Hike to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a striking natural wonder in the Peruvian Andes, boasts vibrant colors formed by mineral deposits and is revered as a sacred site by local communities. Journey from Cusco to this iconic destination, which includes a moderate 2-hour hike, stunning views of llamas and alpacas, and a visit to the breathtaking Red Valley. The best time to experience this unique landscape is during the dry season from May to September, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 12°C. Choose between the shorter, steeper Pitumarca route or the longer, less crowded Cusipata route for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Peru's mountains. - Discover the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters - Enjoy a moderate 2-hour hike with stunning views of local wildlife - Visit the beautiful Red Valley and engage with local communities - Accessible from Cusco in about 3 hours via two scenic routes
Inclusions
What's included
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English)
- Andean Breakfast in Cusipata
- First-aid kit and portable oxygen
- Trekking poles are optional
- Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata
What's not
- Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
Itinerary
Day 1 – Itinerary (Summary in English): The Rainbow Mountain tour begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco (around 4:00–5:00 a.m.), followed by a scenic drive south to Cusipata, where you enjoy breakfast. From there, the journey continues to the trailhead, starting a hike of about 2 hours through Andean landscapes and local communities until reaching Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at over 5,200 m. An optional short walk leads to the Red Valley viewpoint. After enjoying the views, you hike back to the starting point, observing llamas and alpacas along the way, then return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Finally, the tour ends with the drive back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00–5:30 p.m.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 51
- 40
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- 10
Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 18 travellers
- Operated by
- Chullos Tours Peru
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Cusco
- Its from-price is 79% below the median of the 4460 experiences we list in Cusco.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 2976 of 4460.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cusco
Cusco, the old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes, blends massive stone walls with colonial churches and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, framed by the cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Inca stonework survives throughout the centre, most famously at the Qorikancha, the sun temple on which the Spanish built a monastery, and in the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. San Blas, the artisans' quarter, climbs steeply with workshops and cafés.
Top-ranked sights in Cusco: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Ruins.
Special offers in Cusco
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
