Rainbow Mountain




Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, has only recently become a major attraction in Peru. It lay hidden until 2015, when the snow that covered it melted away, revealing the amazing layered hues of gold, lavender, red, and turquoise that give the mountain its name. The varied mineralogical compositions on the slopes and summits of the mountain give it a striped, rainbow-like appearance, creating a spectacular natural attraction that is now famous throughout the world.
Our full-day Rainbow Mountain trek will take you to the top of the mountain, where you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of the otherworldly landscape and across to the imposing Ausangate Massif. We’ll have to trek to get there, but it’s worth the effort – and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Want to spend more time in this beautiful scenery? Check out our 7 Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu!
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 05:00, as we need time to drive to the trailhead and then complete the hike. This transfer on your Cusco day trip lasts about three hours, passing through wonderful Andean landscapes along the South Valley. We will stop for breakfast along the way and then continue to the trailhead in the town of Cusipata, at about 3,310 m (10,859 ft). above sea level.
From here, we will set out on our hike, first following a beautiful stream and watching herds of alpacas and llamas as they graze on the slopes. We will also have consistent views of the sacred mountain of Ausangate. As we continue, we will pass through delightful villages where the ancient traditions of the Andes are still very much alive.
As we get closer to our destination, we will begin to see many alpacas and llamas, and after a walk of approximately 2 Hours, we will finally reach our goal: Vinicunca, the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. Here, at a literally breathtaking height of 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level, we'll start exploring the area, which is actually a series of colored mountains, not just one. We will hike to the top of Rainbow Mountain, where we will spend about 30 minutes, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos.
Once we have had time to take in all the magnificent views, we will set out on our return hike, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Our transport will be waiting for us to go to the local restaurant to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Then we will go back to Cusco, again taking about three hours. We should arrive in Cusco at 16:00, at which time we will drop you off at your hotel, with memories of the fascinating Rainbow Mountain still fresh in your mind.
Total trekking distance: 7 km (3-4 hours approx).
Highest altitude: 5,100 m (16,732 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 3,310 m (10,860 ft).
Would you like this tour as a private service?



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step supports people, culture,
and nature.
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