Rainbow Mountain Tour - Rainbow Mountain Trek Full Day

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca is one of the most breathtaking places in Cusco, located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, this mountain geological formation is characteristic for its very vibrant tones of different minerals that form layers of clay soils in shades of yellow, red, blue, violet, and brown. The journey allows you to appreciate the contrast between the green high-altitude grasslands and the intense colors of the mountain, creating a unique landscape in the region.

As you journey through en route to the main attraction of this tour, you will also witness the contrast between the lush green high-altitude plains and the intense colors of the mountains filled with roaming herds of llamas and alpacas surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

A visit to Rainbow Mountain is a journey and hike in one of the most visually stunning landscapes in South America.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-tour information.
• Transfers from Cusco to the starting point of the hike – round trip.
• Walking sticks.
• Assistance throughout the entire tour.
• Professional English–Spanish guide.
• Tourist transportation – equipped with oxygen.
• Breakfast.
• Lunch.
• Entrance fee to the community.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Hotel in Cusco.
• Tips.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Horse rental.
• Other services not mentioned.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Plenty of layers for both cold and warm temperatures (it will be cold in the morning and, warmer during the day but we are close to the mountain range so weather can get very cold quickly)
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking and hiking
• Sun hat for protection at high altitude
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (essential due to strong Andean sun)
• Rain jacket (weather in the Andes can change quickly in any season)
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks / energy bars.
• Lip balm & moisturizer (the dry, high-altitude air can be harsh)
• Portable power bank (very useful during long days)
• Warm accessories (gloves, scarf, beanie – especially for early mornings)
• Small daypack (pack all of this in a day pack or small hiking backpack).

The tour begins with hotel pick-up at approximately 4:00 a.m. We will travel two hours south to the district of Cusipata, province of Quispicanchi, where we will stop for breakfast.

After a short rest, we continue 10 minutes to the first checkpoint in the community of Pitumarca. From there, another 25-minute drive takes us to the second checkpoint in the community of Chillihuani. From this base point, we begin the 1 hour and 40-minute hike to Vinicunca Mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain.

From the summit, located at 5,389 meters above sea level / 17,680 ft, you can appreciate the chromatic range that goes from green to red, produced by the exposure of different minerals in the geological layers of the Andes Mountain Range. We will remain at the summit of Rainbow Mountain for a maximum of 30 minutes, as the winds are freezing and prolonged exposure could be negative to the travelers’ health.

Afterward, we will return along the same trail to the starting point of the hike. Our transport will be waiting to take us back to enjoy a delicious Andean lunch. After lunch, we will begin the return journey to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.

HIKING LEVEL
The hiking level for Rainbow Mountain is classified from level 1 to 4:

• Level 1: Easy on flat terrain, with no major difficulty.
• Level 2: Between flat terrain and a few slopes.
• Level 3: Terrain with fewer flat sections and steeper slopes.
• Level 4: Steep and rugged terrain.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-tour information.
• Transfers from Cusco to the starting point of the hike – round trip.
• Walking sticks.
• Assistance throughout the entire tour.
• Professional English–Spanish guide.
• Tourist transportation – equipped with oxygen.
• Breakfast.
• Lunch.
• Entrance fee to the community.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Hotel in Cusco.
• Tips.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Horse rental.
• Other services not mentioned.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Plenty of layers for both cold and warm temperatures (it will be cold in the morning and, warmer during the day but we are close to the mountain range so weather can get very cold quickly)
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking and hiking
• Sun hat for protection at high altitude
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (essential due to strong Andean sun)
• Rain jacket (weather in the Andes can change quickly in any season)
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks / energy bars.
• Lip balm & moisturizer (the dry, high-altitude air can be harsh)
• Portable power bank (very useful during long days)
• Warm accessories (gloves, scarf, beanie – especially for early mornings)
• Small daypack (pack all of this in a day pack or small hiking backpack).

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

1. Payment by credit card VISA or MASTERCARD through our system www.cuscoperu.com/payment the system charges an additional 5% (SSL secure system and foreign bank transfer fees).
2. Sending the advance via Western Union coordinating with our sales representative and sending the request to info@cuscoperu.com, then you must send us the MTCN code of your deposit.
3. Payment via deposit to our company's account at BBVA Banco Continental Cuenta Corriente: Account Code. Interbank: (CCI) 011 201 000100028495 18 - CUSCOPERU.COM Tour Operator SRL - SWIFT CODE: BCONPEPL - you must add U$89.00 which is the charge that our bank makes to our account for international transfer and administrative expenses, you should also consult your bank about the additional amount that you will be charged.
4. Payment by credit card VISA - MASTERCARD with the PAYPAL system generating the payment order that we would send you from CuscoPeru.com e-commerce If you accept this option you will have a 7% surcharge.