Rainbow Mountains
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Duration: Full day · 12 to 13 h
- Difficulty: Moderate
Places you visit
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Trip overview
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the most striking natural attractions near Cusco. On this tour you will enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes, local communities, and a hike to the famous mountain whose distinctive colours come from its layers of minerals.
It is an ideal experience for travellers looking for adventure, nature and a real connection with the beauty of the Andes.
It sits at 5,200 metres above sea level, so we recommend arriving already acclimatised to the altitude.
Itinerary overview
Full day · 12 to 13 h- Hotel pickup at 4:30 a.m.
- Breakfast at the roadside restaurant
- Transfer to the trailhead
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Visit to the Vinicunca viewpoint
- Descent and lunch
- Return to Cusco (5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
The route, step by step
Hotel pickup. We collect passengers from their hotels in the historic centre of Cusco and set off south, heading toward the Rainbow Mountain area.
Breakfast. We arrive at a tourist restaurant along the route to enjoy breakfast before continuing the journey.
Transfer to the trailhead. We continue on to the starting point of the hike to Vinicunca.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain. We begin the hike enjoying the natural Andean landscapes, snow-capped peaks, mountains and local communities of the area. Hiking time depends on each passenger's pace and the weather conditions.
Visit to Rainbow Mountain. On reaching the main viewpoint, passengers have time to take in the scenery, take photographs and enjoy this world-renowned natural attraction.
Return and lunch. After the visit we begin the descent back to the transport point to return to the restaurant and enjoy lunch.
Return to Cusco. Once the tour is finished, we head back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Included10
- Pickup from your hotel (historic centre of Cusco).
- Round-trip tourist transport.
- Breakfast.
- Andean lunch.
- Professional guide throughout the tour.
- Trekking poles.
- Oxygen tank for emergencies.
- First aid kit.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
- Card and payment-link processing fees.
Not included6
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) entrance fee: S/20.00 for nationals · S/25.00 for foreigners.
- Horse service: arranged and paid for directly with the local community.
- Personal expenses.
- Additional drinks.
- Tips (optional).
- Anything not listed under «Included».
What to bring
- Valid ID or passport
- Arrive already acclimatised to the altitude
- Warm clothing, worn in layers
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water and personal snacks
- Cash for the entrance fee or horse service
- Avoid the hike if you have health issues affected by altitude
- Follow the guide's instructions at all times
- Camera or phone with enough battery
Questions about this tour7
- Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain difficult?
- The hike is moderate. It takes about 40 minutes, depending on each passenger's pace and the weather conditions.
- How high up is Rainbow Mountain?
- Vinicunca sits at approximately 5,200 metres above sea level. For that reason we recommend being acclimatised to the altitude beforehand.
- Can I do the route on horseback?
- Yes. Passengers who prefer to skip the hike can hire a horse directly from members of the local community. This service has an extra cost.
- Can older travellers do this tour?
- Yes, as long as they are in good health and have no medical restrictions related to altitude, blood pressure or other conditions that could affect their safety. We suggest carefully evaluating this tour for travellers around 65 or older, given the altitude and physical effort required.
- What happens if it rains during the tour?
- The tour runs as normal. In the rainy season we recommend bringing a rain poncho, waterproof jacket or windbreaker, and warm clothing to stay protected from the weather.
- What should I bring for the hike?
- We recommend warm clothing, suitable hiking shoes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and cash for extra expenses.
- Is there a private service?
- Yes. Private service is quoted according to the number of passengers, travel date and service requirements. Write to us and we will send you the rate.
Booking, payment and cancellations
Booking confirmation
- The booking is confirmed only after payment is received and the deposit into Qori Wayra Travel's account is confirmed.
- If a passenger confirms their intent to travel but does not make the payment, the booking will not be held.
- Bookings are subject to availability for the requested date.
Deposit and remaining balance
- A deposit is requested to confirm the booking, based on the number of passengers and the type of service.
- The remaining balance must be paid no later than one day before the tour date.
- The service will only take place once the passenger has completed payment under the agreed terms.
Payment methods
- National passengers: Yape, Plin, bank transfer or payment link.
- Foreign passengers: bank transfer, Western Union or payment link.
Sending tour information
- Once the booking is confirmed, we send the passenger detailed information about the service, including pickup time, recommendations and other important travel details.
Changes and cancellations
- Date changes are subject to availability and prior confirmation from Qori Wayra Travel.
- In case of cancellation by the passenger, no refunds are issued once the booking is confirmed, due to the prior organisation of the service.
- Any requested change may be subject to additional conditions depending on the tour's operation.
Important considerations
- The tour may vary due to weather conditions, passenger safety or arrangements made by the local community.
- Qori Wayra Travel prioritises the safety and comfort of passengers throughout the tour.
