Rainbow Mountain Tour

The Rainbow Mountain Tour offers an enthralling adventure for those seeking to enjoy Peru’s captivating natural beauty. Departing from Cusco, this 12-hour excursion promises a challenging yet rewarding hike to the stunning viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain, where travelers will be awed by the vibrant hues and the majestic presence of Ausangate Mountain. With a professional bilingual guide, travelers can expect an informative and seamless experience, complete with hotel pickup, meals, and a flexible cancellation policy. Those eager to witness this natural wonder won’t want to miss the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable journey.

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Good To Know

This 12-hour tour from Cusco takes visitors to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant, multicolored mineral-rich soil.
The tour includes hotel pickup, group transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as a professional bilingual guide.
Hikers can reach a viewpoint at an altitude of 5,100 meters, with an optional horse rental available.
The tour offers breathtaking views of the Andes, including the iconic Ausangate Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Rainbow Mountain Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonder of Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain. Priced from $66.00 per person, this 12-hour tour departs from Cusco and takes visitors on a breathtaking journey to one of Peru’s most colorful landscapes.

The tour includes hotel pickup, group transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as the services of a professional bilingual guide. Guests can expect to hike for approximately 1.5 hours to reach the viewpoint at an altitude of 5,100 meters, with an optional horse rental available.

The tour provides a chance to witness the region’s vibrant geology and, weather permitting, a view of the Ausangate Mountain.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The tour begins at 5:00 am with hotel pickup in Cusco. After a 3.5-hour bus ride, the group stops for breakfast in Cusipata. They then continue for an hour to reach Rainbow Mountain. The hike to the viewpoint at 5100 m altitude takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Guests can optionally rent horses for an additional cost. The descent takes 1 hour, followed by lunch before returning to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 pm.

| Time | Activity |

| — | — |

| 5:00 am | Hotel pickup in Cusco |

| 3.5 hours | Travel by bus to Cusipata |

| 1 hour | Continue to Rainbow Mountain |

| 1 hr 30 min | Hike to viewpoint (5100 m) |

| 1 hour | Descent and lunch |

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

After the descent from the viewpoint, travelers arrive at the stunning Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.

This geological wonder boasts vibrant hues created by the oxidation of minerals in the soil. Visitors can marvel at the striking bands of pink, red, yellow, and green that stripe the mountainside.

Though the hike can be challenging due to the high altitude, the breathtaking views of the Andes make it well worth the effort.

With its unique and captivating appearance, Rainbow Mountain is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Peru.

Ausangate Mountain

Ausangate Mountain, the dramatic, snow-capped peak that dominates the landscape, rises majestically in the distance during the Rainbow Mountain tour.

Weather permitting, visitors can catch a glimpse of this iconic Andean mountain. Ausangate, the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, stands at an impressive 6,372 meters (20,900 feet) above sea level.

Its rugged, glaciated slopes and vibrant hues make it a stunning sight. Although not the primary focus of the tour, seeing Ausangate adds to the overall breathtaking experience of exploring the colorful Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s natural wonders.

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Tour Guide

As part of the Rainbow Mountain Tour, a professional bilingual tour guide accompanies visitors throughout the excursion.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, the guide provides informative commentary on the region’s geography, history, and cultural significance.

They expertly lead the group along the hiking trail, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Visitors can ask questions and gain deeper insights into the vibrant colors and geological formation of Rainbow Mountain.

The guide’s expertise enhances the overall tour, making it an enriching and memorable journey for all participants.

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Inclusions

The Rainbow Mountain Tour includes a variety of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The tour package includes:

Hotel pickup by a JatPerú representative, providing convenient transportation to the starting point.
A group service, allowing travelers to experience the tour with fellow adventurers.
An excursion to the breathtaking Arcopiris/Vinicunca mountain, the main highlight of the tour.
Both breakfast and lunch served during the day, ensuring travelers are well-nourished for the hike.
Tourist transport and admission ticket, covering all necessary logistics for the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund on the Rainbow Mountain Tour.

This flexible policy allows customers to book their tour without worry. If plans change, they can cancel and receive a full refund, no questions asked. This gives customers peace of mind when reserving their spot.

The tour operator understands unexpected circumstances may arise, so they offer this cancellation option to provide a hassle-free experience.

Customers can feel confident booking the Rainbow Mountain Tour knowing they’ve the option to cancel up to a day in advance if needed.

Booking Information

To book the Rainbow Mountain Tour, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour features:

Free cancellation, start time availability, secure booking, and seamless experience – the Rainbow Mountain Tour offers flexible options for travelers.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Availability to check start times.
Secure booking process through the tour provider’s website.
Seamless experience from reservation to tour completion with the tour provider’s assistance and gratitude.

With these flexible booking options, travelers can easily plan their Rainbow Mountain adventure and explore the stunning natural wonder with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This offers clearer skies and milder temperatures, enhancing the stunning colors and views of the mountain.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and water on the tour. Most tour operators allow and even encourage participants to bring their own provisions to stay hydrated and nourished during the hike up Rainbow Mountain.

Is the Hike to the Viewpoint Considered Difficult?

The hike to the viewpoint is considered moderately difficult, as it involves climbing over 1,500 feet in elevation in about 1.5 hours. Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for the high altitude and steep terrain.

Is There an Option to Visit Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking?

Yes, there’s an optional horse rental available for the hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. This allows visitors to reach the top without the strenuous hike, though additional costs apply.

Does the Tour Provide Gear for the Cold Weather at High Altitude?

The tour doesn’t provide gear for the cold weather, but travelers can rent warm clothing and equipment like gloves, hats, and jackets on-site. It’s recommended to dress in layers and bring proper gear for the high-altitude hike.

The Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of Peru. With its flexible cancellation policy and professional bilingual guide, this 12-hour adventure is a must-do for any traveler seeking an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking stunning vistas, the Rainbow Mountain Tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.