(+51) 966405778 | (+51) 980811833 USA Rep: +1 8017126860
Rainbow Mountain Peru
Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Rainbow Mountain Peru, locally known as Vinicunca or the Montaña de Siete Colores, is one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in South America. Just a few hours from Cusco, this surreal landscape showcases vibrant mineral bands of turquoise, gold, lavender, and red that ripple across the mountain’s surface — creating an unforgettable visual experience.
Visiting Rainbow Mountain is more than a sightseeing trip — it’s an adventure. The hike to the summit takes you above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, herds of alpacas, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the distance. Whether you’re an avid trekker or a curious traveler, this destination delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overview
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the Peruvian Highlands. Located near Cusco, this colorful mountain stands over 5,000 meters above sea level and features vibrant mineral stripes of red, yellow, and turquoise — a rare geological phenomenon.
As part of the Andes highlands, the hike to Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, and traditional Andean villages. It’s a perfect high-altitude adventure for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the best of southern Peru.
Unique Natural Beauty:Rainbow Mountain is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness naturally occurring, multicolored geological formations.
Highland Adventure: Trek through high-altitude valleys, untouched by modern crowds.
Cultural Connection: Meet local Quechua-speaking communities and experience traditional Andean lifestyles.
Proximity to Cusco: Easily accessible via a day trip, making it perfect for travelers exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain isn’t just a colorful mountain — it’s a gateway to some of the best highlands experiences Peru has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or natural beauty, Vinicunca promises a journey you will never forget.
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing:
You’ll receive a detailed briefing from your guide 1 or 2 days before your Rainbow Mountain Peru tour. The guide will meet you at your hotel, giving you a perfect opportunity to ask any questions, review the itinerary, and finalize your preparations for this unforgettable highland adventure.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco.
Your journey begins at 4:00 am with direct pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. During the three-hour drive to the Southern Valley, you can rest comfortably in our private transport as we pass through quiet Andean villages and scenic mountain landscapes.
As the sun rises, the route offers scenic views of Andean villages, Inca-era agricultural terraces, lush valleys, and rolling hills. We’ll make a stop to enjoy a nourishing continental breakfast, surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas.
The hike starts at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft) along a peaceful path through the Andes, following a small stream. As you climb, the majestic Ausangate Mountain comes into view — a sacred peak deeply respected by local communities. Along the trail, you’ll encounter traditional highland families and witness their handmade clothing, a reflection of living cultural heritage. Your guide will share insights and, if you’re interested, teach you a few words in Quechua, the native Andean language.
After approximately an hour and a half of walking, you’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take time to explore, take photos, and learn about the geological and cultural significance of this incredible natural formation. Depending on weather and pace, we’ll spend about 30 minutes to an hour at the top.
From there, we continue to the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft) (Optional), a striking and lesser-known landscape. After a 30-minute walk, you’ll reach a panoramic viewpoint with stunning views of this quiet, colorful valley.
The return hike takes about two hours, passing Andean communities and grazing llamas. With some luck, you may spot wild vicuñas along the way. Once back, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel to rest and reflect on an unforgettable highland experience.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Total Walking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Lowest Elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,466 ft
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on level of physical fitness
Inclusions
Included:
Pre-departure briefing
Entry to the Rainbow Mountain.
Private Transportation (round trip).
Professional & Experienced Guide.
Breakfast & Lunch (vegetarian option is available).
Permit & Entrance Tickets.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
Oxygen bottle.
24/7 Customer Service
Taxes.
Not Included:
Hotel before/after the tour.
Entrance to the red valley viewpoint (S/20)
Dinner.
Horse to ride – you can add a horse to ride if you prefer.
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!
Contact Us
Inquire Now
Related tours
Peru Travel 11 Days / 10 Nights Discover Peru’s wonders with our full Peru Travel 11 Days 10 Nights. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking nature of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. […] Posted in Peru Vacation Packages
One Day Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu
One Day Inca Trail Trek is the most excing way to get to Machu Picchu for those who don’t have the time to hike the clasicc Inca Trail. The appeal of this world-famous trek is the […] Posted in Inka Trail Trek
Moray & Maras, Salt Mines
Moray Maras Salt Mines, on this tour you will go to the Sacred Valley, and the Urubamba Valley of Peru. Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, this valley is known for its lush […] Posted in Cusco Day Tours
(+51) 966405778 | (+51) 980811833
Peru Travel 11 Days / 10 Nights Discover Peru’s wonders with our full Peru Travel 11 Days 10 Nights. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking nature of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. […] Posted in Peru Vacation Packages
One Day Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu
One Day Inca Trail Trek is the most excing way to get to Machu Picchu for those who don’t have the time to hike the clasicc Inca Trail. The appeal of this world-famous trek is the […] Posted in Inka Trail Trek
Moray & Maras, Salt Mines
Moray Maras Salt Mines, on this tour you will go to the Sacred Valley, and the Urubamba Valley of Peru. Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, this valley is known for its lush […] Posted in Cusco Day Tours