Highlights

A conquest of colors: The adventure of Rainbow Mountain

Trekking to the top of the mountain is a journey through a web of natural wonders. It culminates in a stunning view of Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Colored Mountain. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top, allowing you to enjoy the splendid panoramas and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

For those wishing to enrich their experience, we offer an extension that will take you to the stunning landscapes of the Red Valley, adding vibrant contrast to the day’s palette. Please let us know when booking the tour.

As we descend, you’ll discover that your time spent on Rainbow Mountain will remain etched in your heart, a vivid encounter with nature’s artistry.

After spending days in Cusco or visiting the iconic Machu Picchu, the tour to Rainbow Mountain is an unmissable excursion. We’ll make sure you’re back in Cusco by 09:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to reflect on the day’s adventure. With Cosmo Expeditions, your trip to Rainbow Mountain in Peru will be as memorable as the destination itself.

Join us as we adventure together, reaching new heights and embracing the colorful embrace of the Andes. Your visit to Rainbow Mountain is not just a tour; It is a celebration of natural beauty and the human spirit.

Inclusions

Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Tour guide.
• Meals and drinks (unless specified).

No Included

• Drinks.
• Entrance fees.
• Dinner
• Optional horseback riding

What to Bring

• Hiking boots or walking shoes.
• Poncho for rain.
• Warm jacket (waterproof and windproof).
• Sunscreen and sunhat.
• Layered clothing.
• Day-pack with a hip strap.
• Water bottle.
• First aid kit and prescription medicine.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses.
• Small torch, earplugs.
• Rainproof cover for daypack or backpack.
• Hat, scarf, gloves.
• Toiletries in zip lock bags.
• Insect repellent.
• Camera with extra memory and battery.
• Padlocks for zippers​​.

Prices

Faqs

Travel Guide

The Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, has exploded in popularity to become one of Peru’s most iconic day trips from Cusco. This geological marvel, striped with a spectrum of vibrant mineral deposits, offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding trek through the high Andes, culminating in breathtaking, otherworldly views.

Quick Facts:

• Local Name: Vinicunca (Quechua for “colored mountain”)
• Duration: Full-day trip from Cusco (typically 12-15 hours, with 2-3 hours of actual hiking each way).
• Trekking Distance: Approximately 6-8 kilometers (3.7-5 miles) round trip, depending on the exact route and starting point used by your tour.
• Altitude: The summit viewpoint is at a staggering 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. The trek itself starts at a high altitude as well.
• Difficulty: Challenging, primarily due to the extreme altitude. The trail itself has some steep sections but is generally well-trodden.
• Permits: Currently, individual permits are not required if going with a licensed tour operator, as they typically handle entrance fees. This can change, so always verify when booking.

Why Trek to Rainbow Mountain?

• Unique Scenery: Witness the incredible, naturally formed stripes of turquoise, lavender, gold, and red that give the mountain its name.
• Andean Landscapes: Experience the vast, rugged beauty of the Ausangate region, with views of snow-capped peaks (including the sacred Apu Ausangate on clear days), llamas, and alpacas.
• Cultural Insight: Interact with local communities who often offer horse rides or sell handicrafts along the route.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching the viewpoint at such a high altitude is a significant achievement.

What to Expect:

The Journey:

Your day will start extremely early, typically between 3:00 AM and 4:30 AM, with a pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. The drive to the trailhead (usually Pitumarca or Cusipata, depending on the tour) takes around 3-4 hours, often including a stop for breakfast.

The Trek:

Once at the trailhead (already over 4,000 meters/13,000 feet), the trek begins. The path is generally uphill, with some steeper inclines, particularly towards the end as you approach the final ridge leading to the main viewpoint.

The thin air at this altitude makes the trek significantly more challenging than the distance might suggest. You’ll need to walk slowly, take frequent breaks, and listen to your body.

Many locals offer horse rides for a portion of the trail (usually up to the base of the final ascent to the viewpoint) for an additional fee. This can be a helpful option if you’re struggling with the altitude or find the walk too strenuous.

The Reward:

After approximately 1.5-3 hours of hiking (depending on your pace and acclimatization), you’ll reach the viewpoint. The panoramic vistas of Vinicunca’s colored slopes are truly spectacular. On clear days, the massive snow-capped Ausangate mountain provides a stunning backdrop.

You’ll typically have around 30 minutes to an hour at the summit to take photos and soak in the views before beginning the descent, which is faster (around 1-1.5 hours).

Red Valley (Optional Add-on):

Some tours offer an optional extension to the nearby Red Valley (Valle Rojo). This involves an additional short hike and provides stunning views of an entire valley system colored in deep reds and ochres. It’s a fantastic complement to Rainbow Mountain and usually less crowded. Inquire with your tour operator if this is an option.

After the trek, you’ll usually have lunch before the long drive back to Cusco, arriving in the early evening.

Planning Your Trip:

• Book a Tour: This is the most common and recommended way to visit. Numerous operators in Cusco offer Rainbow Mountain tours. Compare prices, itineraries (breakfast/lunch inclusion, Red Valley option), and reviews.
• Acclimatize THOROUGHLY: This cannot be overstressed. Spend at least 3-4 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (which is at a lower altitude than Cusco) before attempting this trek. Altitude sickness is a real risk and can be severe.
• Best Time to Go: The dry season (May to September) offers the best chance of clear skies and vibrant colors. However, it’s also colder, especially in the mornings and at the summit. The shoulder seasons (April, October) can also be good but with a higher chance of rain or even snow. Avoid the rainy season (November to March) if possible, as the trail can be muddy, and views obscured.
• Physical Preparation: While the distance isn’t huge, the altitude makes it tough. Being in good cardiovascular shape will help. If possible, do some high-altitude hikes before this one.
• Listen to Your Body: Altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience severe symptoms, inform your guide immediately and descend. Do not push yourself too hard.