Skip the rushed day trips! This two-day adventure lets you savor Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley without crowds. Watch glaciers glow at sunset, sleep under starry skies, and meet local llama herders—all with a small group (just 2-8 people!). Perfect for hikers who want to experience the Andes, not just check a box.
Cusco → Alqatari → Ausangate → Ananta Camp
4:00 AM: Hotel pickup (yawn-proof coffee included). Drive 3 hours through sleepy villages to Alqatari, where our chef serves a hot breakfast.
The hike starts gently—llamas grazing, rivers babbling. Then comes the climb to Pucacocha Pass (16,404 ft). Catch your breath while staring at Ausangate Glacier (20,900 ft—yes, that’s a real number!). Descend past turquoise lakes to our private campsite (15,420 ft).
After lunch, nap in your hut or chat with herders. Dinner’s served as the sun dips, then… LOOK UP. The Milky Way here’ll make you cry.
Stats:
Ananta → Warmi Saya → Rainbow Mountain → Red Valley → Cusco
3:30 AM: Wake-up call! Sip coca tea while our chef cooks breakfast. Hike under stars to Warmi Saya Pass (16,900 ft) as dawn breaks.
Then… Rainbow Mountain appears! No crowds, just you and those wild stripes. Snap pics, explore with your guide, then trek to the Red Valley—a rust-colored dreamscape that feels like Mars.
Celebrate with a hearty lunch before the drive back to Cusco. You’ll arrive by 3 PM, buzzing with stories (and maybe a llama selfie or two).
Stats:
Heads Up!
To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:
Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:
This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
Experience a full-day guided trek to Rainbow Mountain with expert support, available in small shared groups or exclusive private tours.
Cost per person depends on final group size (2–10 participants):
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $150 |
| 3 people | $125 |
| 4 people | $99 |
| 5 people | $80 |
| 6+ people | $70 |
Important Notes:
Customizable tours with dedicated guide, private transport, and flexible dates:
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $170 |
| 3 people | $150 |
| 4 people | $130 |
| 5 people | $110 |
| 6+ people | $90 |
Important Notes:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Horse Rental | Available at the trailhead for ~100 soles (round trip). Guides assist with arrangements and price negotiation. |
Key Reminders:
How can I book the Rainbow Mountain trek with you?
To book, click the “Book Now” button, choose your date, enter your information, and pay with a credit or debit card. You can also add extras like a sleeping bag, trekking poles, or an emergency horse. The emergency horse must be booked in advance, but the other items can be arranged when you arrive.
Can I leave my extra stuff at your office?
Yes, you can leave your extra belongings at our office. You can give them to your guide when they pick you up. We’ll keep them safe until you get back.
Why is your trek more expensive than others?
Our price includes a few important things. We keep our van at the trailhead in case someone needs to leave early. Our guides have satellite radios for emergencies. We also have shelters at our campsites to protect you from the weather. Plus, we keep our groups small so everyone gets personal attention.
What happens if I get sick on the trek?
If you get sick, our van is at the trailhead and ready to take you back to Cusco quickly. Our guide and team will make sure you get the medical help you need.
How many days should I spend in Cusco before the trek?
We recommend at least three days in Cusco to get used to the altitude. The trek starts high up (4,700 meters) and goes even higher (5,036 meters), so it’s important to be acclimatized.
Do I need my original passport?
You don’t need your original passport for the trek; a copy is fine. But if you want to get a Rainbow Mountain stamp in your passport, you’ll need to bring the original.
How hard is the Rainbow Mountain trek?
It’s moderately challenging. You need to be reasonably fit because of the high altitude and uneven ground. It’s not an easy walk, but it’s doable if you’re prepared.
What time do we get to Rainbow Mountain?
We leave the campsite around 4:30 am and it takes about 3 hours to reach Rainbow Mountain, so we usually arrive around 8:00 am. It could be a little earlier or later, depending on how fast we hike.
When do I pay the rest of the money?
You can pay the remaining balance at our office the day before the trek. You can pay with cash or a credit card (there’s a 5% fee for credit cards). You can also pay online through “We Travel” for a smaller fee.
Is there a student discount?
We don’t offer a student discount for this trek right now.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley before the trek?
We don’t recommend staying in the Sacred Valley because it’s lower than Cusco, so it won’t help you get used to the altitude. Plus, if you stay there, we’ll have to pick you up an hour earlier (3:00 am), and there’s an extra $30 fee.
Can I rent a horse at the trailhead?
No, you can’t rent a horse at the trailhead. You need to book a horse in advance.
When is the best time to do the trek?
The best time is from April to November (the dry season). The weather is usually good with clear skies. From December to March (the rainy season), it’s more likely to be cloudy, snowy, or foggy.
Is it cold on the trek?
Yes, it can get very cold, especially before sunrise and after sunset (around 2°C). At night, it can drop below freezing (-5°C). Bring warm clothes!
Are there age limits?
There’s no age limit, but we suggest kids be at least 8 years old. Younger kids might have trouble with the cold and altitude. If you’re bringing a child, make sure they’re dressed warmly and have spent at least three days in Cusco to acclimate.
How far in advance should I book?
Book at least two weeks in advance. It’s better to book even earlier (a month before) during the busy season (May-August).
Do I need to bring extra money?
Yes, you’ll need some cash. Local people sell things at the trailhead, and they only take cash. There are also vendors at Rainbow Mountain selling drinks and snacks. And it’s nice to tip the horseman, cook, and guide at the end of the trek.
Can I do a private tour?
Yes, we can arrange a private tour. Contact us for pricing.
Can I charge my devices?
There are no places to charge your devices on the trek. Bring a fully charged power bank. You can charge things in our van, but that’s it.
Is the trek safe?
It’s generally safe if you’re prepared. The altitude can be a challenge, so acclimatize in Cusco beforehand. The trails are manageable if you’re moderately fit.
How many days should I spend getting used to the altitude before hiking Rainbow Mountain?
Spend at least four days in Cusco before the trek. Even if you’ve been at a similar altitude before, it’s a good idea to rest for a day when you arrive.
I’m afraid of heights. Can I still do the trek?
The first day’s path is wide and safe. The second day’s path after Warmisaya Pass is a bit narrower, but it’s not a straight drop; it slopes gently. If you’re afraid of heights, this part might be a little scary, so just be careful and take it slow.
Is the Red Valley included?
Yes, we include the Red Valley. We’ll visit it after Rainbow Mountain.
My family is coming, and two people are 65. Can they do it?
We’ve had people in that age range who were active and healthy do the trek. If your relatives don’t hike much, we recommend our easier Rainbow Mountain option. They should also talk to their doctor about going to that altitude (5,040 meters).
Can you drop me off at the airport after the trek?
Yes, we can drop you off at the airport after the trek. You’ll be the first drop-off since the airport is on the way out of Cusco.
Can I rent a horse halfway through?
No, you can’t rent a horse halfway through the trek. You need to book it in advance.
Can I rent a horse for just one day?
No, we don’t offer one-day horse rentals.
Important Information
Things to Know:
Our Recommendations:
Duffle Bag:
We’ll give you a duffle bag the day before your trek at our office after the briefing. You can pack up to 7 kilograms of personal items. Give the duffle bag to our horseman at the trailhead. They’ll carry it to the campsite for you.
Briefings:
The day before your trek, your guide will give you a detailed briefing at our office (250 Marques Street, second floor, office 03) at 5:00 PM. They’ll cover everything you need to know about the trek, including the distance, hiking time, weather, what to wear, and more. You can ask them any questions you have.
Strikes and Demonstrations:
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Cusco. If there’s a strike on your departure day, we’ll try to leave a day earlier. If that’s not possible, we’ll cancel and give you a full refund.
Group Tours:
Our group tours include people of different ages and fitness levels. When you book a group tour, you understand that some people will be faster or slower than you. Everyone will hike at their own pace. If the group needs to change the plan, the guide will talk to everyone and make the best decision for the group’s safety and enjoyment.
Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Toilets:
On the first day, there are toilets at the trailhead. We pay for you to use them. There are no other toilets during the 5-hour hike to the campsite, so you’ll have to use nature. We’ll have toilets at the campsite. On the second day, there are no toilets for the first three hours of hiking. At Rainbow Mountain, there’s a private toilet for 2 soles. There are no more toilets for the next 50 minutes of hiking until you reach the parking area.
Prepare for the Altitude:
On the first day, you’ll reach Apacheta Pass (5,000 meters). On the second day, you’ll be at Rainbow Mountain (5,036 meters). It’s important to be prepared for the altitude. Arrive in Cusco at least 4 days before the trek. Explore Cusco first, then maybe the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and do Rainbow Mountain last. Drink lots of water. If you still feel altitude sickness, you can take medicine like Diamox (but check with a doctor first to make sure it’s okay for you).
Rainbow Mountain Weather:
The weather at Rainbow Mountain changes a lot. The dry season (May-September) usually has clear skies and daytime temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 59°F), but nights can be below freezing. The rainy season (November-March) has more rain, and the trails can be muddy. Temperatures then are between 5°C and 12°C (41°F and 54°F) during the day and cooler at night.
Local Culture:
On the first day, you’ll pass through a local village where you’ll see people wearing traditional clothing. You might also see people with their dogs herding alpacas. They wear these clothes because it’s a long-standing tradition, not just for tourists.
Dress in Layers:
The weather at Rainbow Mountain can change quickly. It might be sunny one minute and cloudy, windy, and cold the next. Temperatures drop in the afternoon, and winter nights can get very cold (as low as -10°C). So, it’s best to dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing weather.
Respect the Environment:
Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate region are beautiful places. It’s important to protect them. Stick to the trails, don’t litter, and don’t disturb the wildlife. Be a responsible tourist and respect local customs.
Animals:
You’ll see many alpacas on both days of the trek. They belong to local people. They’ll probably run away if you get too close. At Rainbow Mountain, you can take photos with alpacas and llamas that are dressed up. Local people bring them there for pictures.
Cost of Photos with Alpacas:
If you want to take a picture with the locals and their llamas at Rainbow Mountain, it’s nice to give them a tip of about 5 soles (around $2).
Cancellations and Refunds:
