The Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most remarkable natural wonders. Located just outside of Cusco, this full-day tour allows adventurers to experience the mountain’s breathtaking beauty. Explore the area’s stunning landscapes, encounter local wildlife, and savor delicious Peruvian cuisine. With a challenging hike to an altitude of 16,568 feet, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking to witness the region’s incredible natural diversity.

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Key Points

A full-day tour from Cusco to the colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at an altitude of 16,568 feet, featuring scenic hikes and encounters with llamas and alpacas.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, with the option to rent a horse for the hike.
Participants will experience a challenging trek with panoramic views of lagoons and mountains, with safety measures like walking poles, first aid, and oxygen tanks provided.
The tour is not recommended for individuals over 75, those with mobility issues or heart problems, due to the high altitude and strenuous hike.
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, water, and sun protection are essential for the day-long excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Rainbow Mountain tour is a full-day activity from Cusco, priced from $28.00 per person and lasting approximately 12 hours.

A full-day Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco, priced from $28.00 per person and lasting approximately 12 hours.

Participants are picked up from their hotel, with a scheduled departure between 4:20 AM and 5:00 AM. The tour is available in English and Spanish, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

After a 1.5-hour drive to Cusipata, guests enjoy breakfast before continuing to the trailhead.

The challenging hike reaches an altitude of 16,568 feet, offering scenic views of the colorful mountain and encounters with llamas and alpacas.

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Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup between 4:20 AM and 5:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco. After a 1.5-hour drive to Cusipata, you’ll enjoy a 40-minute breakfast. The journey continues for 1 hour to Fullawasi Pata, where the 105-minute hike to Rainbow Mountain (16,568 feet) begins. At the summit, you’ll have 40-50 minutes for photos and a guided tour of Vinicunca’s colorful landscape. The return hike follows the same trail, leading to a buffet lunch in Cusipata around 1-2 PM. The tour then departs for Cusco, arriving around 5 PM.

| Pickup | Breakfast | Hike to Summit |

| — | — | — |

| 4:20 AM – 5:00 AM | 40 minutes | 105 minutes |

| Cusco | Cusipata | Fullawasi Pata |

Highlights

Visitors can experience Rainbow Mountain’s colorful beauty amidst snow-capped peaks. During the hike, they’ll encounter herds of llamas and alpacas, adding to the scenic adventure.

The challenging trek at altitudes above 16,000 feet offers panoramic views of lagoons and mountains with reddish hues. While the high elevation poses risks, the tour provides walking poles, first aid, and oxygen tanks to support participants.

This full-day excursion from Cusco showcases one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, the Rainbow Mountain, in all its vibrant glory.

Inclusions

The Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual tour guide to accompany participants throughout the day.

Breakfast and a buffet lunch are also provided. The tour company supplies walking poles, a first aid kit, and oxygen tanks to support hikers during the challenging trek to the 16,568-foot peak. Refreshing drinks are available too.

On-site, visitors can rent horses for an additional fee to ease the hike. An entrance ticket to the Rainbow Mountain is included in the tour price.

However, drones aren’t permitted on the excursion.

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Important Information

Although the Rainbow Mountain tour offers a breathtaking experience, it may not be suitable for everyone. The hike is challenging, with high altitudes above 16,000 feet, which can be taxing for some individuals.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

People over 75 years, individuals with mobility impairments, and those with heart problems should avoid the Rainbow Mountain tour.

People over 75 years
Individuals with mobility impairments
Individuals with heart problems

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Drones aren’t allowed.

It’s essential to carefully consider one’s physical capabilities before embarking on this adventure to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Getting Ready for the Hike

One key aspect to prepare for the Rainbow Mountain hike is ensuring you have the right gear. Wear comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or shoes with good traction.

Dress in lightweight, breathable layers that can be added or removed as needed. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves as temperatures can be quite cold, especially at the summit.

Pack plenty of snacks and water to stay fueled and hydrated throughout the day. Don’t forget sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Trekking poles can also be helpful in navigating the steep, uneven terrain. Come prepared, and you’ll be ready to tackle this challenging but rewarding hike.

Encountering the Rainbow Mountain

As hikers ascend the winding trail, they’re greeted by the striking, multicolored slopes of Vinicunca, more commonly known as Rainbow Mountain. The mountain’s dazzling hues, a result of mineral deposits, create a breathtaking sight against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Hikers pause to marvel at the natural wonder, capturing photographs to commemorate the moment. The trek’s challenges are quickly forgotten as they explore this geologic masterpiece:

Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows paint the landscape
Streaks of green, blue, and purple add to the kaleidoscopic effect
Herds of llamas and alpacas graze peacefully nearby
Panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains
A sense of accomplishment for reaching this stunning destination.

Returning to Cusco

After taking in the stunning views of the Rainbow Mountain, the group begins their descent along the same trail.

The hike down is challenging but rewarding, offering more opportunities to spot llamas and alpacas.

Reaching Cusipata, the group enjoys a well-deserved buffet lunch before the final leg of the journey.

The bus ride back to Cusco is filled with tired but satisfied chatter, as travelers recount the day’s highlights.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age, but the challenging hike at high altitude may not be suitable for young children. Parents should consider their child’s fitness and stamina before booking.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. Groups are typically small to medium-sized, allowing for a more personalized experience. Exact group sizes may vary depending on demand and availability on the tour date.

Are Vegetarian/Special Dietary Options Available for Meals?

The tour provides a buffet lunch, but it’s unclear if they offer vegetarian or other special dietary options. Customers with dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations.

Can I Rent Hiking Equipment On-Site if I Don’t Have My Own?

Yes, you can rent hiking equipment on-site if you don’t have your own. The tour includes walking poles, and you can also rent a horse for the hike for around $19 from the local operators.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Horse Rental Service?

The tour overview states that horse rental is available on-site, but it doesn’t mention any age restrictions. Participants should check with the tour provider about any specific requirements or limitations for using the horse rental service.

Sum Up

The tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors will be awestruck by the vibrant, multi-colored landscape and the challenge of hiking to an impressive altitude. With a knowledgeable guide, tasty meals, and essential safety gear, this excursion promises to be a highlight of any Peruvian adventure. It’s an opportunity to witness one of the country’s most remarkable natural wonders up close.