ITINERARY
A Journey to the Colorful Heart of the Andes
Your day begins in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, where we will pick you up for a 3.5-hour drive to the trailhead deep in the Peruvian Andes. We will enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast. An early start is necessary to avoid the crowds and arrive at the mountain before other tours.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain will take approximately 2 hours and cover a distance of 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Along the way, we will traverse a vibrant green valley with the snow-capped peak of Apu Ausangate looming in the distance. We will see hundreds of alpacas and llamas roaming the mountains and have the opportunity to experience firsthand how the indigenous people live. As we approach Rainbow Mountain, we will begin to see the first hints of the colorful minerals that formed the painted hills, and finally, with a final push, we will ascend to a viewpoint offering a 360-degree view of the stunning landscape that makes up this sacred land.
We'll enjoy a snack at the summit and take a relaxing break to admire the views and appreciate the surrounding beauty. At this time, you can also enjoy coca tea prepared by the locals for visitors. After admiring the views, we'll begin the one-hour hike back to the trailhead. Shortly after, we'll enjoy a lunch and depart for the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo, arriving around 4 p.m.
Distance : 7 km / 4.3 miles (round-trip)
Steps: 11,340 approx steps
Hours of Hiking: 3–4 hours total
Lowest Altitude: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft (trailhead)
Highest Altitude: 5,050 m / 16,564 ft (Rainbow Mountain summit)
Elevation Gain: ~650 m / 2,133 ft
Duration: Full Day
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to high altitude and uphill terrain)
Weather: Unpredictable, some days could be sunny with blue sky, while other days foggy, rainy, and snowy.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change