First of all Willka were amazing, transparent and fast at getting this trip sorted for me. Originally it was meant to be as part of a group tour, but my partner did the group tour the day before i went as we couldn’t go together (because we have we have a 1 year old who we didn’t want to take up there) and she said it is better to go private as you can dictate how much time you spend up on the mountains and you can choose to do the red valley route back, instead of the standard route. So i messaged Willka and they changed it to fully private for the following the day, no issues at all.
The next day i was picked up at the time chosen by me (4am) met by our guide Guia Javier Pro, he greeted me, explained thoroughly what was happening. We had 2 hours to our first breakfast stop, he gave me a blanket and i fell asleep for the car journey. Breakfast is standard, fruits and omelette, plus unlimited coca tea which is good for the altitude. Arriving at Rainbow mountain, we began our hike! He gave me sticks to use, and we kept a steady pace, stopping whenever we needed, If i needed some oxygen he gave me the natural inca oxygen which worked a treat!
Guia Javier is the friendliest guide, he became my friend for sure, we spoke lots and we had no time limits up the mountain so we sat and enjoyed the views together, while he explained all the history of these beautiful mountain’s surrounding us. On the way back we decided to take the red valley route, which you must pay for when you’re up there (you’ll see people waiting to take your money) it cost between 15-20 soles £2.00/£3.00, Definitely worth it. The views on red valley are stunning! it is a longer route though for sure. Just to add the altitude is no joke, i would not recommend for anyone suffering with any sort of heart condition. If you still do decide to, atleast take a very slow and steady pace. Drink coca tea (if you do not have high blood pressure), chew coca leafs (same goes again), have the natural or normal oxygen on stand by. It is very doable just very strenuous with the altitude, being over 5000 meters makes it harder.
If you’re doing it in a group go with willka and if you decide private ask for, Guia Javier! He is a freelance tour guide who does so much!
This is his instagram: Javier_pro_pro you can probably message him!