Exploring the stunning Rainbow Mountain from Cusco is a must-do adventure for many travelers to Peru. At just $29 per person, this day trip promises breathtaking views and a memorable experience. Departing early, visitors can look forward to a guided trek along a scenic 4 km trail, reaching heights that offer panoramic vistas of the multicolored mountain landscape. With optional add-ons and convenient features, the tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in Peru’s natural wonders. What else could this day trip have in store?

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Key Points

Tour duration is 12 hours, with a departure from Cusco’s historic center between 4:00 am and 4:30 am.
Includes transportation, meals, a guided tour, and access to Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley.
Hikers ascend a 4 km trail to reach an elevation of 4,800 meters, with a viewpoint at 5,200 meters showcasing the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain.
Tour is accompanied by a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, with an opportunity to explore local traditions and customs.
Additional costs include the entrance fee for Rainbow Mountain (30.00 soles) and the optional visit to the Red Valley (20.00 soles), as well as horse rental options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The "Rainbow Mountain Day Trip" is an activity that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain. Priced from $29.00 per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment through the convenient "reserve now & pay later" option. This popular excursion provides a comprehensive experience, including transportation, meals, a guided tour, and access to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and optional Red Valley.

With its convenient booking policy and diverse inclusions, the Rainbow Mountain Day Trip is an enticing option for adventurous travelers.

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Itinerary and Highlights

Departing between 4:00 am and 4:30 am from accommodations in Cusco’s historic center, the Rainbow Mountain Day Trip whisks participants on a roughly 2-hour journey to the town of Cusipata.

There, a buffet breakfast is served around 6:30 am. The real adventure begins as hikers ascend a 4 km trail, reaching an elevation of 4,800 meters.

The highlight is a viewpoint at 5,200 meters, showcasing the vibrant, rainbow-colored mountain. Optionally, visitors can explore the nearby Red Valley.

After the descent, a lunch buffet is provided in Cusipata before the return to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 pm.

Tour Features

A professional tour guide, available in both English and Spanish, accompanies participants throughout the day trip.

This ensures an engaging and informative exploration of the natural wonder that’s Rainbow Mountain. Trekkers will discover the vibrant, multicolored landscape and learn about the local traditions and customs.

Along the way, they’ll admire the stunning inter-Andean scenery, flora, and fauna of the Peruvian Andes.

Trekkers will admire the breathtaking inter-Andean landscapes, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife of the Peruvian Andes.

The tour also includes the optional excursion to the Red Valley, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s geological and cultural richness.

Inclusions

Along With the guided experience, the Rainbow Mountain Day Trip includes several key inclusions to provide a seamless and well-supported adventure.

The package covers:

Breakfast and lunch buffets to fuel the day’s activities.
Reliable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco’s historic center.
First aid kit and medical oxygen to ensure safety on the trek.
Professional trekking poles to assist with the ascent and descent.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain without worrying about logistics or equipment.

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Additional Information

While exploring Rainbow Mountain, visitors should be aware of some additional details.

The entrance fee for Rainbow Mountain is 30.00 soles, and an optional visit to the Red Valley costs an additional 20.00 soles.

Entrance to Rainbow Mountain is 30.00 soles, with an optional visit to the Red Valley costing an additional 20.00 soles.

For those who prefer not to hike, horse rental is available at 60.00 soles one-way or 40.00 soles for the return trip.

It’s recommended to bring cash, as this is the primary payment method.

Lastly, ensure your contact information, including the country code, is correct, and use WhatsApp for seamless communication with the tour provider, especially for last-minute reservations.

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What to Expect on the Hike

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Trekkers ascend along a 4 km trail, gaining over 2,000 meters in elevation to reach a stunning viewpoint at 5,200 meters.

The trail can be strenuous, but the guide provides regular breaks to catch one’s breath. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Andes and the chance to spot local wildlife.

The journey is well worth the effort, as the vibrant, multicolored slopes of Rainbow Mountain come into view. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian highlands.

4 km hike to an elevation of 5,200 meters
Challenging but rewarding trek with regular breaks
Stunning Andean landscapes and wildlife sightings
Culminating in the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain

Tips for a Successful Day Trip

To ensure a successful Rainbow Mountain day trip, travelers should pack appropriately and acclimate to the high altitude.

Travelers should pack appropriately and acclimate to the high altitude to ensure a successful Rainbow Mountain day trip.

Dress in layers, bring sun protection, and wear sturdy hiking boots. Hydrate well before and during the trek. Arrive a few days early in Cusco to help the body adjust to the elevation.

Opt for a horse rental if the hike seems too challenging. Bring cash for entrance fees and optional activities.

Stay in communication with the tour company and use WhatsApp to coordinate pickup times.

With proper preparation, adventurers can fully enjoy the stunning vistas of Rainbow Mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some of the frequently asked questions about the Rainbow Mountain day trip? Travelers often wonder about the difficulty level of the hike, appropriate attire, and altitude sickness precautions. Here are some key FAQs:

How strenuous is the hike to Rainbow Mountain? The hike covers a 4 km trail and reaches an elevation of 5,200 meters, which can be challenging for some. Proper preparation and pacing are advised.
What should I wear? Dress in warm, layered clothing and wear sturdy hiking boots. Bring sun protection and rain gear in case of changing weather.
How can I prevent altitude sickness? Drink plenty of water, go at a steady pace, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if prone to it.
Is the Red Valley excursion worth it? The optional visit to the Red Valley offers beautiful, unique landscapes, but adds extra time and cost to the day trip.

Things To Know

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike?

The hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint is moderately challenging, covering a 4 km trail that ascends to an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level. The trip includes an optional excursion to the Red Valley.

Can Children Join the Tour?

Children can join the tour, but the hike is considered challenging due to the high altitude. The supplier recommends that children be at least 10 years old and physically fit to participate in the trek.

How Much Weight Can Be Carried During the Hike?

The tour doesn’t specify a weight limit for the hike. However, it’s recommended to only bring essential items to ensure a comfortable and safe trek up Rainbow Mountain. Porters or pack animals aren’t provided.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages can join, though those under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. The hiking trail may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern on This Hike?

Altitude sickness is a concern on this high-altitude hike. Travelers should be aware of the risks and prepare accordingly. The tour provider offers medical oxygen and advises guests to acclimate properly before attempting the strenuous ascent to 5,200 meters.

Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Peru’s stunning natural beauty. At just $29 per person, this affordable excursion includes transportation, meals, and a guided tour, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable experience. With the option to explore additional sites and convenient features like hotel pickup, this tour provides an exceptional value for travelers seeking to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: