The Rainbow Mountain Peru day tour is simply one of the breathtaking natural wonders located on the route to the sacred Apu Ausangate. Vinicunca Mountain presents surreal scenery where visitors can admire and experience stunning vistas, as well as spot vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. It’s no surprise that this site is ranked among the top 100 must-see travel destinations in the world. The magnificent Rainbow Mountain should undoubtedly be at the top of any traveler’s ideal Peru itinerary—allow us to guide you through this extraordinary natural treasure.
At dawn, at a prearranged time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head toward Collasuyo, the southern region of the ancient Inca capital (Cusco), once part of the Tawantinsuyo (the four historic regions of the Inca Empire). After a 2-hour drive (78 km), our first stop will be in the community of Paucarpata (Cusipata), where we’ll take a break to purchase water, energizing drinks, snacks, or cereal, as well as savor a buffet breakfast.
From there, we’ll continue by vehicle for about an hour until reaching the Phulawasipata base camp, where we’ll prepare for the trek—a roughly 2-hour ascent (3.5 km). Along the way, we’ll witness the breathtaking Hatun Ritti glacier (4,825 m), spot various South American camelids, and admire the stunning mirrored landscapes near the Puka Qocha and Qomer Qocha lagoons.
Upon reaching the Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have plenty of time to capture photos of this mesmerizing natural wonder. Then, we’ll descend for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (3.5 km) back to base camp, where our transport will be waiting to take us to Paucarpata for a delicious lunch. Finally, around 6:00 PM, we’ll arrive back in the imperial city of Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included)
| Service | Travelers | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Group | price per person | US$ 90.00 |
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the mountain of the seven colors, is an impressive geological formation. It is characterized by its astonishing tonalities that range from red, green, yellow, to turquoise, creating a unique and spectacular landscape.
The rainbow mountain is located in the Andes Mountain Range, in the region of Cusco, Peru. To reach it, visitors must depart from the city of Cusco and head towards the town of Cusipata; the journey continues along a rugged road to the community of Chillihuani. From here, the hike to the colorful mountain begins.
Yes, it is possible to do the rainbow mountain even if you have never hiked before. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved and be physically and mentally prepared to face the hike.
Doing the tour to the rainbow mountain during the rainy season may present greater challenges due to the weather conditions and the possibility of mud on the terrain. It is recommended to carefully assess the weather conditions before planning the trip and to follow the guide’s instructions during the hike.
During the hike to the Mountain of 7 Colors, hikers will reach a maximum altitude of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. It is essential to be prepared to face the altitude and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
The Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco usually lasts a full day. The travel time from Cusco to the starting point of the hike, “Chillihuani,” may vary, but it generally takes around 3 to 4 hours.
It is possible, but it is not recommended to do the Vinicunca Tour with very young children or babies due to the terrain conditions and the altitude. The hike can be demanding and poses physical challenges that could negatively affect young children.
It is recommended that children be old enough and in good physical condition to handle the hike and the altitude.
Yes, it is advisable to be in good physical condition to undertake the hike to the Mountain of 7 Colors. The route involves walking at high altitudes and on uneven terrain, so good physical condition will help you enjoy the experience more satisfactorily.
The cost of the entrance to the Mountain of 7 Colors is 25 Soles for foreigners and 15 Soles for nationals.
The maximum capacity of people per group ranges from 8 to 30 people. Perú Grand Travel handles groups from 8 to 15 people.
The best time to take the Rainbow Mountain Tour is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to october. During these months, the weather is more stable, there is less chance of rain, and the panoramic views are clearer and more spectacular.
Regular trekking involves walking and hiking on foot, while trekking with horses offers the option of riding a horse for those who want less hard experience or require assistance during the hike.
The hike to the Mountain of 7 Colors presents a moderate difficulty level due to the altitude and mountainous terrain. Hikers will encounter uneven and steep trails, so adequate physical effort is required to complete the journey.
Yes, many tour agencies offer options for vegetarians and people with special diets during the tour. It is advisable to inform the tour company of your dietary requirements in advance to ensure that you have suitable options during the trip.
While it is possible to book the tour with short notice in some cases, it is recommended to plan in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute setbacks, especially during the high tourist season.
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Cusco
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 2 Km
Maximum altitude 4.200 m
Up to 16 people
Daily departures
Cusco
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 2 Km
Maximum altitude 4.900 m
Up to 16 people
Daily departures
EXCELLENTVerified Buenísimo! El tour está muy bien organizado, incluye desayuno y comida y el tour a la montaña.Nuestro guía estuvo pendiente de nosotros en todo momento y nos dio tips muy útiles para el ascenso.La vista en la subida y una vez arriba: sin palabras, súper increíble. Aún que el ascenso cuesta mucho trabajo, vale mucho la pena! Vayan, súper tour!Verified Increíble!! Súper recomendado, toman el tour con Wil! Excelente recorrido, el sitio impresionante y siento que le agregó tanto valor el guía Wil Fernández, quien muestra mucho interés, y te hace adentrarte y apasionarte en la historia inka, imaginando como vivían en ese tiempo, complementando todo con historias, imágenes de un libro y vivencias. El tour normalmente dura 2,5 horas. Pero por su pasión, y sus buenas explicaciones en esta ocasión nos hicimos 4 horas - y solo terminamos ahí, porque tuvimos que apurarnos por la necesidad de ir al baño. A demás de gran guía e historiador te toma las mejores fotos.Verified Vale la pena ir - y si vayan, piden a Carmen!! Excelente experiencia, los lugares, las ruinas, la explicación y paisajes. Nuestra guía (Carmen) era la mejor, se notaba su pasión por el trabajo y la historia de su país.Y lo mejor es el lugar a donde paras a comer (14 inkas) antes de llegar a Ollantaytambo - una comida tipo bufet con vista directo al valle sagrado. Fue uno de los mejores tours que hemos tomado!Verified Si vale la pena ir El tour muy completo e interesante. Lo único que no me gustó es que antes de llevarte a las salinas paran en una tienda donde te muestran los tipos de sal y los productos que hacen con esta. Al final los ofrecen mencionándote que es el único lugar donde los puedes comprar. Uno confía los compra y se da cuenta que en las salinas están a un precio más accesible. También menciono que si haces el pago con tarjeta te cobran de más sin avisarte.Verified City tour Cusco es una ciudad en la que llueve, en esta ocasión estaba lloviendo cuando empezamos el tour en coricancha. Por lo que el guía decidió dar el tour solo la parte de adentro sin ver las áreas descubiertas, pero al ir a las ruinas si nos mojamos y tuvimos que usar nuestros ponchos que recomiendan llevar. Coricancha siento yo que es básico como introducción a la cultura inka y su arquitectura.Verified Volveré!!! Increíble lugar, se siente una energía única e inexplicable. Es como viajar en el tiempo, gracias a la excelente explicación y data que nos iba contando nuestro guía. Imágenes únicas. Definitivamente, volveré!!!Verified Me sorprendió Me encantó!! La gente amorosa y los guías muy bien informados!! Sacamos muchas fotos increíbles! Tengo ganas de volver!Verified Me sorprendió todo!! Increíble la atención de la gente, calidad humana y lo tan bien informados que están para hacer los recorridos. Las vistas eran increíbles, y sacamos muchísimas fotos!!! Definitivamente volveré !!!!Verified Genial Bastante exigente el trekking, el camino con muchas piedras y empinado, aún así increíble experiencia la vista a la laguna al llegar vale la penaVerified Increíble El mejor paseo por lejos, machu picchu es mágico y Wilder fue el mejor guía, dinámico y divertido, hizo que la experiencia fuera muy aprovechable, recomiendo!
