exploring part of the mountain range with us, a licensed local tour operator.
- Come with us and discover Rainbow Mountain through private, customized, and small-group tour services, no more than 8 people
REMARKS
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CITY TOUR
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English and Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of the Cusco city center.
- Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple), about an hour of exploration.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
- Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
- 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
RECOMMENDED TO BRING
- Passport
- Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy at evenings
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Peruvian Soles in cash