We were back and forth almost every day on the Rainbow Mountain trek. On our last day in Cusco, we had to make a decision finally. I read posts that explained the trek as a nightmare and disappointment. The 17,000 ft elevation, paired with a 6km hike in the unpredictable elements, with 12+ hour day seemed daunting. However, looking at pictures of the incredible view, I knew it was something I’d regret not doing.
After researching more on Rainbow Mountain, we decided to go into town and see what we can do to make the tour more enjoyable. We learned that you could cut down the total time if you hire your own driver. We stopped into the Cusco Trekking Adventures right by the Main Square in Cusco to explore our options. Most people take the group bus tour, which was unappealing to us for several reasons. First, it stopped for breakfast and lunch (which adds 2+ hours), picks you up at 4 am, buses inevitably drive slow, you’re stuck waiting around for everyone to finish the hike, and you get back at 9 pm.
PRO TIP: Book a private tour! You’ll save a TON of time, can travel on your timeline, and it won’t be that much more expensive.
Initially, the tour operator said that our driver would pick us up from the hotel at 5 am, stop for breakfast, and lunch, and we would get back around 5 pm. He quoted us a group price and said it included transportation, meals, oxygen, and a guide. We explained we wanted to just hike Rainbow Mountain, we didn’t need any of the extras and wanted the tour as short as possible. We negotiated a price of $30 USD each. That included pick up and drop off from the hotel with private taxi transportation. We decided to leave our hotel at 5 am and return around 2 pm.
We were picked up promptly at 5 am and got there around 8 am, our driver was speedy. The hike up (with minimal breaks), taking pictures at the top, and back took us a little under 2 hours. It is a slow incline up until the very end, which is a steep incline to the base of the mountain. The elevation did make it tough, but we lucked out with a sunny day and mild weather. I was hot most of the time and hiked in a tank top and my athletic pants, even though I wore a North Face coat and hat. Don’t get me wrong, I did notice my shortness of breath, but I didn’t think it was as bad as some people had said! I can imagine in hail and snow; I would probably think differently. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can opt to hire a horse for the hike, which you can rent at the start of the trail.
Overall, I’m glad we decided to venture out to Rainbow Mountain and think doing it our own way made it an even better experience. It’s truly such a unique place and once in a lifetime experience. With its pastel color and elevation of 17,000 feet, it’s something I feel very accomplished!
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