Journey to Dreams: May 2026

I chose Sunday March 29th to go to Rainbow Mountain. I was originally looking to book it with Alpaca Expeditions (the same company I chose for the Inca Trail). They were quite a bit more expensive $160 versus American Inca Trail (the company associated with Maximo Nivel) they had discounted trips there for volunteers for $45.00. This included round trip bus transport, breakfast and lunch, and a guide for the hike up. Big savings, but not nearly the level of service that Alpaca Expeditions offers. But for a short day trip it was fine.

The drive heads out of Cusco up into the high Andes of Peru. The drive up was beautiful as we drove higher in elevation. The highest peak in the Peruvian Andes is visible by the time we reached the trail-head for Rainbow Mountain. The starting elevation is just under 15,000 feet, and depending on which viewpoint you stop at it will be between 16,200 - 16,500 feet. We started the morning in Cusco which sits at 11,000 feet. so it was a 4000 foot gain just on the drive.

I started the hike out strong. I was feeling great for the first mile going up. But once I hit about 15,250 feet in elevation I suddenly felt like someone just sucked all the air out of my lungs. The hike then became a struggle. I had to pause about every ten feet to catch my breathe and let my heart rate drop a bit. Getting to the top was not looking promising. Now quite a few people ride a horse up the trail stopping just before the final incline. I really hadn't wanted to do that , but with still just over a mile to go I knew that was the only way I would get there. So the guide flagged down a horse and guide and for about $8 I rode the next mile up to the stairs that take you to the lookout. I felt a bit defeated. But I did get to the top.

It was packed up at the lookouts. I really wasn't feeling like dealing with the crowds at this point so I took the required photos then headed back down, I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the view and the colors of the mountain were much duller that what is pictured online. It was also not as large or majestic as the photos would lead you to believe.

I had originally planned on hiking the Red Valley route for the return. I was still struggling to breath so I skipped it and headed down. It didn't take long on the return before I was breathing easier and feeling better. I was disappointed with the hike itself except for the beautiful scenery on the way up. That and the drive did make the day worthwhile for the $45 that it cost.

I honestly think that most people struggle to some extent on this hike. It is a huge altitude gain on the drive up and the body just does not have any time to adjust. I had hoped with having been in Cusco for a week I would have been better able to cope. It shows me though that I will need to take my time and acclimation days when I hike EBC trail if I want to be successful. I will be living at 8000+ feet prior to the trek for two months and hope to go hiking every weekend weather permitting.

So here are a few pictures from the trip to Rainbow Mountain...