In this amazing private hike, you will enjoy the unbelievable natural colors of the Rainbow Mountain. You will walk through a beautiful Andean valley, in which you will be able to interact with the local people who still keep the traditional Quechua culture alive. You’ll see snow-capped peaks, herds of alpacas, glaciers and birds of prey, all framed by an incredibly colorful mountain range.
The Rainbow Mountain hike offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including soaring eagles and Cara Cara hawks. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are so unique and strongly different from any other landscape you might visit in Peru. That´s why this hiking experience should be not be missed in your Peru visit!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rainbow Mountain Trail (7 Colors Mountain Tour) & Ausangate Mountain Range.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – RED VALLEY – CUSCO
Our extraordinary hike to the Red Valley & Rainbow Mountain will begin with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. In our private transportation, we will head to the town of Cusipata where we will take our first stop to grab breakfast. The drive to Cusipata will take approximately 1.5 hours.
From Cusipata, we will drive for approxiamtely 1 hour to our trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,200m.a.s.l./14,300ft.a.s.l.). On our way, we will marvel at the Peruvian andes and towering Ausangate Mountain range. From Phulawasipata, we will begin with our hike towards Rainbow Mountain Pass (5,100 m.a.s.l./16,730 ft.a.s.l.). This hike will take approximately 2 hours along a steep ascent surrounded by glacial peaks, rocky formations, herds of llamas and alpacas grazing along the valley and the odd vicuña. What is most beautiful is the red-tinted mountain sides that precede the Rainbow Mountain Pass.
At the pass, we will take time to sit down and enjoy the surroundings along with a hot cup of tea. This will be the opportunity to learn about the importance of Rainbow Mountain to the locals, the beauty behind the colourful striations and the cultural significance of the mighty Apu Ausangate.
To complement our hike to Rainbow Mountain, we will begin to make our descent to the surrounding Red Valley. This natural phenomenon results from the abundant segregation of minerals in the area. The hike in the Red Valley will be along less-crowded paths for a more enjoyable experience. We will continue our hike back to the trailhead at Phulawasipata, from where we will board our transportation to the town of Cusipata.
At Cusipata, we will enjoy a much-deserved buffet lunch before returning to Cusco. In Cusco, our team will drop you off directly at your hotel accommodation.
INCLUDED
Included:
- Round trip private transportation
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Breakfast at local restaurant
- Entrance fees
- Tea time at the Rainbow Mountain Pass
- Guided service (available in English & Spanish)
- Buffet Lunch
- Emergency horse
Not Included:
- Extra drinks
- Snacks
- Pocket money
WHAT TO BRING
PACKING LIST
The following are personal items we recommend to have with you during your tour.
- Carry a small backpack
- Passport or official ID
- Water bottle
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Comfortable shoes (for walking)
- Sun block & hat
- Sun glasses
- Personal medications
- Camera
- Money (cash)