DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru
DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru

Rainbow Mountain Tour


Breakfast & Lunch
Meals
Up to 12 People
Group size
5,100m / 16,732 ft
Altitude
Moderate
Dificulty

Rainbow Mountain Tour: Why Go

Rainbow Mountain Tour

High in the Peruvian Andes you find one of nature’s most colorful wonders: Rainbow Mountain. With its striking red, yellow, and turquoise mineral stripes, this breathtaking peak has become one of the must-see highlights near Cusco. A hike to Rainbow Mountain is not only about the view at the top – it’s also about the spectacular journey through remote Andean landscapes, grazing llamas and alpacas, and snow-capped peaks.

Rainbow Mountain is also known as Vinicunca, which means “rainbow” in Quechua, the ancient Inca language of Peru. This stunning mountain range in the Ausangate region nearby Cusco, gets its name from the beautiful different colors displayed in the mountain peaks after the ice melt.

The beautiful Rainbow Mountain Tour in Peru is one of the most popular tours in the Cusco region, together with tours to Machu Picchu, Lake Humantay and the Sacred Valley.

What to Expect

Our Rainbow Mountain tour is a full-day adventure from Cusco. Starting early in the morning, you’ll travel through picturesque villages and valleys before beginning your hike. The trek itself is moderately challenging due to the high altitude (over 5,000 meters), but the pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Vinicunca’s colorful slopes and the surrounding Ausangate Mountain range.

This tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine natural beauty, adventure, and authentic Andean culture in one unforgettable day.

The hike to the peak takes approximately 3 hours through stunning landscapes packed with llamas and alpacas to finally reach the top of Rainbow Mountain or vinicunca. Highly recommended!

Rainbow Mountain Tour

Photos

Tour Details

Highlights

During the Rainbow Mountain Tour you Hike among some of the most stunning Peruvian Landscapes and you will be impressed by the sheer beauty.

Rainbow Mountain is a unique place in Peru. Don't forget to snap some unique photos of the spectacular Surroundings.

Location
Vinicunca, approx. 100 km southeast of Cusco
Tour type
Full-day group or private tour
Trekking time
3–4 hours round trip
Altitude
up to 5,100 m
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging (mainly due to altitude)
Best season
Dry season (April–October), but tours operate year-round.

Additional Options:

Usually, Rainbow Mountain Tour is offered as a 1 day tour; however, there is also a two day Rainbow Mountain Tour including an overnight. Other options to see the Rainbow Mountain are during the famous Ausangate Trek in 6 days or the 1-day tour to the special view point Palccoyo.

Contact us about these alternatives!

Itinerary

  • 04:15–04:45 AM: Pick-up from hotel in Cusco
  • Drive (approx. 3 hours): Scenic journey through Andean villages and valleys
  • Breakfast stop en route (nearby Cusipata)
  • Start of trek: Begin the hike towards Rainbow Mountain (approx. 1.5–2 hours uphill)
  • Summit at Vinicunca: Enjoy the view, take photos, and learn about the geology and culture of the area
  • Descent: Walk back to the starting point (1–1.5 hours)
  • Lunch: included in a local restaurant
  • Afternoon drive back to Cusco (arrival around 5:00–PM); drop off nearby the Plaza de Armas.

Please note that the times provided in the above itinerary are approximate and subject to change. Last-minute adjustments may occur due to weather conditions, political unrest, or other unforeseen factors. We cannot be held responsible for any changes or delays.

Rainbow Mountain Tour

Good to Know

  • Altitude warning: This tour reaches over 5,000 m. We recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.
  • Transport: mini-van
  • What to bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), rain jacket (weather can change quickly), water, snacks, and your passport (for entrance control).
  • Fitness level: You don’t need to be a professional hiker, but good physical condition is important. Horses or quad bikes can sometimes be rented locally if you prefer not to walk the entire way.
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch are usually included, with vegetarian options available.
  • Read more: find more details on our blog posts about Rainbow Mountain, and Rainbow Mountain or Palccoyo
Rainbow Mountain Tour

Price & Inclusions

Price

Contact us for updated price information

Included

Round-trip transportation from Cusco by mini-van
Professional bilingual guide
Breakfast and lunch
(Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain)
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

Not included

Personal expenses (snacks, water, tips)
Horse rental/ quad bikes (optional)
Walking sticks
Rainbow Mountain Tour
Rainbow Mountain Tour

Your booking request is subject to availability and is only confirmed once you receive our written confirmation

Reviews

Leon Sciarone
Peru Classic in 14 Days
It was a marvellous experience!

I recently booked an excursion with Dos Manos to Puno and the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca. It was a marvelous trip and I really enjoyed it!

Yves Leclerc
Peru Classic & Amazon in 20 Days
Your team is unbelievable!

When we came to your agency, it was for info on Salkantay trail. My wife and me are bilingual (French & English). We talked to Joseph a guy who speaks Spanish and French.

Adam Rice
Peru Itinerary Classic & Northern Peru 20 days
We had a great time!

Just wanted to send you a note back from our trip. We had a great time, everything worked out really good,,the service by you and your company was excellent!!!

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