Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR (VINICUNCA) – 1 DAY
day 1
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR ITINERARY
TOUR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
The Rainbow Mountain tour begins at dawn with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, marking the start of an adventure to the province of Cusipata. There, a comforting Andean breakfast awaits us to fill us with energy before continuing on our way. Then, a one-hour journey will take us to the starting point of the hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
For approximately two hours, the hike takes us along trails that wind through dreamlike landscapes. With each step, you can see llamas and alpacas grazing, Andean communities dedicated to livestock farming, and majestic snow-covered mountains that enhance the beauty of the journey.
At the summit of Vinicunca Mountain, also called the 7 Colors Mountain in Cusco, the guide will share the geological secrets that gave life to its multicolored stripes, formed by minerals over millennia. Then, we can capture the moment with photographs and let ourselves be amazed by this unique natural spectacle on the planet.
After the visit, we’ll begin the descent to the starting point, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusipata to savor a buffet lunch full of local flavors. Finally, we’ll return to Cusco and, at sunset, we’ll arrive at Plaza Regocijo, where this unforgettable experience concludes.
The Rainbow Mountain tour is perfect for those seeking to connect with nature and trekking, blending breathtaking landscapes, living culture, and the discovery of one of Peru’s most amazing corners.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
- Pre-tour information
- Professional bilingual guide
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Round-trip transportation
- Buffet lunch
- Buffet breakfast
- Ecological trekking poles
- First aid kit
- Oxygen cylinder (for transportation and hiking)
Not include
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain
- Beverages
- Horse rental (optional)
- Food not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Packaging list
- Personal documents (passport and/or ID)
- Small backpack (water, camera, snacks, etc.)
- Warm clothing and jacket (weather is changeable with wind present)
- Hat for sun and cold
- Sunscreen
- Cash, preferably in soles (for purchases and extra expenses)
Recomendations
What is the best season to go to the Mountain?
If you want to see snow-capped peaks and go at a calm time without so many people, May is a good time to plan your visit. If you are looking for warm temperatures and high-altitude hikes, July and August are the best months.
Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
If you want to see the mountain completely clear, as it appears in the photos on the internet. It is advisable to visit it in the dry season -between May and September.
BEFORE VISITING THE MOUNTAIN OF COLORS
Before taking a tour to the mountain of colors you have to be there a few days before to acclimatize your body and the changes are not so sudden, also this way you will be preventing the possible symptoms of altitude sickness, the recommendation to acclimatize the body, minimum is a day in the city of Cusco, take some pills for altitude sickness or simply upon arrival at the hotel rest a bit before starting your visit.
F.A.Qs
Where is it located?
This place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the Cusco department and the Canchis province, at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, a considerable altitude. It belongs to the town of Pitumarca, who call it the mountain of colors or Vinicunca.
How to get there?
Being located a little more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, this place can be reached by bus or car. After a journey of approximately 2 hours along the highway heading south, you arrive at the town of Cusipata. The route continues along a dirt road to the community of Phulawasipata. This journey is 5 kilometers and can be done on foot or by horse, finally reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint.
Information about the attraction
This natural attraction, also known as Apu Vinicunca, is a visual spectacle for all travelers who have the fortune to reach its peaks. On its slopes and peaks, you can see intense shades of ocher, yellow, green, pink, gold, purple, blue, and various hues of these colors. The visual spectacle offered by this site has attracted numerous travelers since 2016.
The climate?
The climate, typical of the higher areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind, and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers. Temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius. Rain can occur at any time of the year, so it is advisable to bring a rain poncho.
Best season?
The best time to travel to this amazing place is between the months of May and November, as during these months the presence of rain is less frequent, known as the dry season. However, the weather in Cusco is very variable, so it is always advisable to bring a rain poncho.
What should I bring?
- Passport
- Small backpack (water, camera, snacks, etc.)
- Light clothing and a jacket (as the weather is changeable and windy)
- Hat for sun and cold
- Sunscreen
- Extra money for purchases and additional expenses
- Travel insurance is recommended
Is the hike dangerous?
The hike is not dangerous, but it does require moderate to high physical effort. There are sections with considerable ascents and descents. However, one of the main difficulties is the cold climate and the chilly wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. A prior acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco is recommended.
Is there an age limit for this excursion?
There is no age limit for this type of excursion, but it is not recommended for older people and children with acute respiratory problems since higher altitudes have less oxygen. It is advisable to consult with a doctor.
