Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca

0
Price
From$50
Price
From$50
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
Full Name*
Email*
Travel Date*
Message*
Confirm Fax
* I agree with Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step
* Please select all required fields to proceed to the next step.

Proceed Booking

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

7975
Ausangate’s 7 Lagoons (Full day)
Alta Montaña 1 day

Ausangate’s 7 Lagoons (Full day)

  • 7 turquoise alpine lakes under glacial peaks
  • Healing thermal hot springs in Pacchanta
  • Private transport & certified high-altitude guide
From $90 USD
Direct Rate
Book Tour Now
🔒 Official MINCETUR Licensed Local Operator
Local and Direct Operator All your money directly supports families and communities in Cusco.
Expert and Safe Guides Passionate, bilingual, and certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Small Groups We guarantee an intimate, personalized experience away from the crowds.
Flexible and Secure Booking 24/7 assistance from our team, easy payment options, and clear policies.
1 day
Mar - Dic
Min Age : 18+
Max People : 24
DescriptionItineraryDetailsFAQsPhotosVideo

Tour description

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Full-Day Tour is one of the most iconic geological wonders on Earth and Peru’s second most visited landmark 🌈. Behold the 7 natural mineral color stripes above 5,000 meters with certified guides and full medical oxygen support.

  • 📍 Location & Circuit: Vilcanota Mountain Range, Cusipata / Pitumarca, Cusco (Cusipata – Phulawasipata – Vinicunca route).
  • ⛰ Tour Altitude: From 3,400 m / 11,150 ft (Cusco) up to 5,036 m / 16,522 ft at the Vinicunca Main Viewpoint.
  • 🛡 Style & Duration: High-altitude alpine day trek (approx. 12 to 13 hours, from 4:00 AM to 4:30 PM) with a 4 km hike (1.5 to 2 hours).
  • ⭐ Major Highlights: Multi-colored 7-hue mineral ridge, 360° panoramic view of sacred Mount Ausangate (6,384 m), alpaca herds, and buffet lunch.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a world-renowned geological masterpiece nestled in the high Peruvian Andes, celebrated for its vivid stripes of gold, turquoise, magenta, and terracotta formed by millions of years of marine and fluvial sedimentation.

Starting from the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), you will trek through a high-altitude Andean valley dotted with grazing herds of alpacas and llamas. At the 5,036 m (16,522 ft) summit summit viewpoint, enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views of both the rainbow ridge and the snow-capped peak of Mount Ausangate.

Operational Feature Vinicunca (Inka Jungle Tour) Budget / Mass Group Tours
5,036 m Safety High-altitude medical kit, pulse oximeter, and portable oxygen tank carried along the route. No oxygen or inadequate medical supplies during severe altitude sickness emergencies.
Buffet Meals Hot energizing breakfast and comprehensive Andean buffet lunch at a Cusipata restaurant. Cold generic snacks or poor food quality at roadside stalls.
Mountain Guide Certified bilingual trekking guide with pace management, trekking poles, and dedicated support. Rushed guides who abandon slower hikers on the steep mountain path.
Strategic Timing Early coordinated departure to arrive at the viewpoint ahead of peak mass tourism crowds. Late arrival during peak hours with crowded viewpoints that obstruct photo opportunities.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1: 4:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Hotel Pickup, Breakfast in Cusipata & Drive to Phulawasipata

⏱ Schedule: 4:00 AM to 7:30 AM
🏔 Altitude: 3,400 to 4,600 m / 11,150 to 15,091 ft
🚌 Transport: Private air-conditioned minivan with direct hotel pickup in Cusco.

Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco and drive south to Cusipata for a hot energy-packed breakfast. We then head up the gravel mountain road to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,600 m).

Stop 2: 7:45 AM – 9:30 AM | Uphill Trek to the Summit of Vinicunca

⏱ Schedule: 7:45 AM to 9:30 AM
🏔 Altitude: 4,600 to 5,036 m / 15,091 to 16,522 ft
🧗 Activity: 4 km alpine hike (1.5 to 2 hours at a steady pace).

Begin the ascent along a high-altitude trail with stunning views of red hills, glacial streams, and native alpaca herds. Horse rentals are available from local horsemen for those who prefer not to hike the full climb.

Stop 3: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Vinicunca Main Viewpoint (5,036 m) & Ausangate Glacier Views

⏱ Schedule: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
🏔 Altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
🌈 Highlights: 7-color mineral ridge, classic panoramic viewpoint, and sacred Mount Ausangate.

Reach the summit of Vinicunca. Your guide will explain the fascinating geological origin and sacred significance of the mountain. Enjoy free time for memorable photography and admiring the scenery.

Stop 4: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Descent to Phulawasipata, Buffet Lunch & Return to Cusco

⏱ Schedule: 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
🏔 Altitude: 5,036 to 3,400 m / 16,522 to 11,150 ft
🚌 Return: 1-hour downhill hike, Andean buffet lunch in Cusipata, and transfer to Cusco.

Hike back down to the vehicle and drive to Cusipata to savor a delicious Andean buffet lunch. We return to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 PM.

Detalles del tour

A continuación detalles y características de la excursión al Valle Sagrado de los Incas:

Inicio & Retorno

Cusco

Hora de Inicio

07:30 AM

Incluye

  • Recojo de tu hotel en Cusco
  • Transporte turístico de ida y vuelta
  • Almuerzo buffet en restaurante campestre de Urubamba
  • Guía profesional certificado en español

No Incluye

  • Boleto Turístico de Cusco (BTC) parcial o general
  • Ingreso a las iglesias o museos no especificados
  • Propinas para el guía y conductor
  • Bebidas y snacks adicionales

Recomendaciones

  • Calzado cómodo para caminatas guiadas
  • Poncho de lluvia y cortavientos
  • Ropa abrigadora ligera para la tarde
  • Bloqueador solar, lentes de sol y sombrero
  • Cámara de fotos o celular bien cargado
  • Dinero en efectivo (soles) para compras locales

Frequently Asked Questions

🏔 What is the difficulty level of the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain?

The hike is rated moderate to challenging primarily due to the extreme altitude (5,036 m / 16,522 ft). The 4 km trail takes 1.5 to 2 hours of uphill walking at a steady, measured pace.

🐴 Is it possible to rent a horse during the trek to Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, horses can be rented at the trailhead directly from local community horsemen (approx. 80 to 100 Peruvian Soles). The horse carries you for 80% of the ascent to the base of the summit.

💊 How can I prepare for the extreme 5,036 m altitude and avoid soroche?

It is essential to acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour, drink plenty of water or coca tea, eat light meals the evening prior, and maintain a steady breathing pace during the hike.

☀ When is the best time of year and weather to visit Vinicunca?

The best season is the dry season (May through October), featuring clear blue skies and abundant sunshine that showcase the mineral colors at their peak brilliance.

👜 What clothing and gear should I pack in my daypack for the tour?

Pack a light daypack with warm layered clothing (windbreaker jacket, fleece), gloves, wool beanie, sturdy trekking boots, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, and cash in soles.

Tour photos

  • Panoramic view of the agricultural Inca terraces of Pisac in the Sacred Valley
  • Imposing fortress and stone temples of Ollantaytambo in Cusco
  • Traditional textile workshop in Chinchero Cusco
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas Vilcanota River Cusco
  • Inca stone walls Ollantaytambo archaeological site Cusco
  • Terraces of Pisac descending down the mountainside in Cusco
  • Andean women weaving traditional textiles using Inca techniques in Chinchero

Tour video

David Online • Replies in 1 min
Hello! Would you like to check permits and available dates for Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca? I can check in 1 minute.
Just now
Chat with David
📅 Check available dates & spots for Rainbow...