About this experience
Venture to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, a must-see natural wonder in Peru's Andes. This full-day hike takes you to over 5,200 meters, where vibrant mineral layers create a stunning landscape. Start your day with convenient hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive through traditional Andean villages. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before hitting the trail, where you’ll encounter valleys filled with alpacas and llamas, perfect for memorable photos. Once you reach the summit, take in the panoramic views and capture the essence of Vinicunca before savoring a buffet lunch in Cusipata on your return journey.
Full-day hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain in the Andes
Scenic drive with hotel pickup from Cusco included
Enjoy an Andean breakfast and buffet lunch in Cusipata
Experience incredible photo opportunities with local wildlife along the trail
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr–14 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr–14 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
- Trekking poles
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- First aid kit
- Andean buffet breakfast (with hot drinks)
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Tourist transportation (Cusco – Cusipata – Cusco)
- Andean buffet lunch (with hot drinks)
- Blankets during transport
Not included
- Horse rental (optional, approx. 80 PEN, to be paid on-site).
- Tips and personal expenses
- Entrance to Red Valley (optional visit, to be paid on-site)
Itinerary and highlights
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 04:00 and 04:30 am. Travel through the scenic South Valley, passing traditional Andean villages, mountains, and agricultural fields.
Enjoy a delicious Andean buffet breakfast in Cusipata with hot drinks. Afterward, continue by vehicle to Chillihuani, the starting point of the hike. Take time to acclimate and prepare for the trek.
Begin your hike to Rainbow Mountain. Walk through stunning landscapes with alpacas and llamas, cross small streams, and gradually ascend to the viewpoint. Enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful mountain and surrounding glaciers. Optional horse rental available.
After the hike, return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Then relax during the drive back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
Meeting and pickup information
- Hotel pickup is included from accommodations located in Cusco city center. Please wait in your hotel lobby before pickup. If staying outside the city center, a meeting point will be arranged.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Machu Picchu Tour
Accessibility and practical details
- 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?
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
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
