Rainbow Mountain Tour – Vinicunca – The natural jewel of the Andes: a mineral rainbow at over 5,000 m.a.s.l.
General Information
- Duration: Full Day
- Approximate schedule: 04:30 a.m. – 04:30 p.m.
- Tour type: Nature, adventure, and high mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (mainly due to altitude)
Technical Sheet – Altitudes and Distances
- Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
- Cusipata (breakfast): 3,310 m.a.s.l.
- Phulawasipata (start of the trek): 4,630 m.a.s.l.
- Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca: 5,036 m.a.s.l.
- Hiking distance: 7 km total (round trip)
- Hiking time: between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the visitor’s pace
The hike is considered demanding due to the extreme altitude. It is not a technical route, but it does require good acclimatization and conscious walking.
Rainbow Mountain Experience
The adventure to Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca begins before dawn, when we leave the city of Cusco and head toward the district of Cusipata. The journey passes through green valleys, crystal-clear streams, and small Andean communities where life still preserves ancestral customs and a rhythm deeply connected to nature.
After enjoying a comforting breakfast, we continue toward Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike. From here, the trail ascends progressively through high-Andean landscapes that exceed 5,000 m.a.s.l., offering impressive views of the Ausangate glacier, considered the most important Apu of the southern Andes.
As we move forward, the surroundings transform: reddish, ochre, and turquoise tones begin to dominate the landscape, announcing the proximity of Vinicunca. Finally, after approximately two hours of ascent, the spectacular mineral rainbow appears before us—a mountain range dyed by natural minerals that, under the sunlight, seems to come alive.
A unique, intense, and deeply memorable experience that connects travelers with the grandeur of the Andes.
Availability
Daily departures
Transport
Hotel pickup
Guide
It is included in the service
Available languages
English and Spanish
Type of service
Group Service
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Maximum altitude
3.300 m.a.s.l
Difficulty
Hard
Location
Cusco, Perú
Itinerary
Early departure and route to Cusipata: Pick-up from the accommodation (located within the historic center of Cusco) starting at 04:30 a.m. We begin the journey south in tourist transportation, crossing rural landscapes and high-Andean areas.
Buffet breakfast in Cusipata: Strategic stop at a local tourist restaurant to enjoy a buffet breakfast, ideal for physical and energetic preparation for the hike.
Transfer to Phulawasipata: We continue the journey for approximately 1 hour to the starting point of the trek.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain: Start of the hike lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours (depending on pace), accompanied by a professional guide who will provide constant assistance, information about the natural environment, and support in relation to altitude.
Free time at Vinicunca: At the summit, time for rest, photography, and contemplation of the multicolored landscape, with views of Ausangate and the surrounding mountains.
Return and lunch: Descent along the same route back to the transport, followed by return to Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch.
Return to Cusco: Return to the city of Cusco. Approximate arrival at Plaza Regocijo around 04:30 p.m.
Important note: Schedules are for reference only. Our operations team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the schedule.
Includes
What's included
- Pick-up from accommodation
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
- Professional guide
- Buffet breakfast
- Buffet lunch
- Trekking poles
- Oxygen
- First aid kit
What's not included
- Optional horses
- Tips for the staff
Recommendations
Acclimatization and Physical Condition
- Acclimatize at least 1 to 2 days in Cusco before the tour
- Maintain a steady pace during the hike
- Avoid alcohol consumption the night before
- Get adequate rest
Weather and Trail Conditions
- Very cold mornings: 0 °C to 5 °C
- Strong midday sun: 12 °C to 18 °C
- Constant wind and possible rain or fog (November to April)
- Wide and safe trail with progressive incline
Recommended Clothing
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Thermal sweater or fleece
- Long-sleeve breathable shirt
- Trekking pants
- Hat for cold weather and sun hat
- Trekking shoes with non-slip soles
- Thermal or wool socks
- Gloves (especially during dry season)
What to Bring
- Small backpack
- High-protection sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
- 1 liter of water per person
- Energy snacks
- Rain poncho
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Camera or mobile phone with fully charged battery
- Cash for optional expense
Optional Horses
- Available along the route
- Approximate cost: USD 30 to 40
- Direct payment to local residents
- The final stretch (last 200 m) is always done on foot
- Recommended for travelers who experience difficulty due to altitude
Environmental Care
- Do not leave trash
- Respect marked areas
- Do not damage the ecosystem
- Always follow the guide’s instructions
Best Time to Travel
- Dry season (May – October): clear skies and more intense colors
- Rainy season (November – April): green landscapes, with possible snow or cloud cover
Trade Policies
Price
Rainbow Mountain Tour – Vinicunca – The natural jewel of the Andes: a mineral rainbow at over 5,000 m.a.s.l.
Full Day
Special Offers
Related Tours
Related trips that might interest you