Rainbow Mountain Expedition
Location
Rainbow Mountain, Cusco, Peru
Duration
Full-day tour (Approx. 13 hours)
Tour Type
Adventure / Trekking
Language
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Nestled in the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level, this geological marvel is located about 100 km southeast of Cusco.
What makes this mountain so extraordinary is its mesmerizing palette of colors, formed by mineral deposits over millions of years. Shades of red, yellow, green, and lavender create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. Visiting Rainbow Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, remote Andean villages, and herds of alpacas and llamas grazing in the valleys below.
If you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, this trek is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Andean highlands and witness one of the most stunning sights in the world.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins at 4:30 a.m. with an early pickup from your hotel. We will set off towards Cusipata, a one-hour journey in our comfortable tourist transport. Upon arrival, a delicious and energizing breakfast will be waiting for us to help prepare for the trek ahead.
After breakfast, we will continue for another hour by car until we reach the checkpoint, where we will leave our transport behind and get ready to start our hike.
The hike to the summit takes approximately 1 hour, during which you will be surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Along the way, you will have the chance to see herds of alpacas and llamas, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. As we ascend, you will feel the crisp mountain air and witness the colors of the landscape changing with the sunlight.
Once we reach the summit at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, we will take time to admire the stunning beauty of Rainbow Mountain. You will have plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the panoramic views, and immerse yourself in this incredible natural wonder.
After enjoying our time at the top, we will begin our descent back to the starting point, where our transport will be waiting.
On the way back, we will stop at a local restaurant, where our chef will be ready with a delicious buffet lunch to recharge after the hike.
Finally, we will continue our journey back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Includes
- Hotel pickup
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
- Buffet lunch
Not Included
- Horse rental (optional, upon request)
- Extra expenses
Preguntas Frecuentes
The hike is moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and the incline of the trail. It is recommended to be in good physical condition and to acclimate in Cusco before the tour. There is also an option to rent a horse on-site to assist with the ascent.
Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. Due to the high elevation, some travelers may experience altitude sickness. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and acclimating in Cusco for a couple of days beforehand can help minimize symptoms.
We recommend bringing:
- Warm and comfortable clothing (layers)
- A waterproof jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A small backpack with snacks and water
- Proper hiking shoes
- Cash (for personal expenses or horse rental)
Yes, horses are available for rent at the starting point of the hike. Prices vary and are paid directly to the local community members who own the horses. However, the last stretch to the summit must be done on foot.
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in the Andean climate. If the weather is extremely unfavorable (heavy snow or storms), the guide will assess the situation and may suggest alternative options for safety reasons.
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