Rainbow Mountain
Duration: Full Day
Group size
1 a 15
Language
Spanish / English
Dificulty
Moderate
The excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) begins very early in the city of Cusco, generally between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. At that time, tourists are picked up from their hotels to begin a three-hour journey in tourist transport to the district of Cusipata. Upon arriving in Cusipata, around 6:30 a.m., there is a stop for breakfast and to prepare for the hike. After breakfast, the group continues by vehicle to the starting point of the trek. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately one and a half to two hours. During the trek, you can observe beautiful Andean landscapes, as well as animals such as llamas and alpacas, and you can also appreciate the mountain range where the Ausangate peak is located. Upon reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain, located at over 5,000 meters above sea level, visitors have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the natural landscape formed by minerals of different colors. After spending some time on the mountain, the descent begins along the same path back to the transport point. Then, the group returns to Cusipata for lunch and finally departs for the city of Cusco, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.
Itinerary
The tour starts with the pick up of the tourist from his hotel in the historic center of Cusco between 4:30 to 5:00 am. Then, a trip of approximately 2 hours is made to Cusipata, where a buffet breakfast is enjoyed at the restaurant La Montaña. Afterwards, the trip continues on a dirt road to the community of Phulawasipata (4,400 masl), the starting point of the 3 km hike to the summit of Vinicunca. The ascent takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the altitude being the main challenge. There is the option of renting a horse for 60 soles (not included). Once at the top, tourists can admire the impressive colorful landscapes and take pictures. The return follows the same route, with a stop in Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Finally, the return trip to Cusco concludes around 5:00 p.m., leaving the tourist at their hotel or in a central plaza.
Tour Details:
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Departure from Cusco ⏰ 3:00 – 4:00 a.m. Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Travel by tourist transport to the district of Cusipata. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. 2️⃣ Breakfast in Cusipata ⏰ 6:30 a.m. Stop for Andean breakfast. Preparation before continuing to the starting point of the hike. 3️⃣ Start of the hike ⏰ 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Arrival at the starting point (approximately 4,600 m above sea level). Hike of 1.5 to 2 hours up the mountain. Along the way you will see: Llamas and alpacas 🦙 Landscapes of the Vilcanota Mountain Range Snow-capped mountains like Ausangate 4️⃣ Arrival at Rainbow Mountain ⏰ Approx. 10:00 a.m. Arrival at the Vinicunca viewpoint (≈ 5,036 m a.s.l.). Time for: Taking photos 📸 Listening to the guide's explanation Enjoying the scenery. 5️⃣ Descent ⏰ 11:00 a.m. Hike back (approx. 1 hour). 6️⃣ Lunch ⏰ 1:00 p.m. Buffet lunch in Cusipata. 7️⃣ Return to Cusco ⏰ 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Return trip to Cusco. End of tour.
Includes
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Professional guide in Spanish / English
- First aid kit
Not Includes
- Snack
- Horse
- Entrance fees
- Trekking poles
Recommendations
- Use sunscreen
- Camera
- Hat and sunglasses
- Bring a warm jacket
- Rain poncho
- Do not bring unnecessary items, only what you need
- Bring cash, as there are no ATMs at the place we will visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby, a local resident offers horseback transportation for approximately 60 soles per visitor. This service is not included in the tour.
The tour visits Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain (almost 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco), a tourist attraction of great scenic beauty that is located at 5,000 meters above sea level. This altitude makes Vinicunca a challenge for all visitors.
The tour is an all-inclusive service, as it provides everything necessary for a comfortable and safe visit: hotel pick-up, full transportation, entrance tickets, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, and equipment such as trekking poles or a first aid kit. Horse riding is not included, as it is optional along the route.
Due to the high altitude, it is recommended to wear light clothing for the hike, such as leggings, pants, a T-shirt, and a windbreaker. However, upon reaching Vinicunca, the cold wind requires the use of a chullo, gloves, jackets, thick socks, neck warmers, etc. Additionally, it is recommended to bring cash to purchase souvenirs.
The 7 Colors Mountain 1-Day All-Inclusive tour is operated by YANAPAY TRAVEL, a new company offering safe and well-organized trips. The tour includes additional equipment such as trekking poles and a first aid kit.
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