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Rainbow Mountain Trek

Unforgettable experience for your vacation

Rainbow Mountain Trek

Rainbow Mountain Perú

Rainbow Mountain Trek
  • Type: Day Hikes
  • Duration: Full Days
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Season: March to December
  • Departure: Daily
  • Group Size: 1 people

Rainbow Mountain Information

One of Natural tourist attractions in Cusco nowadays is the best option for visited is Rainbow Mountain Trek or Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, this mountain is a wonderful geological formation, product of water and wind erosion that occurred in this Mountain for thousands of years.

Vinicunca Mountain Trek is located between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca that belong to the provinces of Quispicanchis and Canchis respectively in the department of Cusco, at 5,035 meters / 16,519 feet, taking as reference the highest point in the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain.

The origin of Mountain colors goes back millions of years ago due tectonic movement of plates (Subduction of Nazca plate under Pacific plate) that gave rise to Peruvian Andes.

Through Cusco Department cross several mountain one of them is the Ausangate chain. Ausangate Mountain is the highest mountain of Cusco (6 384 meters / 20 944 feet), it is in this mountain chain that Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is located.

Ausangate Mountain area is characterized by having many lagoons that originate in the snowy mountains, they take different names such as Yanacocha Lake (Black Lagoon), or Puca Cocha (red Lagoon), each of these lagoons has a special color, for example in the Salkantay mountain range We have the Humantay Lake tour, this lagoon has a very beautiful turquoise color.

Vinicunca mountain Colors are due large amount of minerals that accumulate in this place, the variations of colors are the product of the mixture due to water and wind erosion, colors such as Red, Yellow, Green, Cream, Cherry and its variants can be distinguished.

The high altitude makes that the trek will be difficult for tourists, so we recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for a few days, if you do a light hike like Moray to Maras Hike or others to acclimatize, it would be much better.

This natural tourist attraction is a great option if you have time in your visit to Cusco, this is a unique experience around Peruvian Andes.

Booking

Rainbow Mountain Trek

US$ 40.00

Rainbow Mountain Overview

  • Tour Start: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:50 AM.
  • Duration of Rainbow Mountain Trek: Full Day Hike.
  • Hiking distance from Llactoq To Vinicunca: Approximately 3 kilometers.
  • Maximum Height (Rainbow Mountain): 5 135 m.s.n.m. / 16 847 feet
  • Minimum Height (Cusipata): 3 310 m.s.n.m. / 10 859 feet
  • Location: South of Cusco city.
  • Distance from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain: The distance is approximately 115 kilometers.
  • Visiting Season: All year, preferably from March to November.
  • Tour Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
  • End of Tour: We will return to Cusco between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM.

Rainbow Mountain Itinerary

We will pick up you from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 am to 4:30 am, then we will take Cusco - Puno road until we reach Cusipata (3 339 masl / 10 954 feet) where we will have our breakfast and a brief explanation of Rainbow Mountain Trek.

We will continue the trip on our tourist transport, the route is affirmed for 1 hour and 20 minutes until we reach Phulawasipata (4 626 masl / 15 177 feet) which is the parking place of all the buses that provide the service to Vinicunca Mountain.

From Phulawasipata we start hike to Vinicunca that is relatively flat in almost entire course of the route, it takes us 2 hours on average to reach the Mountain and 1 hour 30 minutes to return to the starting point, and we will have time for the photos and the visit on your own.

After the visit we will board the tourist transport that will take us back to Cusipata where we will have our lunch, after lunch we will start the return to Cusco, the transport will leave you close to the main square of Cusco.

  • Pick up from your hotel.
  • Professional guide.
  • Tourist transport.
  • Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch).
  • First aid kit.
  • Entrance to Rainbow Mountain Trek.
  • Tips.
  • Extras not mentioned.
  • Backpack.
  • Hiking Boots.
  • Poncho for rain.
  • Warm clothing.
  • Sunblock, sunglasses and hat.
  • Canteen.
  • Snacks (chocolates, candies, cookies, etc.).
  • Personal medical kit.
  • Additional national currency (soles).
  • Original passport.

View Map

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rainbow Mountain located?

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, south of Cusco, Peru. It lies between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca, at an altitude of approximately 5,035 meters (16,519 feet) above sea level. From the city of Cusco, it takes around 3.5 hours by bus to reach the starting point of the hike.

How long does it take to hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the summit and about 1.5 hours to descend, depending on your pace. The total distance from the starting point (Phulawasipata) to the viewpoint is around 5 kilometers (3 miles). The route is considered moderate in difficulty due to the high altitude, so it’s important to walk slowly and rest when necessary.

Is it necessary to acclimatize before visiting Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, it is highly recommended to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco before taking the tour. Since Rainbow Mountain reaches over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), your body needs time to adjust to the altitude. During this acclimatization period, you can do easy hikes or tours such as the Sacred Valley or Maras–Moray to help your body adapt and minimize altitude sickness.

When 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 November. During these months, the weather is more stable, with clear skies that allow you to enjoy the mountain’s vibrant colors and stunning views. The rainy season (December to March) can make the trail slippery and visibility lower, though the mountain still offers a unique beauty year-round.

What should I wear and bring for the tour?

We recommend wearing layered clothing since temperatures can vary greatly during the day. Bring a warm jacket, rain poncho, hat, gloves, scarf, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sturdy hiking boots with good traction. A walking stick, snacks, and at least one liter of water are also essential. Don’t forget your personal medications and some cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees or horse rental.

Can I rent a horse during the hike?

Yes, local residents offer horse rentals along the trail for those who prefer not to walk the entire distance. This service is ideal for travelers who might feel tired or experience altitude effects. The cost varies between 70 and 100 soles (round trip) and must be paid directly to the local owner. Keep in mind that the final stretch to the summit must still be walked on foot.

Is there an entrance fee for Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, visitors must pay an entrance fee before starting the hike. The cost is approximately 25 soles for foreign tourists and 15 soles for Peruvian nationals. This fee is paid directly at the checkpoint near the trailhead. In most tours, the entrance ticket is not included in the total package price, so it’s best to bring local currency in cash.

What meals are included in the Rainbow Mountain tour?

The tour includes breakfast and lunch, both served in the small town of Cusipata. Meals are typically buffet-style and include traditional Peruvian dishes such as soups, pastas, meats, and vegetables. Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available upon request. You can also bring your own light snacks like fruits, nuts, or chocolate for energy during the hike.

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging, mostly due to the high altitude rather than the terrain. The trail is not too steep, but the thinner air makes it more demanding. Travelers in good physical condition and who have acclimatized properly usually complete the hike without issues. Those who feel the effects of altitude may rest or opt for a horse rental for assistance.

What other attractions can I visit near Rainbow Mountain?

Near Rainbow Mountain, you can explore the stunning Ausangate Glacier, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes. The area is also home to colorful lagoons such as Puca Cocha (red lake) and Yanacocha (black lake). Some tours include a side trip to the Red Valley, a spectacular landscape of deep red hills and unique rock formations that make the visit even more memorable.

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