Rainbow Mountain
Best Sellers
5 200 m.a.s.l
Nature, landscape, adventure & hike.
Demanding
Group tour
English & Spanish
14 hours
Rainbow Mountain and Cusipata








Experience one of the most stunning landscape experiences in Cusco. Live an adventure that will take you through unique scenery, snow-capped peaks, and nature until you reach the summit to see the Rainbow Mountain, a geological wonder recognized worldwide.
Starting with a journey in a tourist vehicle to the town of Cusipata, enjoy a buffet-style breakfast before continuing the trip by bus to the trailhead, where you will begin a hike of approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching the summit, be rewarded with breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, an impressive destination in the Peruvian Andes known for its vibrant colors ranging from red to green, created by the abundant minerals in the area.
After spending some time at the top, we will begin our descent on foot before heading to a local restaurant, where a hearty lunch awaits you before starting your way back to Cusco.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Book your tour and get confirmation in less than 24 hours
Why to book this tour with What a Trip?
- We pick you up from and return you to your hotel in Cusco.
- You will be accompanied by a professional adventure expert guide.
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch included at one of the best local restaurants.
- We guarantee punctuality for your pick-up time.
- Travel in comfortable transportation throughout the day.
- Experience this journey alongside travelers from all over the world.
- Pick-up starts from your hotel in Cusco at the agreed time.
- Meet your guide for the tour.
- Travel to the village of Cusipata in a tourist vehicle (around 2 hours).
- We will make a stop to enjoy a buffet-style breakfast in Cusipata.
- Continue by bus for approximately 1h30min until reaching the trailhead near the community of Chillihuani, where the hike begins.
- Before starting, purchase your entrance ticket to Vinicunca Mountain.
- You will start the hike that lasts about 2 hours, covering an uphill distance of 1.36 mi. (2.2 km ).
- Arrive at Rainbow Mountain, or the Mountain of Seven Colors (5,036 m / 17,060 ft).
- Enjoy free time to contemplate one of nature's most impressive gifts and take beautiful photographs for at least 30 minutes, or more as instructed by the guide.
- Begin the descent, which takes around 2 hours, until reaching the spot where transportation awaits.
- Return to Cusipata in the tourist vehicle.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch in Cusipata.
- Take a moment to relax while sharing experiences.
- Return to hotels in the city of Cusco (arrival around 18hrs).
- Pick-up and return to hotels in Cusco.
- Professional mountain guide equipped with an with an oxygen balloon if needed.
- Transportation in comfortable tourist vehicles throughout the tour.
- Breakfast and lunch in Cusipata (vegetarian option available).
- Handcrafted walking sticks for the hike and a first aid kit available.
- Entry Ticket to Rainbow Mountain: Foreigners (approximately USD 8) and Peruvians (approximately USD 6).
- Travel Insurance.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Comfortable shoes for hiking.
- 1 water bottle and energy snacks such as nuts, granola bars, or chocolates.
- Warm clothing for the cold, a waterproof jacket in case of rain, and waterproof shoes for hiking.
- Camera or cell phone.
- We recommend doing this excursion after at least 2 days of acclimatization to the altitude and ensuring you get a good rest the night before.
- You will need cash in soles to purchase the entry ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
- Make sure you have enough memory on your phone and that the battery is charged.
- How far do you walk in total to reach the Mountain?
The hike takes about 2 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill, totaling 4 hours.
- Is it very cold on the mountain? How should we dress?
The weather on the mountain is cold, especially at the summit, so it is essential to dress appropriately. We recommend bringing a backpack to store your belongings, as well as a coat that you can put on when you reach the top in case you get warm during the hike.
- What is the recommended age for this tour?
The minimum recommended age to enjoy this tour is 12 years old, and the maximum is 65 years old.
- Is this tour suitable for everyone, or do I need to have a specific fitness level?
This tour has a high level of difficulty, so it is important to consider that if you have any health conditions that may worsen at high altitudes, we recommend avoiding this activity or consulting your primary doctor before starting your trip.
- How many routes are there to reach the mountain?
There are two access routes to the mountain. The first is the Cusipata route, which is closer by transport but is not always open due to local instability. This route involves a hike of about 3 hours. The second option is Pitumarca, which is about 30 minutes further from Cusipata. Although the drive is longer, this route guarantees daily access and the hike is shorter, taking between 1.5 to 2 hours. On the day of your tour, the guide will choose the most suitable route for your visit.
- Is it possible to visit the Red Valley on this tour?
Yes! In coordination with the guide and depending on the group's timing, you will have the option to visit the Red Valley viewpoint on your own. However, if you wish to hike through the Red Valley, this is an additional experience that requires a different itinerary. If you're interested in knowing more, just let us know.
- If I do not want to hike, what options do I have?
The most recommended option is to rent horses, guided by a local resident, which will help you reach the summit safely. There is also a service for renting ATVs, but we do not recommend it, as there is no medical assistance available in the area in case of accidents.
- National Geographic magazine ranked Rainbow Mountain as "one of the 100 places to visit before you die." Its fascinating colors are due to the minerals present in its layers. The pink comes from red clay and mud, the red from clays, the white from sandstone, the lavender from marl, the green from clay with copper oxide, and the yellowish-brown from limonite. These minerals began to form 65 million years ago, when water and rain shaped the mountain.
• Super flexible: Cancel this tour 48 hrs. before the start date of the tour and get a
refund of 70% of the sum paid. After that, we charge 100%.
• Review our terms and conditions here.
*The information and itinerary detailed in this guide may change without prior notice with the intention of providing a better service or regulatory changes in each destination.
Map of the Tour
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