One of the most famous and unique day trips from Cusco is hiking Rainbow Mountain. It is known for its colourful mountain peak with several different layers of vibrant minerals. These layers are created by various minerals in the soil including clay, mud, sand, quartos, sandstone, calcium carbonate and clay-stone. It was only discovered a decade ago as Rainbow Mountain was completely covered in snow but due climate change, you can now see the peak.

I would recommend booking this day trip through a tour agency. We paid 60 sols per person (£13 each) and this included transport, guide, breakfast and lunch. You would also have to pay 25 soles entrance fee when you get there (£5.50) so make sure you bring some cash! They picked us up at 3am and it takes around 3 hours to get there. Once you’ve arrived, it will take around an hour and a half to get to the actual top of the Rainbow Mountain. You will then have one hour at the top to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. We got back to Cusco at 5pm.

The hike is not that difficult as it has a gradual include until close to the peak. What does make the trail difficult and something you shouldn’t underestimate (as we did!) is the altitude. If you are struggling, you can ride a horse, but you still need to walk u the final part as its too steep for horses.

The views are absolute breath-taking once you get to the top. We saw half a rainbow mountain as it snowed for a few days before. It was still beautiful up there.

Top Tips

• Don’t do this day trip on the first few days after arriving to Cusco. It is located 5,200 metres above sea level and the altitude is no joke. You want to spend a few days around Cusco and do the other day trips first – we left this until the day before we left Cusco.  
• On the minibus, make sure you don’t see at the back. You would want to sleep on the journey and the roads are bumpy, the back feels it the most. Try sitting in the middle of the bus so you are not above the wheels.
• Once you get to the initial viewpoint, you will find that it is very busy and over-crowded. We recommended climbing up the second hill which will allow for smaller crowds and better views. Be aware that this hill is steep and the additional altitude can be tough on many hikers.
• Things to take with you: Sunscreen, extra jacket for the summit, extra cash to buy snacks and water, and altitude sickness remedies (we chewed on coca leaves and also took altitude sickness tablets)