RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Close to Cusco city you can find one of the most incredible sights in the middle of the Peruvian Andes— the Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca. Right next to it there is also the Red Valley, that will make you feel as if you have set foot on Mars. If you’re looking for an exciting day out of the city, this is the perfect hike for you.

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Vibe Journeys
$ 92 GROUP SERVICE
  • STANDART SERVICE
  • DIFFICULTY - DEMANDING
  • TRIP CODE (VJSRM1D)
POPULAR

Journey Style

ACTIVE/HIKING

Service Level

STANDART

Effort Level

CHALLENGING

Group Size

FROM 1 TO 12

Travel Type

SMALL GROUP

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Close to the city of Cusco you can find one of the most stunning sights in the middle of the Peruvian Andes— the Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca. Right next to it there is also the Red Valley, that will make you feel as if you have set foot on Mars. If you’re looking for an exciting day out of the city, this is the perfect hike for you: it will challenge you but give you the most fantastic colorful landscape.

If you visit Cusco, this day trip is a must! Our one-day tour to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, will take you through remote high-altitude remote lands and through isolated communities found in the Vilcanota mountain range. You’ll also be able to appreciate the immensity of the sacred Ausangate mountain (6,372 m/ 20,905 ft), the highest in the region.

MONTAÑA DE COLORES

Hike to the Astounding Rainbow Mountain

Join us on this epic one-day trip in Cusco and get out into nature, among the most beautiful landscapes imaginable. Whether you’re traveling by yourself, as a couple, or in a larger group, we have daily departures to accommodate you. This tour is designed for travelers with little time and a great sense of adventure.

Along the route, the difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, which is mainly due to the high altitude that reaches over 5,000 meters. We recommend you spend a day or two in Cusco to acclimatize before joining one of our tours.

Despite the fact that Rainbow Mountain is usually full of tourists, we start our adventure very early to be the first to arrive. This way, you can enjoy the peacefulness and beauty without many interruptions. We take our time and enjoy the hike without pressure.

You’ll also walk through the surreal Red Valley, a little-known destination with almost no tourists. Not many people get the chance to venture into this unique landscape, so make the most of your time in Cusco and join us on this epic hike.

On the hike, expect to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the inhabitants in the small communities, observe numerous herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in the mountains, and be a first-hand witness of millions of years of geological history. The imposing landscape of the Rainbow Mountain is sure to be the protagonist of your photographs. You’ll see that choosing Salkantay Trekking is a guarantee of living the best experience in Cusco and the Andes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike among some of the most stunning Andean landscapes imaginable and let Mother Nature whisk you away in her sheer beauty.
  • Discover de Rainbow Mountain, one of the most unique places on our planet, and snap special photos of the spectacular geological formation.
  • Immerse yourself in the small mountain communities and witness how they live their lives so far away from the city.
  • Enjoy views of the highest mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate, whose snowy peak stands tall nearby.
  • Observe the unique flora and fauna and see alpacas and llamas grazing in the mountains and roaming free.
  • Walk through the Red Valley and feel like an astronaut on another planet.

Lares Andes Trek Itinerary – Adventure in the Peruvian Andes

DAY 1 Cusco | Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain Peru, Vinicunca - Red valley viewpoint

Our epic adventure begins at 4:00 am. We’ll pick you up from the door of your accommodation to head towards the Southern Valley of Cusco in our private transport. Despite the early morning, you’ll have the opportunity to catch some more sleep along the way in our comfortable transport with the cozy blankets that we provide for you.

After 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel, we will stop to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast that will give you the necessary energy to start the hike. Then, we will continue our route through Cusipata. Along the way, we will pass picturesque Andean villages, fertile valleys, Inca agricultural terraces, and beautiful broken mountains. You will be able to admire herds of llamas and alpacas that will entertain you as you enjoy the landscape through the window.

After an hour, we will reach the starting point of the hike in Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). From there, we will follow a winding, mostly flat path through the Andean mountains. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with an impressive view of Mount Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Your guide will explain why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.

This remote region is home to many people, and you will have the opportunity to see how they take care of their herds and horses. You will be amazed by the traditional clothing they wear and craft from alpaca wool, which is one of the finest textiles in the world. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some garments and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua, the native language of many inhabitants of the zone and one that’s been spoken since Inca times.

The most challenging part is the final stretch, which includes a steep ascent and a series of stairs. This is the last

effort to reach the summit! After an hour-and-a-half of walking, we’ll reach the amazing Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take your time to admire the astounding beauty of this impressive mineral formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You’ll explore the surroundings a little and take in the beautiful landscape while your guide explains the theories that exist regarding the origin of this mountain that seems like it’s been taken from a colorful dream. Use this time to take some incredible photos, immerse yourself in the scenery and enjoy the snacks that Salkatnay Trekking provides to keep your energy up. We’ll spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the top, depending on how fast you hiked and the weather conditions.

After enjoying this gem amidst the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the fascinating Red Valley (OPTIONAL) (5,050m / 16,568 ft). This is a place that feels like you’ve stepped foot on another planet and that’s visited by very few tourists. You’ll be surprised not only by its amazing beauty but also by the immense tranquility that’ll surround you. It only takes 25 minutes of walking from the Rainbow Mountain to reach the viewpoint from where you’ll get the best views of the valley all around.

We will then embark on a 1-hour descent to reach the starting point of the trek, passing alongside herds of alpacas. If you are lucky, you will come across some vicuñas, a beautiful undomesticated animal that has lived with the inhabitants of Peru since pre-Inca times.

Finally, we will board our transportation to the restaurant in and enjoy a buffet lunch. Then, we will board again our private transportation to return to the city of Cusco. We will leave you at the door of your accommodation to rest your tired legs.

MONTAÑA DE COLORES
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN WITH SNOW

Here Photo GALLERY

It is INCLUDED

Permits & Entrance Tickets

    • Entry to the Rainbow Mountain

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Experienced Tour Guide
    • Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ON CLOUDY DAY
    • Trekking Poles with rubber tips
    • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
      • All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
    • 24/7 Customer Service
      • We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
  • Meals

      • Breakfast and Lunch
      • Snacks and water
        • For the hike, we’ll provide you with a water bottle and snacks of local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc.
      • One cloth snack bag per person
        • We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your trek!

    Transportation

    • All transportation is included in this tour. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and after the end of the trip, we’ll drop you back at the door of your hotel in Cusco.

It is NOT INCLUDED

  • Entrance to the red valley viewpoint
  • Horses
  • Gratuity for Adventure guides, Adventure chefs and support staff.
  • Travel Insurance
IN CASE OF AN EVACUATION (All expenses generated in)
  • Accommodation
  • Transport 
  • Food
  • others
Must be covered by you
VibeJourneys will give one staff to support you during the evacuation.
PAMPA JAPOSENA

PACKING LIST - Essentials for a great journey​

  • Passport (Optional): You can just bring a photocopy, but if you want to get the Rainbow Mountain stamp in your passport, you will need to bring the actual passport.
  • 1 Liter and half of the water: To stay hydrated during the hike.. 
  • Personal snacks: We provide snacks, but if you need to eat frequently, like every 5 minutes, we suggest bringing something extra, like an energy bar.
  • Pillow for van ride: You can leave the pillow in the van while you go hiking.
  • Trekking shoes: We strongly suggest you wear trekking shoes. The path at Rainbow Mountain is dusty, and some parts can be slippery.
  • Waterproof pants (optional):Only bring them during the rainy season, from December to March.
  • Extra cloths(Optional): Bring them during the rainy season (December to March) because sometimes you can get very wet, and you’ll need extra clothes.
  • Sunscreen lip protector: Bring lip balm with sunscreen because the air at Rainbow Mountain is dry and cold.
  • Down jacket: Usually, it’s cold on Rainbow Mountain, so it’s a good idea to bring a warm coat.
  • Rain Jacket: Due to global warming, it might rain even during dry seasons. 
  • Long sleeve t-shit: It’s better to wear long sleeves to protect yourself from sunburn. If you choose to wear short sleeves, make sure to apply sunscreen to your skin.
  • Wool hat: It’s always cold at Rainbow Mountain, no matter what month you visit. When the sky is cloudy, the temperature drops quickly.
  • Trekking pants: We suggested using trekking pants, but if you have other pants that are suitable for hiking, you can bring those instead. 
  • Rain poncho: It’s really important to take a rain poncho during the rainy season. If you’re going out during the dry season but notice that the sky looks cloudy the day before, you should also bring a rain poncho.
  • Sunhat with long brim: Keep in mind that you’ll be going above 5000 meters, where the sun is very strong.
  • Sun cream: Over the rainbow mountain, not only the sun burns, also the cold burns. so bring the sunscreen. 
  • Water bottles or camelbag: It’s better to use a reusable water bottle or a camelback.
  • Sun glasses: The sun is very strong at altitudes above 5,000 meters. Additionally, when it snows, the snow can reflect sunlight and harm your eyes.
  • Extra money: On the way, you’ll find local people selling snacks, soda, and even alpaca meat. You’ll need cash to buy these. If you want to take a photo with an alpaca, you’ll need to give a tip.
  • Thick socks: To keep your feet warm.
  • Neck Gaiter: The buff will keep your neck and face warm, especially during the winter.
  • Gloves: When you reach the top, it can be very windy and cold on some days. Wearing gloves will help keep you warm, especially when you’re taking pictures or using walking sticks.
  • Basic medications: You should carry some basic medicines, like ibuprofen for headaches and Diamox for altitude sickness.
  • Portable Charger: Phone batteries drain quickly in cold places.
  • Telephone or Camara: To capture the best photo for your memories.
MONTAÑA DE COLORES
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
MONTAÑA DE COLORES

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How To Book The Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Hike With Vibe Journeys?

In order to book your Rainbow Mountain with us, you need to click on BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $30 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send a confirmation to your email. So your trip to Rainbow Mountain is 100% confirmed.

When Should I Pay The Outstanding Balance?

 Your remaining balance can be made in cash in Cusco 1 day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer Credit Card at least one week prior to your trip(a 5% service fee applies). It is better to pay us with cash because there is not any transaction fee. Please let us know what you prefer.

Is The Any Student Discount?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a student discount for our Rainbow Mountain day trip.

Why Is Your Price More Expensive Than The Other Travel Agencies?

Of course, you will find a Rainbow Mountain trip for a lower price on the Street. They take 20 people in a group with one guide thats why their Price is cheaper. Also, the guides are students who are learning to guide so they charge less and they don’t even bring oxygen. However, we take small groups maximum of 12 people with an English-speaking tour guide who has a lot of experience. As well as our drivers drive carefully. We can even mention more things but those are the most important ones.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The  Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour?

It is not mandatory to bring your Passport. But if you want to have a stamp on it, bring it. The stamp on your Passport costs 5 soles.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Rainbow Mountain Trip?

Not, because our Rainbow Mountain tour groups leave from Cusco. If you stay in the sacred valley, we can take you in private service and there will be an upgrade of $40 for the transport from the sacred valley.

Can I Rent A Horse In The Rainbow Mountain?

Local people at Rainbow Mountain offer horse rentals for visitors. Upon reaching the checkpoint, you can conveniently rent horses directly from the locals, with assistance from our tour guide. The cost for the ride up ranges from 70 to100 soles, equivalent to approximately 20 to 25 dollars. This fee includes a person who will lead the horse up to the mountain, allowing you to simply enjoy the ride.

It’s worth noting that horse rental prices can fluctuate based on the day’s demand. During peak times with a high number of visitors to Rainbow Mountain, prices may increase, while they may remain lower during low season(November to March. Negotiating with the friendly locals is a common practice, and it’s important to be aware that they only accept Peruvian soles as payment.

Best Time To Hike The Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit  Rainbow Mountain is between April and November, coinciding with the dry season. In contrast, the months from December to March constitute the rainy season, the the trail may be muddy, wet and the Mountain might be covered with snow and misty.

Is It Cold At The Rainbow Mountain?

Typically, during breakfast hours, the morning tends to be chilly, often reaching temperatures below freezing. As the sun rises, the weather tends to become milder. At higher elevations, such as the mountain top, conditions are cold and windy, with temperatures ranging between 5-15°C (40-60°F). In overcast and rainy conditions, the temperature typically falls within the range of 0-10°C (32-50°F). For an optimal experience, the recommended months to visit Rainbow Mountain are from April to November.

If One Experiences Altitude Sickness, What Do You Do?

All of our tour guides have an oximeter and oxygen tanks on our Rainbow Mountain day trip. If you start to feel unwell, the guide will check your oxygen level and give you oxygen if needed. If you still don’t feel better, we will take you to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.

Are There Any Age Restrictions For The Rainbow Mountain Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Rainbow Mountain tour. However, at Vibe Journeys, we recommend a minimum age of 8, as we have observed that children under 8 often struggle with the cold and sometimes experience altitude sickness. If you plan to bring your child to Rainbow Mountain, we strongly suggest dressing them in warm clothing and arriving in Cusco at least three days in advance to help them acclimate to the altitude.

How Far In Advance Should I Book The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Tickets for Rainbow Mountain are always available and do not sell out, allowing you to book even at the last minute. However, during the peak season from May to August, it is strongly advised to book at least one month in advance, as travel companies often face a shortage of guides during this time.

Are There Toilets During The Rainbow Mountain Hike?

There are four toilets available along the Rainbow Mountain trail via the Cusipata Route. The first is located at the trailhead, with two positioned midway and the last at the summit. These are privately managed by local residents, and a fee of 2 soles is required to use them.

Do I Need Extra Money For The Hike?

We strongly suggest that you bring cash in soles when visiting Rainbow Mountain. There are many locals selling things like handicrafts, snacks, drinks such as soda, Gatorade, and beer. You will also need cash to use the restroom or get a stamp on your passport. If you get tired, you can rent a horse to finish the tour. Keep in mind, none of these vendors accept credit cards, so it’s important to have cash with you.

Are Hiking Sticks Helpfull For The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

At the start of the hike, you won’t need walking sticks since the path is mostly flat. But towards the end, the trail goes uphill, and walking sticks are very useful. During the rainy season, it’s important to bring the sticks because the trail gets muddy and slippery, and sometimes it snows. The sticks help you find firm spots to step on.

I Don’t Like To Go In A Shared Group, Can You Arrange A Private Tour For Me?

Sure! We can arrange your private trip to Rainbow Mountain. send us a whatsapp, e-mail or contact us to check out our private tour to Rainbow Mountain.

Can I Charge My Devices In My Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Hike?

There are no places to charge your device at Rainbow Mountain, so make sure to bring a portable charger. You can only charge your devices in our van.

Is It Safe To Go On A Rainbow Mountain Tour?

Yes, it is safe to visit Rainbow Mountain with us. Our guide brings an oxygen tank and a first aid kit, and they have a lot of experience. Also, our vans are in perfect conditions, and our drivers have a lot of experience.

How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Rainbow Mountain is considered a challenging hike. The trek, located in the Peruvian Andes, reaches an elevation of about 5,040 meters (16,535 feet), which can pose difficulties due to altitude sickness. The trail spans approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) round trip, with steep ascents and variable weather conditions adding to the challenge. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and suitable clothing are crucial for a successful hike.

How Many Days Should I Spend Getting Used To The Altitude Before Hiking Rainbow Mountain?

It’s best to stay in Cusco for at least 3 days before starting the hike to Rainbow Mountain so your body can adjust to the higher altitude. If you’re arriving from somewhere with a similar altitude to Cusco, you should still spend at least one day to rest and recover before you start the hike.

What Do I Do If I Get Tired/Exhausted During The Trek?

If you’re feeling tired, our guide will suggest you take a horse to help you reach the top. If you decide not to continue, you can return to the starting point where you’ll find our van.

Can You Visit Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking?

The only alternative is to take the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour. However, you’ll still need to walk for about 15 minutes. The walk is easy because the trail is mostly flat with just a bit of uphill to reach the viewpoint. send us a whatsapp, e-mail or contact us for more information.

If I’m Afraid Of Heights, Can I Still Join The Tour Rainbow Mountain In Peru?

The path to Rainbow Mountain is broad and clearly marked, and there are no cliffs around. So if you’re afraid of heights, you should be fine. There is a viewpoint that might look a bit scary, but you can avoid that area and still get a classic photo of Rainbow Mountain.

Do You Include The Red Valley On Your Rainbow Mountain Tour?

Yes, we do visit the Red Valley as an complementary attraction (optional adding $10). However,. If you’re feeling tired, you can skip the Red Valley and head back to the starting point of the trail.

I Will Be Traveling With My Family, Including Two People Who Are 65 Years Old. Do You Think They Can Handle It?

We had people aged 50 to 65 who were active and had no problems. We suggest using a private service so you can take your time getting to Rainbow Mountain. Also, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor, let them know you’ll be going to an altitude of 5,040 meters, and follow their advice.

Can I Keep My Extra Stuff In Your Van?

Yes, you can store your extra things in our van. We always use a big van for the Rainbow Mountain trek, so there will be enough space.

Can You Drop Me Off In  The Airport After The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Yes, we can drop you off to the airport after your trek. You’ll be dropped off first because the airport is on the way before we get to Cusco city center.

POPULAR JOURNEYS - RECOMMENDED

VISTA DESDE INTI PUNKU

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days

The Classic Inca Trail 4 days adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the adventure-seeker wanting to hike a famous trek in Peru. Each day brings something new as you travel from Andean tundra to cloud

Read More »

MACHUPICCHU – VERY ADVENTUROUS

Join an exciting and budget-friendly 3-day adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu! Travel through local towns, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and choose your own thrill — zip line, river raft, or hike along scenic trails. An

Read More »

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM POLICIES

For Vibe Journeys, sustainable tourism is the core of how we travel.We are committed to designing experiences that protect the natural beauty of our destinations, honor the traditions and identity of Andean communities, and create

Read More »

COMPLAINS & SUGGESTIONS

At Vibe Journeys, we are deeply committed to providing meaningful, safe, and memorable travel experiences, and your voice plays a vital role in helping us grow and improve. We invite you to share openly any

Read More »

INTERNAL REGULATION OF THE INKA TRAIL

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REGULATIONS HERE Click here Table of Contents REGULATIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL  The Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has become a favorite trek for local, national, and

Read More »
PALLAYPUNCHU

PALLAY PUNCHU MOUNTAIN

High in the remote Andes of Cusco, Pallay Puncho Mountain reveals a mysterious tapestry of colors shaped like a sacred Andean poncho — a hidden wonder that seems painted by the gods and whispers ancient

Read More »

Company Philosophy

At Vibe Journeys, our philosophy is built on the belief that travel should inspire genuine connection — between people, cultures, and places. We are passionate about creating authentic experiences that empower local communities, promote cultural

Read More »

MACHUPICCHU BY JUNGLE

Discover the magic of the Andes by exploring Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, journey to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the World and unwind with a unique picnic in Maras,

Read More »
MACHUPICCHU FULL DAY

MACHUPICCHU JOURNEY FULL DAY

Discover Machupicchu in just one day, the Inca citadel hidden in the Andes. Travel through the Sacred Valley and reach Aguas Calientes, the gateway to this wonder of the world. Explore its temples, terraces, and

Read More »
WONDER OF CUSCO 5D4N

WONDERS OF CUSCO & PICNIC 5 Days

Discover the magic of the Andes by exploring Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, journey to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the World and unwind with a unique picnic in Maras,

Read More »
WONDERS OF PERU 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS

WONDERS OF PERU 10 DAYs

A mix of hiking and adventure, this is the ideal program to discover the essence of Peru. Explore this incredible country through its fascinating places, where you’ll be enchanted by the unspoiled nature of the

Read More »