How to Visit Rainbow Mountain from Cusco: Hike, Tours & Tips

Rainbow Mountain Travel Guide: Altitude, Weather & Best Time to Go

Planning to visit Rainbow Mountain during your trip to Peru? Great idea!

Also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors, Rainbow Mountain is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Andes. Its natural colors—reds, yellows, greens, and purples—are truly something else.

Until a few years ago, it was only accessible via the long Ausangate trek. But now you can visit on a 1-day or 2-day tour from Cusco, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

It’s become one of Peru’s top attractions, and for good reason. While it’s very popular, I’ll also tell you about an alternative with fewer crowds, just in case you want a quieter experience.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to Rainbow Mountain, the best tours, what to pack, how to deal with altitude, and some tips based on my own experience.

Let’s go!

1. How to visit Rainbow Mountain?

From Cusco, there are several ways to visit Rainbow Mountain.

Most travelers opt for a One-day Trip, but it is also possible to choose a two-day tour to explore the region more leisurely, or even arrive on your own without an agency.

Tours usually leave very early, around 3 a.m., and a full day should be set aside considering the transportation and the hike. The trekk to the top requires effort due to the altitude, but the landscapes you will see on the way are worth every step.

In this article I explain in detail your different options (one-day, two-day or free excursion) so you can choose the best one for your trip.

2. Important information before visiting Rainbow Mountain

To get the most out of your Rainbow Mountain experience, here are some essential points to consider before you leave:

2.1 Beware of altitude sickness

Cusco is located at 11,150 foot above sea level, but Rainbow Mountain reaches 16,400 foot above sea level.

From 7,545 feet you can already begin to feel the effects of soroche (altitude sickness), so it is essential to understand it and be prepared: at altitude, the body receives less oxygen, which can cause nausea, headache and fatigue.

In very rare cases, it can cause cerebral or pulmonary edema. If you have any medical condition, it is advisable to consult your doctor before the trip.

Not everyone reacts the same: some people feel almost nothing, others (like me) feel it a lot. If you arrive in Cusco by plane, you will sense the altitude more than if you arrive by land (where the climb is gradual).

Avoid making important physical efforts the first day in Cusco. I recommend leaving the excursion to Rainbow Mountain for the second or, even better, for the third day, which will be much more pleasant!

Tips: hydrate well, rest and eat lightly.

• For more tips, check out My Detailed Guide on How to Avoid Altitude Sickness.

2.2 Photoshop vs reality

It’s important to be realistic and not rely completely on the photos you see on Instagram or in tourist brochures.

If the weather is clear, the colors of Rainbow Mountain are more vivid, but never as saturated as some images show.

If it’s cloudy or raining, the scenery may be less impressive. But, of course, no agency mentions this, as there are daily departures rain or shine. I even heard a guide say that in cloudy weather the scenery is more beautiful because the sunlight is so strong…

It’s better to know this before going!

2.3 Organize your schedule

All Tours to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco leave very early, usually between 2 and 3 am.

If you only have a few days in Cusco, you should book your place quickly for the next day.

The vans return to Cusco around 6 p.m., so you should consider a full day in your itinerary for this visit.

As it will be a long day with little sleep, I recommend planning a quieter activity for the next day.

3. How to get to Rainbow Mountain?

3.1 Rainbow Mountain Day Tour

Due to the distance from Cusco and the hike, it is necessary to reserve a full day for this activity: it will be an intense day!

This is the typical itinerary:

• Departure from Cusco around 3:00 a.m. from the hotel (so wake up at 2:00 a.m.!)
• Arrival in Chilca at approximately 7:30 a.m., the starting point of the hike to Rainbow Mountain
• Ascent of about 2.5 miles (approximately 4 hours)
• Descent of about 2 hours
• Return to Cusco around 6:00 p.m

Important: if you have little time in Cusco, I recommend you to book your place as soon as possible for the next day, as the tours leave very early.

If you prefer to book your tour in advance so you don’t have to worry about comparing agencies (which almost all offer the same thing), I recommend this Rainbow Mountain Tour which includes:

• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
• English and Spanish speaking guide
• First aid kit and oxygen
• Breakfast and lunch included
• Trekking poles
• Transfer back to Plaza Regocijo in downtown Cusco

Book your group tour to Rainbow Mountain here:

3.2 Two-day tour to Rainbow Mountain

Some agencies offer 2 days and 1 night excursions (with camping) to visit the Rainbow Mountain with more tranquility, enjoying the landscapes and passing through small Andean villages.

The itinerary varies according to the agency, so I recommend you to inform yourself well before booking.

3.3 Visiting the Rainbow Mountain without an agency

Yes, it is possible to do it on your own, but you must be very well prepared because the distances are long. Here I explain the typical route to visit Vinicunca without an agency:

• Take a bus from Cusco (Plaza Tupac Amaru) to Pitumarca (4 hours), where you can buy water and snacks
• Continue to the village of Ocefina (Chillca), starting point of the trek
• In Qayrawiri, pay an entrance fee of 25 soles
• Climb for about 4 hours to the village of Machuraccay, from where you will descend to reach Vinicunca. The scenery is breathtaking!

4. How much does it cost to visit the Rainbow Mountain?

The price of the excursion to Rainbow Mountain varies depending on the services included (breakfast, snacks, option of horses, etc.) and if it is a private or group tour.

• With a private guide, the price is between 150 and 250 USD.
• With a group (and they are not small groups), it costs between 30 and 45 USD.
• The entrance to Rainbow Mountain costs 30 soles per person.

You will find many agencies in the center of Cusco; compare options and above all choose an agency that inspires confidence.

In recent years, Vinicunca has become extremely popular, and with it came a sometimes disorganized mass tourism, with improvised agencies.

A word of advice: it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but remember that the quality of service is usually proportional to the price (unless it is a recommended agency).

I have heard several stories of travelers who were abandoned by their guides who didn’t tell anybody in the group. So be careful!

5. Is the Rainbow Mountain trek difficult?

Yes. It is considered a demanding trek mainly because of the altitude (up to 16,400 foot above sea level!), not so much because of the difficulty of the trail.

The hike is not very long, but the climb is steady and lasts about 4 hours. It is advisable to have a good physical condition and some experience in hiking or trekking.

The hike is not recommended for people with asthma, heart problems or hypertension.

If it rains, the path can become slippery, so extreme caution is necessary.

I mentioned it before, but it is essential to stay at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before trekking.

During the trek, local communities offer horse rental (between 60 and 70 soles depending on the distance), which can be a great help if you need it.

6. Which is the best season to visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain is between April and September, during the dry season. August is usually the best month to hike.

During the rainy season (November to March), rainfall is more frequent, but not constant, so it is possible to visit if you are lucky with the weather.

7. What to bring to visit Vinicunca?

The first and indispensable thing: good hiking boots to walk comfortably on the high mountain trails.

You should also bring: at least 2 liters of water and some snacks to last the whole day, a raincoat or poncho if you go in rainy season, gloves and a hat for the cold, sunscreen of minimum +35 SPF, sunglasses and a hat or cap to protect you from the sun.

I recommend dressing in layers (long sleeve t-shirt, light sweater, etc.) to easily adapt to temperature variations during the hike, and carry trekking poles, which are very useful for the ascent.

As the day will be very long, I also recommend bringing an external battery for your cell phone, especially if you will use it to take pictures.

8. Palcoyo: the alternative to Rainbow Mountain

Although Rainbow Mountain is a must-see excursion from Cusco, today it suffers the consequences of its success.

With close to 1,000 visitors a day, the experience may not be as tranquil as one would expect in such an isolated environment.

Fortunately, there is a much less crowded alternative with equally spectacular scenery: Palcoyo Mountain (also known as Palccoyo).

If you want to book the tour to Palcoyo directly, here is an excellent option from Cusco:

Staying in Cusco

• Backpacker La Bo’M: One of the best hostels in Cusco. Founded by Sarah, a French expat, it includes a delicious crêperie next door. Perfectly located in the charming neighborhood of San Blas, it offers good Wi-Fi, a cozy vibe, and of course, amazing crêpes to start your day! Dorms from only $13 USD and private rooms from $33 USD.

• La Casona Real Cusco: For those looking for more comfort, this charming traditional-style guesthouse is located on a quiet street just steps from the Plaza de Armas. Impeccably clean, with hot water, great Wi-Fi, and a warm welcome. Breakfast included, all from just $76 USD per night!

• Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas: In the lovely San Blas neighborhood, this upscale hotel offers spacious rooms with very comfortable beds. Its modern décor with local touches and peaceful interior courtyard make for a relaxing stay. Buffet breakfast included. From $98 USD per night!

• Antigua Casona San Blas: A chic and intimate 4-star hotel in San Blas. It features very comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere, and a tasteful blend of modern and traditional décor. Don’t miss their Piedra & Sal restaurant, one of Cusco’s best. Excellent breakfast included. From $250 USD per night.

• Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel: For a romantic stay in Cusco, this 5-star gem is housed in a spectacular colonial building across from Coricancha, with roots dating back to Inca times. Enjoy the indoor pool, gym, spa, bar, and restaurant. Delicious breakfast included. From $325 USD per night.

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Rent a Car in Peru

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