Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Full-day Tour
From USD 25.00
Get incredible discounts by tailoring your travel package in Cusco.
Discover the most vibrant and colorful mountains that adorn the majestic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
-
Duration
Full day
-
Meals
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch
-
Transport
Tourist Bus
-
Group Size
15 people
-
Team
Professional Drive & Guide
-
Departures
Daily departures
Embark on a full-day adventure from Cusco to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, where vibrant colors meet breathtaking Andean vistas. Enjoy a scenic hike and capture unforgettable photos under the guidance of local experts. This once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits!
TRAVEL STYLE
Hiking Tours en Cusco.
Description
Discover the stunning Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca) on an exciting full-day tour! This natural wonder, located high in the Cusco region of Peru, is famous for its unique rainbow-like hues created by centuries of mineral sedimentation. During the dry season (April to October), you’ll enjoy clear skies, less slippery trails, and unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic Andean peaks.
Our tour includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, a certified guide, walking sticks, and oxygen assistance, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience. We’ll pick you up early at your Cusco hotel, and by midday, you’ll be gazing at the surreal beauty of this one-of-a-kind geological formation. If you prefer a more relaxed ascent, you can even rent a horse at the starting point.
Don’t miss this unmissable adventure that blends culture, nature, and breathtaking scenery. Book your Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour now and take home unforgettable memories of your visit to Cusco!
Tour Itinerary
-
1D
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
We depart Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., traveling by bus for about 1 hour and 45 minutes until we reach Cusipata Town. Here, we’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing on to the Chillihuani community. At Chillihuani, you have the option to rent a horse for an easier ascent to Rainbow Mountain. From this point, we begin our 1-hour, 10-minute hike (approximately 6 km).
Around 10:00 a.m., we’ll arrive at the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca), standing at 5,200 meters above sea level. You’ll have approximately 45 minutes to admire the vibrant landscape and the majestic Andean glaciers while our guide provides insightful details about this natural wonder. Afterward, we’ll descend the same path for about an hour, returning to Chillihuani where our bus will be waiting.
We’ll then drive for another hour to enjoy a buffet lunch, and finally head back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m. Please note that our service concludes at San Francisco Square in the city center. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, be sure to review our recommendations section before your tour.
Tourist Bus IncludedMeals Included
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch.
Itinerary Summary
- 04:30 : Pickup from your hotel and departure for the Rainbow Mountain tour.
- 05:00 : Departure by tourist bus towards Cusipata.
- 07:00 : Arrival in Chirihuani (Cusipata), breakfast, and a short break.
- 08:30 : Continue by vehicle to Phulawasipata.
- 09:00 : Begin the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
- 10:30 : Time to explore, take photos, and listen to the guide’s explanations about Vinicunca.
- 11:30 : Walk back to Phulawasipata and return to Cusipata.
- 14:00 : Included lunch and free time to rest.
- 15:00 : Departure by bus back to Cusco.
- 17:00 : Arrival in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain Tour Includes
- Tourist Bus Cusco - Vinicunca (Round Trip).
- Breakfast and Buffet Lunch.
- Official tour guide.
- Walking sticks.
- Professional guide Sservice in Spanish and English.
- Permanent assistance via WhatsApp (trip monitoring).
- Guaranteed organization: first aid kit, oxygen balloon, satellite communication.
Not Included
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain. s/30 (Foreigners), s/20 (Nationals).
- Personal expenses: Drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips.
- Travel insurance (recommended to purchase from your country of origin).
- Accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour.
Prices 2025 - 2026
| Service | Rates | |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Service | pp. | |
| Preferential Rate | pp. | |
| Private Service | gp. | |
|
||
Secure 2025's big trip today!
Please feel free to contact one of our advisors, We are online!
Extra Services
| SERVICE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Horse Rental One-way | s/70.00 per person. |
| Horse Rental Round-trip | s/100.00 per person. |
Important Recommendations
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) rises 5,200 meters above sea level, so proper preparation is essential. We recommend acclimating for at least two days before your tour, staying well-hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. While medication can alleviate altitude sickness, traditional coca tea often proves more effective.
If you find the hike too strenuous, you can rent a horse at the starting point. You may also pre-book services such as horses or trekking poles during the reservation process, even up to one day before your trip. Our private service ensures every detail is tailored to your needs, offering a comfortable and well-organized experience.
Tips
- Pack Some Snacks:
High-energy snacks will help you tackle the ascent. Numerous shops in Cusco can supply you with whatever you need. - Acclimatize First:
If you’re visiting Cusco mainly for Machu Picchu, consider touring Rainbow Mountain afterward. This schedule allows more time to adapt to the altitude. - Coca Tea is Your Friend
Drinking coca tea is another natural method to reduce altitude sickness. You’ll also find coca-based sweets and cookies readily available in local stores. - Wear Hiking Boots:
Choose footwear with good traction and ankle support. Sturdy trekking boots are highly recommended. - Use Sunscreen:
The sun’s intensity is strong at high altitude, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen.
What to Bring on the Tour:
- Valid passport or ID card.
- Altitude sickness medication.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Personal medication (if needed).
- Water bottle.
- Trekking shoes.
- Waterproof jacket or rain gear.
- Camera, camcorder, and spare batteries.
- Extra cash.
Additional Information
Weather
The Peruvian highlands experience two main seasons: rainy and dry. During the rainy season, cloudy skies, thick fog, and muddy, slippery trails make the journey to Rainbow Mountain more challenging. This rainy period typically begins in the third week of October and lasts until the first or second week of April. Although the initial rains are mild, they gradually intensify, peaking around March.
The best season and recommended to visit Vinicunca is the dry season, April (second week) - October (third week).
FAQ About Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
-
How Long Is the Hike to the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca)?
Approximately 70% of the trail is flat, followed by a gradual incline covering about 20% of the route, and then a more challenging ascent during the final 10% (roughly 250-350 meters). In total, the round-trip hike spans about 7 km (4.35 miles).
-
How Much Is the Entrance Fee to Vinicunca?
At the local checkpoint, you can purchase your entrance ticket to the Vinicunca area. The fee is s/10 for international visitors and s/15 for Peruvian nationals.
-
Where Is Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) Located?
Vinicunca, commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, is located in Peru’s Cusco region, near the Ausangate Glacier. Situated approximately 100 km (62 mi) southeast of the city of Cusco, this unique natural formation has become an accessible and increasingly popular destination among travelers exploring the Peruvian Andes.
-
How many guests are in each group tour?
Our service to Rainbow Mountain accommodates small groups of up to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience.
-
Are there restrooms available along the route?
Yes. Local residents have installed restrooms throughout the trail. These facilities cost approximately 1 Peruvian sol (about USD 0.30).
-
Can I rent a horse directly at the entrance?
Yes. Villagers offer horses at the checkpoint before beginning the hike to Rainbow Mountain. Keep in mind that during the high season (April to October), demand increases, and it may be more difficult to find a horse without prior reservation.
-
Is it dangerous to visit Rainbow Mountain?
No, it’s not dangerous. Although altitude sickness can cause initial discomfort, most visitors adjust over time. Our service provides a first-aid kit, and our guides are trained to handle emergencies, ensuring a safe journey.
-
Do I need to book the Vinicunca tour well in advance?
Currently, there’s no strict limit on access to Rainbow Mountain. However, this may change in the future as popularity grows, so we recommend booking ahead of time.
-
Can I make the hike if I don’t exercise regularly?
Yes, it’s possible. While the final portion of the hike requires some physical endurance, most travelers can complete it at a moderate pace. If needed, renting a horse provides an easier alternative.
-
What is the best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The dry season (April to October) offers the best conditions for enjoying the mountain’s vibrant colors without weather-related disruptions. During the rainy season (November to March), snowfall may obscure the mountain’s hues.
Pictures from our Guests
Popular Adventures Tours
We are here to Help you
Do you have a question about our Machu Picchu by Bus tour? Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
-
Address
885 Hospital Street, Cuzco
Cuzco - Peru. -
Email address
info@machupicchubybus.com
24 / 7 -
Contacts info
+ 51 980 782 062 + 51 940 201 693
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm