Highlights Rainbow Mountain Full Day
Highlights
- Amazing Andean landscapes
- Beautiful Rainbow Mountain colors
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Snow capped mountains, Peaks and Valleys
- Pick Up from Your Hotel in Cusco
- Tour lead by award-winning Expert Guides
- See llamas and alpacas and their local owners along the route
Mapa Rainbow Mountain Full Day
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- What To Pack
- Faq's
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Witness one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders on a full-day expedition to the legendary Rainbow Mountain. This is your chance to stand before the iconic striped peaks of Vinicunca, a geological masterpiece hidden high in the Andes. While the journey is a challenge, the reward—a panoramic view of a living rainbow—is an experience that will define your trip to Peru.
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Early Morning Pickup (4:00 AM – 4:30 AM): Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. We’ll embark on a scenic drive through the South Valley, preparing for the day ahead.
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Hearty Breakfast & Trailhead Preparation
En route, we’ll stop at a local lodge for a hearty breakfast to fuel your hike. Upon arrival at the trailhead (approx. 4,600m / 15,100ft), our expert guide will provide a briefing, and you’ll have the option to rent a horse for part of the journey if desired. -
The Ascent to Vinicunca
Begin your moderate-to-challenging trek towards the summit. The 3.5 km (2.2 mile) path winds through a dramatic, high-altitude landscape, with herds of alpacas often dotting the hillsides. Your guide will set a steady pace, ensuring you have time to acclimatize and enjoy the unfolding vistas. -
The Summit: A View You’ll Never Forget
After approximately 1.5-2 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the main viewpoint at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet). Here, the stunning palette of Rainbow Mountain is revealed in all its glory—vibrant streaks of red, turquoise, gold, and lavender, painted by mineral deposits over millions of years. Capture your iconic photos and soak in the awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Ausangate Glacier. -
Descent, Lunch & Return to Cusco
After celebrating your achievement, we’ll descend to the trailhead. A well-deserved, buffet lunch at a local restaurant awaits, offering a chance to relax and share stories. We’ll then board our transport for the return journey to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
Included
- Pick up from hotel
- Round trip transportation
- Breakfast (fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit salad, and bread or pancakes with butter and jam)
- Buffet lunch
- Groups ranging between 12-14 people, maximum 16 people
- English speaking, professional guides
- First-Aid equipment and oxygen bottle for emergencies
Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Walking poles
- Water & snacks
- Personal gear
- Tips
We recommend dressing as follow for the Raimbow Mountain tour
- Wool hat
- T-shirt
- Layer
- A jacket/ windbreaker
- Long pants
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Small Backpack to carry water, some snacks, camera, etc.
What to bring for the tour
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route)
- Snacks such as, apple, cereal bar, sweets and chocolates
- Sun cream
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Cash in soles for extras and entrance fee
Frequently Asked Questions RAINBOW MOUNTAIN and RED VALLEY DAY HIKE
How long does it take to hike Rainbow Mountain?
The way up takes between 1.5 to 2 hours on a gradual uphill trail. If you take the same way down, your return will be about 1.5 hours. If you return through the Red Valley it will take about 2 hours.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to go is typically the dry season, from May to November. However, the trek is available year-round and can offer various benefits throughout the year.
Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?
No. You do not need to bring a physical copy of your passport. However, it is always beneficial to have a copy of your passport or a photo stored on your phone in case of an emergency.
What type of transportation do you use?
Our fleet consists only of Sprinter Mercedes Benz, modern minibuses, that feature a Machu Picchu Reservations logo and has all the documentation required by the national authorities. The vehicles are maintained daily and kept in good, clean condition.
Will the altitude affect me?
Each person reacts differently to altitude. If you plan to hike the Salkantay trail, we recommend arriving 2 or 3 days before the start the trek to acclimate. You can use this time to rest, enjoy the city, or complete other day tours.
What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?
Arriving in Cusco at least two days before your trek and drinking lots of water can help to prevent altitude sickness. You may also want to try coca tea, which naturally helps with the effects of altitude. Coca tea can be ordered at almost any cafe, restaurant, or hotel, or can be prepared by boiling water with dried coca leaves. We also recommend eating light food the day before the trek and taking any medications prescribed by a doctor.
How do I reserve a space for the rainbow mountain?
Just click on the “Book Now” button below and fill out all the required information. One of our sales advisors will contact you immediately and once you place your deposit, we’ll send you a confirmation email.
Can I go by horse to the Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, you can go by horse to the mountain of colors, you can rent horses directly from the local people, which typically costs between 60 and 80 Soles per person.
How long will I stay in the rainbow mountain?
We usually spend about one hour at the rainbow mountain viewpoint. However, this depends on the group pace and weather conditions.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND RED VALLEY DAY HIKE – GROUP SERVICE – SEASON 2025-2026
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REGULAR PRICE: USD 100 dollars per person
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OFFER PRICE: USD 90 dollars per person
Our OFFER PRICE apply for people who already booked with us one of our tours to Machu Picchu such Salkantay trek, Inca jungle, Machu Picchu tours, etc.
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OPTION HORSEBACK RIDING: 80 soles or 22 dollars.
This is an OPTION for those who are not able to hike or just want to enjoy a horseback riding in the mountains. Once you arrive at the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain hike you can rent a ridding horse from the locals directly with the help of the guide. The price that they charge for the horse usually is 80 soles or 22 dollars and the horse will take you to the Rainbow mountain and take you back also the owner of the horse will be pulling the horse ahead and you only have to sit down on the horse and enjoy.
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BOOKING
Booking online: To book any of our tours, we require a booking deposit of 50% of the total tour cost. All remaining balances may be paid in Cusco by no later than 12 hours prior to your confirmed departure date/time.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Road. 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.
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Feel free to reach us via email at sales@salkantayroad.com or by calling us directly at +57 323 2383615
Monday - Friday:
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday:
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Av. Sol Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
