Rainbow Mountain Tour One Day - Rainbow Mountain Cusco Peru

Rainbow Mountain
1 Day Trek

Full Day Tour
Vidal Expeditions video
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate - Challenging Difficulty

Hike to the Astounding Multi-colored Mountain

Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain Peru
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate - Challenging Difficulty

The Rainbow Mountain Trek is surely the most popular day tour around Cusco and Peru. Get ready to explore the most impressive natural wonder in the world, discovered a few years ago in the middle of the Andes of Peru. Every traveler who comes to Cusco should visit this amazing Seven Colors Mountain, and the local traditions make the best scenery to feel the energy of the Apus and Pachamama. (Mother Earth).

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Seven Color Mountain, is located 3 hours from Cusco near Ausangate Mountain, at 5,036 m (16,522 ft). Vidal Expeditions has designed a special itinerary for you to enjoy the beautiful colors before the crowds arrive. The hike is about two hours long and challenging due the elevation, but once you arrive at the view point, it is worth it. Its incredible colors make it an iconic place for everyone who arrives here.

Highlights: Rainbow Mountain & The Red Valley
Hiking distance: 8km/4.8miles (3hours hike round trip)
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: March to November
Max. Altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Cusco

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco - Cusipata - Llacto - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Arriving at the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley and enjoying the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.

Meals Icon
Breakfast and Lunch 1 Lunch
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
8 km / 4.8 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
2 - 3 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
5,036 m / 16,522 ft Highest Elevation

For Rainbow Mountain Tour You will need to wake up early to enjoy this natural marvel at its best. Between 3:30 and 4:00 am, we will collect you directly from your hotel to start our ride to Cusipata town, located to the south of Cusco city. First, we will drive for around two and a half hours, where we will then stop for 30 minutes in the district of Cusipata (3310 m a.s.l.). There, we find a restaurant where we get to enjoy an appetizing breakfast. After this, we continue our journey for another hour to the head of the trail Llacto (4630m.a.s.l. / 15,190ft), where we speak about the details of our route. From there, we begin our hike ascending for an approximately 1.30 hours with our destination being Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca with elevation of (5,036 meters / 16,522 ft).

Along the way, we get the opportunity to observe diverse South American camelid species like alpacas, llamas, and vicunas. When we reach the Seven Colors Mountain, or Rainbow Mountain, you will have some time to rest, enjoy the impressive landscape, and take photos of Vinicunca Mountain, which shows us all its imposing colors: red, pink, turquoise, and yellow.

Once you have finished exploring the mountain, we will have the option to hike towards the Red Valley, an incredible place where iron-rich soil covers the vast area. You can hike only the view point, which takes 30 minutes by walk from the Rainbow Mountain, or hike the complete circuit for about 1.20 hours.

Around 11:00am. At this point, it will be time to start descending along our return route. We descend for an hour towards the bus station, where we will board the bus and drive to our restaurant in Cusipata, we enjoy an energizing lunch. Finally we return back to Cusco city arriving at approximately 4:30pm to 5pm.

For Rainbow Mountain Tour You will need to wake up early to enjoy this natural marvel at its best. Between 3:30 and 4:00 am, we will collect you directly from your hotel to start our ride to Cusipata town, located to the south of Cusco city. First, we will drive for around two and a half hours, where we will then stop for 30 minutes in the district of Cusipata (3310 m a.s.l.). There, we find a restaurant where we get to enjoy an appetizing breakfast. After this, we continue our journey for another hour to the head of the trail Llacto (4630m.a.s.l. / 15,190ft), where we speak about the details of our route. From there, we begin our hike ascending for an approximately 1.30 hours with our destination being Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca with elevation of (5,036 meters / 16,522 ft).

Along the way, we get the opportunity to observe diverse South American camelid species like alpacas, llamas, and vicunas. When we reach the Seven Colors Mountain, or Rainbow Mountain, you will have some time to rest, enjoy the impressive landscape, and take photos of Vinicunca Mountain, which shows us all its imposing colors: red, pink, turquoise, and yellow.

Once you have finished exploring the mountain, we will have the option to hike towards the Red Valley, an incredible place where iron-rich soil covers the vast area. You can hike only the view point, which takes 30 minutes by walk from the Rainbow Mountain, or hike the complete circuit for about 1.20 hours.

Around 11:00am. At this point, it will be time to start descending along our return route. We descend for an hour towards the bus station, where we will board the bus and drive to our restaurant in Cusipata, we enjoy an energizing lunch. Finally we return back to Cusco city arriving at approximately 4:30pm to 5pm.

  Inclusions

At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in our Rainbow Mountain Tour. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.

WE INCLUDE

Vidal Expeditions Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Rainbow Mountain departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details about the tour.

  • Professional Cultural Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service and have been leading groups for many years to the fantastic Seven Colors Mountain. Our tour guides have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English at a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Rainbow Mountain.

  • Entrance Fees

    Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for you to explore Cusco. They will be for a specific date.

Transportations

  • Private Transport

    We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail. The bus returning once you are done with the Humantay tour to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.

Equipment

  • Walking Sticks

    Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits. They protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas where there are many ups and downs. Trekking poles also help you during the ascent and provide increased stability. Vidal Expeditions will include a pair of trekking poles.

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. We include one breakfast and one lunch. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • Water bottle

    Every customer needs water during this tour. We will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks.

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, and although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.

  Recommendations
INFO

At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important
  • Passport
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking pant
  • Trekking poles

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to make it as light as possible.

  • Rain gear
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Personal medication or Own first aid kit
  • Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
  Faqs

PREPARING FOR YOUR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TOUR!

Here some frequently asked question about our Rainbow Mountain day tour in Cusco

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do some of our day tours, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that we need to book your tickets. We also need a previous deposit of 50% of the price per person. As soon as you pay, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.

The Rainbow Mountain is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Cusco, and it became popular in the last few years due to its natural 7 colors formed by different sediments of minerals over millions of years. You can explore it through our different tours from Cusco and be amazed by the spectacular landscapes that nature has created in this part of the Andes. .

The Rainbow Mountain tour is quite challenging due to its location. 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level makes it a true adventure at the high altitude; however, the stunning views are worth it. The hike begins at 4,63o meters in a gradual ascending path until reaching the view point.

Yes, after having explored Rainbow Mountain, you'll have the option to hike toward the famous Red Valley, which is 30 minutes away from Rainbow Mountain. For this extra hike, you need to pay the entrance fee, which is 20 soles per person.

Of course! This is one of the most visited tourist destinations after Machu Picchu and is on the bucket list of everyone who comes to Peru. Imagine having a mountain with seven natural colors in front of you. This is a weird mountain that exists on our planet, and visiting it can be one of your highlights in this such nice life.

No worries; our guides and team are professionals. Your guide will have a first-aid kit with medication needed for any issue, and he will also carry an oxygen balloon in case you need it. Also, during our trips to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, there will be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover.

Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. However, for our traditional day tours, where you do not need to hike for hours, you can go with sneakers. On the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake tours, you need ones with ankle support, which are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down slippery stairs, some of which could be muddy, uneven, and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.

Well. This will depend on how accustomed you are to using the poles. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if it is raining along the way. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portions of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.

Yes, at the beginning of the hike, you will find some locals who are offering horseback riding toward the Seven Colors Mountain, and the price can vary depending on the season. Your guide will help you hire one of these if you need one.

Well, you can visit this iconic mountain the entire year; however, there is a season where you can see all the natural colors, which is from May to October with no rain during the days. While visiting Rainbow Mountain during this season, you also have the chance to hike the red valley and see its reddish color.

If you are used to the altitude of 4,800 meters, you don't need oxygen; however, if you have never been over 3000 meters, you definitely need to bring an oxygen balloon just in case your body doesn't work well. All travel agencies that operate this tour bring oxygen balloons for any emergency.

The right way to prepare for this Rainbow Mountain day tour is to have a few days of acclimation in Cusco; drinking plenty of water before heading there will help you with the altitude; and doing some exercises a few weeks before flying to Peru will also benefit your performance during this trip.

The weather in Rainbow Mountain and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for the sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year.

  Pricing

From: USD 70.00 per person

USD 65.00: from 4 people to more

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

Rainbow Mountain Tour One Day
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =
Contact to Vidal Expedtions

Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

Book your trip

Monday - Friday: 09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.

Vidal Expeditions location

Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco

Best Seller
Tour Price
Day Tour
Rainbow Mountain Tour
Star icon Star icon Star icon Star icon Star icon 4.99 (41 reviews)

Price from $ 70 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 8 People

What's it like

Rainbow Mountain Tour One Day Map



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

Why Travel with us

Start a Conversation

Hi! Click one our members below to chat on WhatsApp ;)

The team typically replies in a few minutes
From US$ 70.00
Exciting Treks in Cusco icon

Related Peru Treks

Alternative journeys you may be interested in

Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Seven Lakes Ausangate

Seven Lakes Tour

The Ausangate Seven Lakes Tour offers a different experience with incredible alpine lakes.

Read More ➼
Humantay Lagoon

Humantay Lake Tour

Join the tour to Humantay Lake on an unforgettable hike to the imposing and beautiful turquoise lagoon.

Read More ➼
Seven Colors Mountain

Rainbow Mountain Tour

This day tour will take you through an incredible, remote area in the high Andes.

Read More ➼
Waqrapukara Tour

Waqrapukara Day tour

Embark to explore the enigmatic Inca fortress in Cusco.

Read More ➼
Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain

Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain

Discover the natural colors of the third Rainbow mountain in Cusco.

Read More ➼
Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley Tour

Embark on a fantastic day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco.

Read More➼

Related Articles

Explorations Journal

Just looking for inspiration? Take a look at our latest blog posts below.