About this experience
Despite receiving less attention than its more popular northern counterpart, Cusco’s southern valley contains its very own array of wondrous and impressive attractions. This end of the valley is irrigated by the Willkamayu River, which means sacred river in Quechua. Today, the river is better known as the Vilcanota or Urubamba, a powerful waterway that eventually turns into the Ucayali River, before travelling down into the jungle and giving way to the great Amazon River. The waters of this sacred river come from the Vilcanota Mountain range, some of the mountains in Peru that receive the most snow, and reach a maximum height of 6,372 meters above sea level with the revered Ausangate Mountain.
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
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Plan a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco with practical guidance on altitude, tour options, costs, access, packing, and the demanding full-day schedule.
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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
- Expert guide
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup & drop-off.Note: Some hotels are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted.
Not included
- Hiking gear and footwear
- Gratitudes
Itinerary and highlights
We will begin our journey early in the morning toward the Community of Palccoyo, located southeast of Cusco. Along the way, we’ll observe the evolution of the road system through three bridges: the Inca (15th century), the Colonial (17th–18th centuries), and the Modern (from 1895, made of railway lines). After a short stop for breakfast, we’ll arrive at Huallatakunka and start our hike. Just a few meters in, we’ll see the first of several colorful mountains, similar to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) but closer and more accessible.
We’ll enjoy stunning views from three viewpoints, including sights of three rainbow mountains at once and a panoramic view of both Ausangate Mountain and the Vilcanota range. After the hike, we’ll travel to the district of Quehue in the Canas province to visit Q’eswachaka, the last Inca bridge. This handmade suspension bridge, rebuilt annually through a four-day ritual by local communities, spans 28 meters across the Apurímac River.
Meeting and pickup information
- This activity includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel, apartment or home. Some locations are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted. Send your details in order to arrange your pickup and drop-off in a nearby place.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- VIPAC Travel
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.
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