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Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
Salkantay snow-capped peak from the valley
Hikers in front of the glaciers
Andean musician next to his llama
Reflection of the snow-capped peak in a turquoise lake
Hike along the Urubamba River
Andean woman on a stone path

Home / Tours / Rainbow Mountain

Full day · 10 km

Rainbow Mountain.

Vinicunca: bands of red, turquoise and golden minerals above 5,000 meters.

Duration1 day
Max. altitude5,020 m
DifficultyModerate
FromUSD 60
The route

What the experience is like

The Rainbow Mountain tour to Vinicunca (5,020 m) is a full-day excursion from Cusco, with breakfast, lunch, guide and hotel pick-up, among llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) was covered in ice until a few decades ago. Today it shows layers of sediment ranging from red to turquoise. You will walk among llamas and alpacas, with the Ausangate snow-capped peak in the background, and you can add the Red Valley.

Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco: what to expect

We leave in the early hours to arrive before most groups and walk to the viewpoint with a view of the Ausangate snow-capped peak. Because of the altitude, we recommend doing it after 2 or 3 days in Cusco. Before you travel, read the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain guide.

5,020 m high

The highest viewpoint we visit in a day.

Red Valley

Optional extension with views of a red clay valley.

Herding culture

Llama and alpaca herding communities.

Ausangate snow-capped peak

The highest sacred mountain in Cusco.

Itinerary

  1. Transfer · 3 h

    4:00 · Pick-up at your hotel

    We travel through the southern valley to Cusipata, where we have breakfast.

  2. 4,600 m · 1.5 h climb

    8:00 · Start of the hike

    From the parking lot we climb slowly among llamas and alpacas.

  3. 5,020 m

    9:30 · Vinicunca summit

    Time for photos of the mineral rainbow. Optional: descent through the Red Valley (S/ 20 extra).

  4. Arrival in Cusco 17:30

    12:30 · Lunch and return

    Buffet lunch in Cusipata and return to Cusco.

What is included

All set to walk

Included

  • Pick-up and return to your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • Tourist transport
  • Trekking poles
  • Oxygen and first-aid kit

Not included

  • Vinicunca entrance (S/ 25)
  • Red Valley entrance (S/ 20)
  • Horse for the climb
  • Tips

What to bring: full list

Gallery

What you will see

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca
Andean musician next to his llama
Music and tradition
Andean woman on a stone path
Andean villages
Hikers in front of the glaciers
Ausangate snow-capped peak
Salkantay snow-capped peak from the valley
High Andean valleys
Traveler resting by Humantay Lake
High-altitude landscapes
Frequently asked questions

Before you go

Is the altitude dangerous?

At 5,020 m the air has half the oxygen of sea level. We recommend doing this tour after 2 or 3 days in Cusco. Our guides carry oxygen.

When is the best time to go?

From April to November, when there are fewer clouds and less snow. In summer (December to March) it can snow and hide the colors.

Is there a less crowded alternative?

Yes, Palccoyo is a lower, quieter rainbow mountain. Ask us about that tour.

Before you travel

Guides for this tour

Things to do in Cusco: 15 must-see places in and around the city
How many days you need in Cusco and Machu Picchu: 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): complete guide, altitude and tips
Keep exploring

Other routes

Easy booking

Ready for the Rainbow Mountain tour?

Tell us your dates and number of travelers. We reply the same day with availability and the final price.

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