Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayHave you ever felt the raw pull of the mountains? The 2-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek takes you away from the loud, massive crowds. Wake up to the sharp, biting wind of the high altitude. Sip hot cocoa under a sky heavy with stars.
While others rush up and down in a single exhausted day, you get to sleep at the base of the mighty Ausangate. Spaces for this intimate camping route sell out fast. Machu Picchu Peru Lovers secures your spot, giving you the rare chance to watch the sunrise light up the red and yellow valleys before anyone else arrives.
This is not just a walk. It is a physical test. You will feel your lungs work harder, your legs push further, and your mind quiet down. We promise a deeply personal journey. Book now, because these limited small-group permits disappear quickly.
Beat the Rush: Unlike the massive buses that drop hundreds of people at midday, our itinerary places you at the summit right as the morning sun hits the colored peaks.
Camp Under the Milky Way: You will spend the night at Anata. Feel the immense silence of the Andes. Watch the night sky with a hot drink in your hands.
High-Altitude Reality: Cross paths with mountain shepherds. See massive herds of alpacas and llamas grazing on harsh, rocky terrain.
Chef-Prepared Meals at 4000m: Forget cold, dry sandwiches. Our mountain cooks prepare hot, steaming plates of local food that give you real energy to fight off the freezing cold.
The Crimson Red Valley: Most agencies skip this completely. We guide you through the intense rust-colored mountains, adding a deep layer to your visual senses.
Highlight of the day: Sleeping directly under the massive, freezing glacier of Ausangate Mountain.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation: 4200 m to 5000 m
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (steep ascents, rocky dirt trails)
Transport: Private van in the morning from your hotel to the trailhead.
The cold morning air hits your face as we pick you up at 4:00 AM. A three-hour drive brings us to the start of the dirt trail. The smell of hot coffee and a freshly cooked breakfast greets you. Then, the physical challenge begins. The dirt path goes up slowly, demanding focus and steady breathing. You will feel the temperature drop fast as we approach the Pucacocha pass. The wind here is sharp, but the sight of the giant glacier makes you forget the cold. By late afternoon, we reach Anata. The ground is rugged, but your heavy tent is already set up. Wrap your freezing hands around a mug of hot chocolate as the dark sky slowly reveals a massive blanket of stars.
Highlight of the day: Standing at the summit alone before the noise and crowds arrive.
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Elevation: 5000 m to 5200 m, descending to 4200 m
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Hard (extreme altitude, loose gravel, steep descent)
Transport: Private van in the afternoon to return to Cusco.
Your guide wakes you before dawn. Drink hot coca tea inside your sleeping bag to fight off the freezing morning frost. The final climb to Vinicunca tests your lungs deeply. The air is thin. The ground is rocky and covered in loose dirt. Step by step, you push through the physical barrier. Reaching 5200 meters brings a massive rush of adrenaline. You see the striking stripes of yellow, red, and turquoise. Take your time, breathe deeply, and look around the empty summit. Later, the descent takes you through the Red Valley, a landscape that looks like Mars. Your knees will feel the steep drop. Finally, a hot lunch waits for you before the drive back to the city.
Briefing: Face-to-face meeting the night before your trek.
Transport: Private vans from your hotel to the trailhead and back to Cusco.
Guidance: English-speaking guides trained heavily in high-altitude first aid.
Camping Gear: 4-season tents (4-person capacity used only for 2 people), thick sleeping mattresses, dining tent, chairs, and a private portable toilet tent.
Meals: Hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners cooked on-site.
Cargo: Horses and horsemen to carry tents, food, and up to 7 kg of your personal items.
Safety: Emergency oxygen tank and full medical kit.
Extras: Boiled water for drinking, small camping pillows.
Months Before: Walk on uneven terrain. Do cardiovascular exercises heavily.
Days Before: Drink liters of water. Spend at least two full days in Cusco to let your lungs adjust to the lack of oxygen.
During the Trek: Tell your guide immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache. The cold is intense; wear thick layers.
Mental Prep: The facilities are basic. The elements are harsh. Prepare your mind to push through real physical discomfort.
Locals: Ask for permission before taking photos of local shepherds. Respect their quiet, tough way of life.
Payments: Carry extra local currency in small bills for tips, snacks from local vendors, or emergency horse rentals on the dirt trail.
Trip went very smoothly and was very well organized. Easy to highlight is Machu Picchu, but our visit of Amantani island on Lake Titicaca was a real interesting and unique experience. Read more.
This was an excellent well-organized tour at a great value with plenty of variety and lots of free time to explore. Read more.
This was our first trip with Bookmundi and we are extremely happy. From start to finish the experience was excellent. Read more.
We saw all the highlights, the guides were excellent and the trip flowed nicely. The pacing was just right. Read more.
High-altitude trekking can become physically demanding, especially above 5,000 meters. Some sections feel cold, windy, and exhausting. Taking your time and remaining mentally calm greatly improves the overall experience.
Group Service: $297 USD per person
Group Size: Maximum 8 people from all over the world.
Pace: You must maintain a steady rhythm to keep up with the group.
Limitations: Fixed departure times and shared camping spaces.
Travelers requiring special assistance equipment, wheelchairs, crutches, professional filming gear, or other specialized equipment should notify our reservations department in advance.
Pickup is coordinated directly from your hotel in Cusco before the trek departure.
Large luggage can remain safely stored at your hotel or coordinated storage locations in Cusco during the trek.
Deposits are required to secure logistics, transportation, camping operations, trekking staff, and route organization in advance. Remaining balances may be paid in Cusco before departure.
Deposits are non-refundable after reservation confirmation due to operational and logistical commitments already arranged for the trek.
Rainbow Mountain departures operate throughout the year depending on weather conditions and route safety.
During the dry season between May and September, availability becomes limited quickly due to increased demand.
Private departures should be reserved in advance.
Unlike the Inca Trail, last-minute reservations may still be possible depending on operational availability, though confirmation is never guaranteed within the final 24 hours before departure.
The service includes tourist transportation between Cusco and the trekking trailheads. Vehicles are selected according to group size and road conditions in the Andes.
Transport times may vary depending on weather, traffic, and road conditions in remote mountain regions.
Accommodation during the trek is provided in mountain campsites using expedition-style trekking tents shared between two travelers.
Dining tents, kitchen tents, camping toilets, and insulated sleeping mats are included throughout the route.
Weather conditions in the Andes change rapidly. Rain, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures may affect route conditions and transportation schedules.
Strikes and demonstrations occasionally occur in Peru and may affect transportation routes and access roads. Operational changes may become necessary to protect traveler safety.
This trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters and requires moderate to strong physical condition. Travelers with respiratory, cardiac, or serious medical conditions should consult a physician before booking.
Older travelers should obtain medical approval before participating in high-altitude trekking routes.
Travelers remain responsible for personal belongings during transportation, trekking activities, and campsites.
Passport copies are required during reservation process.
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
