Marvel at the vibrant natural colors of the stunning Rainbow Mountain Trek. Experience a rare opportunity to interact with the local Quechuan people, who are still keeping their beautiful traditional culture alive, as you hike through the breathtaking Andean valley! Experience beautiful snow-capped peaks and glaciers, large herds of alpaca, horses, and birds of prey, all set within an incredibly multicolored mountain range. The Vinicunca region’s colorful sandstone mountain offer a unique landscape you wont find anywhere else in Peru, making it a must see destination in your journey.
Cusco
Max 8 people
Group
Adventure, Trek
Moderate to Difficult
All year round
****A horse can be hired for the majority of the trek. However, the last 600m are too steep for horses and you will have to walk this last part. The cost is about 100 soles roundtrip which your guide can negotiate.
Your amazing Rainbow Mountain Adventure begins with pick up from your hotel at 4am! We set out on the drive for 3 hours through the South Valley to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m/15,216 ft).
Herds of alpacas and llamas surround us at the trailhead and we stop for an appetizing breakfast buffet. After breakfast, will be the best opportunity to use the restroom and fill water bottles. We highly recommend using the restaurant bathrooms before we begin. After our first meal we hop back in the van and begin our gradual incline up the mountain.
Stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain and a beautiful sunrise welcome us as we make our way through a beautiful Quechuan village. 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. We encourage you to ask your guide to teach you a few phrases in Quechua!
Being cautious of unexpected altitude sickness, we will hike at a smooth and steady pace because even though the hike is gradual, we are still walking at very high elevations. Should you want another option, horses are available to rent. Horses are led on a rope by a local and will assist in mounting and dismounting. After hiking for about 1.5 hours, we finally reach our beautiful destination-Rainbow Mountain-at a staggering 5,020m /16,466ft.
The last 600m is the most difficult as we find a very steep incline at a very high altitude. There is no rush and it is encouraged that you take your time. The colorful end result will be worth every step. Admire the unique beauty of this rainbow landscape and take time to explore the area. We recommend the (short) optional hike up the parallel mountain to get a better view and take some postcard worthy photos.
The top, where we will spend approximately 30 minutes, can be very windy and cold so we reccomend layers and gloves. After marveling at the mountain’s natural color pallette, we take a short hike of 45 minutes to reach the Red Valley. Be transported to another planet as we explore this beautiful mountain’s red valleys and hills. When we are ready, we follow the same path we hiked up back down to our van, where our driver will be patiently waiting.
To wrap up an unforgetable day we embark on a 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 3-4:00pm.
**** There is an option to rent a horse from local people right at the starting point and the mid-way point of the trek! (usually 100 soles)
| OF PERSONS | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 or more people |
| PRICE PER PERSON | $150 pp | $125 pp | $100 pp | $80 pp | $70 pp |
***Price per person is based on the number of participants in the group. When a group is finalized, each person will pay based on the size of the final group. There is no guarantee of how many may join however, the limit is 8 people per group.
***Minimum is 2 participants per group to start a group.
| NUMBER OF PERSONS | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 or more people |
| PRICE PER PERSON | $170 pp | $150 pp | $130 pp | $100 pp | $90 pp |
***Private group price is based on group price not per person, and will be completely private with your own guide, chauffeur and private van. No others will be added to the group.
***Minimum is 1 person but that person will pay $197 for the private group.
SAM CORPORATIONS is a family owned travel agency and a tour operator that specializes in tours all over Peru. We are based in Cusco with many years of personal experienced trekking and traveling every nook and cranny of Peru. SAM CORPORATIONS is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our focus is on creating small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. We guarantee a
luxurious service and promise to never cut corners.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We support them financially and ensure long term growth by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team, without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM CORPORATIONS knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create an unforgettable adventure while in Peru. We stand by our word and deliver on our promises.
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, SAM CORPORATIONS has a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about their beautiful country. 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. They are adventure and travel enthusiasts, sharing only the best of what they have personally experienced. Our crew is fun loving, well-educated, and filled wiothj positive attitudes. They all hold degrees in at least one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
You will love our fabulous chef! The food has been the highlight of all our catered treks. Our chefs have been trained to create Peruvian and international dishes, using a mix of local and exotic dishes. If you have any food restrictions, like vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, halal, kosher or any other preferrence please let us know at booking and we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.
SAM CORPORATIONS has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
Have a look some of our social campaigns: Christmas “Giving back is what matters most ”
SAM CORPORATIONS is proud to be able to support our beautiful local people. We use a holistic approach to sustanability and community development. We participate in multiple social projects, we employ from these communities and pay them an above average wage. Self- sustainibilty and long term growth is our main focus.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Rainbow Mountain.
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading SAMCORPORATIONS outside the arrivals terminal. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangements).
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 “La CASA DEL ABUELO” shopping center.
Of course! During the Rainbow Mountain Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link here: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information for each participant in your group. We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
*** We require copies of every participant’s passport, in order, to book Inca Trail permits!
We require a deposit of $53.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail. 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.
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: samcorporations@gmail.com to complete your payment.
With alternative treks like the Rainbow Mountain Trek we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. 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 non-refundable!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. With the Rainbow Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack especially in rainy season, there can snow or rain at any moment. It can be very windy and cold when you reach the high altitudes of this trek. Also, at high altitude clouds and even storms blow across quickly and with little warning. Best to be prepared for any situation and carry extra gear/clothes in your daybag.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you should have no issues.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is water, coco tea, and oxygen. If needed; our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness. All guides are equipped with emergency oxygen. 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.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. SAM´s Corporations specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and prioritizes in providing a personalized and tailored service.
Yes, it is a difficult trek due to the high altitude and some sections can be steep, you reach the altitude of 5,100 metres/16,732ft. You need to be in relatively good physical condition and had spent time to adjust to the altitude before going on the trek.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to a fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Corporations will assist you to the traihead to our private transportation. If you are unable to finish due to fatigue you can rent a horse. 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 Rainbow Mountain trek.
Of course! Included in the package we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not mandatory– 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. Tipping is a part of the culture here in Peru. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Corporation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of sustainable 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 understand and respect the places and the local people.
Cusco
Cusipata
Llacto
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
Quality
Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.
Simplified ease of communication, text us on WhatsApp, email or call us.
Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.
100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience
Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.
