Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley

Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Rainbow Mountain.

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 Auki Cusco Explorers 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 Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain Trek, 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 complete your booking for the Rainbow Mountain Trek 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 $53 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Rainbow Mountain Trek.  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.

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. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

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 not refundable at all!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

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 be snow or rain.  It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek. Also, at high altitude clouds and even storms blow across quickly and with little warning.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 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. All guides carry 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.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Auki Cusco Explorers specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

Yes, though the distance is not great, it is a difficult trek due to the high altitude and the last section is steep. You reach the altitude of 5100m/16732ft.  You need to be in good physical condition and have had time to adjust to the altitude before going on the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

If you are doing other treks and tours in the Cusco area, we suggest that you schedule Rainbow Mountain as your last activity.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Auki Cusco Explorers will assist you to the nearest town for help with 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 trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!! 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!

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. 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 Auki Cusco Explorers 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. 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 know and understand, respect the places and the local people.