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The Most Famous Hike in Peru & South America

Rainbow Mountain Full Day

1 Days & 0 Nights

Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour – Hike Through Colorful Landscapes & Andean Culture

Enjoy the natural colors of the stunning Rainbow Mountain! Hike through a secluded valley, where you can interact with local people who still keep the ancient Quechua culture alive. You’ll see snow-capped peaks, herds of alpacas, glaciers, and birds, all within an incredibly colorful mountain range. The hike to Rainbow Mountain offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including eagles and birds (caracara is the name of the local bird). The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are very different from other ecosystems you’ll see in Peru.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco

Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and begin our incredible adventure. Our private transportation will take us for approximately 3 hours through the southern valley until we reach the town of Cusipata where we will have our breakfast consisting of local food based on quinoa, maca and more local products. After finishing our nutritious breakfast we will board our transportation to continue our journey to the community of Llacto (4,638 masl / 15,216 feet) where our hike will begin. Along the way, there are impressive views of valleys, rocky mountains, llamas and alpacas with which you can take photos. .

We will begin our hike following a beautiful trail where we will have views of the Ausangate Mountain (the highest mountain in Cusco). After a hike of approximately 2 hours total we will arrive at our destination, the Rainbow Mountain (5,200 masl / 17,060 feet). Upon reaching the summit you will have time to explore the area, take photos or just appreciate the atmosphere. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit.

Afterwards, we will return the same way we came. The hike takes 1 hour downhill to our private transport which will be waiting for us to return to the town of Cusipata and have lunch at our restaurant in the town of Cusipata.

After finishing our lunch we will embark on the 3-hour return trip to the city of Cusco to drop you off at your hotel, arriving around 4:00 pm.

Maximum height: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Minimum height: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

What does Rainbow Mountain Full Day?

What is included?

  • Private transportation.
  • Breakfast and lunch, hot drinks.
  • Experienced professional guide.
  • Professional chef in our restaurant (BUFFET)
  • Entrance to Rainbow Mountain.
  • First aid kit.

What is not included?

  • Extra expenses (snacks, water and extra medicines)
  • Horses (if you want to take horses you have to pay 120 soles)
  • Water: Please bring 1 to 2 liters per person.
  • Appreciation to the people (tips)
  • We run our trips daily with a minimum of 2 people.We only take small groups and private trips, to enhance the experience and give you the full attention of our guides and staff.
  • Walking poles: 15 USD per pair per hike (professional poles that can be extended).
  • Horse rental is optional

You can rent with us, request it in the briefing or at the time of making your reservation.

Recomendations

  • A small backpack with water to drink.
  • Snack
  • Comfortable sneakers or runners.
  • Camera and raincoat or poncho.
  • A fleece or jacket, basic toiletries.
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent.
  • passaport
  • ISIC card if applicable.
  • Money for water and tips.
  • Trekking poles (you can rent them from us when you make your reservation).

FAQ – Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is a natural mountain famous for its colorful mineral layers, located in the Andes near Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain is located at approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest day hikes in Peru.

The hike is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude, even though the trail itself is not very technical.

The hike usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace.

Most tours include transportation from Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, and basic first aid support.

Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a rain jacket.

The best time is during the dry season (April to October), when weather conditions are clearer.

Yes, but it is recommended to have good physical condition and proper acclimatization due to the altitude.

Yes, it is one of the most unique natural attractions in Peru, offering stunning views and a memorable high-altitude experience.

It is located about 3 to 4 hours by car from Cusco, followed by a hike to reach the viewpoint.

👉 Book your Rainbow Mountain Tour today and discover one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders.

What people say about us

Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Salkantay experience with Christian I fell ill right at the start of our Salkantay trip, but Christian was absolutely incredible. He made sure I got all the right medicine and went above and beyond to help me recover and get back into shape so that I could still enjoy the rest of the trek. Beyond that, Christian is genuinely one of the best guides you could ask for. He’s funny, incredibly helpful and full of great recommendations. Whatever questions we had, he seemed to know the answer, and if we needed something, he somehow made it happen. More than anything, it felt less like having a tour guide and more like travelling with an old friend who just happened to know everything about the area. He made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend Christian to anyone doing the Salkantay trek!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Patrick M profile picture
Patrick M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
More than a guide — a friend in Peru We were lucky to have the same guide, Cristian, for both our Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek, so we ended up spending quite a few days together. He really became a big part of our Peru trip. He knows so much about Inca history, Peruvian culture, the mountains, and local life, and we loved how naturally all of that came up in our conversations along the way. He was also very patient and always paid attention to how we were doing during the trek. On Salkantay, he even suggested adjusting our itinerary based on the weather conditions so we could have the best possible experience, which we really appreciated. He never rushed us, was happy to stop whenever we needed, and was just very easy and fun to be around. By the end of the trip, it honestly felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we had made a friend in Peru.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
適亨 楊 profile picture
適亨 楊
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
4d Salkantay trek and Sacred Valley day tour We were so lucky to have Cristian as our guide on our first trip to Cusco. He’s such a smart, thoughtful, and organized person. We did both the Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek with him. Whenever there was something to explain, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and during the trek he was also just a really fun person to talk to. He always paid attention to how everyone was feeling, made sure everyone was doing okay, and took care of what each person needed. I’m really happy that this trip to Peru gave us not only so many amazing memories, but also a wonderful new friend.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
憶甄李 profile picture
憶甄李
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Esperienza perfetta Esperienza bellissima, Cristian la nostra guida ci ha ricoperto di attenzioni e ha fatto in modo che tutto fosse perfetto, e a parte questo è una persona adorabile con la quale è stato bellissimo condividere il cammino e che ci ha veramente aiutati a capire tante cose di questo paese meraviglioso e della sua società. Altamente raccomandato!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Tato3672 profile picture
Tato3672
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Great experience at MachuPicchu Great experience with guide Krystian doing the baby trail to MachuPicchu via Sun Gate. Capable and knowledgeable guide !
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Koen D profile picture
Koen D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short Inca Trail review Cristian guided our family through the short version of the Inca Trail. The views were amazing and the hike made the whole experience even more unforgettable. Cristian provided us with interesting stories about the history of the Inca civilization and was very enthusiastic! A very friendly man who had a good feeling with the needs of the group. I highly recommand this trail and Maccu Pichu visit!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Lucas D profile picture
Lucas D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Superleuk! Het was een supertof ervaring! De gids(Cristian) wist veel over de natuur en over de Machu Picchu. Hij kon ons interessante feitjes vertellen en dat maakte de hike en de belevenis nog toffer.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arthur D profile picture
Arthur D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short-Inca trail review Mega leuke wandeltocht met geweldige uitzichten. Cristian, onze gids, legde alles op een leuke manier uit met interessante weetjes, wat de tocht nog leuker maakte.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek19589988553 profile picture
Trek19589988553
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Inca trail with Cristian and our family of 6 1 day inca trail with our guide who was very enthusiastic and motivated, giving lots of explanations and tips. Really an unforgettable experience!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Veronique profile picture
Veronique
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Short Inca Trail - Perfect experience! Christian was an amazing guide on our short Inca Trail trip. Everything was perfectly organized, he made sure we feel comfortable and shared a lot of interesting insights. Thanks again for this great day, which was the highlight of our vacation in Peru.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Ti_Carpenter profile picture
Ti_Carpenter

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