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Trip Details
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO-QESUNO-ANATA
On the first day of your Rainbow mountain adventure, we will pick you up at your hotel at 4:00am and drive 3 hours to the trailhead. While packing up our gear near the trailhead, our chef will be preparing a hot breakfast to get you fueled up for the hike ahead of you. Our guides will go over the itinerary for the day and safety tips to ensure you are fully prepared for the next two days. The trek begins in a large green valley. There, you will see hundreds of alpacas, local farmers, and the beautiful Ausangate Mountain, towering high above. This is only a teaser for what is to come on your journey!
As you continue making your way on the trail, you will conquer the first pass of the trek, the Pucacocha pass. At around (4876mt, 16,000 ft), the pass sits just above Pucacocha Lake, and the massive Ausangate Mountain is directly in front of you. After a successful climb, we will stop around noon to eat lunch and recharge our bodies for the remainder of the hike.
Our destination for the night is Anata, where we will enjoy a beautiful evening surrounded by jaw dropping landscape at the base of the Andes Mountains. As the sun sets, we set up the dining tent with chairs for the group to relax and enjoy conversation while dinner is being prepared. This night you will see an unforgettable night sky full of constellations, shooting stars, and keep yourself warm with coca tea or hot chocolate made from Peruvian chocolate.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Distance: 14km/ 8.7 miles
- Elevation: 4200m-5000m
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 2: ANATA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN- CUSCO
Today is what you have been waiting for! Your chance to see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain, and the best part is you’re almost there! We will wake you up bright and early between 4am and 5am with coca tea delivered to your tent, and served a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for your final climb to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Upon arrival, you can take all the time you want soaking in the amazing 360-degree vistas of the surrounding lands and explore the mountain itself. Take some time to yourself and really enjoy the beauty of nature around you. It truly is a magical place. Then we will hike down for 1 hour to the Red Valley, enjoy the amazing red mountains and valley and finally we hike to the Llacto where we will have lunch and take our transportation back to Cusco (3 hours). Arrival time back in Cusco will depend on how long you want to spend on Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, but we typically get back around 5pm and drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch
- Distance: 18km/ 11 miles
- Elevation: 5000m-5200m-4200m
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
WHAT’S INCLUDED FOR Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days?
Included
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa trailhead and back to Cusco.
- English speaking, experienced and professional guide
- Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
- 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
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
- Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses
- 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
- Taxes
Not Included
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c – $20
- Air Mattresses – $20
- Trekking Poles – $15
- Tips for the crew, guide and cook of SAM TRAVEL PERU
PRICE
- $297 USD per person
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.
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.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
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
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SUPER COOL HORSESMEN
Hiking the 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Trek with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns and buildings. Having the opportunity to learn some words in Quechua and about the fascinating Inca history. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and simply feel the magic of Mother Nature (Pachamama) and the Andes. We carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents avoid crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.
We provide the following items to our horsemen and cooks for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffle bags, canteen, a girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and insurance.
OUR CHEF
You will love our fabulous chef! The food on the Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Hike has been highlighted by all our clients they say “that it was better than in the restaurants.” Delicious and abundant gourmet style meals, Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you are vegetarian or have food allergies of any kind, we can cater our meal to adjust to your needs.
SAM Travel Peru can cater to any food restrictions and special diets such as gluten free, vegetarian or vegan!
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (Guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for US$20.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers. - OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through when on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
Have a look our recent social work: “We, (the students from Patachancha Community) got to go to Machu Picchu for the first time”
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only employing them work but also to keep things at grassroots, to share in their homes and with their families. This makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the Rainbow Mountain Hike.
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 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Rainbow Mountain Hike your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more conveinent for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain Hike 2 days, 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 US$211.00 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 Trek, 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.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HIKING THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
IS THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE 2 DAYS 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
- 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
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 HIKE?
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
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
