rainbow mountain day tour

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day

PRICE FROM

$ 99
$ 49.00 USD

price per person in group service

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Ausangate Trek 1 day

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | discover Peru’s colorful peak

The Rainbow Mountain day tour in Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by local Peruvians and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times, the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings, and this tradition continues today. Most trips that allow you to see the Rainbow Mountains require a trek of at least 6 days. That has changed with this brand-new itinerary. We have designed this hike so that it can be done as a day trip!

Cusco I Cusipata I Quesoyuno I Rainbow Mountain I Vinicunca I Cusco
Duration of the trip:

1 Day

Total Distance

7km

Physical Level:

Intermediate

Altitude:

5200 m.a.s.l

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

Group Service

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Overview

Location: Rainbow Mountain is situated in the Ausangate mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is about 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, between the communities of Cusipata and Pitumarca.
Altitude: The Rainbow Mountain reaches an altitude of about 5,200 meters above sea level. The high altitude can make the hike difficult, so it is important to acclimatize properly before attempting it.
Geological formation: Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant colors are the result of various mineral deposits exposed on its slopes. Iron oxide (red), sulfur (yellow), copper (green), and other minerals create the distinct bands of color that give the mountain its unique appearance.
Hiking experience: To reach Rainbow Mountain, the journey involves a scenic drive through the Andean countryside, followed by a demanding hike of approximately 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) to the summit.
The hike can be physically demanding due to the high altitude and steep terrain, so it is recommended for those with a reasonable level of fitness. However, mules and horses are available for hire for those who prefer not to walk.
Scenic beauty: The hike to Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and traditional Quechua villages. The view of the colorful mountain is truly breathtaking and a photographer’s paradise.

  • TOUR NAME: Full Day Rainbow Mountain Tour
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Rainbow Mountain Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: Group Service (Private Service Upon Request)
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb at 16:00 pm
  • DEPARTURE: Daily
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 7km
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Rainbow Mountain Tour requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Rainbow Mountain Trek
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5,000 meters (16,500 feet)
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Llaqto (for our Passengers)
  • MEALS: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
  • GUIDE: Bilingual Guide Service

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llaqto – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Full day Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Highlights

  • Stunning Natural Colors: The mountain’s vibrant stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple are naturally formed by mineral deposits, offering a surreal and breathtaking landscape.
  • High-Altitude Adventure: At over 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level, the hike is a rewarding challenge with panoramic Andean views and a real sense of accomplishment.
  • Andean Culture: You’ll encounter local Quechua communities, traditional herding practices, and alpacas along the trail, adding cultural richness to the experience.
  • Ausangate Mountain Views: Nearby Ausangate, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, adds dramatic glacier-covered scenery to the trek.
  • Unique Wildlife: Spot native wildlife like vicuñas, condors, and Andean geese in their natural high-altitude habitat.

DAY 1
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca – Cusco +

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Includes

  • Tourist Transportation Cusco – Rainbow Mountain Cusco
  • English Speaking Guide
  • 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour no Includes

  • Rainbow Mountain entrance fee
  • Tips (optional)
  • Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend getting an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.

Rainbow Mountain Day Tour (Prices for 2026)

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$49

(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$190
03 ppl Private Service US$180
04 – 6 ppl Private Service US$160
07 – 10 ppl Private Service US$120
11 – More ppl Private Service US$80

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

What you need to bring on Rainbow Mountain day tour

Although many travelers expect warm weather in Peru, the Rainbow Mountain day tour takes place at very high altitude, where temperatures can feel cold, especially in the early morning and at the summit. Weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly, with strong winds and occasional rain, so being well prepared is essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
  • Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Camera and Memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Cover for backpacks
  • Fleece top
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight (head light recommended)
  • Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
  • Money for soft drinks or beers and handicrafts
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

(FAQs) about the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour

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.

1. How is the Rainbow Mountain day tour from Cusco?

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.

2. How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour?

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.

3. What does a Rainbow Mountain full day tour include?

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.

4. Can I do the Rainbow Mountain tour in one day?

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.

5. How long is the walking time during the tour?

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.

6. What should I wear for the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour?

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.

7. Is it possible to rent a horse on the route?

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.

8. Are there restrooms on the Rainbow Mountain full day tour?

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.

9. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

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.

10. 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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