About this experience
Experience an exclusive service while discovering the beautiful Rainbow Mountain in this Full Day Private Tour. This tour has been designed so that you and your group have a stress-free hike with personalized attention from our local expert guides sharing their vast knowledge accumulated over the years. Beat the crowds and fall in love with the spectacular Vinicunca!
You will only do a Rainbow Mountain Tour once in your life – book with the best to ensure it's an experience you will never forget!
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Rainbow Mountain Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco with practical guidance on altitude, tour options, costs, access, packing, and the demanding full-day schedule.
Sacred Valley Travel Guide From Cusco
Plan a Sacred Valley trip from Cusco with practical route choices, transport tradeoffs, overnight options, rail connections, budgeting advice, accessibility questions, and current 2026 travel cautions.
South Valley Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a rewarding South Valley day trip from Cusco with practical guidance for Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, including timing, transport, altitude and access considerations.
What is included
- Hotel pickup from Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco
- Vinicunca entrance fee
- Professional english and spanish-speaking guide
- Breakfast and buffet lunch
- First aid kit, oxygen and blanket
Not included
- 30 soles entrance fee to Red Valley reserved area (optional)
- Saddle horse (if required)
- Walking pole
- Bottled water
Itinerary and highlights
The day begins very early, with pickups between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. directly from your hostel or hotel in Cusco to Cusipata. The initial drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The first stop will be in Cusipata for 30 minutes to have breakfast.
From there, we continue our journey for another hour and a half, passing through the village of Pitumarca until we reach Hanchipata–Llama Chimpana, where the hike begins.
You will begin the walk at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range and make your way up for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
We will then reach the highest point of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the best place to see the incredible colors and the snow-capped Ausangate peak.
This will be the highest point of the mountain. You will have the opportunity to see different types of South American camelids (relatives of camels).
We will also visit the Red Hill, where you’ll have time to enjoy the scenery and take beautiful photos.
Please note that the Red Hill entrance fee is not included in the ticket price.
Stop in Cusipata for lunch.
You will finish the hike with a 1-hour descent over flat terrain, returning to where the walk began.
The driver will be waiting to take you back to the district of Cusipata for a 1-hour traditional lunch.
After lunch, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pickups are between 3:00 am and 3:30 am. We pick up from listed hotels and hostels in Cusco, which covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. We do not offer pickup or drop-off at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals, etc. Please select a nearby alternative meeting point, and we will confirm your pickup time.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rainbow Mountain Travels
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
We do not offer pickup or drop-off at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals, etc. Please select a nearby alternative meeting point, and we will confirm your pickup time.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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