Rainbow Mountain trekking
Full dayRainbow Mountain trekking - via Cuispata
Duration: Full Day
Small GROUP Service
Budget: $147 p.p.
The rainbow mountain is quickly becoming one of Cusco’s most visited places. Only discovered a few years ago when the glaciers melted, this is a full day tour from Cusco. This trip is not for everyone, the trek is fysically very demanding.
Most agencies offer this excursion to the rainbow mountain and back, basically walking along one path to the lookout point and then back. We will take you on an off the beaten trek, starting on a different path from the beginning, leading first along the Red Valley towards the lookout point and we hike back through the valley. Taking this route is not only more sustainable for the environment, you will also appreciate the stunning views along the way as you hike along the rim of the mounatin and not the valley.
- Active 40%
- Archeology 100%
- Responsible travel 100%
- Connection with community 100%
Included:
- Transportation
- Professional Bi-lingual guide
- Box breakfast
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Not included:
- Snacks
- Emergency horse
- Trekking poles
- Tips
Itinerary
Full day description
Today will be a long day! You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 to 04:30 am for a two hours’ drive over the Altiplano. On our way we will pass through traditional villages and drive through an amazing high altitude landscape. When we reach the town of Cusipata, you will begin your hike, starting you off at about 4,450 meters of altitude. From here it is an 1 1/2 hour uphill hike to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain. Along the way you will enjoy snowcapped mountains, stunning views of the Andes, colourful mountains and traditional llamas and alpacas grazing along Rainbow Mountain valley. As you reach the summit of the mountain at 5100m, you will see the Rainbow Mountain and on a clear day you will see the snow-peaks of the Ausangate Glacier in front of you (Ausangate is the tallest mountain of the Cusco region). While taking in these magnificent views, your guide will share some information on the minerals of the mountain that create these amazing colors and about the life of local communities. After a rest and picture time, we will begin the downhill hike back to Chillihuani, which is the ending point of your hike and from where you will start the return journey back to Cusco. We will get back to Cusco at around 3 pm.
