Early, around 03:30 AM – 04:00 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 for an hour and a half until passing PITUMARCA where we will be able to admire The Colonial Bridge (Puente colonial). We will then pass through some small villages until we get to the HANCHIPATA – LAMA CHIMPANA community, a transit station where 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, HANCHIPATA. Here, the driver will be waiting for us to return passing through PITUMARCA to the District of CUSIPATA where we can enjoy 1 hour of lunch. Following lunch, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approx. 4:00 PM.

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 20 soles ($7 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.

- Pick up from your hotel/hostel in the center of Cusco
- Drop-off in your hotel
- Private transport according to the number of travelers
- Professional Bilingual Tour Guide (English and Spanish)
- 1 breakfast / 1 buffet lunch (vegetarian option)
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank for emergency cases only
- Entrance fees

- Travel insurance
- Water
- Saddle horse (if required)
- Rain poncho

- PASSPORT - very important!
- Hat to protect from the sun or rain.
- Sunglasses.
- Protective sunscreen
- Dri-FIT T-shirt
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Water bottle
- Small backpack
- Trekking shoes
- Personal medications

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 6:00 pm 2 days before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 2 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time) or earlier, a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@rainbowmountaintravels.com (include the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. 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.

2. How physically fit do I need to be?

   You should be reasonably fit to undertake the trek. The trek is not particularly steep, but at this altitude the gradual climb is difficult.

3. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

   Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover and may include a headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache that is not relieved by medication, nausea and vomiting, and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

4. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

   Take Soroche (Diamox) pills, eat small meals, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol (it’s a dehydrator). The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach for acclimatization is to ascend gradually, spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000 ft increase in altitude.

5. 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.

6. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

   Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us, you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organization, and assistance with your plans for these tours.