Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco (Vinicunca Full Day)
- DurationFull day
- DifficultyModerate
- Max. altitude5,100 m (16,732 ft)
- ServiceGroup or private · Max 16
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
At a glance
Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco (Vinicunca Full Day) is a full day tour of moderate difficulty with a maximum altitude of 5,100 m (16,732 ft), operated by Machulas Journey, a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru. Price from US$130 per person (group or private service, up to 16 travelers).
Overview
The Full Day Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour is a true Andean adventure, created for travelers who want to step beyond the usual and into a landscape that feels bold, remote, and unforgettable. The day begins early, long before the mountain reveals itself, and as you travel deeper into the highlands, the scenery becomes more dramatic with every turn. Wide valleys, grazing alpacas, and towering peaks set the stage for the hike ahead.
As you make your way toward Rainbow Mountain, the experience becomes about more than reaching a viewpoint. It is about the feeling of being surrounded by raw natural beauty at high altitude, where every step brings a greater sense of accomplishment. When the colorful slopes of Vinicunca finally appear, the moment feels earned in the best possible way. The maximum altitude reached on this Full Day Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour is approximately 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, making it one of the highest and most memorable day trips in the Cusco region.
Itinerary
- Day 1Veninkunka - Rainbow Mountain
-
Day 1Veninkunka - Rainbow Mountain
We’ll pick you up at 4:am and take you in our private van for 3 and a half hours through the Vilcanota Valley and passing small towns and communities until we reach chillca (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), the starting point for our hike. There, your guide will take you to a local house to teach you about the local traditions, and you’ll enjoy a healthy breakfast.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll start your journey. We’ll hike for approximately 3 hours until we get to the famous Rainbow Mountain. On the way up, you’ll appreciate beautiful landscapes and alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, the national animal of Peru. Once we summit Rainbow Mountain 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, we’ll stay at the top for a 15 to 20 minutes in order to enjoy the beautiful view and learn cool information about this colored mountain once that, We will then make our descent for approximately 2 hours until we reach our rest spot, where our driver will wait for us and our tour guide will take you to the local restaurants for lunch where you will enjoy delicious, organic buffet lunch. After lunch, we will catch up our private van back to Cusco and leave you at your hotel.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Pisaq, Peru
- Tour Type: Full Day tour / van - hike
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you should be back around 4 pm
- Consideration: Please provide comfortable clothes, camara, phone, others etc.
Included
Included
- Profesional English – Spanish speaking tour guide
- Rainbow mountain - Permit
- Lunch organic buffet cousine
- Breakfast organize by the compay
- Professional Driver - Full transportation
Not included
- Trekking poles are not include in your day trip
- Tips also not include for your guide, Driver (not obligatory)
Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least one or two days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Bring your original passport or a copy for the tour.
- Wear warm, layered clothing suitable for cold mountain weather.
- Use comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
- Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
- Bring gloves and a warm hat for early morning temperatures.
- Stay well hydrated during the hike.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before the tour.
- Carry a small backpack for water, snacks, and personal items.
- Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for optional expenses such as horses.
- Walk at your own pace and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Respect the natural environment and do not leave trash on the trail.
Route map
Approximate route. Your guide will share the detailed map before departure.
Gallery
FAQs
How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
The Rainbow Mountain hike is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude, reaching over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). The trail itself is not long, but the thin air makes it physically demanding. A good level of fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended. Horses are usually available for rent if you need assistance during the ascent.
What is the best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, weather conditions are more stable and visibility is excellent, allowing you to see the vibrant colors of the mountain clearly. June, July, and August are the busiest months. March and November are good alternatives with fewer visitors and occasional rain.
How long is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, depending on your pace and physical condition. The descent takes approximately 1 hour. Although the distance is short, the altitude makes the hike more challenging than it appears.
What should I bring for the Rainbow Mountain tour?
You should bring warm layered clothing, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A small backpack with water and snacks is recommended. Trekking poles are optional but can be helpful for balance, especially on the descent.
Is altitude sickness common at Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, altitude sickness can affect some travelers due to the extreme elevation. To reduce the risk, acclimatize in Cusco before the tour, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and walk slowly. Coca tea is commonly offered to help with altitude adjustment, but listening to your body is essential.
Questions about this tour?
Machulas Journey
Why travel with Machulas Journey
Award-winning local team
Travel & Hospitality Award 2022. We are based in Cusco and operate our own tours.
Small groups
Personal attention on the trail and flexible private departures.
Permits handled for you
Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets, trains and buses booked by our team.
Expert local guides
Bilingual guides who share the history and culture of the Andes.
Responsible travel
Fair treatment of porters and respect for local communities (ESNNA code).
Secure booking
Card payments with Izipay or PayPal and a clear refund policy.
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