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The Rainbow Mountain & the red valley – Full-day trip

  • Service type: Private
  • Physical rating: Easy
  • Group size: Max: 16
  • Min age: 2+
  • Departure: Contact us
  • Duration: Full day

Overview:

The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Winicunca, is stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate area. On this trek you will see tradoitional villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Mountain (6,385 m / 20,945 ft.), the highest mountain in Cusco region.
The seven colors of the mountain are due to its mineralogical composition: the pink color is due to red clay, fangolitas (mud) and arilitas (sand); the whitish colouring is due to quartzose, sandstone and marls, rich in calcium carbonate; the red is due to claystones (iron) and clays belonging to the Upper Tertiary period; the green is due to phyllites and clays rich in ferro magnesian; the earthy brown is a product of fanglomerate composed of rock with magnesium belonging to the Quaternary period; and the mustard yellow color comes from the calcareous sandstones rich in sulphurous minerals.

Detailed Itinerary:

Full Day: Cusco - Vinincunca rainbow mt day hike (full day – private service)

04:00 am departure time to be ahead of the crowds! We drive for about 2 hours on a private transport to Cusipata then we drive on a dusty and bumpy road for 1.5 hrs. to our trailhead the Community of Wasi Pata located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. We start our hike from this to RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (Cerro Colorado, Montaña de Colores or “Vinicunca”) with your private professional guide, here we can see the stunning colors that are natural formations of minerals since ages that give colors to the mountain. Beautiful views of red and colors mountains, streams and herds of alpacas and llamas and the south side of Ausangate ranges of mountains. We will hike through small traditional Andean villages a see the local people with their colorful dresses and a unique andean landscape south of Cusco near the Apu Ausangate mountain 6,384 m 20,945 ft. – the 5th highest mountain in Peru. After a total hike of approximately 2.5 hours, we finally will reach to this mirador spot to have an impressive views of Rainbow Mountains located at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. A good rest and great photos of this beautiful mountain, we descent but instead of hiking the same route as all the crowds do, we do prefer to hike to another lookout point and see the spectacular Red Valley and continue with our hike through this valley that many hikers say that it is an outstanding experience even nicer than Rainbow Mountain (because the crowds)! It is about 3-4 hours mostly downhill to the end of the trail, which is near where we started the hike. A good rest to enjoy your box lunch. afterward, it will be another 3 hours’ drive back to Cusco to your selected hotel around 5:30 – 6:00 pm.

  • Maximum Altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft.
  • Trailhead altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
  • Distance hiked:5 km / 3.1 miles approx

* Please note the driving and walking times, time at each site, and departure/arrival time are approximate and depend upon many factors such as road conditions, weather, van size, group pace, etc. 

 

What is Included:
  • Pre-departure briefing at your Hotel.
  • Pick up from your Hotel early in the morning 3:30 am
  • Entrance fees (must be paid to the communities along the way).
  • A professional English speaking guide
  • 1 Box Lunch, snack for the hike
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
What is not Included:
  • Breakfast day and Dinner.
  • Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Tips for driver and your guide
What you need to bring:
  • Comfortable backpack or daypack .
  • Water to drink (2 liters, no plastic bottles)
  • Rain jacket in rainy season -Dec to march
  • Warm jacket and clothes for early morning
  • Hat or cap for the sun is essential, Sunscreen with UV Protection.
  • Comfortable hiking boots, runners or sturdy shoes.
  • Money in soles  cash. (for souvenirs and extra expenses.)
  • Hire a horse (Round trip) -Talk directly with your guide.

Options:

  • Special dietary requirements: We are happy to cater to any special dietary needs. Please let us know at the time of booking! (there is no extra cost $$).

Recommendations: 

  1. We suggest you arrive in Cusco at least two days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are the more you will enjoy the trek.
  2. Please let us know the name and telephone number of your hotel in Cusco so we can locate you if needed.
Adventure Travel FAQs:

Do I need to be in good physical condition to hike in the Andes?

Our treks; Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Ausangate, Lares trek, Choquequirao trek, etc. are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you want to immerse and hike the Andes to be in relatively good physical condition and acclimatization.
We suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. Also, we suggest you arrive in Cusco at least two/ three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are the more you will enjoy the trek.

What is altitude sickness “Soroche”?

Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too rapidly, which doesn’t allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, insomnia and reduced performance and coordination.

How can I reduce the risk of altitude sickness?

Arrive in Cusco at least 3 days prior your trek to have time to acclimatize, avoid rapid ascents specially on your first day and get enough sleep/rest. Drink plenty of fluids / water and stay hydrated is vital (coca tea, a local remedy). Eating light/ small meals will help your body digest food more efficiently at high altitudes. If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately and rest until you feel better. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns about being at altitude. There are many medications that they can be provided.

Weather in Cusco and treks to Machupicchu

Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to March (the heaviest rains generally occur between January and March); and the dry season, from May to September.
Along the Inca Trail (May to September, high tourist season), temperatures range from 15° – 20ºC (59°F-68°F) during the day if it is sunny, and from 05-10ºC (41°F-50°F) during the day if it is not sunny and from 0-05ºC(32°F-41°F) during the night in between the first and second campsites. In Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, which is a subtropical zone, at a lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer, although warm clothing is still recommended at night.

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu year-round?

Temperature: Machu Picchu is located in a tropical cloud forest and rain is present throughout the year, even in the dry season months. The average temperature ranges between 54ºF and 75ºF (12ºC and 24ºC). On the hottest days, it is possible to reach 79ºF (26°C).

Inca Trail Important Notice

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published on Nov 12, 2004, the Inca Trail Regulation that refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount for passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

Inca trail availability

Due to the popularity of the Inca Trail, we highly recommend that you book as far in advance as possible in order to secure a place. There are only a limited number of permits issued per day. We do of course have many other exciting treks to should you be too late to secure a permit.

Ticket for huaynapicchu or machupicchu mountain. –

For hikers who want to add a climb to Huaynapicchu mountain once you finished the tour at Machu Picchu tour, please let us know far in advance to secure spots. There is a limit number of permits issued per day!

Is the water safe and included in my tours?

We water at our private transportation for all of our tours and boiled water along our treks. We insist on a “Leave no trace” tourism by implementing plastic-free tours. Everyone should carry their canteens to reduce the use disposable bottles. (Eco friendly Attitude, we provide the water and you bring the bottle!)

What equipment will be provided by Andes Immersion on the treks?

We always make sure to have the best equipment on our treks. On the basic trek, you will always find sleeping tents (double occupancy), dining tents (with tables, stools, and dining tools) and cooking tents (where our staff will prepare delicious meals).

Appropriate clothing along the treks

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the Pack List.

Extra Gear and Clothing

We genuinely believe that when our staff is treated well and everyone is equipped with quality hiking equipment, clothing, and anything else they may need to do their job the very best they can, everyone wins. If you have equipment or clothing you may not use again, you can donate it to a porter! Headlamps, sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing are all greatly appreciated.

Where can I store my baggage that I don't need for the trail?

Certainly, any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). However, In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

Environmental responsibility “Leave no trace tourism”.

Nowadays, we are all concerned about the environment and care of Mother Nature (Pachamama), we understand the potential harm that can come from taking groups through many of the delicate environments, we are licensed operators and we do insist in a policy of …” “Leave no trace tourism”. our tours are plastic-free; everyone should carry their canteens to stop using disposable bottles.

Insurance

Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cope with any medical emergencies, any costs incurred due to delayed or cancelled flights and for loss or delay of baggage.
People visiting Peru can buy travel health plans to protect themselves and their traveling companions from large out-of-pocket expenses due to unforeseen injury or illness. Although health concerns are the primary reason people purchase trip insurance for Peru. we recommend World Nomads™ – Travel Insurance Peru