Trip Details
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mt – Llacto – Pacchanta ( Sky Domes)
This amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure begins with pick up from your hotel at 5am! We set out to drive for 3 hours through the South Valley, on our way to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). See the amazing views of Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.
The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast spot will entertain you in the early morning. Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast, then get back in the van for the last 5 minute drive to the trailhead. We start on our hike following a lovely stream, with views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. This is a great place to interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!
After hiking up for about 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: Rainbow Mountain! (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty of this colorful landscape, you will have time to explore the area, take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, we hike across to the top of the Red Valley, lets explore and enjoy this amazing place. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our hearty lunch which will be prepared by our chef while you are hiking.
We will embark on the 2-hour drive on the way to Pacchanta where we will sleep at our Exclusive Sky Dome Camp with Bed and hot shower included which are located right next to the hot springs.
**** There is an option to rent a horse from local people right at the starting point of the trek
- Accommodation: Sky Dome Camps with PRIVATE BATHROOMS, hot shower and great views of the starry Sky & the Glacier mt
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 14km/ 8.7 miles
- Elevation: 4200m-5000m
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 2: PACCHANTA – 7 LAKES – CUSCO
After breakfast having a delicious breakfast with amazing vistas of snow-capped mountains, we will start our hike. Hike for about one and a half hours gently uphill to get to the first lake. Upon arrival, you can take all the time you want soaking in the amazing 360-degree vistas of the surrounding lands and explore the lakes, truly a magical place.
From here, we are really close to the other six lakes and it will get easier as it is mostly downhill or flat. We will have plenty of time to take photos of the lakes and glaciers. Then enjoy lunch before departing back to Cusco (3 hours). Arrival time back in Cusco is around 5pm and we will drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Distance: 11km/ 6.8mi
- Elevation: 4,600m/15,200ft
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Included
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
- Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and back to Cusco.
- English speaking, experienced and professional guide
- Entrances to the Rainbow mt and the 7 lakes
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
- Tents for our staff to sleep in
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Rain poncho
- Taxes
Not Included
- Hiking gear
- Travel insurance
- Trekking Poles – $15 USD per person
- Tips for the crew, guide and cook of SAM TRAVEL PERU
PRICES
The Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Hike is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
- $297 USD PER PERSON
Personal pack horse included!
***This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag, in which you can put your things.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFLE BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the Rainbow Mountain & 7 lakes trek.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Rainbow Mountain & 7 lakes trek in Ausangate, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain & 7 lakes trek in Ausangate, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Rainbow Mountain & 7 lakes trek in Ausangate, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
IS THE THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & 7 LAKES TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is from moderate to difficult level.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! SAM Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & 7 LAKES TREK?
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid, student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & 7 LAKES TREK?
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- 1 t-shirts
- 1 hiking pants at least
- 2 sets of undergarments
- 2 sets of hiking socks
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals depending on the season
- Warm clothes, down jacket — depending on the season
- Warm gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & 7 LAKES TREK?
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
