Rainbow Mountain

A hike up to 5000m above sea level; you'll find a mountain at the end of a rainbow...

At the summit of Rainbow Mountain!

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Day Trip

Rainbow Mountain, near Cuzco, is one of the most popular and most distinct geological formations in Peru featuring naturally-occurring bands of colour. Travelers who like to hike and enjoy mountain adventures can take in this high-altitude sight in one day on this full-day tour that includes meals and safety gear.

• Experience an area highlight in one day

• Enjoy breakfast and lunch included with vegetarian options by request

• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from select Cuzco hotels

• Put safety first at more than 16,000 feet (5,000 meters) with oxygen and a first aid kit

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and set off toward one of Peru's most renowned peaks – Rainbow Mountain! After about two hours on the road, we'll reach Cusipata village. Here, we'll fuel up with a hearty breakfast to energize ourselves for the upcoming Rainbow Mountain hike. Once we have eaten our fill, we will board the bus and continue the trip for about two hours through the community of Pitumarca, located at 3570m above sea level and arrive at a mountainside community where the real trek begins at a lofty 4600m (15,000ft) above sea level. As we follow our guide's lead, we'll ascend through these mystical peaks while encountering Andean creatures like alpacas, sheep, and vicuñas. After 1hr 45mins of hiking, we'll stand in awe before the magnificent Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of the Seven Colours. As soon as you set your eyes on this natural wonder, you'll understand why it's earned a spot on National Geographic's list of "100 Places to Visit Before You Die". We'll take plenty of time to take pictures of Rainbow Mountain before we start our descent back to the bus, retracing our steps downhill – fortunately, it's easier going down! Then, we'll return to Cusipata for a well-deserved buffet lunch, the perfect reward for all the effort! After lunch, we'll journey back to central Cusco, dropping you off near the Plaza de Armas, marking the end of this 14-15 hour excursion.

The tour starts from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 as you get picked up from the door of your accommodation to head for 3hrs towards the Southern Valley of Cusco in our private transport, then our great adventure will begin. Along the way, you’ll observe picturesque Andean towns, agricultural platforms from the Inca period, fertile valleys, and beautiful rolling mountains. You will arrive at Cusipata, observe the herds of llamas and alpacas that’ll entertain you while you enjoy a delicious continental breakfast to give you the nourishing boost you need to begin the hike. Continue along the dirt road for 30 minutes more; during the trip, you will be able to observe beautiful landscapes, canyons and beautiful glaciers of the Ausangate, heading along a meandering path in the middle of the Andean mountains that follows a prey stream. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with the impressive view of the Ausangate Mountain (6,372m/20,905ft).

Take a few minutes to try to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people. This remote region is home to many people, and you’ll have the opportunity to see them working the land. You’ll also be amazed to see the traditional clothing they use and make themselves thanks to the artistic textile talents that they’ve inherited from their ancestors. This is one of the many ways an ancient culture is preserved in the rural regions of Peru that refuses to be submitted by the rules of the western 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 nave language of many inhabitants of the zone and one that’s been spoken since Inca times. Once you arrive at the final stop for our van, you will start hiking and after walking for 1.5 hours you will arrive at our destination, Rainbow Mountain Peru (5.020m/16.466 ft.), where you will have free time to enjoy the beauty of the mountain, take pictures, enjoy a snack or just relax.

Take your time to admire the astounding beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You’ll explore the surroundings a little and take in the stunning landscape while your guide explains the theories that exist regarding the origin of this mountain that seems like it’s been taken from a colourful dream. Use this opportunity to take some incredible photos or simply immerse yourself in the landscape. After enjoying the rainbow mountain, you will start the walk back to the parking, we’ll board our transport to the restaurant in Cusipata and enjoy a buffet lunch. Then, it's all the way back to the city of Cusco to drop you at the door of your accommodation to rest your red and tired legs; arriving at approximately 17:00.

I booked this trip with Trekking por la Montaña Arcoíris o Vinicunca desde Cusco - Civitatis, I 100% reccomend it. It is a very long day out and the hike although not far to walk, but due to the extreme high altitude it can be challenging for some. I spent around €58 for 2 people for this trip- book yours now!

Unfortunately my trip across Peru comes to an end, but my journey through South America continues...