Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek + Red Valley

Things To Know

• Our 2-day trek to Rainbow Mountain is not safe for people with heart problems or serious health issues.
• We run our Rainbow Mountain trek in all weather. Just make sure to wear the right clothes.
• For this hike, the minimum age is 8 years old.
• It is not recommended for people over 60 years old.
• This trek is not suitable for pregnant travelers.
• Our Rainbow Mountain trek reaches heights of over 4,600 meters, and we will hike 10 km each day, so you should be in moderate shape.
• Don’t forget to bring water! Staying hydrated helps with altitude sickness. We recommend at least 2 liters per person for the first day until lunch. We will provide boiled water at the campsite.
• We avoid the crowds! Most people visit Rainbow Mountain in a day trip, but you will see very few people during our 2-day hike.
• Our guide always carries oxygen tanks, which are important because we will be above 5,040 meters (16,500 feet). Not all tour companies provide this, so make sure to check when choosing a tour operator for Rainbow Mountain.

Our Recommendations

• Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before you set off on your hike our Rainbow Mountain 2 day hike. This is by far the best insurance for a smooth and enjoyable trip. We recommend you spend at least 4 days in Cusco prior to the excursion.
• Go to sleep early and try to avoid drinking or partying the night before, because We will pick you up at 04:00 am and the physically challenging trek will be much more bearable without a hangover.
• If you are going to Machu Picchu the day before your trip to Rainbow Mountain, tell your travel company to book your return train ticket early.

Duffle bag

We will provide you with a duffle bag for your personal belongings a day before your departure, at our office, following your briefing session. You are required to pack 7 kilograms of your personal items. At the trailhead, you will hand over the duffle bag to our horseman. Ensure you only pack items you will need at the campsite, as these duffle bags will be transported by horse. Once you arrive at the campsite, the horseman will return the duffle bag to you.

Briefings

The day before your departure, our guide will provide a detailed briefing about the two-day Rainbow Mountain trek. This meeting will take place at 5:00 PM at our office, located at 250 Marques Street, second floor, office 03. During the briefing, the guide will cover all essential information, including the distance to be traveled, the walking duration, expected weather conditions, appropriate clothing, and more. If you have any questions, you will have the opportunity to ask the guide directly.

Strike And Demonstration

Strikes and demonstrations are quite common in our Cusco region. If a strike is scheduled for the day of your departure, we will adjust by departing one day earlier to the trailhead, allowing you to stay overnight and continue your itinerary without any disruption the following day. However, if you are unable to depart a day earlier, we will proceed with canceling your reservation and fully refunding your payment.

Group Tours

A group service includes different types of people with various physical abilities and ages. When you book a group service, you understand that some people will be faster or slower than you, so everyone will go at their own speed.

In the event that the group needs to modify the itinerary, our guide will carefully assess the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. The guide will consult with all participants to discuss whether the proposed modification is feasible, taking into consideration any concerns or preferences expressed by the group. Ultimately, the guide will make a decision that ensures the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all members, striving to maintain the original goals of the journey while accommodating necessary changes in a thoughtful and collaborative manner.

Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Toilets

On the first day, when we reach the trailhead, there will be toilets provided by a local family. We pay them, allowing you to use the facilities without additional charge. These toilets have seats. During the five-hour hike to the campsite, there will be no other restrooms, so you will need to rely on nature. Upon arrival at the campsite, we will have seated toilets available. On the second day, after leaving the campsite, there will again be no restrooms for the next three hours, requiring us to use nature. When we reach Rainbow Mountain, there will be a private toilet owned by locals, which will cost 2 soles to use. Afterward, there will be a 50-minute hike without facilities until we reach the parking area, where another private toilet will be available.

Prepare For The Altitude

On the first day, you will reach Apacheta Pass, which is 5,000 meters high. On the second day, you will visit Rainbow Mountain, which is at 5,036 meters. It’s important to be well-prepared. The best way to get ready for this hike is by arriving in Cusco at least 4 days before. Start by exploring Cusco city, then visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, saving Rainbow Mountain for the final day. Also, make sure to drink a lot of water. If you still feel the effects of the high altitude, you can take altitude sickness medicine like Diamox, but check if you are allergic to it first.

Rainbow Mountain Weather

The weather at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Peru, can vary significantly depending on the season. The dry season, from May to September, typically brings clear skies, making it ideal for trekking, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). However, nights can be quite cold, sometimes dropping below freezing. During the wet season, from November to March, rainfall is common, and the trails may become muddy and more challenging to navigate. Temperatures during this time can fluctuate between 5°C and 12°C (41°F to 54°F) during the day, with cooler temperatures at night.

Local Culture

On the first day, you will go through a local town where you can see many people wearing their traditional clothing. You will also spot some people with their dogs herding alpacas on the mountain tops. They wear their traditional clothes, not for tourists, but because it is a custom passed down for many generations.

Dress In Layers:

The weather at Rainbow Mountain is highly unpredictable and can shift rapidly. It may be sunny one moment, but within minutes, conditions could become cloudy, windy, and very cold. In the afternoon, temperatures drop quickly, and during winter nights, they can fall as low as -10°C. For this reason, it is strongly advised to wear layers to be prepared for any weather conditions. Bring warm clothing for colder conditions and lighter attire for warmer moments.

Respect The Environment Of Ausangate And The Rainbow Mountain Peru 

Rainbow Mountain is an extraordinary natural marvel, and the Ausangate region is a beautiful location. As more visitors come to enjoy it, it is crucial that we take measures to protect the environment, ensuring its beauty for future generations. The area surrounding Ausangate Mountain is home to unique plants and animals that are vulnerable to careless actions. To help preserve this environment, it is essential to stick to designated trails, avoid littering, and refrain from disturbing wildlife. By acting as responsible tourists, respecting local customs, and minimizing our environmental footprint, we can ensure that Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain remain as stunning as they are today.

Animals

On the first day, you will see many alpacas. These alpacas belong to the local people who live nearby. The alpacas will run away if you get too close because they are in their natural environment. You will also see alpacas on the second day. When you reach Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have the chance to take unique photos. Local people often bring their alpacas and llamas, which are dressed in fun and colorful ways for visitors to take pictures. Some llamas have bright ear tags, and a few even wear sunglasses.

The Cost To Take Picture The Local People With Their Alpacas

If you are looking to capture a beautiful photograph with local residents and their llamas at the summit of Rainbow Mountain, it is customary to offer a tip of 5 soles (approximately $2). This small gesture not only enhances your experience but also provides valuable support to the local community, contributing to their additional income. Engaging with the local culture in this way enriches your visit while helping sustain the livelihoods of those who call this stunning region home.

Cancellations And Refunds

• Full Refund: If you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts, you’ll get all your payment back.
• Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours but before 7 PM the day before the tour, you’ll lose your deposit.
• No Refund: If you cancel after 7 PM the day before the tour, you won’t get any payment back and will lose the full payment.