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Rainbow mountain from Ollantaytambo Peru is an unforgettable adventure that begins in the heart of the Sacred Valley. We start and end this experience with departures from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, traveling deep into the Andes to witness one of Peru’s most remarkable natural wonders: the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.
Located along the breathtaking Ausangate Trek, this colorful peak stands near Ausangate Mountain, which has been revered since pre-Inca times as a sacred Apu (mountain spirit) and protector of Cusco. Offerings and spiritual traditions tied to the mountain remain alive even today.
While the Rainbow Mountain was once accessible only through a challenging six-day trek, our specially designed itinerary makes it possible to witness this stunning landscape in a single day.
1 Day
7km
Intermediate
5200 m.a.s.l
Trekking Nature & Culture
Group Service
The day begins before sunrise in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, our vehicle winds its way out of town while the world is still quiet. You sink into your seat, drifting between sleep and excitement, as the first light of dawn begins to paint the mountains in soft gold.
The road takes us through ancient Inca terraces, sleepy villages, and wide-open valleys where llamas and alpacas graze freely. We pause for a hearty breakfast, a small ritual to gather strength for the adventure ahead. By the time we reach Llacto (4,630 m), the air is crisp, thin, and filled with anticipation.
The hike begins gently, following a clear stream that cuts through the valley. Each step carries us deeper into the Andes, the trail rising steadily toward the sky. Locals pass by, wrapped in their bright woven garments, their Quechua words carried by the wind. It feels like walking through both landscape and tradition, where nature and culture are inseparable.
As the climb steepens, Ausangate comes into view—majestic, snowcapped, and timeless. To the communities here, it is not just a mountain but a guardian spirit, an Apu. You can almost feel its presence watching over the land.
After about an hour and a half, the trail opens onto the summit ridge. And there it is—Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m), glowing in colors you’d think impossible in nature. Reds, yellows, greens, and blues ripple across the slopes like a painter’s brushstrokes. You stop, breathless not just from the altitude, but from the beauty itself.
Some wander farther, following the path toward the hidden Red Valley, where the earth itself seems to blush in deep crimson. Few travelers make it here, and the silence is as vast as the view.
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!
How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit.
Group Service: Price per person: US$150
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities):
Private Service: Price per person: Price based on Number of people departing that date:
02 ppl Private Service : US$280
03 ppl Private Service US$260
04 – 6 ppl Private Service US$240
07 – 10 ppl Private Service US$200
11 – More ppl Private Service US$170
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
List of things you must bring:
We present the best FAQs for the Rainbow Mountain full day tour and Ausangate, discover the best answers to clear your mind and decide for this destination.
The tour starts very early, between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., with pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Then you travel about 3 hours to the community of Cusipata, where you have breakfast. From there, you continue for a shorter stretch to the start of the hike. After the visit to the mountain, you have lunch in the same area and return to Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.
It is not a long hike, but the altitude (over 5,000 m) can make it demanding. It is important to be well acclimatized in Cusco before doing the tour. While the route is accessible to most, some people choose to rent a horse along the way.
Most packages include round trip transportation from Cusco, breakfast, buffet lunch, entrance to the mountain, professional bilingual guide, oxygen, first aid and trekking poles if required. It is a complete service so you only have to worry about enjoying the scenery.
Yes. In fact, the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour from Cusco is one of the most popular tours for those who have little time but want to live a high mountain experience. The entire tour is organized so that you can leave and return the same day.
The hike takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to climb and about an hour to return. You start from a medium altitude and reach 5,200 meters above sea level. The route may vary if there is snow or mud, especially in the rainy season.
We recommend you dress in layers: thermal clothing, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses and good trekking shoes. It can get very cold at the top, even in the dry season. And don’t forget to bring sunscreen, no matter if the day is cloudy.
Yes. During the hike there are locals who offer horse rentals, usually between 60 and 100 soles each way. This is a good option if you find it hard to breathe or if you prefer to avoid physical exertion due to the altitude.
Yes, although they are basic. There are toilets at the breakfast point, before starting the hike, and some points along the route depending on the season. We recommend that you bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case.
During the rainy season (November to March), visibility may be affected and roads may become slippery. In extreme cases, agencies may reschedule the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour. It is always a good idea to check the forecast before setting out and be prepared for variable conditions.
Is it safe to do this tour as a family?
It depends on age and physical condition. The tour is not recommended for young children or older people with health problems. But for teenagers, young adults or active adults who have spent at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco, it is a challenging but possible experience.
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