Rainbow Mountain Full Day Trek with Red Valley Included

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores in Spanish, is a mountain in the South Valley of Peru. Its famous because of its colored stripes that were formed by weathering, environmental conditions and the minerals deposits found in this region. The mountain is covered by a splash of different colors like golds, oranges, reds, blues, yellows among many others.

Rainbow Mountain is about 85 miles/137 km south of Cusco. Getting there by public transportation is not easy or recommended. You need to find transportation to Cusipata and then walk the rest of the way to the trailhead. Chances of finding return transport in the afternoon is very unlikely. You will likely need to camp nearby or find someone to accommodate you for the night. On the other hand taking a day tour is really simple. This is one of those tours where doing it on your own, won´t save much time or money. Day tours usually start at around 4am and return to Cusco by 7pm.

The trek to Rainbow Mountain is considered to be challenging due to the high altitude and steep inclines. From the trailhead it is approximately 10 kilometers out-and-back trail, so the distance itself is not bad. The climb is also a gradual incline with only one sharp incline at the end, but you will reach an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness is a real possibility and we highly recommend that you properly acclimate before embarking on this trek. Two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley should be sufficient.

It’s important to bring different layers of clothing for variable weather conditions. Whilst walking along the trail, it is usually warmer but as you get closer to the summit it can get pretty frigid. Its also possible to get rain showers without notice. So pack thermals, wool socks, scarfs, gloves, waterproof clothing and a rain coat or poncho. The sun at that altitude is also very harsh with toxic ultra violet rays. Wear long pants with a long sleeved shirt and bring along a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

The locals do not except dollars, so be sure to bring some cash in local currency (soles) should you want to purchase souvenirs, drinks or tip your guide and trekking team. You can also bring your own snacks and water in reusable bottles to keep yourself hydrated and energized during the trek. Finally, pack a roll of toilet paper, the government facilities will not supply this. Additionally, pack your own personal medication, its against the law in Peru for guides to administer medication to trekkers, they are not qualified doctors or pharmacists.

Yes, it’s generally safe to go on a rainbow mountain tour. However, it’s important to choose a reputable tour operator and to follow the instructions of your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s also recommended that participants have travel insurance and consult with a doctor before traveling to high-altitude destinations. Established tour operators bring an oxygen tank incase of extreme symptoms of altitude sickness.

There are no specific age restrictions for the Rainbow Mountain tour in Peru. All children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. The elevation as stated above is pretty high, so you need to take it slow, stay hydrated and spend sufficient time acclimating to the altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

The best time to go on a rainbow mountain tour is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before booking your tour. We recommend avoiding the months of January and February, which is the peak of the wet season. Its possible to come across lightening storms which are quite dangerous and it can also snow on the mountain. If the mountain is covered in snow, you will not be able to see the bright colors of the mountain.

We believe the best time to stop and use the restroom is upon arrival at your checkpoint in Upis. The toilets here are sanitized regularly, flush and have staff on hand to keep them clean. They cost about 2 sole (for a clean toilet, definitely worth it). Once you start on the trek, they have portable toilets every few kms. However, these government facilities are not cleaned regularly and also keep in mind that there are scores of tourists using them every minute. Bottom line, they are there purely for convenience and you will just have to make do. On the hand, they do have water stations with soap to wash your hands at all toilet stations. When you return to Cusco, we recommend you make another pitstop in Upis, the drive back to Cusco is 3 hours long.

Once you arrive on the trail, you have the option to rent a horse instead of walking.  To rent one will cost anything between 80 to 100 soles. We recommend letting your guide negotiate the price for you. There are 2 horse rental sections on the trek. First one is at the beginning of the trail and the second one is around the midway point. The price is the same no matter where you choose to get a horse. The horses do not take you on the last and steepest section of the trek, it is not safe for them. So, you have to walk that last half mile. We do recommend that you at least attempt this climb; the views are worth it at the top.

1) Take a few days at the start of your trip to acclimatize to the altitude before attempting any treks or strenuous activity.

2)Get lots of sleep before your trek. 

3)Avoid alcohol & drugs they will dehydrate you. This includes sleeping tablets and tranquilizers as these can all make the symptoms worse.

4)Drink lots of water. 

5)Drink coca tea at breakfast.

6)Get an Oxishot! Oxishot is a small dischargeable can that contains 8 litres of oxygen that you can take if your symptoms are getting worse.

7)Visit your doctor before traveling to Cusco, ask for an acetazolamide prescription (also known as brand name Diamox) which can be taken to help avoid altitude sickness symptoms.