The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Tour is a day trip to one of Peru’s most incredible natural sites. This colorful peak is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, southeast of Cusco, and, of course, is famous for its surreal natural colored stripes of fuchsia, turquoise, lavender, and gold created from minerals.
The Rainbow Mountain peaks at 5,200 meters, (17,060 ft) has become a symbol of the Andes, and one of Peru’s most photographed locations. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through traditional valleys and culminates with an awe inspiring high-altitude hike. On your hike, you will see the snowcapped peeks, along with majestic grazing alpacas, and small Andean communities living in a way that preserves their ancestry.
While challenging and certainly the highest trek you ever do, the reward is something you’ll never forget. From the top, the view of the entirety of Vinicunca is reminiscent of a hand-painted canvas. Rainbow Mountain gained notoriety in 2016, and has since captured the attention of travelers the world over!
Join us for a day of awe, discovery, and adventure. The Rainbow Mountain Tour is perfect for those interested in incredible landscapes, high-altitude trekking, and perhaps one of the most unique sites in Peru.
Group Services
Rainbow Mountain day tour
Day 01: Rainbow Mountain day tour
Witness the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain on this full-day adventure from Cusco. Hike through high-Andean landscapes filled with llamas, alpacas, and glacier views until you reach the vibrant, multicolored slopes of Vinicunca at 5,200 meters. A challenging but unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Starting from Cost: 50.00 USD
Duration of the Tour: 01 day
Location of the tour: south of Cusco, district of Cusipata.
Nature of the Tour: transportation, 4-hour hike, medium-high degree of difficulty, distance 5 miles, it is necessary to present good physical condition and health.
Limitations of the Tour: wild place, between 15800 and 16600 ft.
The operation is subject to weather conditions.
Rainbow Mountain Itinerary
DAY 1: Rainbow Mountain Cusco
The Rainbow Mountain day tour from Cusco begins very early in the morning with a scenic journey southward in tourist transport. After approximately 2 hours, we reach the town of Cusipata, where we continue along a winding dirt road for about an hour until we arrive at Phulawasipata, the starting point of our hike.
Here, we begin a moderate ascent surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes. Along the trail, you’ll spot herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely, adding charm to the route. As we climb, the majestic glacier of Ausangate—the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,384 meters (21,100 ft)—comes into view, making the experience even more awe-inspiring.
During the hike, you’ll witness glimpses of traditional Andean life: local farmers tending crops, stone corrals housing livestock, and native wildlife such as chinchillas, Andean geese, and mountain caracaras. After about 2 hours of hiking, we finally reach the highlight of the day — the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), at an elevation of 5,050 meters (16,600 ft).
Take your time to explore, take photos, and soak in the unique landscape of colorful mineral formations. Afterwards, we descend along the same trail back to Phulawasipata, where our transport awaits. We then return to Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch, before heading back to the city of Cusco in the afternoon.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Oxygen tank
- Entrance ticket to the attraction
- Food
Not Included
- Horse service
- Drinks and walking sticks
Recommendations
- Warm and light clothing, hiking pants and shoes, hat.
- Small backpack; rain poncho, water bottle, sun block, sun glasses.
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 50 USDincludes personal porter who will carry your personal items up to 5 kilos (including the sleeping bag + mattress: 2kgs and a half)
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 02 people 0 USD
- 03 people 0 USD
- 04 people 0 USD
- 06 – 08 people 0 USD
Travel Info
About Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of the most striking geological wonders in Peru. Located in the Vilcanota mountain range, southeast of Cusco, this colorful formation rises to an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 ft) in the district of Pitumarca.
What makes it truly unique is its natural palette of colors—fuchsia, turquoise, lavender, gold, and green—which run across its slopes like a painted canvas. These vibrant stripes are the result of millions of years of geological processes involving marine, lacustrine, and fluvial sediments that were uplifted by tectonic activity and oxidized by weather and erosion.
The Colors Explained
According to geologists, each color band corresponds to a specific mineral composition. Here’s a breakdown of the main pigments:
- Pink or Purple: Red clay, siltstone, and sand.
- Lavender or Violet: Clay with calcium carbonate and silicates.
- Red: Iron-rich sandstone and clay.
- Green: Ferromagnesian clays and copper oxide.
- Yellow or Gold: Limonite and calcareous sandstone rich in sulfide minerals.
The presence of iron oxide is a key factor behind many of these brilliant tones.
A Rising Tourist Attraction
Although Vinicunca’s colors have existed for millennia, it only rose to fame in recent years. Since 2016, it has drawn the attention of hikers, travel bloggers, and social media influencers. Thousands now visit daily, making it one of Peru’s most photographed natural landmarks.
In 2017, Business Insider listed it among the “100 places to visit before you die,” and Instagram posts of the mountain continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Rainbow Mountain is by booking a full-day tour from Cusco. Most tours travel by tourist transport southward to the town of Cusipata, followed by a drive to Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike. The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on your pace and acclimatization.
Some visitors arrive via the alternative route through Checacupe – Pitumarca – Pampachiri, but this is less common and requires careful planning and local knowledge. Entrance fees are approximately S/.10 for foreigners and S/.5 for Peruvians.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit
- Acclimate in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before the hike to avoid altitude sickness.
- Stay hydrated and eat a light breakfast before the trek.
- Bring warm layers, sun protection, water, and snacks.
- Walking sticks and oxygen are recommended for those sensitive to high elevation.
- Horse rentals are available at the trailhead for an extra fee.
- Pack out all trash and help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Frecuently Asked Questions
-
You can also visit the stunning “Rainbow Mountain” independently. To do so, take a bus from the city of Cusco toward Sicuani and get off at the town of Cusipata. From there, continue by shared taxi to the community of Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike through the spectacular Seven-Color Mountains. Entry tickets cost 15 soles for Peruvian visitors and 25 soles for foreigners.
Climbing Difficulty
The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes around 2 hours, depending on your physical condition. While the trail is not dangerous, it does require moderate physical effort due to steep ascents and descents. One of the main challenges is the cold temperatures and strong winds at high altitude. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it’s highly recommended to spend at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand.
How Much Does a Ticket to Vinicunca Cost?
Entrance fees are 15 soles (approximately $4 USD) for Peruvian nationals and 25 soles (around $7 USD) for international visitors. These funds help maintain the tourist infrastructure in the area.
How to Rent a Horse When Visiting Vinicunca
Local residents in Phulawasipata offer horse rentals for approximately 100 soles (around $30 USD) for a round-trip service. Horses cannot be reserved online; arrangements must be made directly with the locals upon arrival.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco
Altitude sickness, or soroche, is a common discomfort when visiting high-altitude destinations. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. To prevent them, spend 1–2 days in Cusco to acclimatize before the hike. Drink plenty of water and consider drinking coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy known to help with altitude symptoms.
What Are the Visiting Hours for Vinicunca?
There are no official opening hours, but visits generally take place during daylight, from early morning until mid-afternoon. Most full-day tours run from around 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including transportation and hiking time.
Can Children Visit Vinicunca?
Yes, children can visit Rainbow Mountain with parental supervision. However, due to the cold climate and extreme altitude, it is not recommended for babies or children with respiratory or health conditions.
Are There Hotels Near Rainbow Mountain?
The closest accommodations are in the town of Cusipata. Lodging here is basic but offers the necessary comfort for a short stay before or after the hike.
Are There Bathrooms at Rainbow Mountain?
Basic restrooms are available along the hiking route, maintained by local residents. The cost to use these facilities is approximately 1 sol (around $0.30 USD).
How to Hire a Guide for the Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco
The only way to visit Rainbow Mountain with a guide is to book an organized tour. Independent travelers typically complete the hike without a guide.
Is It Possible to Visit Vinicunca in a Wheelchair?
Unfortunately, the trail is not wheelchair accessible. The path includes steep and uneven dirt sections that are not suitable for wheels.
Can Elderly Visitors Go to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, elderly travelers can visit Vinicunca as long as they are in good health and physical condition. It’s advisable to consult a doctor before the trip, especially for those who are not used to strenuous walking or high altitudes.
This Rainbow Mountain day tour from Cusco takes travelers to one of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders, where vibrant, mineral-rich layers create a surreal rainbow effect that contrasts beautifully with the deep blue Andean sky. Though the altitude presents a physical challenge, the reward is a view unlike any other—etched in the memory of every adventurer who makes the journey.
Group Services
What our customers say on Tripadvisor
Similar Rainbow Mountain Tour – Vinicunca Full day that you may like
