Mary S
October 11, 2026
A day of excitement
A very exciting day filled with adventure. Max was an amazing guide and managed to take care of everyone’s needs and always had time to answer questions.
Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco: The Classic Trail to Vinicunca
Tripadvisor rating4.9
Google rating4.8
- 7 km round trip on foot
- Viewpoint at 5,036 m
- Ausangate glacier views
- Breakfast & lunch buffet
- Pick-up in central Cusco
100% secure transactions
100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour
Rainbow Mountain Hike Details: What's Included
This Tour in Short
The classic way up: you walk the whole trail to Vinicunca, about 3.5 km each way and under two hours up, with Ausangate's glacier ahead. It's the tour for travelers who want to earn the view on their own two feet.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up in central CuscoBetween 3:30 and 4:30 AM; your exact time is confirmed the day before
- Air-conditioned van, round tripAbout 2 hours to Cusipata, then 1 hour to the trailhead
- Professional local guideSpanish, with basic English
- Buffet breakfast in Cusipata
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata
- Oxygen assistance on the hike
- Drop-off at Plaza Regocijo or another central spot in CuscoBetween 4:00 and 4:30 PM
What's Not Included
- Rainbow Mountain entrance: S/ 30 per person (about USD 8), paid in cash on site
- Horse on the trail: optional, paid in cash to the local handlers
- Extra drinks, snacks and souvenirs
- Tips
- Travel insurance
What to Bring
- Passport or ID
- Cash in soles: exactly S/ 30 for the entrance, plus small notes for a horse or extras
- Warm layers and a windproof rain jacket (it is below zero at dawn, and rain or snow can come in any season)
- Gloves and a wool hat
- Hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip
- Biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- At least 1 liter of water and some energy snacks
- Personal medication
- No drones: they are not allowed at the mountain
The viewpoint is at 5,036 m and Cusco at 3,399 m, so spend two full days in the city first. This tour is for acclimatized travelers in good physical shape; if you would rather put in less effort, look at our ATV and motorcycle options.
Prefer less effort?ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking·Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
Things to Know
Vinicunca hike difficulty, altitude, weather and what to know before you go
- Difficulty: Moderate to demanding. About 7 km round trip with some 430 m of climbing: under 2 hours up and about 1.5 hours down on a wide dirt trail. The altitude, not the path, is what makes it hard.
- Altitude: The viewpoint is 5,036 m (16,522 ft), the official MINCETUR figure and the one on the sign at the top. The trail starts at 4,600 m (15,090 ft), and Cusco is 3,399 m, so you end up about 1,600 m above the city you sleep in.
- Acclimatization: Spend two full days in Cusco first. Coming straight from the coast and climbing to 5,036 m is how altitude sickness happens. The tour carries oxygen for anyone who needs it.
- Horses: Local handlers rent horses on the trail for about S/ 70–100, paid in cash in soles. They stop at the foot of the final steps, so the last stretch to the viewpoint is always on foot.
- Entrance: S/ 30 per person, not included in the price, paid in cash on site. Bring the exact amount.
- Duration: A full day of 12 to 13 hours: pick-up between 3:30 and 4:30 AM, back in central Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
- Best season: May to September is the driest, and June the most reliable. From November to April expect rain most afternoons. Snow can cover the colors in any month.
- Weather: Changeable, and nobody can guarantee it. Below zero at dawn, strong sun at midday and wind at the top, and mist or sleet can roll in fast. Come ready for cold, wind and rain.
- Drop-off: Everyone is dropped at Plaza Regocijo or another central spot in Cusco, not at individual hotels.
- Not suitable for: Pregnant travelers, people with heart problems and wheelchair users.
About This Rainbow Mountain Hike, Peru's Classic Full-Day Trip
WhatsApp Us!What Is the Classic Rainbow Mountain Day Hike?
The classic Rainbow Mountain hike is the walking route to Vinicunca, Peru's Rainbow Mountain, in Pitumarca, about three hours by road from Cusco, Peru. From the trailhead at 4,600 m (15,090 ft), a dirt path climbs about 3.5 km to the viewpoint at 5,036 m (16,522 ft). It takes under two hours up, and you come back down the same way.
Picture it: you start walking in the cold, thin air, with alpacas grazing beside the path and Ausangate's glacier shining white ahead of you. Your breath gets short and your steps get small. Then the last rise, a few more steps, and there it is: the striped ridge, red, ochre, green and lavender, right in front of you. You got there on your own two feet.
- Pick-up in central Cusco between 3:30 and 4:30 AM, with a buffet breakfast in Cusipata on the way
- About 3 hours by van to the trailhead
- Under 2 hours up, about 45 minutes at the viewpoint, and about 1.5 hours back down
- A buffet lunch in Cusipata, and back in central Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 PM
How Long Is the Rainbow Mountain Hike, and How Hard Is It?
The hike is about 7 km round trip, with some 430 m of climbing: under two hours up and about an hour and a half down. It is moderate to demanding, and the reason is the altitude, not the path.
- Distance: about 3.5 km each way, on the same trail up and down
- Start: 4,600 m (15,090 ft)
- Top: the viewpoint at 5,036 m (16,522 ft)
- The Rainbow Mountain hike trail: a wide dirt path, with no climbing or scrambling. The last stretch, up a flight of steps to the viewpoint, is the steepest.
- If your legs give out: local handlers rent horses on the trail, paid in cash. The horses stop at the foot of the final steps, so the last stretch is always on foot.
The tour carries oxygen for anyone who needs it. Spend two full days in Cusco first, and the climb feels very different.
Why Is Rainbow Mountain Striped?
Millions of years ago, layers of sediment rich in iron, copper, sulfur and clay settled one on top of the next. When the Andes rose, the whole stack tipped on its side, and at Vinicunca the layers face you edge-on. That is why you see stripes. Glacial ice covered them until recent warming melted it back, and Vinicunca only reached the guidebooks around 2015.
The colors are strongest on a clear morning, but the weather up here changes fast. In the rainy season, November to April, mist can wrap the ridge, and snow can cover the stripes in any month. Nobody can promise the view; the walk is worth it either way.
Is the Rainbow Mountain Hike Worth It? Who It's For
It's your day if you:
- Want to reach Rainbow Mountain on foot
- Enjoy a real hike, and don't mind 7 km at altitude
- Have spent two full days acclimatizing in Cusco
- Don't mind an early start for a full day out
Not suitable for pregnant travelers, people with heart problems or wheelchair users.
Looking for something different?
- Want to add the Red Valley, with an ATV for part of the way? → ATV Ride to Red Valley + Hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Would rather ride an ATV to both lookouts and barely walk? → ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking
- Only want Rainbow Mountain, with a quick ATV ride? → Rainbow Mountain Only, ATV Tour with Minimal Walking
- Prefer not to ride an ATV or walk? → Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
- Want a rainbow mountain with far fewer people and a shorter hike? → Pallay Punchu Tour
Highlights
- Hike the full trail to Rainbow Mountain on foot, about 3.5 km up to the 5,036 m viewpoint
- Stand in front of Vinicunca's red, ochre, green and lavender stripes, with about 45 minutes at the top
- Walk past grazing alpacas and llamas, with Ausangate's glacier shining ahead
- A buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch in Cusipata, both included
More Options
The same mountains, reached a different way
ATV Ride to Red Valley + Hike to Rainbow Mountain
ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking
Rainbow Mountain Only, ATV Tour with Minimal Walking
Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
Pallay Punchu Tour100% secure transactions
100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour from Cusco, Hour by Hour
Full-Day Tour · Classic Rainbow Mountain Hike
03:30 AM
Hotel pick-up in central Cusco, between 3:30 and 4:30 AM; your exact time is confirmed the day before
04:30 AM
Van south through the South Valley to Cusipata (about 2 hours)
06:30 AM
Buffet breakfast in Cusipata (about 40 minutes)
07:10 AM
Van to the trailhead at 4,600 m (about 1 hour)
08:10 AM
Hike up to Rainbow Mountain, about 3.5 km past alpacas and llamas, with horses for hire on the trail (under 2 hours)
10:00 AM
The Vinicunca viewpoint at 5,036 m, with time for photos in front of the stripes (about 45 minutes)
10:45 AM
Hike back down the same trail (about 1.5 hours)
12:15 PM
Van back to Cusipata (about 1 hour)
01:15 PM
Buffet lunch in Cusipata (about 45 minutes)
02:00 PM
Van back to Cusco (about 2 hours)
04:00 PM
Drop-off at Plaza Regocijo or another central spot in Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco, Peru: Questions and Answers
Shorter than most people expect! It's about 3.5 km each way, 7 km round trip: under two hours up and around 1.5 hours down. The full day from Cusco takes 12 to 13 hours, mostly driving.
Here's how the day flows. You leave Cusco between 3:30 and 4:30 AM, stop for a buffet breakfast in Cusipata, and start walking around 8:10 AM from the trailhead at 4,600 m. By about 10:00 you're at the viewpoint (5,036 m), with roughly 45 minutes to take in the colors and get your photos. Lunch is back in Cusipata, and you're in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
Moderate to challenging, and it's the altitude that makes it hard, not the trail. The path is clear and climbs only about 430 m. But you're walking between 4,600 m and 5,036 m, where every breath counts.
Hikers agree the last stretch is the toughest part: it's the steepest bit, and it comes right at the top. The trick is to take it slowly; nobody's racing up there. Being fit helps your legs, but it won't protect you from altitude sickness, so give yourself two full days in Cusco first. Running out of steam halfway? Local families rent horses on the trail for about S/ 70–100, cash only. A horse carries you most of the way, though the final steps are always on foot. This hike isn't a good fit if you're pregnant, have heart problems or use a wheelchair.
Yes, it's possible: the trail is easy to follow. Still, at over 4,600 m on a mountain you don't know, going with a guide and a group makes the day safer, easier and a lot more fun.
Altitude is the real challenge. A guide knows the warning signs of altitude sickness and when to slow down, the tour carries oxygen, and if you feel unwell, help is right beside you. Then there's the group itself. Sharing the climb with other travelers, cheering each other up the last steps and celebrating together at 5,036 m is half the fun. Transport, timing and the entrance are all taken care of, so all you have to do is walk.
On this tour you start walking at about 4,600 m (15,090 ft) and reach the viewpoint at 5,036 m (16,522 ft). That's already more than 1,200 m higher than Cusco, so arrive well acclimatized.
Other routes, like the one from Pitumarca, begin at different trailheads, so the numbers vary a little between operators. The 5,036 m at the top is the figure Peru's tourism ministry uses, and the one on the sign at the viewpoint.
Check three things before you pay a Rainbow Mountain tour company. Is it in Peru's official MINCETUR directory? Do its reviews praise the local team? Does the price say which fees you'll pay on the day? Three yeses? Book online.
Not every operator in Cusco plays by the rules. Peru's consumer protection agency, Indecopi, has taken action against local agencies that didn't show their prices or keep a complaints book. A legitimate company will happily show you both. To book this tour, press Book Now and pay with Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Google Pay or Apple Pay. The Rainbow Mountain hike price is US$ 29 per person, with a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours ahead. Bring S/ 30 in cash for the entrance. Your day is run by our local team, and the reviews on this page come from travelers who went with them.
Spend two full days in Cusco to acclimatize, dress in warm layers, pack a rain jacket, take it slowly, and don't be shy about renting a horse if you need one. The tour carries oxygen too.
Local operators repeat these tips again and again, and for good reason. The rule that matters most: if you get a headache along with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, stop climbing. If it gets worse, head down, because going down is the best fix there is. Two more things are worth knowing. Snow can fall in any month, but it's most frequent from December to March (SENAMHI). And if you hear thunder, leave the ridge right away: when there's lightning around, no spot outside is safe.
Pack easy carbohydrates you enjoy: energy bars, bananas, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate, plus at least 1 liter of water. Nibble a little every hour on the trail. Breakfast and lunch buffets are included on this tour.
• Carbohydrates are your best fuel up here: your body leans on them more at altitude (National Academies) • For activity longer than an hour, sports dietitians suggest about 30–60 g of carbohydrate an hour, roughly one banana or energy bar (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American College of Sports Medicine, 2016) • Altitude can dull your appetite, so small bites of foods you already like work better than one big snack • Sip water regularly through the hike • Try a cup of coca or muña tea, the Andes' traditional warm drinks, on a cold morning in Cusco • Save the celebratory pisco for later: doctors advise no alcohol for your first 48 hours at altitude (CDC)
Around Cusco there are two great rainbow mountains to choose from. Vinicunca is the famous one, at 5,036 m. Pallay Punchu, at about 4,780 m, is much quieter, with a lake below its stripes. We run tours to both.
• Vinicunca, the classic. It's the one in all the photos. Hike it on this tour, ride most of the way on an ATV, or get driven close to the viewpoint. Want more? Some of our ATV tours add the Red Valley too. • Pallay Punchu. A striped ridge above Lake Langui-Layo, in Layo, with under an hour's walk to the top and far fewer people.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour Reviews
Real reviews from travelers who stood in front of Rainbow Mountain with our local team. Your turn is one click away: book your day right here.
Excellent
4.9142 reviews
Cosmopolitan711025
October 9, 2026
Muy recomendable para cuzco
Muy buena experiencia, repetiría sin dudar, vistas impresionantes, nuestro guia y conductor espectacular, un 10
Mark Witchell A
October 8, 2026
Rainbow Mountain Tour
A very fun filled and exciting day, very prompt pick up and drop offs. Rogelio was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and helpful. Friendly staff, overall an awesome experience. Will 10/10 recommend :)
Harsh G
October 8, 2026
Best 1 day spent
We have the best guide lavora! Great experience and lots of information.
Yamila M
October 8, 2026
Buena
Muy cansadora, Rogelio atento y responsable.
Arno G
October 7, 2026
Impressive scenery!
Rojel was a great guide! Fun, safe, and we were early are mountain without all the tourists!
Aoife M
October 3, 2026
Stone forrest & rainbow mountain
Rafael was a very kind and enthusiastic guide. He was so helpful. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the food for breakfast and lunch was lovely. definietly recommend to anyone staying in cusco and looking for a more peaceful rainbow mountain experience
Kathleen Bradshaw
September 28, 2026
Best day!
Our guide was amazing and the trip was one to remember for the rest of my life! I enjoyed our trip immensely!
Dani C
September 24, 2026
Montaña de 7 colores
Excelente tour, Rogelio muy buen guía y atento. Súper divertida experiencia, y el buffet muy completo.
Sthéfanie P
September 23, 2026
Excelente tour
Nos encantó visitar la montaña de 7 colores y el valle rojo! Muchas gracias a nuestro guía Rogelio, un genio total, súper atento y a disposición de todo el grupo. El desayuno y el almuerzo estuvo excelente, súper completo y rico. Alquilamos los cuatriciclos y tuvieron mucha paciencia para explicarnos cómo manejar. Los volvería a elegir y recomiendo totalmente. Muchas gracias nuevamente a Rogelio 🙌🏼
Crystal W
September 22, 2026
Exceeded my expectations
We had a wonderful trip up Rainbow mountain! The wheather was great and the Red Valley was stunning. Views of snowcapped Andes in the back, very beautiful. I loved taking the ATV to have a shorter hike. Rogelio was the best guid we have had the whole trip! He is very funny. The only downside is getting up so dang early. There are no less tourists, I wish there was an option to go later in the day
May H
September 19, 2026
Amazing Experience well worth the early wake up
We had an amazing experience on The Ultimate: Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain by ATV — no hiking, and a huge part of that was thanks to our wonderful guide, Rojher. From the very beginning, Rojher was incredibly patient, kind, and helpful. I accidentally left my phone in the taxi that picked us up from our hotel, and Rojher went above and beyond to help me get it back. He made multiple phone calls and sent messages to the taxi driver, patiently waited with me until the driver returned, and made sure I was able to check the car and recover my phone. Since the group had already left for breakfast, Rojher even arranged a taxi for my partner and me so we could catch up with the rest of the group. His kindness and willingness to help turned what could have been a very stressful situation into something much easier to handle. Once we arrived for the ATV ride, Rojher continued to be attentive every step of the way. Our group was small, and he made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the experience. He led us to both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley and was always there to guide and assist us along the way. The scenery was incredible, and riding the ATVs made the experience even more memorable. But honestly, what made the day truly special was having a guide like Rojher. His patience, kindness, and genuine care for his guests really stood out. Thank you, Rojher, for making our experience so wonderful! We highly recommend this tour, and especially Rojher as a guide.
MACARENA P
September 17, 2026
Valle Rojo y Montaña 7 colores en cuatrimotos
Fue una hermosa experiencia, desde el principio, nos recogió en la puerta del hotel, desayuno y almuerzo maravilloso, acompañando en todo momento, Rogelio además hace unas fotos hermosas, el mejor guía. Recomiendo 100%
Nicola D
September 17, 2026
Beautiful views and great trip.
We really enjoyed the trip. The food was excellent - fresh and lots of choice. The trip was fab but we underestimated how cold it would be! Our guide Rogelio was also helpful, answering any of our questions.
Paola L
September 17, 2026
Gran experiencia desafiante
Excelente experiencia. Una gran aventura. Y el guía espectacular Rogelio
Patricia M
September 16, 2026
Experiência fantástica!
O guia Rogelio foi super atencioso, o passeio maravilhoso, o café da manhã e almoço muito bons. Foi tudo ótimo
MONICA_CORSINO
September 16, 2026
Uma experiência surreal
Experiência incrível, passeio de quadriculo surreal. Montanha ARCO Iris é um espetáculo à parte! Rogelio um guia super simpático, competente! Café da manhã e almoço oferecidos deliciosos!
Ashley Anderson
September 2026
Rent ATVs to go to rainbow mtn. Great experience.
Alex M
September 15, 2026
RAIMBOW MOUNTAIN Experience
Puntual, helpful and great actitude.
ILIE S
September 14, 2026
Rainbow tour
Very good experience and Rogelio was an amazing guide We enjoyed the tour very much
suzannegeraldine
September 14, 2026
Excellent Experience
We had an amazing experience on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and our tour guide, Rogelio, was incredibly kind, attentive, and helpful throughout the entire trip. He made sure we were comfortable and even took so many great pictures for us! We truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend this tour, especially with Rogelio as your guide!
Ramil T
September 14, 2026
10/10
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley with Rogelio — 10/10, would do again. The climb is no joke (altitude hits different up there 😅) but Rogelio kept everyone laughing and moving at a good pace. He clearly knows and loves this place — shared so many cool stories about the mountains and local culture along the way. Rainbow Mountain is unreal in person, colors you just can't fully capture in photos. Red Valley was an awesome bonus stop too, way less crowded and just as gorgeous. Rogelio even grabbed some great summit pics for us. If you're heading to Rainbow Mountain, book with Rogelio. Total legend, made the whole trip 🙌
Eva D
September 13, 2026
Excellent
Très belle expérience. La vue est magnifique, il y a peu de monde, c'est un très bon moyen de profiter des montagnes arc en ciel loin de la foule et à notre rythme. Notre guide, Rafael, s'est montré présent lorsqu'il le fallait mais nous a aussi laissé monter à notre rythme.
tarajoeob
September 13, 2026
Wonderful tour - highly recommend
We had an amazing day with our guide Rogelio. Fun ATV ride and stunning scenery. Thanks again Rogelio :)
Bejul Shah
August 2026
We did the Rainbow Valley day tour with MC Peru Expeditions, and it was superbly organised and our guide Rogelio was amazing and knowledgeable. Had an early start at 3.45pm, however the advantage being that you are on of the first to get toVinicunca Mountain (avoiding traffic, also on the return). Also lucked out as it was a beautiful sunny day. Breakfast and lunch at same place, had vegetarian options. Were a group of 12, and Rogelio made sure wartime was included and speaking in both Spanish and English. He made the journey enjoyable and big kudos to the driver too. Highly recommend using these guys, and ask for Rogelio!
Carmen Herrera
August 2026
Excellent personalized service; they're always available to answer your questions. Very professional and attentive. 100% recommended. I congratulate and thank them for the service provided in Cusco. They were a huge help and support to my aunt, an elderly woman over 80 years old.
Matthew Torio
July 2026
Amazing experience! The ATV's were very user friendly. It was so gorgeous for travel through the Andean country side. I took a tour to Ausangate glacier, where I was able to hike part of the mountain and I personally took a quick swim in one of the 7 glacial lakes. Jorge was an amazing guide who was very friendly and welcoming. He spoke good English and made sure I was comfortable throughout the trip and made sure to take amazing photos. Aside from a few caretakers, Jorge and I seemed to be the only people in the entire national park. This was truly one of the best things I did while I was in Peru. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a more unique experience while in Peru!
Robert Wilson
March 2026
Our trip to Pallay Poncho was amazing and our tour guide was excellent! The stops for breakfast and lunch during the drive were great and the weather was beautiful.
cinnia yang
March 2026
A fantastic tour guide，a fantastic experience. A Very considerate tour leader. Although the journey was long,We were lucky enough to see Rainbow Mountain under the sunlight. Encouraged by the guide, we also climbed to the top and saw the most beautiful scenery.Riding an ATV on the winding mountain road was a new ecperience and felt very exciting. Breakfast amd Lunch on this trip were both excellent 。
Travelloef Ibrahim & Laura
October 2025
We did the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain tour. We did it by ATV and it was amazing. The guide was great! Explained everything and made sure we were very safe. The lunch and breakfast were incredibly delicious. You could eat as much as you wanted. It was also super healthy. Truly a top-notch tour, especially if you have already done a lot of hikes in Peru; this is a wonderfully different way to do things!
Private Tours
Private Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco: Your Group, Your Day
Want the mountain just for your group? On a private tour, the guide and the van are yours alone, and the day bends to you. Tell us your date and group size on WhatsApp, and we'll reply with a price.
Private
Your own guide and van
A local guide and transport just for your group, with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Ask on WhatsAppPrivate
Your pace, your timing
Leave a little earlier or later, walk at your own pace and stay longer at the viewpoint. No one to wait for, no one rushing you.
Ask on WhatsAppPrivate
For families, friends and photographers
Celebrating something, traveling with kids, or chasing the best light? We'll shape the day around what your group needs.
Ask on WhatsApp