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RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
FULL DAY

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK FULL DAY

Hike to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure.

  • Full Day
  • Max 16 People
DURATION

Full Day

LOCATION

Cusco

MAX ALTITUDE

5,030 m s. n. m.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Rainbow Mountain Trek – Full Day

Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru, also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Along with the stunning Red Valley, this route promises unforgettable views and a true high-altitude adventure. This Andean natural wonder is located in the Vilcanota mountain range in the district of Pitumarca, situated between 5,000 and 5,200 meters above sea level. It is distinguished by its natural bands of color (red, yellow, green, and purple) resulting from the oxidation of minerals and recent exposure to melting ice, creating a rainbow-like landscape. The climate is cold and dry, with temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at the summit. A moderate-to-strenuous hike of approximately 1 to 2 hours (or horseback riding) is required after a 3-hour drive from Cusco.

Itinerary

Rainbow Mountain Trek - Full Day

The adventure begins very early. We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and then travel by car for approximately 3 hours south of Cusco. We’ll then head to the picturesque town of Cusipata, just south of Cusco. There, we’ll enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast at a local restaurant and purchase some necessary items for our trek, such as water, snacks, etc. Afterward, we’ll continue along the road until we reach a dirt track that winds through the mountains, passing through traditional villages and fertile valleys. Along the way, we’ll observe the multicolored landscapes and crops nestled among the mysterious snow-capped peaks. We’ll also see Andean animals such as llamas, alpacas, sheep, and vicuñas, as well as the deep valleys. On a clear day, we may even be able to see Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level. We’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Chillca, our starting point for the hike. We’ll begin our trek at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level, and it will take us about 1.5 hours to reach the summit. This hike is short and gradual, but due to the altitude, we’ll proceed slowly and enjoy the views of valleys and mountains, as well as herds of llamas and alpacas. We’ll finish the ascent by reaching the summit of Cerro Colorado, which stands at 4,980 meters (16,338 feet) above sea level. This incredible mountain boasts beautiful colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, which are various minerals. You have the option to climb another 50 meters (164 feet) for panoramic photos, and when we’re ready, we’ll return along the same path. We’ll descend in about an hour and arrive back at the vehicle for the return trip to Cusco. On the way we will have Buffet lunch at a local restaurant and continue towards Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel around 16:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT: Please Allow 2 - 3 Days for Acclimatization

Services Included

The Service Included

  • Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel at the end.
  • Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
  • Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua. Our guides are equipped and trained to practice First-Aid and administer oxygen if needed.
  • Breakfast and lunch at a buffet restaurant

Not Included

  • Horse to ride (this can be contracted at the beginning of the hike if you prefer)
  • Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
  • Water
  • Tips for your guide and driver

Group Service

USD $60.00 per person

Private Service
Number of people
Price per person USD
1 - 2 people
USD $260.00 per person
3 - 5 people
USD $140.00 per person
6 - 8 people
USD $110.00 per person
9 + people
USD $60.00 per person

Trekking Poles

USD$10.00 (1 pair)

Camera
Rain Jacket (In the wet season from October to March)
Water
Cap for the Sun
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

How to book

To book the tour, please send us an email with the information of each person in your group:

Full name, nationality, date of birth and gender
Copy of your passport
The tour you want to do, the start date
How many people are in your group
info@peruvianpathsandadventures.com

Tour Map: Rainbow Mountain Trek - Full Day

Your complete visual guide for the full-day adventure to the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca). This interactive map details the overland route from Cusco through the Vilcanota Valley, key cultural stops in traditional villages, the final trekking section, and a checklist of essential gear for your trip.

DOWNLOAD MAP
VIEW FULL SIZE

Experience the Tour

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