How to beat the crowds and other useful information about visiting the famous Peruvian attraction
At Lizzy Wasi we get many questions from our guests about visiting the Rainbow Mountain. That’s why we recently made the journey ourselves, and got some first hand experience about the trip to the newly discovered Vinicula Mountain. Here is what we learned:
If you want to beat the crowds, take a private tour
Most tour operators will pick up tourist groups from different hotels between 4 and 6 am before heading out to the mountain, getting them to Base Camp (the starting point for the hike) around 9 am. This is way too late if you want to beat the crowds. Instead, we opted for a private tour that left Cusco at 3 am and arrived at Base Camp around 6:30 am, giving us a several hour head start.
The Rainbow Mountain parking lot when we arrived, 6:20 am
For reference our private tour was USD 74 per person for a group of three, but with a larger group (up to 13 people) you could lower the price to around USD 40 per person. You can find many operators (private or not) that will take you to the Rainbow Mountain; just make sure to check reviews online before committing to a company to make sure it’s reputable.
Make your breakfast stop a short one
To maintain your time advantage over the crowds,don’t spend too much time on breakfast, limit your stop to 30 minutes or coordinate ahead of time with your agency to have a to-go breakfast along the way.
The hike starts when you arrive at Base Camp
We arrived at Base Camp, the starting point for hiking to the Rainbow Mountain, at 6:20 am. Here you will begin a 3 kilometer trek that starts at an elevation of 4700 m (15,420 ft) and ends at 5030 m (16,404 ft). You can divide the hike into two parts: the first two kilometers (the less challenging part) in which the altitude will increase about 100 m (328 ft), and the last kilometer where the altitude will increase 200 m (656 ft). The last kilometer is a steep hike, so it’s important to keep a comfortable pace. Walk a few steps, rest as needed, and repeat. No need to rush here.
Riding a horse is a good idea
You will have the option to ride a horse for the first two kilometers of the hike, up until the steep part of the trail. If you are comfortable doing so, we recommend using the service even if you think you won’t get tired walking. It’s much faster and it will save you precious energy needed to walk the last kilometer.
At the base of the mountain don’t follow everyone
This is the last km of the 3 km hike. At the top, you will be at the foot of the Rainbow Mountain
Once you’ve done the 3 Km hike you will be at the foot of the Rainbow Mountain. You’ll have a nice view of it and you will also see the Ausangate snow capped mountain; make sure to snap a picture before continuing your journey. For the most picturesque view of the Rainbow Mountain you will have to climb a small hill next to the mountain. Most people will turn left and do a 70 m straight-up steep climb to the top of the hill. We recommend you take a short 250 m flat trail in the direction of the Ausangate (you’ll see it there), it will take you to the back of the hill, from which the climb is much easier. This will put you in the same prime spot for pictures.
View of the Ausangate Mountain and the trail that goes to the back to climb to the prime spot for pictures
At the base of the Rainbow Mountain
Be prepared for frequent temperature fluctuations
The weather in the Andes can be deceiving. The temperature will change many times during your trip: it may be cold at the beginning, get quite hot during your walk under the sun, and then cold again under the shade of a passing cloud. The best approach for these unpredictable temperature changes is to take many layers that you can put on and take off. Also, take a backpack or bag to store clothing when not in use. Include a scarf and gloves. It’s better to have extra clothes and not need them, rather than to need them and not have them.
Other thing you should you pack
Here are a few items that you should bring:
- Sunblock, sunglasses and a hat (or cap). The sun in the Andes burns even when it feels cold.
- Your passport (if you want). You can have it stamped, just like they do in Machu Picchu
- Good hiking shoes
- Water and snacks, but keep in mind they sell both along the trail
Are there bathrooms?
Yes, there are bathrooms at every kilometer on the road , but you might want to bring your own toilet paper (this is a good idea for most tours in the Sacred Valley)
Going back to Cusco
In total we spent 4.5 hrs at the Rainbow Mountain, this includes the hike, enjoying the sights and snapping plenty of pictures. Heading back to Cusco takes between 3 and 3.5 hours, depending if yout stop for lunch. We arrived back at Lizzy Wasi around 2:30 pm, ready to chill with a coca tea and share pictures with our friends.
The Rainbow Mountain parking lot when we left, 11:00 am
Have you been to the Rainbow Mountain?
This was our experience but we always love to hear from other travelers and learn about their experience. What tips would you add? Send us an email to mkt@lizzywasi.com and we can share your insights on our blog.
Also, looking for a relaxing place to start or finish your Sacred Valley adventures? Check the Lizzy Wasi hotel website here or send an email to info@lizzywasi.com.
