Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Peru, Day trip from Cusco

A local certified guide from our team will lead you on this day-long trek from Cusco, Peru, to one of the most astonishing, striking and beautiful sights you will ever see, the magnificent Rainbow Mountain, a geological formation of rich, vivacious colours that will leave you speechless.

Private

1 Day

All year

Occasional

Beginner

Highlights

* See the truly epic and awe-inspiring colours of Rainbow Mountain, Peru!

* Learn about the culture, customs and traditions of the local people

* Hike through the stunning scenery of the Cusco region

Description

I will guide you on this day trip from Cusco which entails visiting one of the most awe-inspiring, breath-taking and gorgeous places in Peru, the wonderful Rainbow Mountain, a geological formation whose minerals expose the wildly different, rich and vivacious hue of colours in the mountain, truly looking like something from another planet!

The Rainbow Mountain is known by the local populace as Cerro Colorado Cusco, and is located approximately a 3 hour drive South of the city of Cusco. The bright and alluring colours of the mountain are a result of ice having melted and mixed with the soil, and it has only recently become a popular tourist destination.

We meet early in the morning via a pick up at your hotel in Cusco, and from there it is approximately 3 hours drive to our breakfast spot on Anchipacha, and then the starting point of the trek at Quesyuno.

The trek up to the Rainbow Mountain itself takes about 3 hours, but it is well worth the time once we arrive there, as the vividness of the colours makes for a truly epic and awesome sight, with the views over the surrounding scenery, landscape and terrain also providing amazing memories. No doubt you will be constantly reaching for your camera!

The area around the Rainbow Mountain is considered a very important cultural site for the nearby inhabitants, who still maintain customs and traditions from centuries ago, and we will explain to you the significance and importance of the site when we are there.

After our visit to the mountain, it is approximately a 2 hour trek back to Quesyuno, and from there we drive back to Cusco, via a lunch stop, to finish the day, hopefully with Rainbow Mountains having left a lifelong impression on you.

Visiting the Rainbow Mountain in Peru is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience – book now to witness this special site!

To discover more of the Cusco region, try our 2-day Helamcoma ascent in the Cusco region, here!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Dinner

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Not included:

• Last dinner

• Tips

• Personal expenses

• Extra drinks.

• Transfer back to your hotel (all passengers are dropped off in Plaza Regocijo or around)

• Emergency horse, which can be mounted if you feel sick or goes a little slower. (S/90 Soles -one way)

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet, Rainbow Mountain, Finish

04:00 to 05:00 hrs – Pick up from hotels located in Cusco 05:30 hrs. – Departure from Cusco 06:55 hrs. – Arrival 07:00 hrs. – Breakfast on Anchipacha 07:40 hrs. – Departure to Quesyuno 08:05 hrs. – Arrival to Quesyuno 09:30 hrs. – Trekking uphill of 3h approximately 10:45 hrs. – Arrival to mountain rainbow and explanation from our guide. Free time 11:30 hrs. – Return to the initial point (2h approximately). 14:00 hrs. – Return by car to the town of Anchipacha 14:30 hrs. – Lunch 15:30 hrs. – Return to Cusco 18:30 to 19:00 hrs. Arrival to Cusco, drop off in Plaza Regocijo

Details

More info

Professional English/Spanish speaking guide

Meeting point

Pick up from hotel in Cusco.

FAQs

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

By car round trip is about 8 hours, trekking to the top is about 4hours, and the maximal top is 5150 meters.

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

To do this tour, you need previous acclimatization of walks to lagoons or experience in long-distance walks. Now, if you have any other more specific questions, we can schedule a call to clarify all your questions.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

We pick you up from your Hotel or Hostel.

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

It is a full day, so you go back to your Hotel in Cusco city.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

To enter by foot, a right of 20 soles per person is paid. We recommend having the mandatory vaccines that are required by world health the COVID-19 vaccine, and we also recommend having accident insurance. We always recommend Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any more questions about the trip, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp.

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

All the year, but the best time is from May to October.

Can I join a group?

For this trip, you can join some groups that have daily departures. For more information, contact us, or we can schedule a call to clarify all your questions.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

In general, if we have bad weather, this trip is always carried out. When the weather is bad, we always recommend starting the trekking earlier than normal because it is clear in the morning and there is more rain in the afternoon. If you have any more questions or doubts, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp.

About the guide

Peru

4.56

(9)

Guide Agency

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Peru

Marcela

4.00

The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.

Tony

5.00

The hike was canceled. We didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t even get into the country.

Michael

5.00

From the very first emails communication which was dealt with efficiently and provide all the required information and other options for myself to consider. When I arrived the communication was excellent and very well organised. When I return later this year I will without doubt be using Eric and the team. When we arrive at the start point to getting back the local guide was excellent. I have nothing but praise for the set up.

Bad

5.00

William was such a knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient guide! He brought books and support materials to further explain the history of the sites we were seeing, was always ready with an answer to any questions, and had great suggestions of where to take photos. He chose a truly remarkable cook for our trek, who kept us well fed with a huge variety of foods (and an ample supply of it!) and filled with hot beverages at all hours of the day and night. He allowed us to set the pace each day, and was cheerful and helpful and relaxed throughout-he absolutely enhanced a wonderful experience! Many thanks to you, William!

Bad

5.00

Eric from Peru Expeditions is a fabulous, safe, and conscientious Tour Operator. He chose an incredible guide for us (Darwin) who was highly esteemed by every guide we met at every point along the journey-the respect of one’s peers speaks for itself! We were very well supported, always had perfect timing with seeing sunrises, beating “the crowd” to our destinations, and had ample food. The Peruvian mountains are stunningly beautiful- I’m ready to go back again already! Book with Eric - he’s going to take good care of you.