About this experience
Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, is a captivating destination in the Vilcanota Mountain Range of the Peruvian Andes. Located at 5,036 meters in the Pitumarca district, it is renowned for its vibrant stripes of fuchsia, turquoise, lavender, and gold. These striking colors originate from various minerals: greens from iron, magnesium, and copper oxide; yellows from sulfur; whites from quartz sand and limestone; and reds from clays and argillites containing mica and quartz. This stunning landscape offers a unique natural spectacle that attracts travelers from around the globe.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
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.
Machu Picchu Mountain Guide
Plan Machu Picchu Mountain with the correct Ruta 1-A ticket, clear Circuit 1 comparisons, arrival rules, packing restrictions, and live-status checks.
What is included
- Pick up from your hotel
- Professional guide in English and Spanish
- Buffet
- Oxygen balloon
- Tourist transportation
Not included
- Emergency horse (average 90 soles)
Itinerary and highlights
The tour begins at 4:30 AM with pick-up from your hotel or meeting point 15 minutes earlier. We'll embark on a 2-hour drive through the South Valley to Cusipata.
We will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast for 30 minutes. From there, we will continue to the trailhead at 4,326 meters (14,189 feet) to begin a moderate 2-hour hike. Around 10:30 in the morning.
From the minivan drop off point we will have a 1 hour and 30 minute hike to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, at 5,020 meters. You will have enough time of 1 hour to appreciate this unique landscape. After the visit, we will return to the starting point.
Our private transportation will take us back to Cusipata in a one hour trip, for a buffet lunch for 30 minutes.
After a brief rest, we will return to Cusco, a trip that lasts approximately 2 hours, arriving around 4:30 PM.
Meeting and pickup information
- At the meeting point our guide will be waiting for you and will be calling your name.
- 15 minutes before the tour starts, our transfer will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the meeting point.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Yawar Peru Tours
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
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