Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Hike Full Day

OVERVIEW

Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a marbled masterpiece of oranges, yellows, reds, and dusky pinks. This Andean peak has rapidly become one of Cusco’s main attractions after Machu Picchu. Once inaccessible to tourists, Rainbow Mountain is now open to everyone with an adventurous spirit and the desire to see what looks like a painted prism perched right at the top of the world.

 

Rainbow Mountain spectacular colouration is the result of a combination of erosion and dense mineral deposits. Iron oxide and sulfide make up its bright bands. Unfortunately, the only reason we can see this pigmented peak is global warming. Elders who live in a village near the mountain say it was covered in glacial snow, but that’s since melted, exposing the rainbow below. Enjoy the excursion to the rainbow mountain trek.

Itinerary: Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

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Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
From 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Our team will pick you up directly from your hotel.

south of Cusco. Marvel at the picturesque views along the way.

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Breakfast in Cusipata
Arrive in the town of Cusipata (3,329m / 12,772 ft.)

Have an energizing breakfast to prepare for hiking.

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Begin the Ascent:
Start of the trekking

Start the ascent in Phulawasipata, which will take approximately 2 hours.

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Rainbow Mountain
5,020 meters (16,470 ft).

Reach the top of Rainbow Mountain and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding red mountains, valleys, and Ausangate Glacier Peak.
Learn about the composition of these mountains and their vibrant colors.

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Descent and Return
After taking photos

Begin the descent with a 1.5-hour downhill hike to Phuluwasipata

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Return to Cusco
From 4:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m

After lunch, we will head back to Cusco city, arriving at approximately 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Please note that this itinerary is for a Rainbow Mountain Trek and covers the main highlights of the day trip.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

PRICES

Special Price

$ 24
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off
ASK FOR PRIVATE SERVICE

HOW TO BOOK

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:

  1. First select the best tour for you.
  2. Fill in “Book Online” FORM, select the date, and complete the booking information. Have one person fill it out for the entire group to ensure you’re booked together.
  3. Make a payment online using any debit or credit card, Our system will charge you 100% in advance of the total number of passengers.
  4. When you complete your payment, you will receive an email from our reservations staff, who will ask you for the following information.
  • Name of the hotel/hostal/apartament
  • Exact address of your accommodation

STUDENT DISCOUNT

Student Discount:
There are NO student discounts on all day tours and transportation only.

Book Online

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HOW TO BOOK

Choose Your Package

Select the package that best suits your travel plans.

Fill Out the Online Booking Form

Click on the “Book Online” button, choose your travel date, and complete the booking form.

Important: Only one person should fill out the form for the entire group to ensure you're all booked together.

Make Your Payment

Secure your booking by paying online with any debit or credit card.

Send Passenger Information

After your payment is completed, our reservations team will contact you via email to request the following information for each passenger (please include a photo or scanned image of the passport): Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Gender, Phone number

What to Pack for a Day Tour in Cusco – Complete Guide

Planning a day tour to the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or the classic Cusco City Tour?

Documents & Money

Always carry:

  • Passport or ID (a copy is recommended)

  • Cash in Peruvian soles, small bills for snacks, tickets, and tips

Clothing – Dress in Layers

Cusco's weather changes quickly. Mornings can be cold, midday can be sunny, and afternoon rain is common. Pack:

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

  • Warm fleece or insulated jacket (especially for high-altitude tours)

  • Comfortable T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt

  • Lightweight long pants (avoid jeans)

  • Sun hat or cap and UV-protection sunglasses

  • Wool hat and gloves (essential for Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain)

Footwear

For safe and comfortable walking:

  • Trekking shoes or trail-running sneakers with good grip

  • Non-cotton socks (synthetic or wool preferred)

Hygiene & Personal Care
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Toilet paper or wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Insect repellent

Food & Hydration
  • Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)

  • Light snacks like energy bars, dried fruits, or cookies

Health & Altitude
  • Personal medication

  • Altitude sickness tablets (Sorojchi Pills or similar)

  • Basic painkillers (optional)

Tech & Other Essentials
  • Phone fully charged

  • Power bank

  • Small plastic bag for your trash

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – DAY TOURS FROM CUSCO

We help you solve any doubts you may have!

We offer a wide range of one-day tours from Cusco, including:

  • Sacred Valley Tour

  • Rainbow Mountain Hike

  • Humantay Lake Tour

  • Cusco City Tour

  • Seven Lagoons in Ausangate

Each tour includes transportation, a certified guide, and full on-tour support.

To enjoy your tour comfortably, we recommend bringing:

  • Valid ID or passport

  • Warm and layered clothing (weather changes quickly)

  • Hiking or walking shoes

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat

  • Water, snacks, and some cash

👉 See our full Packing Guide for Day Tours

Yes, most tours are beginner-friendly. However, some high-altitude tours like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake require good physical condition. If you’re traveling with children, seniors, or have health concerns, please contact us for recommendations.

We recommend booking your day trip from Cusco at least 1–2 days in advance, especially during high season (May to October). Last-minute bookings are accepted based on availability.

Most tours operate in rain or cold weather. In case of extreme conditions (landslides, road closures, etc.), we’ll offer:

  • Rescheduling

  • Route changes

  • Partial or full cancellation, depending on the case

Your safety is always our priority.

Yes, cancellations are accepted. Refunds are handled according to our cancellation policy, which you can find in our Terms and Conditions. Please contact us as early as possible to make changes.

Absolutely. We specialize in private tours from Cusco, perfect for families, couples, or small groups. Custom itineraries are available upon request—just let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Yes, all our day tours include bilingual guides (English & Spanish). Other languages may be available upon request (French, German, Portuguese, etc.).

You can book easily:

  • Through our website (secure online payment)

  • By WhatsApp

  • In person at our office in Cusco

We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and cash.

Yes. All tours include on-site assistance and first aid support from trained staff. In case of any emergency, our team is ready to respond and assist you at any point of the journey.

Contact us on WhatsApp or via our online chat — we’re here to help you plan the perfect adventure in Cusco.

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Travel Information Before Booking Day Tours in Cusco

Real Reviews (Happy Tourist)

It’s easy to fabricate written reviews or create fake ones on platforms like TripAdvisor, but we believe the best proof comes from video testimonials. Videos capture real experiences, showing genuine reactions from our travelers. That’s why we encourage you to check out our video reviews to see firsthand the authentic experiences our customers have had with us. Trust real stories from real people, not just words on a screen. You can also visit our social media channels to watch all our video testimonials and get an even better sense of the quality of our service.

Video reviews

More testimonials, visit our social media channels.

Coffee Snack Abra Malaga

A magical break at Abra Malaga

Discover the Experience of Quillabamba Coffee at Café Snack Abra Málaga, an unforgettable 15-minute stop on the Cusco – Hidroelectrica route. Enjoy organic jungle coffee, handcrafted chocolate, and a unique view of the Andes. Part of the exclusive Machu Picchu by Car VIP experience and without a doubt, a 100% Instagram-worthy spot