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.
Hike to the Mountain of Seven Colors.
Our epic adventure begins at 4:00 am. We’ll pick you up from the door of your accommodation to head towards the Southern Valley of Cusco in our private transport. Despite the early morning, you’ll have the opportunity to catch some more sleep along the way in our comfortable transport with the cozy blankets that we provide for you.
After 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel, we will stop to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast that will give you the necessary energy to start the hike. Then, we will continue our route through Cusipata. Along the way, we will pass picturesque Andean villages, fertile valleys, Inca agricultural terraces, and beautiful broken mountains. You will be able to admire herds of llamas and alpacas that will entertain you as you enjoy the landscape through the window.
After an hour, we will reach the starting point of the hike in Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). From there, we will follow a winding, mostly flat path through the Andean mountains. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with an impressive view of Mount Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Your guide will explain why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.
This remote region is home to many people, and you will have the opportunity to see how they take care of their herds and horses. You will be amazed by the traditional clothing they wear and craft from alpaca wool, which is one of the finest textiles in the world. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some garments and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua, the native language of many inhabitants of the zone and one that’s been spoken since Inca times.
The most challenging part is the final stretch, which includes a steep ascent and a series of stairs. This is the last effort to reach the summit! After an hour-and-a-half of walking, we’ll reach the amazing Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take your time to admire the astounding beauty of this impressive mineral formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You’ll explore the surroundings a little and take in the beautiful landscape while your guide explains the theories that exist regarding the origin of this mountain that seems like it’s been taken from a colorful dream. Use this time to take some incredible photos, immerse yourself in the scenery and enjoy the snacks that Pacha Peru Explorers provides to keep your energy up. We’ll spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the top, depending on how fast you hiked and the weather conditions.
After enjoying this gem amidst the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the fascinating Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). This is a place that feels like you’ve stepped foot on another planet and that’s visited by very few tourists. You’ll be surprised not only by its amazing beauty but also by the immense tranquility that’ll surround you. It only takes 25 minutes of walking from the Rainbow Mountain to reach the viewpoint from where you’ll get the best views of the valley all around.
We will then embark on a 1-hour descent to reach the starting point of the trek, passing alongside herds of alpacas. If you are lucky, you will come across some vicuñas, a beautiful undomesticated animal that has lived with the inhabitants of Peru since pre-Inca times.
Finally, we will board our transportation to the restaurant in and enjoy a buffet lunch. Then, we will board again our private transportation to return to the city of Cusco. We will leave you at the door of your accommodation to rest your tired legs.
At Pacha Peru Explorers, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All Pacha Peru Explorers guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Pacha Peru Explorers leading up to your trek.
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
Note: Please be aware that the weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it is important to bring appropriate layers and gear to stay comfortable and safe.
Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour can leave any day of the week, from January trought December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 120.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to opérate with just two guests.
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Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
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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