Rainbow Mountain Trek 1 day

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mt – Llacto – Cusco

We will collect you from your hotel foyer at the delightful hour of 3am and begin our incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. We set out on our 3-hour scenic drive through the South Valley, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, valleys and rocky mountains.

Once we reach the trail-head (beginning of the Trail), we have a box breakfast before beginning our hike along a flowing stream. You will be impressed by the herds of alpacas and llamas all around you. You will have continuous views of the Ausangate Mountain as we hike through different villages and interact with the indigenous people, who are still living in their traditional means.

We reach our destination – the Rainbow Mountains (5,020m /16,466ft) after a short 1.5 hour hike up. After being awed by their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures and savor the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.

At this point, we hike for another 1 hour back down the way we came. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return.

We will begin our scenic 3-hours drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 4pm, depending on how fast you hike and how long you wish to stay at the Rainbow Mountain site.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

• A horse can be rented for the trip from locals when you arrive, if you desire, for about $25 USD.

Whats in included for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?

• Peruvian style breakfast (boxed up)
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Private transportation to/ from your hotel in Cusco
• Fluent English/ Spanish speaking expert trekking guide
• Fees to access private land
• First aid kit & Oxygen

What is not included for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?

• Gratitudes
• Personal Riding Horse
• Travel Insurance

Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Rainbow Mountain trek.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport 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. 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). 

THE BRIEFING

Your briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm at our office, which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383; 101 (first floor) we are next to SUBWAY restaurant.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

ABSOLUTELY! During the Rainbow Mountain Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.

HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

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:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $50 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.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNATIN TREK

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s impossible to say with any certainty, apart from the fact that it will be cold. 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.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

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.

Don’t do anything other than rest

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. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. 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.

Stay hydrated

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.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 persons. 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.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

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.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE RAINBOW MOUNATIN TREK 

This has never happened but in the 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 fatique 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.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK

OF COURSE!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, 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 more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

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.

WHAT TO BRING FOR A DAY HIKE

• A lightweight, waterproof day pack
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  Warm clothes and hiking pants, not jeans
•  Layers of clothes for variable temperatures
•  Camera with extra film and batteries
•  Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
•  Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat
•  Insect repellent
•  Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
•  Water proof clothing and or a rain poncho
•  Water bottles
•  Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
•  Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
•  Walking sticks (rentable)
•  Favorite snacks
•  Toilet paper