Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mt – Llacto – Cusco
Your guide will pick you up at the delightful hour of 4am and begin our incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure! We set out on our 3-hour scenic drive through the South Valley. Along the way there are amazing views of ancient Inca terraces, still used for farming, valleys and rocky mountains.
Once we reach the trailhead, we have a picnic 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 sacred Ausangate Mountain as we hike through different villages and interact with the indigenous people, who are still living in their traditional lifestyles.
We reach our destination – the Rainbow Mountains (5,020m /16,466ft) after a 1.5 hour hike up. After being awed by the beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures and savor the moment. 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.
After lunch, 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.
Price
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 1 person | $ 170 USD per person |
| 2 to 3 people | 77 per person |
| 4 to 5 people | 60 per person |
| 6 to 8 people | 50 per person. |
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- A horse can be rented for the trip from locals when you arrive, if you desire, for about $25 USD. You must bring cash Peruvian Soles for the indigenous locals who rent their horses.
Inclusions
Whats in included for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
- Peruvian style breakfast (picnic)
- 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 & emergency oxygen
What is not included for the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
- Tips
- Horse for one way or round trip
- Travel insurance
Important Info
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 sandwich shop. We share a lobby with the Casona Corrales Boutique Hotel.
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 $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.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
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.
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. 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 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.
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?
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.
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 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 appropriate, 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.
Packing list
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
- Waterproof clothing and or a rain poncho
- Reusable water bottles (please do not bring disposable)
- Personal medical kit
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
- Walking sticks (rentable)
- Favorite snacks
- Toilet paper
