Private Tour

Early, around 03:30 AM – 03:40 AM, we will pick you up from the hotel in Cusco to make the trip to Qollasuyo, the southern part of the ancient land of the Quechua people (Cusco). This area played a huge role in the history of the Tawantinsuyo (Ancient Incas).

Firstly, we will pass through the CUSIPATA District where we will stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. From there, we continue our journey to FULAWASIPATA where our trek begins. We will have a brief meeting before starting the walk-up.

We will begin our walk at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range. This will be followed by an ascent of approximately 1 hour to the highest point of the Rainbow Mountain. During this journey, we will have the opportunity to see the different types of South American camelids (relatives of the camel). Upon reaching the red hill, we will have time to soak in and take pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Finally, we will continue our journey with a 1-hour descent into the flat terrain and back to where the walk began. Here, the driver will be waiting for us to return to the District of CUSIPATA where we can enjoy 1 hour of lunch. Following lunch, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approx. 3:00 p.m. to your hotel or hostel.

NOTE 1: If you are staying at a location different than that which you selected as your pickup location, the responsibility is explicitly yours to be at the main entrance of the hotel or hostel selected as your pick up location for the entire duration of the pickup time range on the date of your tour.

NOTE 2: After Vinicunca, there is an optional additional trek into the Red Valley. The duration of the walk is approximately 30 minutes, and you will also be required to pay an entrance fee to the area of 30 soles ($8 approx).

RECOMMENDATION: We strongly recommend staying in Cusco for 2 days before the expedition in order to acclimatize. Remember that although the walk is approx. 3 hours if you are not well acclimatized you may have difficulties during the journey.

YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE AWAITS

• Passport
• Trekking shoes
• Water
• Small backpack
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

• It is recommended to not take part in the trek if over 60 years of age or in poor physical conditions. Due to the high altitude and steep climbing, it can be dangerous for your health. Other tour operators won’t tell you this, so be very careful.
• The tour operates as normal during December, January, and February, however occasionally visibility may be limited due to the changeable weather.
• Minimum age: 10 years old – must have parents’ permission

WARNING: When being picked up, check with the guide to ensure your name is on their list. Many local companies go to hostels and try to persuade you to go on their tour

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 6:00 pm the day before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel the day prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time) or earlier, a 20% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee. For cancellations or changes to your tour please email bookings@rainbowmountaintravels.com

I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation

Can I rent a horse during this trek?

Yes, you can rent a horse for 90 soles approx for approximately 3 hours, but there are some parts that you will need to walk (approx. 20 to 40 minutes). If you want to hire a horse, you will need to inform the guide at the beginning of the tour and it is subject to availability. It is not possible to reserve a horse in advance, it must be done the day of the tour.

Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude – proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves – the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500meters without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.