Discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), also known as Rainbow Mountain, one of the most stunning and photogenic landscapes in South America. Located nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, this natural wonder will amaze you with its vibrant colors, formed by the mix of minerals over millions of years. This destination is perfect for those seeking adventure, connection with nature, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The journey will not only take you to the summit of this magical mountain, but also allow you to explore unique Andean landscapes, where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and local communities that have preserved their traditions for generations. Although the altitude can be challenging, the view from the top makes every step worth it. This one-day tour is ideal for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers who want to experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), also known as Rainbow Mountain, one of the most stunning and photogenic landscapes in South America. Located nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, this natural wonder will amaze you with its vibrant colors, formed by the mix of minerals over millions of years. This destination is perfect for those seeking adventure, connection with nature, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The journey will not only take you to the summit of this magical mountain, but also allow you to explore unique Andean landscapes, where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and local communities that have preserved their traditions for generations. Although the altitude can be challenging, the view from the top makes every step worth it. This one-day tour is ideal for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers who want to experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
The tour begins at 4:30 am with pickup at your hotel in Cusco, heading to Pitumarca for a traditional breakfast. From there, we begin the hike to the Rainbow Mountain, which takes between two and three hours. During the ascent, you will enjoy stunning landscapes and the local flora and fauna. If you prefer, you can rent a horse to make the climb easier.
Upon reaching the summit, you will have time to admire the views and take photos. After descending, we will enjoy a lunch in Pitumarca before returning to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 pm.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain – A Day of Adventure in the Andes
The tour begins early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. From there, we will head towards Pitumarca, a picturesque Andean village where we will enjoy a traditional breakfast to recharge our energy before starting the hike.
The ascent to Rainbow Mountain takes between two and three hours, depending on the pace of the group. During the climb, you will pass through impressive Andean landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vast valleys, and a great variety of flora and fauna. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, as well as interact with local communities who will show you their traditional way of life.
Upon reaching the summit, you will have enough time to admire the incredible view of Rainbow Mountain and capture spectacular photos that will be the perfect souvenir of this adventure. After enjoying the landscape, we will begin the descent back to Pitumarca, where a delicious lunch will await us to recharge our energy.
Finally, we will take the transportation back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm. This day will be filled with adventure, nature, and landscapes that will stay in your memory forever.
At Lorenzo Expeditions, we ensure you have an unforgettable experience at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Our tour is designed for you to enjoy the trip worry-free, with all the essential services included for your comfort and safety.
However, there are some aspects that are not covered in the package, such as horses for the hike, tips, and travel insurance. Below, we detail everything that is and isn’t included in the tour.
If during the tour you prefer not to walk the entire trail, you can choose to rent a horse from local villagers. This is an optional service with an extra cost, ideal for those who want to reduce physical effort or experience the journey in a different way.
Tips are not included in the tour price and are completely voluntary. They are considered a way to show appreciation for the team’s work, especially the guides and drivers who accompany the experience. Whether to tip and how much is entirely up to each traveler.
During the tour, additional drinks such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour package. Each participant is responsible for covering their own personal consumption, so it’s recommended to bring extra money if you’d like to purchase these items.
It is mandatory to have valid travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and accidents. This requirement ensures participant safety and allows for timely assistance in the event of any incident during the activity.
This packing list will help you prepare for your adventure to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most impressive natural wonders in South America.
Below, we outline every essential item to ensure a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free hike. We recommend bringing only the necessary gear for the trek. Large backpacks with non-essential items for the expedition should be left in Cusco city (at your hotel or our main office).
We’ve compiled the most common questions so you’ll be well-informed and prepared before embarking on this unforgettable journey. From the difficulty of the hike to what to bring and how to handle the altitude, we’ll address all your concerns here. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re ready to help.
The hike is of moderate to high difficulty due to the altitude, but you don’t need to be an expert hiker. The distance is not very long, but at almost 5,000 meters above sea level, oxygen is scarcer, and you may feel more tired than usual. It’s recommended to walk at a relaxed pace, stay well hydrated, and rest when necessary. If you feel it’s too much effort, you can hire a horse for the ascent and walk the last few meters to the summit.
Yes, it is cold, especially in the morning and at the summit. As you leave Cusco and ascend the mountain, the temperature drops significantly. The best approach is to dress in layers: a light shirt, a warm jacket, and a windbreaker or rain jacket in case it rains. It’s also recommended to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf since the summit can have strong winds and temperatures close to 0°C.
The tour begins very early, with pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. From there, we travel to the starting point of the hike, which takes about 3 hours. The hike itself lasts between 2 to 3 hours of ascent and 1.5 hours of descent. After the visit, we have lunch and head back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m. In total, it’s a tour that lasts over 12 hours.
Yes, the tour is safe, but altitude can affect some people. Being at almost 5,000 meters above sea level can cause altitude sickness (soroche), with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. To reduce the risk, it’s important to acclimate beforehand, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol the night before, and walk slowly. If you start feeling unwell, the guides carry oxygen and are prepared to assist with any emergency.
Yes, along the way you’ll find basic bathrooms, but keep in mind that they are not like the ones you are used to in the city. Most of them are rustic latrines and don’t always have running water or toilet paper. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring your own toilet paper and some coins, as some bathrooms charge a small fee (between 1 and 2 soles). Additionally, if you choose to book through a tourism agency, especially the larger or more formal ones, they often provide private portable toilets at meal or camp locations along the route. This can be a great bonus for your comfort during the adventure.
Yes, but it depends on the child’s age and endurance. If a child is used to walking and outdoor activities, they will likely enjoy the experience. However, it’s important to remember that altitude can affect younger kids, so it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before the trip. Also, don’t forget to bring snacks, water, and warm clothing to ensure their comfort. Another option that can make the hike easier for children is to hire a horse, which will make the experience lighter and more fun for them. This could be especially useful if the path becomes exhausting.
Yes, it’s recommended to bring some cash, as there are no ATMs on the mountain. You may need it for various expenses during the trip, such as:
Additionally, it’s important to bring Peruvian soles, as not all places accept dollars or credit cards. Bringing cash will ensure you’re prepared for any needs that come up during your adventure.
It’s possible to visit year-round, but the best time is between April and October. During these months, there’s less rain and the mountain colors are more vibrant under the sun, making the experience even more impressive. On the other hand, during the rainy season (November to March), the path can become slippery and difficult to walk. Additionally, the mountain might be covered in snow or fog, making it harder to appreciate the colors. If you decide to travel during this period, be sure to bring proper clothing and non-slip shoes for better safety.
Here you will find the available dates for the Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour. Below, we show whether there are available spots, if the tour is sold out, or if only a few spaces are left. If you prefer a different date than the ones listed, feel free to contact us to arrange another option.
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My fiancée and I did the 5-day trip that included Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. It was amazing!! Our tour guide, Wilbert, was so knowledgeable and took care of everything…
We did a five day tour with Lorenzo and had multiple amazing guides. Bryan took us on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain and it was amazing! His car was clean and comfortable and he was...
The trip was really very good. It was 4 days and 3 nights where I ate very well, we were in amazing places, we slept in nice places and we were tired ...
What an amazing experience, I would absolutely recommend it (and have already done so to friends). The tour guides deserve a special mention, Bryan and Wilbur who were just great at giving...
Lorenzo and his agency were very attentive on our trip. I would especially like to praise the guide Abel who took us to Laguna Humantay and Montan̈a 7 Colores...
Excellent travel agency, especially the work done by the guide Wilbert! He guided us for two days on an unforgettable trip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, showing great care and attention in...