All You Need To Know About The Rainbow Mountain!

All You Need To Know About the Rainbow Mountain!

 

The Different Rainbow Mountains
 

The One-Day Rainbow Mountain Tour

Our 1 Day Rainbow Mountain hike will take you to the top of the famous stripey mountain where you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of the otherworldly landscape of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and across to the imposing Ausangate Massif. We’ll have to trek at a very high altitude to get to the kaleidoscopic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, but it’s worth the effort – and we’ll be with you every step of the way. If you are struggling with the altitude you also have the option to ride a horse to the summit to see the spectacular Rainbow Mountain in all its glory!

 

The Spectacular Rainbow Mountain!

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain(s)

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is actually much more than a stripey Peruvian mountain.... it is 3 Rainbow Mountains! Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is found in the same section of The Peruvian Andes called The Vilcanota Mountain Range. This mountain range is just a few hours South of Cusco in the same region as its more famous counterpart - Vincicunca Rainbow Mountain, as well as the Ausangate Mountain (the highest in Cusco) and the Qollor Riti Festival! Palcoyo is the lesser-visited Rainbow Mountain, receiving a fraction of the visitors than Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. This makes it perfect for those who prefer an off-the-beaten-track Rainbow Mountain experience, far away from the Cusco tour buses. The other advantages are that it is at a lower elevation than The "main" Rainbow Mountain, it is less distance to trek there, and you can see the stunning Red Valley stretching for miles, as well as the fascinating stone forest on your Palcoyo journey! 

 

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains!

 

The 7 Day Ausangate Trek With Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu

The Ausangate mountain is a sacred mountain for the local people and is the highest region. The Ausangate trek is considered one of the most challenging treks to Machu Picchu, in large part due to the high elevation along the route. We will also trek to The famous Rainbow Mountain found in the same mountain range.  The Ausangate trek with Rainbow Mountain o Machu Picchu is one of the most naturally stunning treks in Peru, passing through unspoiled landscapes of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and crystalline lakes. Combine this with the stunning Rainbow Mountain, then a transfer to Machu Picchu, and you have got yourself one pretty amazing Peru Trek!   

 

The Sacred  Apu Ausangate on The Ausangate Trek!

The 10 Day Ausangate Trek With Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu

This exceptional 10 day hiking trip to The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain region is the same as the 7 Day option mentioned above. The difference is that we include your acclimatization days in Cusco prior to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow mountain trekking adventure to Machu Picchu. We also include a night in Cusco when you return from Machu Picchu so that you don´t have the hassle of searching for a hotel!

 

Glacial Lakes on The Ausangate  and Rainbow Mountain Trek

 

Optional Add-Ons For Your Rainbow Mountain Trek

Cusco is a beautiful Andean city in Peru with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore in its own right! Of course, Cusco is renowned for being the gateway to Machu Picchu. If you have a few extra days in Cusco before or after your Rainbow Mountain Trek, here are some optional add-ons and activities you can consider to make the most of your time on your visit to the land of The Incas.

 

Optional Add-Ons 

 

• The Huayna Picchu Hike is actually an optional hike inside Machu Picchu on your visit to the Inca site. The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the famous conical mountain in all of the classic Machu Picchu photos! Each day, 400 lucky people have the opportunity to climb this peak for the most majestic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys. You will need a special permit for this hike however as numbers are restricted. Let us know at the time of booking your Machu Picchu tour!

 

 

 

• Sacred Valley Tour: The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a picturesque region just outside of Cusco. You can visit towns like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, exploring ancient ruins, local markets, and enjoying the spectacular countryside of The Andes. If you are struggling or trying to acclimatize before your Inca Trail trek or Salkantay Trek, you should visit The Sacred Valley as it is 1000 meters lower than Cusco. 

 

 

• Horse Riding: Enjoy horseback riding in the beautiful countryside around Cusco, with the option to visit archaeological sites such as the Temple of The Moon and Qenqo and enjoy horse riding through the wonderful Andean region before your trekking adventure in The Andes.

 

• ChocoMuseo: This Chocolate Museum in Cusco offers workshops on making chocolate from scratch. It's a great activity for families or chocolate lovers.

 

• San Pedro Market: Explore this bustling local market on your Cusco City tour to experience the daily life of Cusco's residents. You can buy local products, sample traditional foods, and shop for souvenirs at this wonderful eclectic Cusco Market

 

• Sacsayhuaman and Cusco Ruins: Explore the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, located just above Cusco. It's an impressive site with large stone walls and beautiful views of the city. Tambomachay and Puka Pukara are the lesser-known Inca ruins in the Cusco area. They are typically less crowded than the more famous sites like Sacsayhuaman and Machu Picchu and you can visit on a Cusco city tour either before or after your hike to Machu Picchu.

 

Sacsaywaman Fortress near Cusco

 

• Zip-Lining: There are several zip-lining options in the Sacred Valley, offering an adrenaline-filled adventure with breathtaking views. The Via Ferrata and Zipline adventure in the Sacred Valley is an excellent option before your Machu Picchu trek.

 

• South Valley Tour: The South Valley of Cusco is less frequented by tourists but offers a unique perspective of the region's history and culture. You can visit sites like Tipon (Inca agricultural terraces), Pikillacta (pre-Inca ruins), and Andahuaylillas (known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" ) for its stunning church.

 

• Humantay Lake: A day trip to Humantay Lake, located in the Salkantay region, offers a breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It's a relatively moderate hike and a great way to experience the Andean highlands as you acclimatize for your multi-day trek in The Andes.

 

• Qeswachaka (Inca Rope Bridge): Qeswachaka is the last remaining Inca bridge made of woven grass. You can visit this ancient engineering marvel, participate in bridge-building activities, and learn about traditional Quechua culture before your Machu Picchu hike.

 

• Mountain Biking: If you're an adventure enthusiast, consider mountain biking in the Sacred Valley or South Valley. There are various cycling routes catering to different skill levels. Our favorite is the cycling adventure at Maras and Moray in The Sacred Valley.

 

• Visiting Local Communities: Engage in community-based tourism by visiting local Andean communities. You can learn about traditional weaving, farming, and customs, and even participate in cultural exchanges.

 

• Maras and Moray ATV tour: You can combine a visit to the Moray archaeological site with a Mountain Bike Tour or ATV tour, through the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on local life in The Sacred Valley.

 

• Huchuy Qosqo: This is a less crowded day hike that is perfect as an acclimatization hike before you tackle the Inca Trail hike or Choquequirao Trek. This one-day hike takes you to the ancient site of Huchuy Qosqo, offering beautiful views and a glimpse into Inca history.

 

Humantay Lake 

Tips on Physical Preparation For Rainbow Mountain

Traveling to any destination anywhere in the world can be hard both emotionally and physically. Peru and South America are no exception; you need to take care of your health to enjoy your Rainbow Mountain Trip. Here, we will offer some useful tips for healthy travel and some advice on staying healthy during your Rainbow Mountain tours and treks.                                               

 

Before you Leave Home for Your Rainbow Mountain Tour

Visit a medical clinic before you travel, your doctor will be able to give you the injections you need for the locations you wish to visit in Peru. Vaccines and medications are one of the best ways to protect yourself while traveling. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, and a rabies vaccine are our recommendations for traveling to Peru. There are also other illnesses you could encounter, such as the famous Travelers' Diarrhoea, and colds (there are different cold viruses in Peru) are the most common things you may encounter when you travel to Peru for your Rainbow Mountain trip.

 

Visit Your Travel Clinic Before your Rainbow Mountain Peru Trip!

 

First Aid Kit

Pack a good first aid kit, you may think that you do not need this but this is an essential part of any preparation or any Rainbow Mountain trip. Take the essentials like anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, anti-motion sickness medication, pain relievers, laxatives, antacids, anti-bacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, band-aids, cream for sunburn, and rehydration salts.  if you don’t need them then great, but it is better to have a fully equipped first Aid kit on your Rainbow Mountain tour than not! Remember, your Rainbow Mountain tours involve trekking in remote regions where medical facilities are scarce or non-existent.
 

Travel Insurance

We all know when traveling this is an extra expense that you might not be thinking about for your Rainbow Mountain trip. However, a basic travel insurance policy is essential for your Rainbow Mountain Trek and any travel in Peru. Obviously, we hope that all will run smoothly, but, if something should happen, you can at least rely on your insurance policy for emergency treatment and to help get you home if necessary. Without it, you may be in serious trouble during your Rainbow Mountain tour!

Fitness Levels

Build up your fitness level with aerobic training, or cardiovascular training before hiking on your Rainbow Mountain Trek. This refers to exercise or activities that use oxygen to adequately meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism and should be the focus of your preparation. Swimming, running, and hiking, are all excellent ways to prepare for Rainbow Mountain hiking tours.

 

Day Hikes to Prepare for Rainbow Mountain

 

Mental Preparation

Training for a Rainbow Mountain hike is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. There will be points along The Rainbow Mountain excursion that are particularly tough, usually on the way up to high passes.  Despite tired legs and sore bodies, you will need to be able to dig deep to push yourself up and over these passes. Make sure you have a positive attitude before arriving in Cusco. That means preparing yourself mentally for your high-elevation Rainbow Mountain trekking challenge ahead!

 

During your Rainbow Mountain Tour

Water:

Anywhere you travel in the world you need to be careful with the drinking water. Normally what most people do is buy bottled water, this is the best idea but make sure that the seal is intact. For the Rainbow Mountain Trek, it is important to take a refillable water bottle. If you are on a multi-day Rainbow Mountain trek such as The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu. This is also a good way to protect the environment and avoid the use of unnecessary plastics along your journey to Rainbow Mountain. Taking purification tablets is also a good idea depending on the season you are trekking to the Rainbow Mountain In dry season water is harder to come by, but don´t worry, we have you covered all along the Rainbow Mountain trip! We also provide plenty of hot drinks that help keep you hydrated, and warm and you know the water has been boiled to avoid any stomach issues on the Rainbow Mountain Tour.

 

Food: 

Eat healthy and in reputable restaurants before your Rainbow Mountain trip to avoid illness. Getting sick before your Rainbow Mountain Trek is not a good way to prepare for this challenging Peru hiking tour! Remember that your body is dealing with the altitude gain even before you begin to trek the stunning Rainbow Mountain and getting sick could take away valuable travel time on your trip to Peru. Wait until after your Rainbow Mountain tour to sample or experiment with the local cuisine and try all of the delicious dishes (and pisco sours) on offer during your Peru tour package!

 

Quinoa Salad - Perfect Preparation For Rainbow Mountain Treks

 

The Altitude:

Take it easy when you arrive in Cusco and drink plenty of water. Do not take the altitude lightly this can make you feel sick and you do not want to spoil your Rainbow Mountain Trek. For the first few days in Cusco, do nothing more than stroll around until you feel your breathing is normal and you are used to the thinner air. After a couple of days do some day hikes around the local archaeological sites or some mountain biking in The Sacred Valley for example, which is at lower elevation.
 

Alcohol:

Save the parties and drinking until after your Rainbow Mountain Trek, your body will thank you for it. Alcohol can cause terrible hangovers at altitude and should be avoided, at least while you are acclimatizing 😊 In any case, you will probably want to celebrate completing your trip to the Rainbow Mountain so save the Pisco Sours until after your  Rainbow Mountain adventures!

 

Pisco Sours After Rainbow Mountain!

 

Hotels:

The top-end hotels throughout Peru usually have decent gyms and excellent spa facilities to help you keep fit and well during your stay. There are a number of wellness options for those who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle during their Machu Picchu vacation packages, ask us at Valencia Travel for more information on wellness options for either before or after your Rainbow Mountain tour.

Staying for Long Periods of Time in Peru:

If you plan to stay in Peru for a while, there are plenty of hiking options to help you keep fit.  The most famous day trip of course is Rainbow Mountain on Cusco day tours, however, there are many different trekking options. There are a number of hiking clubs in Cusco for example, where you can keep fit and also enjoy some of the more off-the-beaten-track trekking routes of the Andes in the company of other trekkers.

You can also sign up for a local gym if you want to maintain your fitness regime from back home before you hike to Rainbow Mountain Explain to the trainer how long you have been traveling in Peru, or at high altitude, and that you want to prepare for Rainbow Mountain Trek. They will make sure you are not over-exerting yourself, especially in Cusco or other high-altitude cities, when you first arrive.

 

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu

 

High Altitude and Acclimatization Tips for Your Rainbow Mountain Tour

If you are planning to travel to Peru to hike to the Rainbow Mountain you will experience an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and habitats where you can take part in all types of adventurous and cultural activities. One of the ultimate destinations to visit is the magical Rainbow Mountain which can be found at over 5200 meters above sea level, and close to the city of Cusco. The Rainbow Mountain can be a phenomenal experience for even the most worldly-wise adventurer, so remember acclimatization to the altitude is just as important as not forgetting your walking boots for Rainbow Mountain Trek.  Remember, acclimatization is a lot more complex than simply popping a few tablets. Here are some top tips to help you avoid suffering from high altitude when you arrive for your Rainbow Mountain trek!

 

You will be Hiking At Over 5000 Meters on The Rainbow Mountain Trek!

 

Rainbow Mountain Treks
 

Take it Easy When You Arrive For Your  Rainbow Mountain Tour! 

On arrival in Cusco, first thing is first, there should be no rushing around. The best thing to do is take it easy for the first 24 hours. The remarkable Andean scenery will still be there the following day! If you have made plans to trek at high altitude in Peru, such as a Rainbow Mountain tour then plan your ascent over a period of days. This gives your body time to adjust, rather than just heading off into the mountains to hike to Rainbow Mountain after leaving your bags at your hotel.

 

Acclimatizing in Cusco Before The Rainbow Mountain Trip!

 

Relax as You Acclimatize for The Rainbow Mountain Trek

There are plenty of amazing things to do in the city of Cusco and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you will be in much better shape for when you start to take things to a higher level on the Rainbow Mountain tour. Coffee shops, reading material, and getting to know the area, are all excellent ways to relax in Cusco, and there are some impressive examples of Inca architecture to be visited before you set off on your Rainbow Mountain tour. It is definitely worth taking a look around Cusco on a Cusco City tour as part of your acclimatization to the high altitude in the Andean region of Peru.

 

 San Blas Breakfast Before Your Rainbow Mountain Hike

 
Pack Light On Your Rainbow Mountain Hike

Make sure you only take the absolute necessities on the Rainbow Mountain hike. Carrying an overweight backpack will not only slow you down but will over-exert you in areas where there is less oxygen at higher elevations of the Rainbow Mountain trek and the difficult terrains that you will be facing.  You can store your main luggage at your Cusco hotel or at our office. This means that you only need to carry your essentials in your day pack for the Rainbow Mountain tour. 

 

Eat Well In Preparation for The Rainbow Mountain Trek

This refers to eating the correct way and the right meals on your arrival to Cusco… not eating everything in sight! Salads (washed in purified water), sandwiches, and plenty of water are excellent in order to prepare your body for any potential altitude issues. Don´t forget, your digestive system slows down at high altitudes so smaller more frequent meals are the way to go instead of massive plates of food. Try and stick to carbs instead of greasy food to keep your energy levels up. This is the best preparation for the Rainbow Mountain tour.

 

Peruvian Potatoes Before Your Rainbow Mountain Trek!

 

Avoid Alcohol Before the Rainbow Mountain Trip,  At least!

Although all that sitting around as you acclimatize for your Rainbow Mountain trekking adventure can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it is worth avoiding alcohol until your body has acclimatized to the altitude. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty. Save the pisco sours until after the Rainbow Mountain trek!

 

The Magical Coca Leaf On Rainbow Mountain Tours

For centuries, the humble coca leaf has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in the Andes. This magical leaf helps to combat altitude symptoms, acts as a diuretic, and is downright tasty! Whether you make a herbal brew or chew them directly, this incredible natural remedy will help with the headaches and other side effects of high altitude, that you will surely experience on your Rainbow Mountain trips.

 

Coca Leaves Help Acclimatization For Rainbow Mountain Peru!

Time is a great healer as they say, and it certainly is when it comes to adequate acclimatization before your Rainbow Mountain Trip. Allow in general 2 to 3 days of acclimatization before even thinking about venturing to the Rainbow Mountain. Your body will thank you for it and you will have a much better Rainbow Mountain experience if you are feeling at your best. Find out more about the Rainbow Mountain tours with Valencia Travel here.

 

Colorful Llama at The Colorful Rainbow Mountain!

 

Trekking Distances on Rainbow Mountain Tours

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances on a Rainbow Mountain Tour

The Rainbow Mountains of Peru is located in the Vilcanota Mountain range. This is in a section of The Andes that is in the  Southern Cusco region. One thing is for sure, this mountain range is not easy to get to! The journey involves a 3 -4 hour drive from Cusco. After this journey by car, you will then have a hike to reach the Rainbow Mountain of your choice. The distance hiked is detailed below for the option your prefer!

 

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Hiking Distance

7 KM / 5 Miles (return journey)  and 3-4 hours hiking.

 

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hiking Distance

4KM / 2.5 Miles (return journey)  and 2-3 Hours hiking

 

The Red Valley Near Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

 

Ausangate , Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 7 Day

70 KM /42 Miles  (hiked over 5 Days)

Daily distance and hiking time: between 7 and 15 KM / 4 - 10 Miles and 5-8 hours daily hiking.

 

Ausangate , Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 10 Day

70 KM /42 Miles  (hiked over 5 Days)

Daily distance and hiking time: between 7 and 15 KM / 4 - 10 Miles and 5-8 hours daily hiking.

 

Apu Ausangate!

 

Hiking to the different Rainbow Mountains includes trekking through scenery that´s out of this world!  Whether you prefer a one-day trekking expedition to a Rainbow Mountain, an off-the-beaten-track Rainbow Mountain, or a multi-day trek around the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain, you'll carry with you not just photographs and memories of otherworldly landscapes but a profound sense of accomplishment and wonder that will stay with you, long after your epic Rainbow Mountain adventure is over!

 

Local Child and His Lamb at Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

 

Starting and Ending Points for The Rainbow Mountain Tours

Our Rainbow Mountain Tours all begin and end in Cusco with your hotel pick up and drop off.  What is in between though, is very different! 

 

The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain tour will begin with a 3.5 approx car drive to the trailhead at Cusipata. After your Rainbow Mountain visit, you will hike back along the same trail to Cusipata, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

 

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour heads to the same trailhead from Cusipata but will take a different, easier (lower and shorter than Rainbow Mountain)  hiking route. Three of the Rainbow Mountains can be seen on this route, Palcoyo, Wilcacunca, and Pallay Puncho.

 

The Ausangate with Rainbow Mountain multi-day treks also begin and end in Cusco. We will head to a different trailhead in a village called Tinki and will finish at the ot springs of Pacchanta, where our private car will transfer us to Ollantaytambo train station for the Machu Picchu visit.

 

Whichever Rainbow Mountain route you choose to take, we will be with you every step of the way! 

 

Llamas at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

The Ultimate Packing List For Rainbow Mountain Tours
 

Rainbow Mountain is one of those places that is on most people´s bucket lists when they visit Peru. However, one thing we are constantly asked about for Rainbow Mountain day tours, and multi-day tours is the question of what to pack.

 

For the multi-day treks to Rainbow Mountain with the Ausangate region, we will provide a duffle bag for your main luggage. This will be carried by a pack mule along theAusanagte and Rainbow Mountain trek so you will only need to carry a small daypack with essential items for that day´s trekking. The ultimate tip is to pack light.  A weight restriction of 7 KG approx. is the normal weight allowance and 3 of those kilos will be for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

 

What to Pack for The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu

Clothing

• Windbreaker -An extra layer to keep out the cold Andean wind
• Raincoat or waterproof jacket - Weather is unpredictable in The high Andes!
• Fleece - A warm fleece will come in handy for when temperatures start to drop especially at the campsites each evening.
• T-shirts  1 for each day of the trek
• Thermal clothing - it will depend on the season in which you trek o, but just in case, it never hurts to carry it in your backpack. The Ausangate campsites are at very high elevations and temperatures often drop below freezing.
• Comfortable trekking pants
• Underwear: You choose how many to bring 😊
• Warm Pajamas - At night it will get cooler, so pajamas are essential
• Swimming Costume… for the thermal springs in Pacchanta
• Sun Cap
• Beany
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
   

Footwear for the Rainbow Mountain Trek
 

• Trekking boots. It will depend on the season when you go. If you go in dry season, we recommend boots that are breathable, comfortable and broken in.
• Running shoes. We advise you to take a pair of trainers just in case. You never know what can happen and also to let your feet rest.
• Comfortable shoes for the campsite / Sandals. This is optional, but these will allow your feet to breathe at the end of each day
• Woolen socks for the cold
• Synthetic socks for hiking, they are lighter and more comfortable
   

Equipment required for Rainbow Mountain Tours

• Daypack for each day's trekking items
• Flashlight
• Trekking poles: you can also rent them there before starting the trek
• First aid kit
• Refillable water bottle
• Camera
• Charger and Power Pack
• GPS (optional)
• Snacks
   

Hygiene Products

• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Insect repellent (mainly for the Machu Picchu area)
• Hairbrush
• Quick-drying towel
• Toilet Paper
• Baby wipes (they're very handy when trekking!)

 

Alpacas Along The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu Trek

 

 

Palcoyo and Rainbow Mountain Day Trips

What To Wear:

• Long-sleeved Thermal Shirt
• Thermal leggings 
• Fleece
• Trekking pants
• Thick socks
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof pants (optional)
• Scarf
• Cold weather Hat
• Gloves
• Bandana or Sun cap

 

What to Take:

• Backpack 20-30 L
• Waterproof cover for backpack
• 2 Liters of Water (minimum)
• Trekking shoes (waterproof)
• Trekking poles 
• Headlamp
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sunscreen lip protector
• Sunglasses
• Personal Medications
• Motion sickness tablets for the car ride
• Camera/ Extra battery
• Personal snacks
• Toilet paper
• Dry change of clothes, shoes, and plastic bag to store wet items
• Pillow/ Blanket for the car ride 
• Cash in Peruvian Soles - (small denominations)

 

Always check what equipment is included in the cost of the Rainbow Mountain Day Trips and  Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain treks and base your packing list on that. Remember that the idea is to pack as light as possible! If you have any questions about what to pack for the Rainbow Mountain, contact us here!

 

 Horses Will Get You To Rainbow Mountain If Needed!