Main Info
Overview and Highlights
Take your hiking boots and let it explore the most beautiful geological formation in Cusco: The
Rainbow Mountain or the Apu Winicunca as the locals name it. Located in the Peruvian Andes
in Cusco just 3 hours away from the historical center, Rainbow Mountain is becoming the main
attraction to see after or before Machu Picchu. As you could guess, the mountain is famed for
its natural, multi-colored beauty at a staggering 5,200m above sea level. This rainbow-like
appearance is created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area giving the mountain the
turquoise, lavender, gold and other colors.
It was only recently discovered due to the snow melting revealing the hidden gem that’s still
considered holy by many until this day. Since its discovery, Rainbow Mountain as slowly started
gaining popularity and has even been listed in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places To Visit
Before You Die”.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
● Professional Bilingual English-speaking tour guide.
● Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
● Pick up from your hotel and transportation to the beginning of the trek.
● Return transportation to your Cusco hotel.
● Breakfast and Lunch (Local restaurant.)
● Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
● 01 Trekking pole
● Vegetarian and Free gluten options available
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
● Personals Snacks.
● Tips – Gratuities.
WHAT TO BRING AND ADVICES
● You can acclimate for the altitude in one or two days this will depend on how your body react; you can take some personal medication.
● In case you need to pay the remaining balance, it is advisable to take some cash. You can get some money from the ATM that are located in the centre of the City of Cusco.
● Rain poncho, rain jacket, proper hiking boots.
● Proper warm clothes, at that altitude is quite cold and windy a bandana will be helpful.
● Sun Glasses.
● Sun block. The sun is really strong You will need to protect your head (with a hat) and skin.
● Extra snacks always recommended.
● A bottle of water.
● Travel insurance this from your site, always recommended.
Itinerary
Download BrochureWe will pick you up early from your Cusco hotel around 04am and set out on a drive through the
South Valley. The drive to the trailhead (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours long. On the way, we will
provide you breakfast in a local restaurant (at the hotel you may not have option to get
breakfast).
We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. Literally, herds of alpacas and llamas
will immediately surprise you. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will
hike through villages and interact with the local residents.
Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato
fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicuñas. Vicuñas are
the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a
highlight of this portion of the hike.
After a total hike of approximately 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to
see, the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty,
you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the
environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.
At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 2
hours. Our transportation will be waiting for us when we return. We will stop for lunch in the
same restaurant before we head to Cusco. We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco
and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 5:00 pm.
● Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
● Night: Not included
● ACTIVITY LEVEL: moderate to hard.
● WALKING DISTANCE: 7 km
● WALKING TIME: 3&4 hours
● HIKING STARTING POINT: 4630m / 15190 ft
● MINIMUM ELEVATION: 4795m/ 15371ft
● MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 5100m/16732 ft