Peru

Rainbow Mountain (5,200m)

2

Your Rainbow Mountain hike is like no other because of the mountain’s rich colors. The hike is about 2 hours long and is challenging because of the Rainbow Mountain’s altitude and the terrain you hike over. Vinicunca, which is mostly known as the Rainbow Mountain is a newer tourist attraction located in Cusco. The charm of this mountain comes from its amazing 4 different colors.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour - 1 Day Hike

Your guides will collect you from any hotel, or hostel in Cusco before transferring you to the start of the trail. Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast, before heading off on the hike.

Hiking slowly through the Rainbow Mountain Range, you will start to reach higher altitudes (you should be well acclimatised if you have joined the Machu Picchu trek beforehand), passing llamas, alpacas and local villages along the way. Upon arrival at Rainbow Mountain, you'll spend some time exploring the spectacular views, and gain some understanding as to why the mountain is so colourful. You'll then head back down a different route, through the Red Valley. Your chefs will be waiting for you at the bottom with a nice lunch before you make the journey back to Cusco.

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2 verified reviews

Rated 5.0
Jeremy
Jeremy

Traveled Jan 2022

Another amazing Skyhook trip. Hike is relatively short, but challenging as you approach summit. Our guide Victor was awesome and supportive. Recommend riding horses part of the way just for the experience.

Klein
Klein

Traveled Aug 2021

Amazing experience with a super guide who enjoyed this hiking which were a little bit difficult. The landscapes and views were awesome ! I recommande !

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FAQs

Included:

  • Guides
  • Porters
  • Chefs
  • Food and water
  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • Entrance fees and permits

Excluded:

  • Tips for guides
  • Travel insurance

This hike requires little technical ability but does require a good level of fitness - expect to be hiking for around 5 hours at altitude.

The average group size is 8 people, with a maximum of 12. 

Start: You will be collected from your hotel/hostel between 04:00 - 04:30 am.

End: You will be dropped back off in Cusco between 5:00 - 5:30 pm.

The minimum age for this trek is 12.

  • Rucksack
  • Hiking boots
  • Socks
  • Hiking trousers
  • Breathable t-shirt 
  • Breathable long sleeve base layer
  • Fleece
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Wool hat
  • Gloves
  • Sun protection (glasses, cream, lip balm, hat)
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Camera, phone
  • Water bottle
  • Any personal medication

The winter season and driest time of year in Peru are May - Sept. The summer season is Nov - Mar, which is the warmest, but wettest time. During the summer season, it does not rain every day, but can often have a downpour in the afternoons. Apr and Oct can sometimes see some small rain showers. 

While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your guide may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.

When you go above altitudes of 2,500m, you need to allow your body time to acclimatise properly. We advise that you move slowly, don’t rush and ensure you protect yourself from the weather. Ensure you stay hydrated and eat plenty to keep your energy levels up. 

We will send some professionally trained chefs on the trek with you. They will prepare fresh food each day. Most dietary requirements are catered for e.g. vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, food allergies etc.

Our guides will provide you with clean water throughout the whole trek. This water is collected from each campsite, boiled and filtered.

When travelling in countries such as Peru, it's important to maintain vigilance with hygiene and food safety. Bring plenty of hand sanitiser. 

Yes - there will be a group of trained chefs joining you. Just let us know your requirements before you arrive. 

Your head guide is Bonnie

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Alpaca Expeditions, based in Cusco.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Bonnie