About this experience
The mountain of seven colors, Mountain Rainbow (Rainbow Mountain) or better known by the locals as Cerro Colorado, is located in Vinicunca, province of Quispicanchis, about 100 km from the city of Cuzco.
Its geological formations reveal all its splendor, in contrast to the blue sky forming a formidable bar between the desert of the coast and the Amazon jungle, dominated by the beautiful snowy Ausangate at 6,384 masl.
The altitude of the mountain is approximately 5,000 masl. It is located in the district of Pitumarca (In the province of Canchis – region of Cuzco, in the south of the country). Ausangate is considered the most important mountain of the Andean worldview.
In this tour, hiking is combined with sightseeing of a beautiful landscape and enjoying the nature of a mountain. It will truly make you feel alive and close to the earth. The mountain of Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, provides a combination of colors that you can hardly see elsewhere in the world.
At a glance
- Duration: 16 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 16 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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What is included
- First aid kit
- Tourist transport (round trip)
- Breakfast and lunch
- Professional, English speaking guide
Not included
- Entrance fee (10 soles)
- Horse, in case you don't feel like walking
Itinerary and highlights
We pick you up from your hotel in Cuzco between 04:30 and 04:45 a.m. We drive three hours and arrive at Quesiuno, which is located at 4,320 masl. At Quesiuno, we also provide your breakfast. We start our hike at the altitude of 4,200, and we have to climb to an altitude of around 5,100. Our group will have a very experienced and professional guide. After two to three hours hiking, we arrive at the top. We will hike through small traditional villages and see the local people with their colorful dresses. The stunning colors of the Rainbow Mountain are natural formations of minerals. At the top, we have a beautiful view of the red colored mountains, streams and herds of alpacas and llamas and the south side of Ausangate ranges of mountains. It is now time to explore the area, to rest and to enjoy our packed lunch. For around 30 to 45 minutes, we will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. Afterwards, we start our three hour hike back downhill through the same way we ascended. Our bus will be waiting for us when we return, where after it takes around three hours to drive back to Cuzco. The approximate arrival time in Cuzco is between 6 and 7 p.m.
Meeting and pickup information
- All passengers are picked up at their ho(s)tel before the start of the tour. The exact time will be told some days before the start of your tour. Make sure to be ready!
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- PaRa Travels
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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