Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Full Day
Hike to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 m and see its red, gold, turquoise and lavender stripes. Breakfast, lunch, transport and guide included.
Overview
Vinicunca, the Mountain of Seven Colours, is one of the natural wonders of Peru. Mineral layers of iron, sulphur and copper paint the slopes in stripes of red, ochre, turquoise and lavender, framed by the snow-capped Ausangate (6,384 m). The hike is short but high, so arrive acclimatised.
How hard is the hike?
About 1.5–2 hours up and 1 hour down on a wide path (≈ 8 km round trip). Horses are available at the trailhead if you need help on the way up.
Highlights
- Panoramic summit at 5,036 m
- Views of the Ausangate glacier (6,384 m)
- Llamas and alpacas grazing along the trail
- Optional detour to the Red Valley
Tour plan
-
04:45Pick-up
Pick-up at the hostel and drive south-east through the Vilcanota valley.
-
07:00Breakfast in Cusipata
Buffet breakfast and continue on a mountain road to the trailhead (≈ 4,600 m).
3 h drive -
08:30Hike to Vinicunca
Gradual climb of 1.5–2 hours to the 5,036 m viewpoint. Free time for photos and the optional Red Valley viewpoint.
≈ 8 km round trip · max. 5,036 m -
13:30Lunch and return
Descend to the bus, lunch in Cusipata and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6 p.m.
Included
- Tourist transport (round trip)
- 1 breakfast and 1 lunch
- Professional guide
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not included
- Entrance fee (paid in cash on site)
- Horse ride (optional, paid on site)
- Tips
What to bring
- Warm layers (fleece + windproof jacket)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Gloves and beanie
- 1–1.5 L of water and snacks
- Cash in soles for entrance fees and extras
- Passport or ID
Important: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour. Not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart conditions.
Your questions, answered
01What time does the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Full Day start?+
Pick-up is at 04:45 from Recoleta Hostel (or your hotel in the historic centre). Be ready in the lobby 10 minutes before.
02How difficult is it?+
Challenging because of the altitude; spend at least 2 days in Cusco before. The highest point is about 5,036 m above sea level.
03Can I pay online and get a confirmation?+
Yes. Book on this page and pay securely by card (Izipay or BBVA), PayPal or Yape. You receive the confirmation by email immediately.
More adventures from Cusco
01$26
02$26
03$26
04$28