This full day tour offers an unforgettable adventure through the highlands of Peru. An early start from Cusco, passing through traditional villages and dramatic valleys. This striking trek begins with a gentle hike dotted with herds of alpacas and sweeping views. The last part of the trek you will ascend to the summit and the colorful layers or terracotta, yellow, turquoise and lavender are spread out before you. The views offer unique photo opportunities. Enjoy the views before returning to the start of the trek and traveling back to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Today’s adventure starts from your hotel at 4:00 AM when your guide and driver will arrive at your hotel in Cusco. Travel south of Cusco for around 3½ hours to our wonderful breakfast spot that is surrounded by wonderful mountain views. Later travel to the trailhead at Phulawasipata which is located at 4200m/14300ft.
Be sure to wear warm clothes for the cold morning, here will be colder than Cusco. Set off on the hike which should take about 1½ hour to reach the summit. If you prefer there is an opportunity to rent horses to make your journey easier. While hiking, take in the awesome surroundings, see South American Camelids, and other species in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival at the top, be mesmerized by the outstanding views. Enjoy time to explore on your own, be memorized by Mother Nature and capture treasured photos. From Rainbow Mountain enjoy a gorgeous view of the highest mountain in Cusco, Ausantage, which is the fifth in Perú. Afterwards, we will have an informative discussion with your guide about the highlights of Incan history. The quietness of being next to the highest mountain in Cusco “Ausangate” is simply magical.
After marveling in the views, hike down for lunch to the trailhead. (1 hour estimated) A buffet lunch will be served, followed by a car drive back to Cusco.
Included
- Experienced Guides: Our guides have a proven track on the industry, they will provide a lot of information about the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
- First Aid Kit: Our guide always carries a first aid kit to handle any emergencies during your tour. This kit has treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea, and cuts, ensuring quick care if anyone has health problems.
- Oxygen Tank: Our guides carry a metal oxygen tank during the trek.
- Breakfast and Lunch: Let us know if you have any food restrictions: Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and lactose intolerance.
- Private Transportation: Our vans are new, fully registered for tourist use, and equipped with important safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We will pick you up from your hotel for the Rainbow Mountain tour. After the trip, we will drop you back off at your hotel.
- 24/7 Customer Service: We have a phone line available 24 hours.
- Entrance Fee.
NOT INCLUDED
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew. (optional)
- Travel insurance.
- Trekking Poles $10
- Horse – You can hire one on the spot. and costs around $100 Soles or $30 USD
- Water
PRICES:
Group prices
| # OF PERSONS | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $159 pp |
| 3 – 4 persons | $125 pp |
| 5 – 7 persons | $95 pp |
| 8+ persons | $79 pp |
Please read the following information.
Booking
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is your starting point (thrailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Briefing.
For 1 day tours there is no briefing needed, but we will be intouch with you and set the briefing over the phone.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
Recommendations
- Original passport.
- Mountain boots.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- A warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- Comfortable poles.
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat.
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera .
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
