Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA TOUR – 1 DAY
day 1
Cusipata, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Above 5,000 meters, among stripes of color.
We hike among llamas, alpacas and snow-capped peaks to the summit of Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s natural wonders.
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Pickup and breakfast in Cusipata
By tourist transport, at dawn · Cusco → Cusipata
We pick you up at dawn at your hotel in Cusco and travel to the province of Cusipata, where an Andean breakfast buffet awaits to fuel you up.
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Drive to the trailhead
By tourist transport, approx. 1 hour · Cusipata → Trailhead
We continue to the starting point of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
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Climb to Vinicunca
On foot, uphill, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes · Trailhead → Vinicunca
The trail winds through dreamlike scenery, with llamas and alpacas grazing, Andean herding communities and snow-capped mountains. The final climb is the most demanding part.
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Rainbow Mountain Highlight
Guide’s explanation and time for photos · Summit of Vinicunca
At the summit, the guide will tell you how its multicolored stripes were formed by minerals over thousands of years. You will have time to photograph this unique natural spectacle.
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Descent and lunch in Cusipata
On foot and by tourist transport · Vinicunca → Cusipata
We hike back down to the starting point, where our transport takes us back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch with local flavors.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist transport, at sunset · Cusipata → Cusco
We return to Cusco and arrive at sunset at Plaza Regocijo, where the tour ends.
Day details
- Hiking distance: Approx. 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the altitude
- Maximum altitude: Over 5,000 m / 16,404 ft (Vinicunca)
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Tour ends: Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
Llamas, alpacas, snowy peaks and the colored stripes of Vinicunca in a single day. Want to see the Red Valley too? Discover the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour 1 Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Information before the tour.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Eco-friendly trekking poles.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank: In the vehicle and during the hike.
Transport
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
Meals
- Breakfast buffet in Cusipata.
- Lunch buffet in Cusipata.
Not include
Entrance fees and optional extras
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee.
- Horse rental: Optional (see Additional services).
Other
- Drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA TOUR – 1 DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Additional services
- Approx. 100 soles · Horse for part of the climb: Offered by local villagers and paid in cash to the horsemen on the day. It does not reach the summit: it leaves you about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk away. Only for passengers up to 90 kg.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Passport or ID, and cash, preferably in soles, for shopping and extra expenses.
- Layered clothing: Warm clothes and a down jacket (the weather changes and it is windy), comfortable pants, gloves, a warm hat and a rain poncho.
- Footwear: High-top hiking shoes.
- Sun protection: Cap for sun and cold, and sunscreen.
- Small backpack: With water, camera and snacks.
Recomendations
- Acclimatize first: Do this tour a few days after arriving in Cusco, so your body is ready and you avoid altitude sickness. You can start with a City Tour or the Sacred Valley.
- Best time to go: In the dry season, from April to October, the sky is usually clear and you will see the mountain just like in the photos. May is quiet with snowy peaks; July and August are warmer.
- Mind the altitude: Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before the tour, rest well the night before and tell the guide about any discomfort right away.
- Oxygen inhaler: Although we carry an oxygen tank, we recommend bringing a portable inhaler, especially if you are sensitive to altitude.
- Dress in layers: It is very cold at dawn, windy, and the midday sun is strong.
- Water: You can refill your bottle before starting the hike.
- Optional horse: To reduce the effort, you can rent a horse (approx. 100 soles, in cash). Only for passengers up to 90 kg.
- No signal: Let your family know you may be out of contact for about 5 or 6 hours.
- Medical check-up: If you are over 70 or have a medical condition, see your doctor before the trip.
F.A.Qs
How big is the group?
It is a shared service for 2 to 16 travelers.
How far is the Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
About 140 km (87 miles) southeast of Cusco. The drive by tourist transport takes about 3 hours, followed by a 1 to 1.5-hour hike to the summit.
How difficult is it?
It is moderate, mainly because of the altitude, over 5,000 m (16,404 ft). The trail is not technically difficult, but altitude sickness and the final slope call for good physical fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco.
How long is the hike to the summit?
Usually between 1 hour and 1.5 hours uphill, depending on your pace and acclimatization. The round trip is about 5 km (3.1 miles), and the climb is the most demanding part.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes, it is possible, as the hike goes above 5,000 m, where there is less oxygen. You may feel a headache, nausea, fatigue or dizziness. To prevent it, acclimatize well, stay hydrated and rest before and during the hike.
Can older adults or people with medical conditions take part?
Yes, as long as they can walk on their own and are in adequate physical condition. If you are over 70 or have a pre-existing medical condition, we recommend a medical check-up before the trip. In these cases, the private service is the best option, as it lets you go at your own pace and take the breaks you need.
Do you carry an oxygen tank?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for the group during the hike and another one in the vehicle. Even so, we recommend bringing a portable oxygen inhaler, especially if you are sensitive to altitude. The best prevention is still good acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals before the tour and telling the guide about any discomfort right away.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety comes first and all our staff are trained in first aid. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, fatigue or any other discomfort, the team assesses your condition and assists you: depending on the case, we arrange your return with the driver or a transfer to the community’s first aid point. If you need specialized care, we have the support of a clinic near the trailhead, which can arrange evacuation to Cusco.
Can I rent a horse?
Yes. Local villagers rent horses so you can do part of the climb with less effort. It is not included: it costs about 100 soles, paid in cash to the horsemen on the day. The horses do not reach the summit or the main viewpoint: they leave you about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk away.
Is there a weight limit for the horse?
Yes. By decision of the local horsemen, it is only allowed for passengers up to 90 kg, to protect the animals in these altitude and terrain conditions. Alternatives include motorbikes or the ATV tour to the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from April to October or November. The sky is clearer and it rains less, so the colors look better and the hike is safer.
What should I wear?
Ideally, dress in layers for the intense cold at dawn, the wind and the strong midday sun. A down jacket, comfortable pants, high-top hiking shoes, gloves, a warm hat and a rain poncho are essential. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Can I refill my water bottle?
Yes. Before starting the hike you can refill it to carry throughout the tour.
Is there phone signal or internet?
Very little and, in most cases, none during the hike. At some high points there may be intermittent signal, with no guarantee. We recommend telling your family you may be out of contact for about 5 or 6 hours.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
