Alpacas on the rainbow mountain
couple posing with the alpacas in the 7 colors mountain
buffet food display
dining room buffet restaurant
group posing in front of the 7 color mountain
taking a selfie with the 7 color mountain in the background
stop travelers during the hike
Local woman and Vinicunca in the background
Travelers on the 7-color mountain
woman with an alpaca in the andes
people serving themselves food in the restaurant
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Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour

Rainbow Mountain Tour: Epic One-Day Hike with Guide & Transport from Cusco

(16 reviews)
Cusco
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am
Ends: To your accommodation in Cusco at 7:30 pm
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Discover the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour from Cusco. Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Cusipata before embarking on a hike through spectacular scenery. Pass through Andean valleys, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grazing llamas, and reach an altitude of 16,700 ft (5,090 m) to admire the vibrant natural hues of Vinicunca. After the adventure, relax and enjoy a buffet lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco. A unique experience for adventure and nature lovers. The hike is not very long, but the altitude makes it a challenge. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Are you ready? Here are all the details:

Tour details

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish - English)
  • Rainbow Mountain Entrance

Not included

  • Walking poles (rental: 10 USD)
  • Tips

Important information

🚐 The group size is a maximum of 8 people.

⛰️ To avoid altitude sickness it is important to have a good acclimatization to the altitude before doing this tour. We do not recommend doing this tour during the first two days in Cusco nor the day before doing a trekking route, as some travelers suffer from altitude sickness upon returning from the tour.

❗ This tour requires physical effort, as you walk for two hours at an altitude of over 16,404 ft (5,000 m), so it is not recommended for people with heart problems, children under 12 years old and pregnant women.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour

Duration: 15 hours approx.

Difficulty: medium - high

Altitude: 16,700 ft (5,090 m)

Distance: 4.35 miles (7 km)

Group size: maximum 8 people

4:30 am

Pick up in Cusco

The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour starts with the pick up from our accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5 in the morning. Once we are all together, we will get into the private vehicle and start a two-hour drive to Cusipata. During the trip we will drive through different Andean landscapes and small traditional villages. Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will enjoy a local breakfast that will provide us with enough energy to face the hike.

Andean landscape
8:00 am

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Phulawasipata. Here will be the starting point of the trek, located at 15,092 ft (4,600 m).

We begin the ascent! For approximately two hours we will walk to our destination, Vinicunca Mountain. During the hike we will enjoy panoramic views of green valleys, herds of alpacas and llamas, and Ausangate in the background.

⚠️ The trail is of moderate to high difficulty due to the altitude and some steep slopes.

Once at the top we will have free time to rest, take pictures and enjoy the incredible multicolored landscape that the Rainbow Mountain offers us.

people posing in front of the 7 colors mountain
2:00 pm

Return to Cusco

After exploring the area, we will begin our descent for an hour and a half and return to Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch. Later, we will board the vehicle and head back to Cusco where the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour will end around 7:30 pm.

Cusco Main Square

What to bring to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day tour

To do the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour, it is important to be well prepared due to the altitude and weather conditions. Here is a list of what I recommend you to bring:

Clothing and footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
  • Layered clothing (breathable t-shirt, fleece or sweater, windproof and waterproof jacket).
  • Comfortable and thermal trekking pants in case of cold.
  • Hat, gloves and scarf or buff to protect you from the cold.
  • Cap or hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.

Accessories and equipment

  • Small backpack (20-30L) to carry the essentials.
  • Trekking poles (optional, but useful for the ascent and descent).
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (UV radiation is strong at high altitude).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Poncho or raincoat in case of rain.

Food and water

  • Water bottle or canteen (minimum 1.5L).
  • Energy snacks (nuts, cereal bars, chocolate).

Important extras

  • Cash (for tips, shopping...).
  • Camera or phone with enough battery to capture the scenery.
  • Personal medication and pills for altitude sickness (if needed).

The weather can change quickly, so better be prepared for anything. Would you like more recommendations on how to acclimatize to the altitude before the trek? 😊

Where does the tour Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day start

The tour includes pick up from your accommodation in Cusco at the beginning of the tour. Remember to tell us in the booking form or by email the name of your accommodation so we can coordinate the pick up with the guide.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the difficulty of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour?

    The hike has a moderate to high difficulty, due to the altitude and some steep slopes. It is recommended to be in good physical condition and to have spent at least a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatize.

  • What is the maximum altitude of the tour?

    The Rainbow Mountain is located at 16,732 ft (5,100 m), so it is important to be prepared for the altitude.

  • Is it necessary to acclimatize before hiking?

    Yes, it is advisable to spend at least two days in Cusco before the tour to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

  • Is the tour suspended due to rain?

    The tour is not suspended due to rain. Due to the climate of the area, it is likely to rain on the day of the tour, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season (November to April in Cusco). Likewise, in case of heavy rains or any weather alert that does not allow the activity to be carried out under the necessary safety measures, the session will be suspended and a change of date or a refund will be offered.

  • Can I take the tour if I suffer from heart or respiratory problems?

    The tour is not recommended for people with heart, respiratory or blood pressure problems due to the high altitude.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day tour reviews with Howlanders

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