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1 day
4326
8
Group
Appreciate the natural Rainbow-like colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain Trek, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping their ancient culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife including soaring Condors and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are probably the coolest and most unique natural phenomenon you will ever see.
Your journey begins at around 4 am. We embark on a relaxing 3-hour scenic drive through the South Valley to the incredible Rainbow Mountain. Along the way enjoy views of ancient Inca terraces that are still used for farming, beautiful valleys and rugged mountain landscapes. You could also use this time for some brief shut eye.
The start of your trail goes along a scenic view of a flowing stream with crystal clear waters. Once you reach the trailhead, breakfast is served surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. You also get the pleasure of getting unobstructed views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,385 m/ 20 948 ft) from the trailhead and from your hike. You get to witness the locals in their colorful traditional outfits, speaking the ancient language of the Incas, Quechua. The women´s outfits are the most intriguing, with their stunning layered skirts, each layer a different bright color.
The route is visible through-out and looks deceivingly easy. However, the entire hike is at very high altitudes and a steady climb. Although it is a gradual climb, its important to hike at a considered pace because it is easy to suffer from altitude sickness this high up.
It is important that you spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before doing this hike. It is a relatively short hike, with only one extremely steep hill. The views are absolutely stunning along the way, from the snow capped mountains, to the villagers in their tradition outfits, it’s an unforgettable experience. Once at the top, the jaw dropping beauty and strikingly vibrant colors of the mountain will take your breath away.
After finishing at the mountain, continue our hike down the mountain back towards our private transport or to the optional hike to Red Valley. Red Valley is definitely worth the effort and a more moderate hike. On arrival, be welcomed by scenes that are other worldly, mountains that are totally red with a scattering of green bushes. The Red Valley also tends to be less crowded, giving you plenty of opportunities to take unobstructed photographs. There are bathrooms along the trail, but are unfortunately not the most sanitary, so we recommend using the flushing toilets at the trailhead for a small fee. Later, we head back to the trailhead for a scrumptious 5-course lunch prepared by our talented chef. Finally, we drive back to Cusco with an estimated arrival time of 6:00pm.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 1 person | $ 190 USD per person |
| 2 to 3 people | $ 99 per person |
| 4 to 5 people | $ 77 per person |
| 6 to 8 people | $ 67 per person. |
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Rainbow Mountain trek.
We will pick you up from the airport in Cusco and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals terminal. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
Your briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm at our office, which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center
ABSOLUTELY! During the Rainbow Mountain Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Rainbow Mountain Trek entrance tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $53 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Rainbow Mountain Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s impossible to say with any certainty, apart from the fact that it will be cold at the highest section of the trek. With the RAINBOW Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack especially in rainy season, there can be snow or rain.
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Orange Nation specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips. Group pricing is available if your group is 4 or more people.
Yes, it is a difficult trek due to the high altitude and some sections can be steep, you reach the altitude of 5,100 metres/16,732ft. You need to be in relatively good physical condition and had time to adjust to the altitude before going on the trek.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. If you are unable to finish due to fatigue you can rent a horse. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality of service and the length of your trip.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
4326
1 day
8
Hike, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
