Rainbow Mountain Excursion

Key Information

Itinerary

The layman might find Rainbow Mountain (or ‘Vinicunca’) almost impossible to locate – but with our expert local guides, you’ll have no problem!

We’ll depart Cusco early in the morning and drive to the trailhead, stopping for breakfast en route. The scenery on the drive is stunning, and you might spot llamas, alpacas and vicuñas along the way.

The walk takes around 2 hours, climbing up the Red Valley, past the Nevado Ausangate and several picturesque lagoons, before arriving at the viewpoint where you can take in the majesty of the whole mountain in all its multi-coloured grandeur.

Learn about the science behind the curious colours with our tour guide whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a tasty snack, before heading back along the Red Valley’s striking trails.

What's Included?

What’s Included on the Rainbow Mountain Excursion

Your Rainbow Mountain excursion includes everything you need for a smooth and well-supported day exploring one of Peru’s most striking natural landscapes. Here’s exactly what’s covered:

Return transport from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain
Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain
Experienced local guide to lead the hike and provide insight into the region
Breakfast and lunch on the day of the excursion
Group support and coordination throughout the day
Fully planned itinerary designed to maximise enjoyment while managing altitude and pacing

What's Not Included?

What’s not Included on the Rainbow Mountain Excursion

The following items are not included in the cost of the Rainbow Mountain excursion:

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover high-altitude walking activities.

Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs or optional extras.

Tips
Tips are not included. While not obligatory, tipping is customary and appreciated as a way to thank your guide and driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard is Mount Toubkal (Jebal Toubkal)?

Mount Toubkal is a trekking peak and requires no technical experience (unless you are doing a Winter Trek). It is certainly achievable by people in a good condition of physical fitness.

Mount Toubkal is 4167m high. You can read more about this in our article ‘How High is Mount Toubkal?’.

With Mount Toubkal being above 4000m, it is always going to be a challenge. The altitude gain on Toubkal is great, so you need to go slowly and give your body as much time to acclimatise as possible.

You can read more about this in our full article ‘How Hard is Mount Toubkal?’

How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Toubkal?

Mount Toubkal is climbable in two days and many companies offer this. The general itinerary for a Toubkal trek is to get a transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1800m) and then start your journey up to the Nelter Refuge at 3207m. You will stay overnight in the Refuge before waking early and starting your climb to the summit (4167m). It takes around 4-5 hours to get from the refuge to the summit of Jebal Toubkal. Once you have summited you head back down to the refuge, and then back to Imlil.

At The Bucket List Company we feel this altitude gain over two days adds considerable pressure. So we offer the Toubkal Trek over 4 days. The last two days of the trek are the same as above, but the first two days we head over several high passes giving your body more time to acclimatise to altitude.

When is the Best Time To Climb Mount Toubkal?

The best times to climb Mount Toubkal are April to early June and then end of September and October. These times offer the best conditions and temperatures. It is very hot during the summer months, so we always advise to avoid these times.

What Equipment Do I Need For Mount Toubkal?

What gear will you need to climb Mount Toubkal? If you are climbing during the trekking season then you will not require any specialist equipment. If you are already a regular trekker in the UK you will have everything you need for this trip.

You will need a sleeping bag, day pack, duffle bag for kit to be transported in and then your clothing to walk in.

If you are making a winter ascent of Mount Toubkal then you will also need a pair of crampons and a walking axe. You will also need some warmer clothing for the summits.

Is Mount Toubkal Safe?

After the incident in December 2018 the Moroccan government and the National Park changed the way you trek in the region. You can now only trek in the National Park with an authorised Moroccan guide and you can’t be on your own.

There are now checkpoints on the route where you have to show your passports so the authorities know who is in the National park.

The Berber people are super friendly and we have never felt unsafe in Morocco with our groups.

Can I bring my drone to Morocco?

Unfortunately, drones are prohibited in Morocco.

What are the charging facilities?

There are plug sockets in every lodge that are available to use.

Do you know how long the balloon ride typically lasts in the air?

The hot air balloon flight is for 1 hour.

Are there toilets on route?

There are no toilets along the route, but there are bathrooms in the guesthouses to use in the mornings and evenings.

What money do I take?

You can take £s and exchange it for local currency there. There are plenty of ATMs in Marrakesh.

Is there Wi-Fi?

There is Wi-Fi in the majority of the accommodations on the trek, the only place you won’t be able to get Wi-Fi will be in Tizi Oussem.

Regarding lodges on the trek, and how these are organised?

Rooms in lodges sleep 3 – 4 people, and are single-sex sharing. The refuge is large dormitories where sexes will be mixed. If a couple have booked they will be together in a quadruple, but with e.g. two other females or two other males.