Cusco Peru Rainbow Mountain Tour or Full Day Vinicunca Peru Tour is an unmissable experience in Cusco. Locally known as Apu Vinicunca Peru Tour or Montaña de Siete colores, this is the second most visited attraction after Machu Picchu. This is one of our signature tours, we have designed the itinerary to offer you the best and the most in a full day.
The colorful mountains are a fairly new attraction. It was covered in dense snow. Rainbow Mountain was discovered in 2016 when the snow started melting and the colors appeared. It soon got all the deserving attention and became a popular tourist attraction in Peru if not in South America.
The full Day Vinicunca Peru Tour is a stunning adventure. It offers the beautiful and natural colors of the area as you hike through an isolated valley, which allows you to interact with the local people.
On this off-the-beaten-path trek, you’ll see how these people keep the Quechua culture alive amongst herds of alpacas, snow-capped mountain peaks, birds of prey, and glaciers.
This 1 day Rainbow Mountain Trek allows you to see a wide array of wildlife that is indigenous to the area and other familiar animals. The mountains in the Vinicunca area are filled with colorful sandstone. They are a unique ecosystem that is set apart from the rest of Peru.
What to Expect?
The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour to Apu Vinicunca starts with a drive to the trailhead early in the morning. After a hot breakfast, you’ll hike for about two hours up to a beautiful desert valley which will give you a splendid view of mountain glaciers. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take pictures.
After the summit, you have the option of an extra hike that will take about 45 minutes long. This hike will take you to a gorgeous view of the Red Valley. While going up takes longer, you will have an easier time going down as the trip takes about an hour.
On this Rainbow Mountain and red valley trek, you’ll see stunning glaciers, opulent valleys, and the colorful Rainbow Mountain, which at its highest elevation is 16,732 ft and worthy of its name. Your trip isn’t complete until you sit for a delicious lunch and a ride back to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountains are a part of Apu Ausangate Trek. This is a high-altitude experience. The highest point of the trek is at 5200 meters above sea level. Due to the lack of oxygen, many people feel sick.
Although our tour guides will be carrying oxygen tanks and coca leaves, It is highly recommended to spend 3-4 days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Peru Rainbow Mountain Tour operates in groups. If you want to sign up for a private tour simply reach out to us.
Confused about choosing between Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake? Check out our detailed post on Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake Trek.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour: Full Day
At 05:00 a.m., we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then embark on a two hours bus ride through the South Valley of Cusco. Along the way, we will be stopping for breakfast.
From the starting point of the trek, it normally takes about two hours to reach the summit.
Apu Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain Peru nestles at 5100 metres above sea level (16732 feet). The hike up offers enhancing views of the beautiful landscapes.
You will also hike through Peruvian highland farms where you will get to see many llamas and Alpacas. You will get acquainted with the Andean way of life.
If you are not feeling keen on hiking, you can ride a horse. At the base camp there are locals with their horses, you can negotiate a price and ride on one to the top.
From the summit of Apu Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, you will get a closer look at the Sacred Ausangate Peak. This is the tallest and the most sacred Andean peak.
Once you have had your fill of the Rainbow Mountains, you will start the descent until getting back to the bus.
You will return by bus to Ccolca and have lunch there. After lunch, the bus drive will continue for 2 more hours until arriving at Cusco at 4pm – 5pm.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
5:00 a.m.
Price Includes
- Professional English speaking tour leader
- Pick-up from and drop off in your hotel
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain
Price Excludes
- Dinner
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list
Usefull info
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 99US$ Per person
4+ People – 89US$ Per person
Children/students 80US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 140US$ Per person
4+ People – 120US$ Per person
Children/students 110US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions – Rainbow Mountain Peru tour full day
The highest point reached during the Rainbow Mountain Peru tour full day is 5,200 meters above sea level, at the top of Rainbow Mountain.
Yes, moderate physical fitness is recommended, as the tour includes hiking at high altitude, and the terrain can be challenging due to the inclines.
To do the Rainbow Mountain Peru tour full day, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally. We recommend being in good physical condition, as the tour involves hiking at high altitudes (5,200 meters above sea level). It’s suggested to do regular walks in the days leading up to the tour, stay well-hydrated, and rest properly before the trip. Also, it’s important to take precautions for altitude sickness, such as avoiding heavy meals the night before and drinking plenty of liquids during the tour. Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Yes, the Rainbow Mountain Peru tour full day is suitable for people with no prior hiking experience, but moderate physical fitness is recommended due to the altitude and the terrain’s difficulty.
