1-Day Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco via Checacupe and Pitumarka

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike to Rainbow Mountain and reach an altitude of 16,000 feet
• 02 Pass through colonial towns and striking geological formations southeast of Cusco
• 03 Stop in Checacupe to see and photograph its ancient bridges
• 04 Travel close to highland communities and a natural reserve recently opened to tourism
• 05 Enjoy a light breakfast in Pitumarka before beginning the trek

Enjoy the mountains and close contact with nature on this tour to the southeast of Cusco, passing through colonial towns, beautiful geological formations, highland communities, and a natural reserve that has recently opened to tourism. The experience combines a scenic drive with a rewarding hike to Rainbow Mountain, where you will reach high altitude and take in the remarkable landscape.

You will reach an altitude of 16,000 feet after a 3 to 4-hour hike.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Cusco

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Rainbow Mountain Hike via Checacupe and Pitumarka

• Pick up at 3 am and drive along the highway to the southeast of Cusco.

• Stop at the colonial town of Checacupe to use the facilities and take pictures of the ancient bridges.

• Continue to the town of Pitumarka, where you will have a light breakfast and prepare for the hike.

• At 8 am, start hiking uphill. You will reach an altitude of 16,000 feet after a 3 to 4-hour hike. If this is challenging for you, it is possible to rent a horse one way. Along the route, you will also find facilities to use.

• Arrive at the top in time to enjoy the place, have a snack, take pictures, and then walk downhill for 3 hours.

• Return to Cusco by 7 pm.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Comfortable 18-seat minibus transportation, with a first aid kit and oxygen on board

• Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish, with assistance throughout the day

• Light breakfast

• Entrance to Rainbow Mountain

What's Not Included

• One-way horse rental; payment is made directly to the locals

• Snacks and lunch are not included

• Walking sticks

What to bring

• Mountain gear, jacket, rain jacket just in case, hat, sunblock, gloves, soft drinks, and walking sticks

• Water, re-energizing drinks, coca candies, chocolates, etc.

Know before you go

• You must be in good shape because the altitude can affect you. For that reason, you have the option to rent a horse along the way to get close to the top of the hike.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cusco, Peru

Tour start

Cusco, Peru

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.