Depending on your expectations, your spirit of adventure, and your financial possibilities, you can visit Rainbow Mountain by taking one of the tours offered by tour operators in Cusco, or you can go on your own and have a better idea.
In either case, we offer below what you should know about how to get to Rainbow Mountain in Peru. With our tips, you will be ready to contemplate this dazzling mountain, which is the best experience you can have as a traveler in Peruvian territory.
Table of Contents
How to get to Rainbow Mountain with a tour
All tour operators in Cusco offer a day tour to Rainbow Mountain. They follow the same route and, of course, arrive at the same place.
You can expect all these operators to differ in terms of the quality of service, the professionalism of the guides, and the meals they offer as part of the tour package.
Benefits of taking a tour
Taking a tour has notable advantages, especially if it is your first time at this multi-colored destination. You will have comfortable means of transportation, precise and adequate guidance, and the opportunity to share your experience with other travelers in a good environment.
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How to book a tour
As with any other tour, you must book it well in advance with the operator of your choice. That is why it is advisable to check the websites of different operators to find out what their service consists of and how much you should pay.
Generally, they give you an online form that you must fill out with the requested information. You must also carefully read the recommendations and steps to follow throughout the application process and during the offered tour.
How to book a tour with TreXperience
Follow these simple steps to book your experience with TreXperience:
- Visit our website: Login to TreXperience to explore our tour options. We offer you three options to choose from:
➡️Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Tour
➡️Best Day Tours from Cusco - 6 days
➡️Machu Picchu Tour & Rainbow Mountain - 5 days
- Select your preferred tour: Choose from the options according to your travel plans and interests.
- Check the details: Check the itinerary, what the tour includes, and make sure it is the right option for you.
- Reserve your place: Complete the reservation form and make the payment securely.
- Confirm with our team: You will receive an email confirmation with all the details of your tour. If you have any questions, our team is ready to assist you.
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Choosing the type of tour
It is a choice that depends on you, although you should keep in mind that the private tour costs a little more. Depending on your plans, you can choose the private tour if, for example, you are on your honeymoon or if you prefer to only share with your family group.
The group tour is beautiful in the sense that you can share with people from different countries and even make new friends, so you will always have the opportunity to learn about other experiences and other opinions.
For both modalities, very detailed services are offered with all the necessary instructions for each case.
Typical tour itinerary with a Tour
We will start by picking you up at your hotel at 4:30 AM to drive 3 hours to Phulawasipata, the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain trail. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our chef. The 2-hour hike begins here at 4,600 meters, leading to a steep ascent before reaching the summit at over 5,000 meters. At the top, we will enjoy amazing panoramic views and learn about the cultural significance of the mountain. Afterwards, we will visit the Red Valley and return to Phulawasipata for lunch. Finally we will board the bus for our return to Cusco, where we will arrive around 5:30 PM.
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Entrance fee
The average cost of this ticket ranges from 25 soles (7 USD) for foreign tourists to 15 soles (4 USD) for national tourists. Preferential prices are available for minors and students.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain on your own
Typical tour itinerary without a Tour
If you prefer to visit the Rainbow mountain on your own, it is important to leave early (around 4:00 AM) to enjoy the experience and be among the first to arrive. Don't forget to bring your food and water for the journey.
- Bus to Cusipata: Take a bus to Cusipata from the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega school in Cusco. The trip takes about 2 hours and the cost is 7 soles (2 USD).
- Taxi to Phulawasipata: Once in Cusipata, take the opportunity to rest and have breakfast before taking a collective cab to Phulawasipata, where the hike begins.
- Hike to the Colored Mountain: The hike takes about 2 hours and is of moderate to challenging difficulty due to the altitude (5,200 meters).
- Descent to Phulawasipata: The return is faster and less demanding.
- Return to Cusco: Be sure to calculate your time well to find transportation back to Cusco, as buses and cabs may be limited at the end of the day.
Although this route is possible, we recommend hiring a private taxi for the whole day from Cusco. This way, your driver will wait for you during the hike and will be ready to take you back to the city without delay. This will give you greater comfort and avoid any inconvenience when waiting for cabs or buses.
Options for climbing Rainbow Mountain without a tour
There are three options for reaching the summit from Phulawasipata, but there are stringent safety measures to avoid unnecessary risks:
- The hiking will take you an average of three hours, depending on your physical condition, because the mountain is 5,000 meters above sea level.
- You can hire the services of a muleteer to make the journey on horseback.
- Another option for those who like a less traditional experience is to travel in a four-wheeler.
Depending on your skill in driving this type of vehicle, the journey can take one and a half or two hours.
Practical Tips to Get to the Rainbow Mountain
Preparation for the hike
It does not represent a significant danger, but you may encounter more demanding stretches both on the way up and down. You should bear in mind that altitude can cause what is known in the area as soroche or altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimate properly in Cusco for at least two days to undertake the journey you have longed to undertake.
The hike may take between two and three hours, depending on your physical condition. As we have already pointed out, if you are not in the best physical condition, you can rent a horse for this journey. It is considered moderate; it is not very demanding.
➡️Read more: Overcoming Altitude Sickness in Cusco
What to bring
- It is essential to bring a hat or a wide-brimmed cap, a rain poncho in case it rains, and some type of sunscreen. Because of the cold weather and icy wind, you should bring warm clothing and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
- Remember to bring enough water in a canteen or other container that you can carry comfortably. Also, you should have something light to eat to conserve the necessary calories, such as some type of snack or nuts.
The best time to visit
It is of utmost importance to choose the best time to visit the magnificent Rainbow Mountain. If you go during the rainy season, which runs from November to March, you are very likely to find this incredible mountain covered in snow and not be able to appreciate its multicolor.
The best time or season is the dry season, which runs between April and October. During these months, there is little rain, the sky is usually more transparent, and the mountains show their colors in all their splendor.
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➡️Read more: The Best Time to Visit Peru
We have offered you exact recommendations and information about the territory, clothing, footwear, your physical condition, and the essentials for your comfort and safety. Everything you need to make your visit to the Rainbow Mountain unforgettable and smooth.
If you prefer to enjoy this unique experience without worrying about the logistical details, let us accompany you. At TreXperience, we will take care of everything so that you can just concentrate on living the adventure, book with us!
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