RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: DAY TOUR
1 DAY
The Mountain of 7 Colors (also called Vinicunca or simply ‘Rainbow Mountain’) is one of the new and best attractions in Peru. Located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an altitudinal summit located at (5050m/16,568ft). It is a mountainous formation dyed in various shades as a result of the complex combination of minerals. The slopes and the summit are dyed in various shades including red, purple, green, yellow, pink and other variations. This tourist attraction was surrounded by ice not many years ago. Since 2016, this place has received hundreds of visitors a day, becoming, along with Machu Picchu, one of the most visited places in Cusco-Peru.
This day hike is moderate to strenuous and can be very crowded. We leave early in the morning (3am) to beat the crowds and arrive at the top first. We also hike to the Red Valley Pass (weather/time permitting) to see the deep red hues of the mountains on the other side of Vinicunca – a stunning example of mother nature at her finest!
Adventure Rating
★★★★☆
Moderate to strenuous, lengthy, high altitude
Solitude Rating
★☆☆☆☆
Popular and crowded
Best Time to Visit
Best from March to November
Cost Per Person (USD)
6-10 trekkers: $100
3-5 trekkers: $150
2 trekkers: $200
Is This Trek Customizable?
Yes!
Private, custom, add-ons all available.
Sites
Stunning Vista
Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountains
Glacial Peaks
Ausangate Mountain
Terrain
Glacial
Snow-capped peaks
High pass
Rocky terrain
Acclimatization
1-2 day acclimatization recommended
Duration
Day Hike
Distance
10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude
3300 m (10,827 ft) to 5050 m (16,568 ft)
Departure
Daily departures with 2 or more people
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER
The Rainbow (Vinicunca) Day Hike is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold, windy, and unpredictable. As you’ll arrive quite early in the morning it will be chilly then. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy, snowy, or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the pass as well. As with any high-altitude hike you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
INCLUDED
Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning
Private transport to the starting point of the trek
English speaking professional guide
Box breakfast, snacks, and buffet lunch at the end of the hike
First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
Entrance to the Ausangate/Rainbow trail
Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco