Listed in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places to Visit Before You Die," Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain is an incredible sight to behold. Join a local guide for an unforgettable private trek to see this natural wonder up close and immerse yourself in its unique, colourful beauty. Along the way, keep an eye out for llamas and alpacas roaming freely. Your adventure starts with a hearty breakfast and ends with a delicious local lunch.
Highlights
Pick up at centrally located hotels in Cusco city
Drop off at centrally located hotels in Cusco city
11 hours
The private tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
If you have any issues on the day of your tour, please call +51 994688552
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity.
Your tour starts early in the morning when the temperatures in the Andes are very low, so we advise bringing warm and light clothes, hat, gloves, comfortable trousers and hiking shoes. It’s always best to dress in layers. It is a good idea to carry a rain jacket or a rain poncho with you during the trek. Sun block is very important. The intensity of the solar radiation is much higher at this altitude.
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
Entirely covered in snow just a few years ago, Rainbow Mountain has now become one of the most impressive mountains around Cusco. Named for its eye-popping array of diverse colours created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area, this unique mountain recently opened for visitors and offers spectacular views of the Andes from its peaks. During this private tour, you will have the opportunity to see some awe-inspiring scenery you won’t soon forget. In addition to the kaleidoscope of colours on the mountain itself, you’ll also see the Apu (the spirit that lives within the mountain) Ausangate, the highest peak in southern Perú. Along the way, expect to see llamas, alpacas and other Andean wildlife roaming freely. To reach the top a short, 45-minute hike waits for you.
Your private tour starts at 6:30 in the morning. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and after a two-hour ride, we'll reach the town of Paucarpata where a hearty local breakfast will be served. After a short break, you’ll continue for two more hours, passing through the town of Pitumarca in the Ausangate Mountain Range, and get to the starting point of our 45-minute hike to the viewpoint at 5020 metres. On arrival at the viewpoint, you'll have ample time to admire this wonder of nature and be immersed in the spectacular surroundings.
Once we’ve taken in the views, it will be time to move on and then stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Here you’ll be treated to a buffet featuring a tasty spread of local specialities including soup, something Peru is well-known for. Following lunch, it will be time to head back to Cusco. Your safety is very important to us, which is why we have carefully crafted this excursion following the official guidelines and regulations for this activity. We carry a first aid kit, along with oxygen bottles. Horses are also available should there be an emergency.
IMPORTANT NOTES: It is recommended you arrive in Cusco two days prior to your trek so you can adapt to the altitude. We strongly advise against taking this trip upon arrival. The walk will start at a point that is higher than the city of Cusco and will take you to 5020 metres at the highest point of the trek.