Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour or Apu Vinicunca Peru Tour is an unmissable experience in Cusco. Locally known as 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 fairly a new attraction. It was covered in dense snow. Rainbow Mountain was discovered in 2016 when the snow started melting and the colours appeared. It soon got all the deserving attention and became a popular tourist attraction in Peru if not in South America.
The full day trip to Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca 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. 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.
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 metres above sea level. 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.
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This full day tour operates in group. If you want to sign up for a private tour simply reach out to us.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0500 AM
You will be picked up from your hotel at 5 am to leave to the southern valley of Cusco, a bus drive of approximately 2 hours. Here you will have a small stop for breakfast (included). After breakfast, the trip will continue for 45 more minutes on the bus until you reach the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain Trek.
It usually takes 2 hours to reach the summit from the trailhead. The hike is mostly a climb up to the top (16,732 ft / 5,100 m), which is generally an easy trail. Nevertheless, the altitude is what makes this hike a challenge. Along the hike you will see beautiful landscapes, some local families and of course many llamas and alpacas.
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.
Once you reach the top you can appreciate the mighty Ausangate Mountain Range, the tallest and the sacred mountain in Cusco. 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 approximately.
It is a great company to pick and travel. John is a an amazing guide and a leader. He is very knowledgeable and an amazing tour guide to be with. I had a fantastic experience with him in Peru and a great time exploring with him.
