Rainbow Mountain One-Day Tour
Rainbow Mountain One-Day Tour by Bus and Hiking
Explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on a one-day tour combining a scenic bus ride and a rewarding hike. This affordable and convenient adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a short but unforgettable excursion into the Peruvian Andes.
Tour details
- Price (as of 2024 & 2025):
- 80 soles (US$ 22)
- Availability:
- Every day, starting at 4:00 AM.
- Meeting Point:
- Pickup from your accommodation between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
- Meeting Time: Be ready at 4:00 AM.
What Is included?
- An authorized tour guide.
- Transport in a 21-seat van.
- Buffet breakfast and buffet lunch.
- A walking stick for support.
- First-aid kit for emergencies.
What Is Not Included?
- 10 soles (US$ 3): Entry fee charged by the Municipality of Cusipata.
- 20 soles (US$ 6): Entry fee charged by the farming community of Rainbow Mountain.
- 100 soles (US$ 27): Optional round-trip horse riding assistance.
What to bring?
- Warm clothes (suitable for high-altitude weather).
- Beanie and gloves.
- Snacks and bottled water.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Hiking shoes for uneven terrain.
- Waterproof clothing during the rainy season (October through mid-April).
How to Pay?
- Payment is made on the day of your tour, only in cash.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
- Booking Deadline:
- You can book the tour until 10:00 PM the day before departure.
- Free Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel by 10:00 PM the day before departure at no cost.
- If canceled after 10:00 PM or for no-shows, a fee of 50 soles (US$ 14) applies.
This tour offers a stress-free, guided experience to Rainbow Mountain, combining convenience, affordability, and adventure for travelers of all levels.
Rainbow Mountain One-Day Tour Overview
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) one-day tour is a must-see adventure for those visiting Cusco, offering stunning views of multicolored mountain ranges shaped by centuries of geological activity. This tour is perfect for those seeking a day of exploration, breathtaking scenery, and a glimpse into the Andean highlands. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Itinerary
Early Morning: Cusco – Cusipata
- Pickup: Early morning hotel pickup in Cusco (approx. 4:00 AM–4:30 AM).
- Transfer to Cusipata: 2-hour drive to the town of Cusipata, where a local restaurant serves a hearty Andean-style breakfast.
Morning: Cusipata – Chillihuani – Start of the Hike
- Drive to Chillihuani: After breakfast, continue driving for approximately 1 hour to Chillihuani, the starting point of the trek (at an altitude of 4,500 meters/14,764 feet).
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain:
- 1.5–2 hours of uphill trekking (~5 kilometers/3.1 miles).
- Spectacular views of the Andes, herds of alpacas, and snow-capped peaks.
Midday: Arrival at Rainbow Mountain
- Peak Experience:
- Enjoy panoramic views of Vinicunca, the famed Seven-Color Mountain, located at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level.
- Explore, take photos, and rest (20–30 minutes at the summit).
- Return Hike: Descend back to Chillihuani (approx. 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Chillihuani – Cusipata – Cusco
- Lunch in Cusipata: Return to the restaurant in Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch, featuring traditional Andean cuisine.
- Return to Cusco: A 2-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 PM–5:00 PM.