A Guide to Booking a Full-Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco

Are you looking for the perfect experience while visiting Cusco, Peru? You should definitely consider a full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain! Not only will you have the chance to experience this breathtakingly beautiful mountain, but the journey there and back again is an unforgettable adventure.In this guide, we’re exploring everything you need to know about booking a full day tour to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco. From the duration and cost of the tour, to what you can expect to see and do during your visit.

Location and Duration of the Tour

The Rainbow Mountain of Peru – officially known as Vinicunca – is located in the Cusco region of the Peruvian Andes. The mountain is the highest point of the Ausangate mountains, with its peak reaching 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. This stunningly colorful mountain is renowned for its array of hues and provides an incredible view, with many travelers making the journey to help capture its beauty and share it with others. The full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain usually starts from the city of Cusco and typically lasts around 10 hours in total. Due to the remote location of the mountain, your tour group will need to travel a total of 173 kilometers (107 miles) via bus and car, with approximately one hour spent at the actual summit.

What to Expect During the Tour

The full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain starts and ends in Cusco, but there is plenty of adventure packed into the journey in between! Starting off in the morning, your tour group will leave Cusco by bus or car, heading south towards the city of Oropesa. You’ll journey through majestic mountain passes, rural villages and rolling hills on your way towards this colorfully painted mountain. Once at Rainbow Mountain, you’ll be able to explore on foot and take in the awe-inspiring sights from the top of this natural wonder. You’ll also have the chance to meet friendly wild alpacas as you make your descent, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some special memories. The tour will end with a journey back to Cusco, which usually takes around 8 hours.

What’s Included in the Tour

Most tour companies providing full-day tours to Rainbow Mountain will typically include an experienced guide and all necessary equipment (including transportation between Cusco and the mountain). You should also expect that meals and other necessary supplies are provided during your trip. When selecting a tour company, make sure that they offer all these services as part of the package. Having an experienced guide who knows the area is essential and you don’t want to be left out in the middle of nowhere due to an unreliable tour operator!

Cost and Other Considerations

The cost of the full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain varies depending on which tour company you use and how many people are in your group. Most tours usually cost around US$60-100 per person and will include transportation, food and equipment. When selecting a tour company, make sure you read through their reviews and check with fellow travelers who have used their services before. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Additionally, make sure you check how much insurance coverage you will be provided with and what type of refund options you have in case you need to cancel your trip.

Conclusion

Rainbow Mountain is an unforgettable experience, full of adventure and opportunity. If you’re looking for a magical experience while visiting Cusco, then you definitely can’t go wrong with a full-day tour here! If you need help organizing your tour, you can find countless packages at GetYourGuide, who offer various options with some incredible sights. Bolster your bucket list with a trip to Rainbow Mountain and make sure your visit to Peru becomes one you will never forget!

An Insider’s Guide to Cusco: Uncover the Best Kept Secrets of the ‘Imperial City’

Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, is a city in southeastern Peru that has retained much of its historical and cultural significance. It’s famous for its awe-inspiring ruins, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes, but there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you off the beaten path to reveal the best local gems, dining spots, cultural experiences, and historical anecdotes that Cusco has to offer.

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Gems

While Cusco’s main attractions such as Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, and Plaza de Armas are undoubtedly impressive, there are a few lesser-known spots that deserve a visit. The San Pedro Market is one such place, where locals come to buy fresh produce, spices, and textiles. You can enjoy some of the best street food in Cusco here, from Chicharrón (fried pork) to Anticuchos (grilled skewers).

Another hidden gem is the Inka Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Incan civilization and explains the history and traditions of the indigenous people. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Casa Concha Museum, which houses a vast collection of Incan and pre-Incan artifacts, including a life-size replica of Machu Picchu.

Dining Spots: Treat Your Palate to some Local Flavors

Cusco takes pride in its gastronomical traditions, and it’s not hard to find mouth-watering local cuisine here. For a hearty breakfast, head to Jack’s Cafe, a beloved spot that serves delicious coffee, pancakes, and eggs cooked any way you like. If you want to try something unique, order a dish of Cuy (guinea pig), which is a delicacy in Cusco.

For lunch or dinner, try Chicha, a restaurant where you’ll find an impressive selection of traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist. Their Ceviche is a must-try, and don’t forget to wash it down with a Pisco Sour, the national cocktail of Peru.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

Cusco is a city with a rich history and culture, and there’s never a shortage of traditional festivals and celebrations. The most famous one is the Inti Raymi festival, held annually on June 24th, which celebrates the winter solstice and the sun god. The event features a reenactment of the Incan ceremony of the sun, where local actors dress in colorful costumes and perform rituals.

For a unique cultural experience, take a short trip to Patabamba, a small Andean village located in the Sacred Valley, where you can learn about the daily life and customs of the indigenous people. You’ll get to witness the intricate weaving process where locals make beautiful textiles using natural dyes.

Local History: Discover the Fascinating Stories

The history of Cusco dates back to the Incan era, and there are countless stories that reveal the city’s past. One such tale is that of the twelve angles stone, a massive stone with twelve angles that fits perfectly into a wall made of smaller rocks. It’s a testament to the Incans’ incredible engineering skills and has become a symbol of Cusco’s architectural heritage.

Another fascinating story comes from Q’orikancha, or the Incan Temple of the sun, which was once covered in gold leaf and housed a garden filled with golden plants and animals. When the Spanish conquered the city, they stripped Q’orikancha of its riches, leaving only the temple’s stonework intact.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Make Some Unique Memories

If you want to get away from the crowds and explore Cusco’s natural beauty, head to the Humantay Lagoon, a breathtaking turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and you can see some of the most stunning views of the Andean landscape.

Another unique experience is the chocolate making workshop at ChocoMuseo, where you can learn about the history of chocolate in Peru and make your own sweet treats using cacao beans.

In conclusion, Cusco has so much to offer beyond its famous attractions, and by uncovering the city’s hidden gems, you can have an unforgettable and unique experience. From trying traditional cuisine to witnessing cultural celebrations, Cusco is a city that will make you fall in love with it.