Rainbow Mountain Llama Trek & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Peru
5.0 (7 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Towering, Glaciated Mountains
- Stunning Alpine Lakes
- Llamas!
- Tour of Machu Picchu
- High Mountain Lakes & Wildlife
- Stunning Rainbow Mountain
- High Elevation Trekking Through the Andes
- Breathtaking Mountain Views
Description
Our Rainbow Mountain Llama Trek is the triple crown adventure of Peru trekking! It is one of the most special and memorable hikes in the world and is truly one not to be missed! It combines the uniqueness and cultural significance of Peruvian llama trekking with remote, high-altitude hiking in the Andes Mountains. Highlights of the trip include towering snow-capped peaks, high mountain passes (our high point is 16,437 feet!), mountain lakes, hot springs, amazing cultural immersion, the vibrant and other-worldly landscape colors of Rainbow Mountain, and of course a trip to the ancient Inca ruins at Machu Picchu.
This trek takes place south of Cusco, Peru adjacent to Mt. Ausangate, which was an “Apu” or sacred mountain to the Inca people. This trip is one of the best undiscovered treks in the world and provides solace from the larger crowds that inhabit more famous trails. Hiking through this vast and dramatic landscape in the heart of the Andes with the help of the iconic animal of the Inca, llamas, provides a well-rounded, culturally rich and awe-inspiring adventure in Peru.
From $222 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement on this trip provides for single rooms in all hotels used during the trip (3 nights in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes). The single supplement also includes a single tent for nights spent camping on the trail.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip requires significant elevation gains and losses on rocky trails, and tops out at nearly 17,000 feet. The higher elevations make the trekking more difficult and necessitate training for most guests to be well prepared.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 7 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2200 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Hiking at high elevations of 17,000+ feet
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Peru hike a solitude 4. You can expect to a couple other groups of hikers per day.
Make the most of your time in Peru with an add-on day hike around Cusco! Explore a stunning alpine lake with amazing turquoise water (Lake Humantay); or one of the most unique and breathtaking mountains in the world with rainbow-colored soils that make for spectacular photography (Rainbow Mountain).
*Rainbow Mountain is included as part of this trip’s larger itinerary.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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Minimum Guests
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, or be refunded your payments in full. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Learn About Our Private Trips
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco
On this hiking tour to Machu Picchu we will pick you up from the airport in Cusco, Peru and take you to our lovely accommodations near the main square. Depending on what time you arrive, you may enjoy exploring the town or resting up until our orientation meeting in the evening. During this meeting, we will get acquainted with our group, itinerary, gear for the trek, answer questions, etc. Afterwards, we’ll head to our favorite Peruvian restaurant for dinner. Be sure to drink copious amounts of water throughout the day, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you. Cusco is over 11,000 feet in elevation and being hydrated is a critical component of dealing with significant elevation changes. Self-care begins immediately.
Day 2
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco
Today is a great day to not only acclimatize and brush off some jet lag, but to start our exploration of Cusco and the incredible history and culture of Peru. We’ll start with a nourishing breakfast at our hotel to fuel us for the day ahead. After, we will meet for our visit to the ruin of Saksaywaman, an ancient cathedral in Cusco, and the Qoricancha (Sun Temple). For lunch we will meet our chef for the week and enjoy the organic and local foods of Cusco. After the tour, we have some free time to relax before dinner.
Day 3
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco
Today will serve as an additional acclimatization day. Our first stop will take us to the village of Chinchero, where we will visit a cooperative weaving center. The Chincherinas (local women) will show us the process of weaving beautiful blankets, fabric dying, and making clothes. Subsequently, we will head to the salt mines of Salineras that date back over 2,000 years with over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountain side. We’ll then head to our amazing lunch spot with phenomenal mountain views. After lunch we will move on to the fascinating terraces of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas. After, we will return to Cusco and enjoy free time until we meet for dinner at our favorite restaurant. Your guide will deliver the plan for the following day.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 12,795 feet
- Highest Elevation: 14,763 feet
- Trekking Duration: 5 hours
- Accommodations: Premier Camping
Today your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for transport to the start of our trek at Upis Bajo. We will have our first wonderful meal prepared by our camp chef and meet our llama wranglers to load the equipment. Our trek starts with a gentle incline through small villages, farms and high grasslands, helping us ease into the experience of hiking at high elevation. In this area, we often meet large herds of grazing llamas and alpacas. A true Peruvian Andes hiking experience! Our views are filled by the Vilcanota Range, home to the highest peaks in the Cusco region. Tonight’s camp sits below the towering and glaciated Mount Ausangate (20,945′), a deeply sacred mountain to the Inca and the highest peak in the range. Our camp has one more optional treat – hot springs. Those who desire can enjoy a soak in the small thermal pools not far from camp. A wonderful Peruvian dinner and great night’s sleep cap off our first day of trekking.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 14,763 feet
- Highest Elevation: 15,748 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
- Accommodations: Premier Camping
Waking up in the mountains of Peru with Wildland means getting a hot drink of your choice delivered to your tent and a warm bowl of water to wash your hands and face; what a way to start the day in a beautiful and remote area! After breakfast, we begin our trek climbing towards our first pass called Arapa.
This area is sacred to the Quechua people. To show respect to their local culture, we will conduct a short ceremony just as the Quechua people have done for centuries before us. After this cultural moment, we hike down the trail to our lunch spot next to the pristine Yanacocha Lake. After lunch our journey continues until we reach our next camp at Puka Cocha. This camp is located right at the base of Mount Ausangate, which creates an incredible backdrop for our home for the night.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 14,763 feet
- Highest Elevation: 16,404 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7 hours
- Accommodations: Premier Camping
Today starts with a cup of coffee or tea in your tent followed by a nutritious breakfast to get us going for the day. Our hike climbs us up switchbacked trails towards Ananta Pass, where we will find a large pile of stones left by the Inca cenuries ago. These cairns are called Apacheta in the Andes and were used as markings along trails. The view from the pass offers snow-capped, colorful mountains, grasslands and perhaps some unique wildlife, like the wild Vicuñas (wild relatives to the llama). After a good rest here we will descend for a couple of hours to a scenic lunch spot. Our afternoon hike takes us to Huarmisaya Pass, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of the magnificent Rainbow Mountain. From here we have only a short walk down to camp sitting next to Huarmisaya Lake, surrounded by the most stunning mountain views you’ve probably ever seen. What a place to spend the night!
Day 7
- Hiking Mileage: 3.7 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 14,107 feet
- Highest Elevation: 16,437 feet
- Trekking Duration: 4 hours
- Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Today we’ll get an early start to beat the crowds to famous Rainbow Mountain, and so we can get photos of its dramatic landscapes in the stunning, morning light. This is the type of place you just have to see to believe – truly breathtaking. After enjoying Rainbow Mountain for a couple hours, we’ll continue our hike down the Red Valley towards our awaiting shuttle.
We will be transported to the Sacred Valley and the town of Urubamba for a relaxing lunch. After lunch, we will drive to Ollantaytambo to board a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and have free time until going to dinner. Tomorrow we visit Machu Picchu!
Day 8
- Hiking Mileage: varies
- Lowest Elevation: 6,726 feet
- Highest Elevation: 7,874 feet
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco
This morning, we’ll have an early wake up call for our sunrise arrival to Machu Picchu! At Machu Picchu, (7,972 ft.) our guide will lead us on a thorough and fascinating tour of the ancient Inca city for the next 3-4 hours. We will learn about the amazing cultural history of the Inca and Machu Picchu and delve into some of the mysteries that surround the remote mountain city. After our Machu Picchu tour we will head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. We will then board a train to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we board our private van to the town of Urubamba. Depending on the time, we may have dinner in Urubamba or continue on to Cusco (11,200 ft.) where we will have a final, celebratory dinner!
Day 9
This morning, we will have our last Peruvian breakfast in Cusco and say our good-byes before heading to the airport. You may depart Cusco any time and airport transfer is included today.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu Entrance Fees
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting, including airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9
- Vistadome train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Lodging in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
- All camping gear and supplies (including a dining tent and kitchen tent)
- Use of a backpack and trekking poles
- Llamas to transport all gear, food, and most personal items (up to 15 lbs./7 kg.)
- All meals for the duration of the tour from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9
- Professional camp chef
- Drinking water and hot water for washing face, hands, etc.
- Gratuity for in-country crew: Llama Wranglers, Chefs, Waiters, and Drivers. *Please Note: Gratuities for Guide(s) are not included in trip rate.
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from Cusco, Peru
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited; please have refillable water bottles or hydration bladders)
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated. *Please Note: Gratuities for Llama Wranglers, Chefs, Waiters, and Drivers are included in the trip rate.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Peru hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by a professional camp chef. Some staples you may find are potatoes (papas), quinoa, rice, beans, meat, fish, various grains and vegetables.
In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your convenience. Common trail snack brands and items found easily in the US are not readily available in this destination (i.e. protein bars, trail bars, beef jerky, etc.). We recommend guests that prefer these types of trail snacks to bring a few of their own choice items from home. Most of the snacks we are able to offer here are cookies, trail mix, candy bars, and candies.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads
- Duffel bag for portered personal items
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
We will pick you up from the Cusco Airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ), upon your arrival on Day 1. Please plan to arrive no later than 3 pm in order to be on time for our 5:30 pm orientation meeting at our hotel.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to/from Cusco, Peru
Trip Start & End:
Cusco, Peru
Closest Airport:
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport, CUZ. Transporation to/from Cusco is the guest’s responsibility.
Day 1:
We will pick you up from the Cusco Airport upon your arrival on Day 1. Please plan to arrive no later than 3 pm in order to be on time for our 5:30 pm orientation meeting at our hotel.
Day 9:
You may leave anytime on Day 9. Breakfast is included. Airport transfer is also included on this day.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled or private trips
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is highly recommended on all Peru trips (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured and their Travel LX product for this trip. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in Peru
Peru is home to part of the Amazon Rainforest as well as the towering Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters), but most of our treks in the region reach elevations well above 10,000 feet, some reaching nearly 17,000 feet. Because of the significant elevation changes and alpine hiking, the temperatures and weather can also vary widely. At elevations above 10,000 feet you can expect cold temperatures.
The average temperatures and precipitation in the Machu Picchu region are:
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| March | 70° F | 45° F | 11 days |
| April | 72° F | 40° F | 8 days |
| May | 70° F | 36° F | 3 days |
| June | 70° F | 34° F | 2 days |
| July | 70° F | 30° F | 2 days |
| August | 70° F | 34° F | 2 days |
| September | 72° F | 40° F | 7 days |
| October | 72° F | 43° F | 8 days |
Accommodations
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
4 NIGHTS
This inviting Cusco hotel maintains the feeling of a historic residence built with stone, tiles, adobe and wood. It is the beautifully restored home of the Velasco Ordoñez family, historic residents of Cusco. The rooms offer modern comfort and are spacious, with large windows and wood floors.
PREMIER CAMPING
3 NIGHTS
Our Peru Treks feature premier camping with comfortable sleeping tents, kitchen tents, dedicated chefs, and a team of porters to carry and set up/break down camp each day. We provide all top-of-the-line gear. Our guests regularly rave about the camping accommodations on our Peru adventures!
TIERRA VIVA MACHU PICCHU
1 NIGHT
This hotel is in the quietest area of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Forest of Clouds. Modern and stylish, it features spacious and comfortable rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, and wonderful local art hung on the walls of the lobby and rooms.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Loral P
Absolutely Outstanding
Edgar was an excellent guide - great knowledge of the area, steady guidance on a physically challenging hike (altitude over 16,000), and bonus bird knowledge/sharing that I loved. Really had an amazing time. Other team members who were absolutely outstanding were Pablo and Santos. Pablo was on the spot with every possible need and never forgot anything - even got my wet sleeping bag dry in less than 8 hours so I was comfy and warm the whole time. Santos made a DELICIOUS cake for our last night at 16,500’! It was decorated like a professional on top of incredible flavor. His soups were to die for!
Elyse J.
A trip to Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu that's not to be missed!
The Rainbow Mountain trek was a trip of a lifetime! The entire adventure is difficult to put into words because there were so many firsts & beautiful sights. It was by far one of the more challenging things we have done & what an accomplishment when we arrived at sunrise at our destination. The entire crew was professional, encouraging, & supportive. Edgard's, our guide, knowledge of the local birds & other fauna was a bonus. The scenery is breathtaking & the itinerary is well orchestrated so that you are always one step ahead of the crowds & can enjoy each destination in a bit more solitude. Santos, the chef, created delicious meals that were beyond belief in a little tent. Our llama wrangler, Francisco, celebrated every accomplishment we made. The llamas were an interesting way to complete this journey & added to the specialness of the adventure. Overall, 5 stars to the Peru by Locals crew & Wildland Trekking!
Elyse J.
A trip to Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu that's not to be missed!
The Rainbow Mountain trek was a trip of a lifetime! The entire adventure is difficult to put into words because there were so many firsts & beautiful sights. It was by far one of the more challenging things we have done & what an accomplishment when we arrived at sunrise at our destination. The entire crew was professional, encouraging, & supportive. Edgar's, our guide, knowledge of the local birds & other fauna was an added bonus. The scenery is breathtaking & the intinerary is well orchestrated so that you are always one step ahead of the crowds & can enjoy each destination in a bit more solitude. Santos, the chef, created delicious meals that were beyond belief in a little tent. Our llama wrangler, Francisco, celebrated every accomplishment we made. The llamas were an interesting way to complete this journey & added to the specialness of the adventure. Overall, 5 stars to the Peru By Locals crew & Wildland Trekking!
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