Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures on Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, please visit the official Peru Travel website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local, English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Pre-departure briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
  • Pick-up from Cusco and transportation to the trailhead
  • Return transportation to Cusco
  • 2 meals for the Full-Day trek (Breakfast and lunch)
  • 4 meals for the 2-Day trek (Lunch and dinner on the 1st day and breakfast and lunch on the 2nd day)
  • Camping equipment for the 2-Day trek
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
    Trekking pole

Vegetarian and gluten-free options for meals are available. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know prior to booking to make arrangements.

What’s not included:

• • Personal snacks
  • Walking sticks (can be rented from the guide)
  • Horses — option to hire one if you need at the beginning of the trek
  • Sleeping bag for the 2-Day trek (can be rented from the guide)
  • Inflatable Mattress for the 2-Day trek (can be rented from the guide)

These treks are moderately difficult, but it all depends on your hiking experience and fitness level. You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a daypack and walking through different terrains. You’re going to be hiking five to six hours per day. You should spend time acclimatizing before your trek. That said, if you’re looking for a proper hiking adventure and you’re up to the task of full-day trekking, Peru’s Rainbow Mountain will reward you immensely!

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Sleeping bag for the 2-Day trek (can be rented from the guide)
  • Inflatable mattress for the 2-Day trek (can be rented from the guide)
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Gloves
  • Hiking pants
  • Undergarments
  • Hiking socks
  • Fleece jacket
  • Warm, down jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants (depend of the season)
  • Sunhat
  • Wool hat
  • Walking high boots
  • Comfortable shoes for camp for the 2-Day trek
  • Quick dry towel
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Earplugs
  • Portable power bank
    Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Temperatures can drop below zero at night.

You can expect dry weather on the Rainbow Mountain between March and November, with blue skies from June to August, whereas January and February are considered the wettest months. However, there are days without any rains during these months as well. Weather can change in seconds though, so always be prepared!

Group sizes and prices:

• • The guest to guide ratio for group hiking tours is usually five to eight guests to one guide, with groups up to 16 people.
  • Pricing is per person, and the cost does not decrease as your group grows.

If your hiking party is larger than eight people, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • Anyone over the age of 18 can join these day-hiking tours
  • Minors under the age of 18 may be allowed to join a hike on a case-by-case basis.

If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Rainbow Mountain, Peru, most people fly into the closest International Airport in Cusco — 3 hours away from the trailhead. On the day of your trek, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you back at the end of the trek.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place and time to meet. On the way, your guide will provide you with breakfast.