Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Full Day

Hike to Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 m a.s.l.

  • Cusco
  • 1 day
  • Group or private

Experience overview

Hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 m a.s.l., with Andean landscapes, llamas and alpacas.

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is one of the most photographed landscapes in Peru. Its red, turquoise, yellow and lilac stripes were formed by the buildup of mineral sediments and today rise more than 5,000 meters above sea level, facing the imposing snow-capped Ausangate.

A high-altitude hike for fit travelers, with breakfast and lunch included.

  • Duration1 day
  • DepartureCusco (hotel pickup)
  • RouteCusco, Cusipata, Quesiuno, Vinicunca
  • GroupGroup or private
  • DifficultyChallenging
  • LanguagesSpanish

Highlights

  • Hike to Rainbow Mountain
  • Views of snow-capped Ausangate
  • Breakfast and lunch along the way

Itinerary

  1. Morning Cusco – Cusipata Transfer and breakfast

    Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.

    Drive of approx. 3 hours south of Cusco, passing through the towns of Checacupe and Cusipata.

    Breakfast along the way and a short safety briefing.

  2. Hike Ascent to Vinicunca 5,036 m a.s.l.

    Start of the hike from the trailhead (approx. 4,600 m a.s.l.).

    Ascent of approx. 1 h 30 min to 2 hours through Andean landscapes with llamas and alpacas.

    At the summit: time for photos of the mountain and snow-capped Ausangate.

    • Optional: visit to the Red Valley (additional fee paid to the community)
  3. Afternoon Descent and return to Cusco Buffet lunch

    Descent to the trailhead and transfer to the restaurant.

    Buffet lunch in Cusipata.

    Approximate arrival in Cusco. End of services.

What's included

Included services

Transportation & Guide

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
  • Tourist transportation
  • Professional guide

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Buffet lunch

Safety

  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen

Not included

Entrance Fees

  • Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (community fee, paid in cash)
  • Entrance to the Red Valley (optional)

Optional

  • Horse rental for the ascent

Other

  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance or medical assistance
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Original national ID (DNI) or passport
  • Warm layered clothing and a waterproof jacket
  • Beanie, gloves and scarf
  • Trekking shoes or boots
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap
  • Reusable water bottle and snacks
  • Cash for entrance fees and personal expenses
  • Personal medications
  • Trekking poles (optional)

The hike goes above 5,000 m a.s.l.: it is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions or for pregnant women. Times are approximate and may vary depending on the season, the weather and your hotel pickup time. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day early to acclimatize to the altitude.

Prices

Price per person based on number of travelers
No. of travelersPrice per person (USD)
Shared service (per person) USD 80 Best price

Approximate price per person for shared service. Ask us about group and private service rates.

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the hike?

It's challenging because of the altitude, not the distance: the ascent takes approx. 1 h 30 min to 2 hours. Walk at your own pace and stay hydrated.

Can I go up on horseback?

Yes. The local communities offer horses for much of the ascent, paid directly in cash.

When is the best time to go?

From April to October (dry season) the skies are usually clear and the colors are more vivid.

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