MEALS
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Hike to the Astounding Rainbow Mountain
Close to the city of Cusco you can find one of the most stunning sights in the middle of the Peruvian Andes— the Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca. Right next to it there is also the Red Valley, that will make you feel as if you have set foot on Mars. If you’re looking for an exciting day out of the city, this is the perfect hike for you: it will challenge you but give you the most fantastic colorful landscape.
The rich colors of this unique mountain make the Rainbow Mountain hike truly one-of-a-kind. Quickly growing in popularity, you should visit this Peru must-see before the rest of the world discovers it.
If you visit Cusco, this day trip is a must! Our one-day tour to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, will take you through remote high-altitude remote lands and through isolated communities found in the Vilcanota mountain range. You’ll also be able to appreciate the immensity of the sacred Ausangate mountain (6,372 m/ 20,905 ft), the highest in the region.
Join us on this epic one-day trip in Cusco and get out into nature, among the most beautiful landscapes imaginable. Whether you’re traveling by yourself, as a couple, or in a larger group, we have daily departures to accommodate you. This tour is designed for travelers with little time and a great sense of adventure.
Along the route, the difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, which is mainly due to the high altitude that reaches over 5,000 meters. We recommend you spend a day or two in Cusco to acclimatize before joining one of our tours.
Despite the fact that Rainbow Mountain is usually full of tourists, we start our adventure very early to be the first to arrive. This way, you can enjoy the peacefulness and beauty without many interruptions. We take our time and enjoy the hike without pressure.
You’ll also walk through the surreal Red Valley, a little-known destination with almost no tourists. Not many people get the chance to venture into this unique landscape, so make the most of your time in Cusco and join us on this epic hike.
On the hike, expect to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the inhabitants in the small communities, observe numerous herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in the mountains, and be a first-hand witness of millions of years of geological history. The imposing landscape of the Rainbow Mountain is sure to be the protagonist of your photographs. You’ll see that choosing Pacha Peru Explorers is a guarantee of living the best experience in Cusco and the Andes.
Tour Location: The beautifully colored Rainbow Mountain in the Cusco region
Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, camping
Good For: Those with a sense of adventure and in good shape
Temperature: Cold, temperature may go below 0 degrees at night
Difficulty: Desafiante
Considerations: Enjoy the amazing colors of the mountains before they are discovered by the public
Highlight of the Day: Arriving at the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and enjoying the amazin panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
We will pick you up for the Rainbow Mountain hike at 4:00 – 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. It will be a 2½ hour drive to the trailhead – we will arrive at around 7 am. Here at the trailhead, our chef will make a delicious breakfast, including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and hot drinks. Cusco’s elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft.
Cusco’s weather is usually quite cold, and the trailhead is even colder, so early in the morning. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.
After breakfast, we’ll hike about 2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain range. At a slower pace, it could be 2¾ hours, or if you are really fit quick and acclimatized well, some people can do in 1½ hours. The hike up includes some short breaks where the guide will explain some important information about the mountains and the geography of the area. Perhaps you’ll have a chance to catch sight of some of the locals, including llamas and alpacas that frequent this area.
The trail itself is quite wide and helpful for those with vertigo or fear of heights. The trek is best during the dry season as the trails are not paved. The trail can be a bit dusty, and in the rainy season, it can be slippery since it may be wet. However, with good waterproof hiking shoes and trekking poles, it will be just fine. This is your opportunity to see why Rainbow Moutain has become an Instagrammers delight according to CNBC!
Upon your arrival at the top of Rainbow Mountain, around 9-10:00 am, you will have about 1 hour to explore the spectacular views of the surrounding areas – valleys, mountains and to view the highest glacial mountain in Cusco – Ausangate, whose summit is at an elevation of 6,384m / 20,944ft, making it one of the tallest mountains in Peru.
After giving you a bit of time to take some treasured photos, your guide will tell you some intriguing facts about this fascinating place – like why the colors?! – and he will also share some detail about the Inkan history. A few last photos of this spectacular mountain and we will begin our descent. We do this a little differently than other groups. Instead of hiking the same route as they do, we hike to a lookout point to see the Red Valley and continue with our hike.
This valley is the icing on the cake, and many of our hikers say that it is even nicer than Rainbow Mountain! It is about 2½ hours mostly downhill from Rainbow Mountain, to the end of the trail, which is near where we started the hike. Here you will enjoy a fresh meal prepared by your chef, which includes cold drinks, appetizers, soup, and the main course.
After lunch, it will be another 2½ hour drive to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel at around 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
With the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in Peru, you’ll be on an adventure with beautiful scenery, high elevations, and weather that can change quickly. For your convenience, here is a full packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
You’ll need to dress warmly, as the weather can drop below 0°C at the top of Rainbow Mountain. Make sure to bring warm jackets, hats, gloves, and also be prepared for potential rainy days.
Clothes: The weather in the Rainbow Mountain can change suddenly, so wear layers that you can add or remove.
Hiking pants: Wear comfortable pants for hiking and bad weather.
T-shirts: Long-sleeve T-shirts are recommended. If possible, bring a spare T-shirt in case of rain.
Hiking boots: Waterproof Hiking boots are necessary, or shoes with good traction
Gloves and Beanie: A warm beanie and gloves for cold mornings, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Sun hat or cap: The Sun can be strong on sunny days.
Socks: Wool or a blend that is good for hiking. Bring extra pairs of socks, just in case.
The hiking is about 6 hours round trip at high altitude; you must have everything you need in a backpack. You will be carrying this backpack.
Backpack: Comfortable backpack for hiking to carry the things you need.
Hydration systems or water bottles: Take a container for 2 liters of water
Sunscreen and sunglasses: On a sunny, you need to stay protected.
First Aid Kit: Bring a small kit with medicines, bandages, antiseptic, and rubber bands.
Camera or smartphone: Make sure your phone is fully charged; take a portable charger if necessary.
Headlamp or flashlight: We don’t need it during the hike; however, it is recommended to have it with you.
Snacks: Bring energy bars, nuts, jerky, or dried fruit.
Trekking Poles: Provide by Pacha Peru Explorers.
Rain Poncho: Especially during the rainy season, avoid taking umbrellas.
Toilet paper or wet wipes: There are basic facilities
Hand sanitizer: keep with you all the time
Keep important documents sealed in weatherproof containers or plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet.
Passport: Keep your original passport in a safe place.
Cash: Bring cash for souvenirs, snacks, and tips, as no ATMs are nearby.
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour can leave any day of the week, from January trought December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 160.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to opérate with just two guests.
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Rainbow Mountain is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. The mountain is known for its vibrant colors and stunning views. However, before you head out on your next adventure, you should know a few things.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Winikunka, is a peak in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Its name is from the stripes of red, purple, yellow, and green minerals covering the mountain’s surface. The mountain is about 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level and is part of the Ausangate Region, located on the eastern side of the Andes in the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
It is located about 3 hours southeast of Cusco by car. The region is home to many indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. The area is also popular with tourists, who come to see the fantastic landscapes and learn about the culture and history of the site.
Rainbow Mountain gets its name from the colorful stripes that run down its sides. Mineral deposits cause the mountain’s unique colors in the rocks, including iron oxide and clay. Weathering and erosion have exposed these minerals, resulting in the colorful appearance of the mountain. Locals first discovered Rainbow Mountain, then slowly, travelers going the Ausangate treks posted photos on social media. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors each year.
The weather on Rainbow Mountain is one of the most varied and exciting in the world. Situated in the Andes, the area experiences a wide range of climates with some of the most extreme weather conditions.
The average temperature is 15°C during the daytime; at night, the temperatures would drop below 0°C. The warmest months are December and January when the average temperature is 20°C. The coolest months are June and July when the average temperature is 10°C.
Rainbow Mountain experiences two seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The dry season lasts from May to October, and the wet season lasts from November to April. During the dry season, there is little to no rainfall, and the days are sunny and dry; however, the temperatures could be below freezing at night.
During the wet season, rainfall is more common, and the days are cooler and damper. Also, at night, the temperatures will not drop too much.
Rainbow Mountain sits at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), making it one of the highest mountains in Peru. Trekking to the top is no easy task; the high altitude and challenging terrain make for a strenuous hike. However, the views from the summit are more than worth it. You can see the surrounding mountains and red valleys from the top. If you’re planning on trekking to Rainbow Mountain, take proper precautions.
With a bit of preparation, you’ll be able to conquer Rainbow Mountain and enjoy one of Peru’s most incredible natural wonders.
At 5,200m above sea level, Rainbow Mountain in Peru is one of the highest day hikes in the world. Most people who sign up for the hike are unprepared for the challenges they will face. Most people underestimate the climb’s difficulty, and as a result, many people turn back before reaching the summit. If you are considering hiking Rainbow Mountain, being prepared for a tough challenge is essential.
Regarding natural beauty, few places in the world can compare to Peru. And when it comes to Peruvian destinations, two of the most popular places to visit are Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. So, which one should you see? Here’s a breakdown of what each has to offer:
Hiking Rainbow Mountain can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Acclimatize: The mountain is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimatize before attempting the hike. Spend a few days in Cusco and do shorter hikes to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Dress appropriately: The weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring rain gear. You’ll also want to wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction.
Stay hydrated: It’s essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at high altitudes. During our tours, we have coca tea and coffee at the beginning of the hike to warm up.
Pace yourself: Take breaks as needed and pace yourself to avoid altitude sickness. If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Respect the environment: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley are unique and fragile ecosystems, so make sure to stay on designated trails and pack out all of your trash. Avoid disturbing any wildlife or vegetation, and respect the local culture and customs.
Hire a reputable tour operator: Look for tour operators with a good reputation and positive reviews from previous customers.
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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