Rainbow Mountain Trek
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN - VINICUNCA
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley full day tour is a popular excursion in the Cusco region of Peru.
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a beautiful natural formation that features a striking combination of colors, including vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The mountain is located in the Andes, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level.
Overall, the Rainbow Mountain full day tour is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Cusco region and get some exercise at the same time. It’s important to note that the high altitude can be challenging for some people, so it’s a good idea to acclimate to the altitude for a few days before attempting the hike.
FIRST HOURS OF THE TOUR : AROUND 4 AM
After picking up everyone from their respective hotels, we will go to the town of Cusipata by car for 2 hours where we will make a stop at the restaurant to have a delicious breakfast, which will take about an hour and then we continue in the same car for 1 more hour towards the beginning of the hike which is called Chilliwani at 4700 m, then we go to the control point to pay the entrance fee to the community (30 soles for foreign visitor and 15 soles for Peruvian). Afterwards, we get ready for the hike towards the Rainbow mountain for around 2 hours uphill hike a distance of 4 km. You have the chance to rent a horse to the entrance of the rainbow mountain .
ENJOY THE RIDE THROUGH THE VALLEY
If you feel like hiking is going to be too long , you can take the option to ride a horse and enjoy the view of the trek. You will be sourranded by mountains with snow . The Red Valley is known for its stunning red rock formations and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
ALMOST TO THE TOP
After the ride / hile, we will our walk starts at foot of stunning Ausangate Mountain Range. Trek uphill 1 hour to highest point of Rainbow Mountain at your own pace. You will feel the altitude here. Our recommendation is take your time to reach the top.
You will have the option to take the short cut ( more steep ) or you can take the regular road with ropes around the path to help.
YOU REACHED THE TOP!
Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude of over 16,522 feet, so it’s important to be prepared for the effects of high altitude.
Enjoy the view of the mountain and all around you!
Make sure to drink plenty of water, rest as needed, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if recommended by your doctor.
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
The Rainbow mountain tour is located in the Andes mountains of Peru and can involve a fair amount of hiking and outdoor activity. Therefore, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and the physical demands of the tour. Here are some tips on how to dress for the Rainbow mountain tour:
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Layers: The temperature can fluctuate greatly during the day, so it’s best to wear layers that you can add or remove as needed.
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Pants: Comfortable and durable pants are a must for the tour. Opt for pants that are lightweight, quick-drying, and offer plenty of mobility. Hiking pants or leggings are a great option.
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Footwear: It’s important to wear sturdy and comfortable footwear that can handle the rough terrain. Hiking boots or shoes with good traction and ankle support are recommended. Avoid wearing sandals or flip flops.
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Accessories: A hat or beanie, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential items to protect you from the sun’s harsh rays. Additionally, bring gloves and a scarf or buff for added warmth.
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Backpack: Bring a comfortable and sturdy backpack to carry your water bottle, snacks, and extra layers. Make sure the backpack is well-fitted and distributes the weight evenly to avoid strain on your back.
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so it’s important to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
Bring rain gear or poncho: In case the weather turned to rainy
Bring snacks and water: There are no food or drink vendors along the Rainbow Mountain trail, so be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized.
Overall, dressing in layers and choosing comfortable and durable clothing and footwear will help you enjoy the Rainbow mountain tour to the fullest.
