4326 m.s.n.m
8 person(s)
Group
Hike, Bus, Train
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 the crack of dawn, 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 opportunity for some brief shut eye.
The road leading to 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 the entirety of 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 uphill. The views are absolutely stunning along the way, from the snow broached mountains, to the villagers in their tradition outfits, it’s an unforgettable experience. Once you concur the only challenge on the trail, the jaw dropping beauty and strikingly vibrant colors of the mountain will take your breath away.
After having your fill of the mountain, we continue our hike down the mountain back towards our private transport or to the optional hike to Red Valley. Red Valley is definitely worth it and a more moderate hike. On arrival, you 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 bathroom 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 8 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.
$97USD Per Person
It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.
I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru
Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.
We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!
recommends Orange Nation Peru
Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!
Has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian and International food our treks. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one. "The food has been the highlight for all our hikers"
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!