Day Trek to Rainbow Mountain Perú 2024

Short Itinerary:

  • 06:30 – 7:00 am Transfer from the hotel
  • 10:30 am Start of the walk
  • 12:30 am Arrival at the viewpoint of the colorful mountain (free time for photos, etc.)
  • 13:00 am Descent towards the starting point (phulawinpata community).
  • Optional: visit of the red valley (additional s / 10.00 soles income).
  • 14:30 pm We will take the bus to the restaurant.
  • 15:30 pm Lunch in Cusipata.
  • 16:00 pm Return to the city of Cusco
  • 18:00 – 18:30 pm Arrival to the city of Cusco

Full Itinerary:

We will start with the pick up between 6:30 – 7:00 am from the different Hotels or Hostels ready, then we go to the southern area of ??our city to the town of Cusipata 3,332 masl and we will travel for 1 hour and 30 minutes approximately to Cusipata and then continue for another  hour trip until we reach the viewpoint of Phulawasipata 4633 masl – 15200 fasl, point where we will begin our adventure and prepare to start the hike for an hour and a half, which will be 3.5 km – 2.17 miles of trek to the mountain top and then arrive at the viewpoint where we will get a panoramic view of the sector.

Along the way you will be able to appreciate the snowy Wiñayritty, also the small lagoon “Puka cocha” this part of the walk will be stretched uphill it will not be complicated, we will only need to breathe well since we will find ourselves in a place of great height and even more upon reaching the Vinicunca Mountain of Colors at 5070 masl – 16633 fasl.

Then we will explore the «Vinicunca» mountain with the tour guide. Then you will have free time to enjoy the landscape where you can get wonderful photographs or simply delight in the landscape, Optional, If you want you can continue walking by 20 minutes and visit the viewpoint of the Red Valley, for which you need to pay an additional income, this viewpoint has the view of the valley that is behind the mountain, colored by the most reddish tones in the terrain or for being an immense Valley.

At the end of the tour in the Mountain of Colors we return by the same road to Phulawasipata to take the vehicle to say goodbye to the Apu Winicunca, with which we will return to Cusipata, this time to taste the buffet lunch. Having already had lunch we return to the city of Cusco at 18:00 pm approximate arrival time

It includes:

  • Pick up at the hotel and transfer back to the hotel in Cusco.
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Guide in Spanish or English.
  • Buffet breakfast and lunch.
  • Poles for trekking.
  • Emergency oxygen and first aid kit.

Note!

You can choose what to eat from the buffet, however it is served by the restaurant staff, according to security protocols, to avoid the spread of covid-19.

Does not include:

  • Entrance ticket to the mountain s /. 10.00 soles.
  • Entrance ticket to the red valley s /. 10.00 soles.
  • Horses.
  • Water and snack.

We recommend bringing:

  • Light clothing for walking and comfortable shoes.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Water and Snacks (granola bars, dried fruits, chocolate, etc.) for the way.
  • Money in Soles (shopping).
  • Camera – camcorder – batteries.

Rainbow Mountain Map 2024

All you need to know to get to Rainbow Mountain Peru this 2024:

Where is the Rainbow Mountain in Perú?

As a Mountain of 7 Colors it is possible that you will find several, even the Mountain Range of the Seven Colors, but we are referring to Vinicunca or Winicunca.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is located in the district of Pitumarca, in the Canchis province, in Cusco region, very close to the snowy Ausangate (sacred mountain). Specifically, the Mountain of Colors is located in the Cordillera de Vilcanota, Cusco 08225, Peru; above 5,200 masl (17,060 feet).

Its exact coordinates are as follows:

  • 13 ° 52’8.51 ?, south latitude.
  • 71 ° 18’12.76 ?, west latitude.

Its high Andean area makes it surrounded by camelids such as alpacas and vicuñas, an incredible turquoise lagoon and varied fauna. Likewise, they will be able to appreciate the flight of the majestic condor, an animal in danger of extinction.

The closest city is Cusco, located 138.7 km away, 1 hr 30 min by car and 30 min walking. To get there you must take a one-day tour from the city of Cusco, which lasts from 4 AM to 6 PM approximately.

It is 155 km from Machu Picchu, and 1,436.4 km from the city of Lima.

What are the rainbow mountains in Perú called?

The Rainbow Mountain is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Mountain of Seven Colors, and Mountain of Colors.

But, in general, in Peru we find 4 Mountains of Colors, below what are the rainbow mountains in Perú called

  • Los Yuracocha, Lima: It is known as the Vinicunca Limeño, due to its impressive resemblance to the Rainbow Mountain of Cusco.
  • Palcoyo, Cusco: Of ocher and red colors, with green, blue and white stripes, the dazzling Palcoyo Color Range is visited by a few travelers a day.
  • Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, Cusco: The queen of the colored mountains in South America, Vinicunca was only discovered in 2015.
  • Pallay Punchu Mountain from Apu Tacllo, Cusco: It is one of the new and best attractions in Cusco, the multi-colored hues of the mountain resemble the ponchos that are used in Peru.

Are the rainbow mountains of Cusco Perú real?

At the beginning of 2018, Instagram users made Vinicunca viral.

Searching the internet you will find many photos and comments from people who will say that the Rainbow Mountain is not as beautiful as the photos show it to you. But in general, this depends a lot on the weather, the time you reach the top, and even what season you decide to go.

Local authorities recommend trekking Vinicunca between March and November, with blue skies most likely from June to August. In this season you can find a clear sky that allows you to see the mountain in all its splendor.

The recommended time to arrive at the Mountain of Colors is at noon, because you will have the sun right over the mountain and you will see the colors sharpest.

Peru’s high season for tourism is between June and August, while the low season is between December and February. Visiting the Mountain at the end of August will allow you to enjoy a view without fog and without tourists that get in the way of your photos.

Even though many of the photos are heavily edited, the natural colors of the colored mountains are still very impressive in real life.

Facts about Rainbow Mountain Perú 2024

Here I present you these facts about Rainbow Mountain Perú, Before! Did you know that the Mountain of 7 Colors was covered with snow for thousands of years, today due to warming, it is discovered and exposed to the eyes of the world.

  • After the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as the main tourist destination in Cusco to receive the seal of «Safe Destination», the Vinicunca mountain, became the second tourist attraction in this region to obtain the seal.
  • Due to its mineral wealth and scenic marvel, it was listed by National Geographic magazine as «one of the 100 places you must visit before you die.»
  • The Coloration of the Mountain of the 7 Colors, is appreciated according to the state of the day. If the weather is cloudy the colors become dimmer or darker, however, if the weather is sunny, the colors become lighter and more noticeable.
  • On the first days of August, payments are made to the land in the Mountain of 7 Colors, a ceremony of offerings to the Pachamama.
  • The Apachetas in Vinicunca are highly respected, these are stone mounds, one on top of the other, they are considered «stone offerings.»
  • During the journey many groups of alpacas, llamas and vicuñas are observed. In addition, you can also find foxes, skunks, huallatas, partridges, deer, vizcachas, condors and osqollos or field cats.
  • When you visit the Mountain of Colors you will see many people with their tourist costumes. The daily activity of the inhabitants is agriculture, sowing and harvesting. His family livelihood is livestock.
  • For visitors who aren’t into long treks, the journey can be taken on horseback for 80 soles. Horses can be rented at several points along the trek if walking becomes too difficult.
  • Vinicunca’s summit attracts huge crowds. Locals take advantage of this by selling souvenirs — including photos with llamas wearing glasses — so it’s worth taking some extra soles on the hike.

History of Rainbow Mountain Perú

Formerly the Incas, used to call some mountains «Apu», and awarded mystical powers, most of these majestic mountains were covered with snow, among them one of those that has always stood out the most was the mountain of seven colors or vinicunca, which is part of the Ausangate mountain range in the Vilcanota mountain range.

The Incas conferred on Vinicunca a masculine character, considering that from its foundations the masculine energy arose that fertilized Mother Earth, known as Pachamama. As if that were not enough, the natural setting that surrounds it is no less impressive: turquoise lagoons, a variety of fauna and dazzling snow-capped mountains complete a dreamlike landscape.

The district that hosts this natural wonder is Pitumarca, in the Canchis province and also the town of Cusipata, Quispicanchi province. The inhabitants of the place consider that Vinicunca is a «sacred mountain», so they perform rituals as an offering to the earth, which can make the visit an experience of great mysticism.

Elevation of Rainbow Mountain Perú

The elevation of Rainbow Mountain in Perú is 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet), compared to Cusco which is 3,399 meters above sea level (11,152 feet).

From 2,500 to 3,000 meters you can begin to feel mountain sickness. Severe altitude sickness can become a reality at Rainbow Mountain. Severe headaches and nausea are common symptoms that people experience while going to Rainbow Mountain. Some passengers started vomiting on the way, or even before starting the hike to Rainbow Mountain. This is the main reason why we recommend you go to a specialized travel agent, who will have an emergency kit on hand and is trained to assist you in any of these situations.

How to get to Rainbow Mountain Peru?

On the internet or in the city of Cusco there are several tourism agencies that offer the 1-day tour to the Mountain of 7 Colors.

The tours to the Mountain of Colors begin in the city of Cusco at dawn (3 or 4 a.m.) and end at night in the same place (7 or 8 p.m.).

Tours include direct transportation to the control booth, food, tickets and tour guides.

The trip lasts about 3 hours and goes on the road that leads from Cusco to Puno. Once in Pitumarca the transport will take you to Chillca, from this place you can start your walk to the Mountain of 7 Colors.

How to get to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco Perú by different routes?

There are 2 easy access routes and 1 day to reach this mountain of the 7 colors.

Route through Pitumarca

The route through Pitumarca is the easiest, in addition to the fact that the time is short, since this access is closer than Cusipata to Cusco. The walk is 30 to 40 minutes, this depending on your physical condition.

Route through Cusipata

This route through Cusipata was the busiest for some years, but it was a very challenging hike, it took about 3 hours to reach the top, but since the Pitumarca route was created, the people of Cusipata cut that distance, which is now about 1 hour.

NOTE!

Our recommendation is that you visit it after spending several days in Cusco to be better acclimatized to the altitude, and not have problems with altitude sickness. Think that the Mountain of 7 Colors is the highest point where you are going to be these days.

How far is the Vinicunca Mountain from Cusco and how long does it take to get there?

From Cusco to Vinicunca Mountain it is only 140 kilometers, but in time, which is what really matters, it takes about 2 hours to Quesino (at 4,200 ms), the first stop for breakfast, and another hour until the start of the hike to reach Rainbow Mountain (at 4,400 ms).

So with 3 hours from Cusco to Vinicunca Mountain one way and another three back, plus the 4-hour trek to Rainbow Mountain, it is a full day excursion. But super recommended, do not throw this data back.

Cost of the Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain Perú 2024

This tour to Rainbow Mountain Perú leaves from the city of Cusco at 4 in the morning and has a cost of approximately 50 dollars. This price may vary, depending on what each agency includes in its offer.

What is included in the tour to Rainbow Mountain Peru cost

  • Pick up at the hotel and transfer back to the hotel in Cusco.
  • Guide in Spanish or English.
  • Transportation by minibus.
  • Entrance to the Mountain of Colors.
  • Buffet breakfast and lunch.
  • Poles for trekking.
  • Emergency oxygen and first aid kit.

Can you do Rainbow Mountain Perú hike without a tour?

Yes, you can do the rainbow mountain Perú hike without a tour. To get Vinicunca Mountain from Cusco and buy the entrance to the Mountain of the 7 Colors you must follow the following steps:

  1. Hire a taxi or take a bus from the city of Cusco to the town of Cusipata. The buses leave from the Huayruropata Avenue (cost 5 soles). The trip lasts 2 hours, approximately.
  2. Once in the town of Cusipata, you can rest before continuing the journey to the community of Pampachiri. There are ‘collective’ taxis that do this service (cost 10 soles). The trip takes approximately 1 hour.
  3. In the community of Pampachiri you can buy tickets to the Mountain of the 7 Colors. You can also hire a horse or buy products before the walk.
  4. The hike to Rainbow Mountain lasts 2 hours depending on the physical condition of the visitor. The ascent is difficult but worth it.

How much does the entrance to the Mountain of 7 Colors cost in 2024?

The entrance to the Mountain of the 7 Colors has a cost for Peruvians and another for foreigners. Payment is with an identity document or passport.

Cost of Entrance Ticket to Rainbow Mountain 2024:
Price in soles (S /.)Price in dollars ($)
Peruvian touristS/. 52 USD
Foreign touristS/. 103 USD
How do I get to Vinicunca Mountain trailhead?

If you go to the mountain of colors on your own, the most recommended is through Cusipata since there are more transport options and not like in the other routes that it is difficult to find transport.

To get to Vinicunca Mountain trailhead in Cusipata follow the next steps:

  • 05.00 a.m. To go you must go to Av Huayruropata where the buses leave (Price of ticket about 8 soles, 2.5 dollars approx), here ask which bus is the next to leave and go through Cusipata, after about 2 hours of bus travel you should get off at Cusipata.
  • 07:00 a.m. Arrival Cusipata and breakfast in a restaurant.
  • 07:30 a.m. From Cusipata take a car for 1 hour to Pampachiri (Ticket price about 10 soles, 3 dollars approx) this price may vary depending on the number of people and the type of mobility, if for example there are 2 people but there are no more tourists to go towards Pampachiri you will have to pay about 35 soles for the 2, 10 dollars approx
  • 08:30 a.m. In Pampachiri the control point is located where you will have to pay the entrance.
  • 08.30 a.m. Start the walk for 1 hour with 30 minutes one way.
  • 10.00 a.m. Arrival at the mountain of colors and then return by the same route.

How much does the trip to Vinicunca cost on your own?

Traveling to the Mountain of the 7 Colors is easier and cheaper than it seems. Expenses include: food, transportation, tickets and snacks. The trip to Vinicunca Mountain on your own cost 53 USD in 2024.

Here is the detailed cost of the the trip to Vinicunca in 2024 on your own:

Travel to Vinicunca on your ownPrice in dollars ($)
One-way trip: Cusco-Pitumarca2 USD
One-way trip: Pitumarca-Anchipacha3 USD
Return trip Pitumarca-Cusco3 USD
Local breakfast2 USD
Local lunch3 USD
Entrance ticket3 USD
Transfer on horseback*31 USD
Snacks3 USD
Total cost53 USD

* The transfer on horseback up the mountain is optional.

What causes Rainbow Mountains?

In order to understand what causes rainbow mountains, we must first understand how mountains are formed, for this we resort to geology and orogeny and thus have a clearer and of course scientific idea.

The mountain ranges and their mountains are formed by collisions or collisions of different tectonic plates, as these cannot advance horizontally when impacting, they do so vertically, forming mountain ranges and mountains and other geographical features. But not only endogenous agents such as these collisions intervene in this formation, but also exogenous agents such as the vast majority of meteorological phenomena (rain, hail, snow, winds) these cause mountains to form over time and have their particular pyramidal shape.

However, what causes rainbow mountains is much older than we think. For this we go back in time and we will go back approximately 24 million years, at that time, different layers of rock sediments such as sandstones, halites, gravels, limestone ranging from ocher, green, yellow and white along with others Minerals were compacted one on top of the other to form different layers like plasticine masses, one on top of the other according to the weight of each layer; the heaviest ones in the lower part and the others on top of them. As time passed with the movement and collision of the tectonic plates, new mountains were born, as we explained previously, these colored pressed masses rose while maintaining these typical colors. However, the meteorological factors were in charge of preserving them and especially of keeping it in total splendor and of course respecting its typical colors equally.

And not only that, the altitude also influences since this place is approximately 5000 m.a.s.l. This makes the vegetation scarce to such an extent that almost nothing grows, if there were vegetation, this great colorful wonder could not be visible. All this is a set of curious mixtures typical of our nature because only it could give us landscapes that often escape our own imagination.

What country is Rainbow Mountain in?

The Rainbow Mountains are located in the country of Perú.

The first mountain is Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors or Rainbow Mountain.

It is located about 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco. The mountain is located in the Cordillera del Vilcanota at 5,200 meters above sea level, in the district of Pitumarca.

Palccoyo is the second mountain of colors that Cusco offers. The Mountain of the Seven Colors of Palccoyo is located south of Cusco, a short distance from the snowy Ausangate, in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is currently located in the district of Checacupe, province of Canchis.

The beautiful place covers a natural area of more than 9,000 hectares where, in addition to the beauty of the summit, red, brown and other tonalities can be seen; and a forest of stones.

The third mountain that Cusco offers us is Pallay Punchu.

The Pallay Punchu Mountain or Pallay Puncho del Apu T’akllo Apacheta, located in the Layo district in Cusco at about 4700 meters above sea level. The arrival time is approximately 3 hours, departing from the city of Cusco.

Also in Lima, we find a fourth Mountain of Colors.

The rainbow mountain of Lima is located in the Córdon de los Yuracochas, at an altitude of almost 5000 meters above sea level. It is located 3 hours from Ticlio, in the province of Huarochirí, in the Lima region.

There are also colored mountains in the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in China.

Rainbow Mountain China vs Perú

There are times when Nature lets out its most capricious streak and turns something that should fall into the category of normal into a visual spectacle that draws attention and we must protect it. This is the case of two unprecedented corners, one in China and the other in Peru, where it seems that a gigantic palette of paint has been spilled, completely changing its appearance.

Rainbow Mountain China vs Perú Comparison Chart
Rainbow Mountain ChinaRainbow Mountain Perú
AreaZhangye Danxia National Geological Park is in an area of 300 square kilometers, in the province of Gansu, in an area with little rainfall.Vinicunca is in an area of ??400 hectares between the municipalities of Cusipata and Pitumarca.
CompositionDepending on the type of material, the earth ends up being painted in one color or another. For example, sandstones rich in sulfur minerals give rise to yellow areas, limestone is part of the white sediments, argillites give a reddish touch, and copper oxide gives the greenish color.Greenish tones imply the presence of iron, magnesium and copper oxide; the yellow ones highlight the sulfur, the whites are made up of quartz sand and limestone rock, and the red ones are made up of clay and argillites (mica and quartz rocks).
AltitudZhangye Danxia National Geological Park is located at 1480 meters above sea level.Vinicunca is located at 5,200 meters above sea level.
MeaningThe Danxia Mountains means pink clouds in the local language.«Wini» means «black stone», and «Kunca» means Neck, in Quechua language.
Touristic InfrastructureRestaurants can be found in a nearby town, called Pitumarca. Tours include breakfast and lunch at these restaurants.Located fifty kilometers away, it has a sufficient hotel infraestructure to accommodate the tourists who visit the site.
How to get?From Zhangye, there are three ways to get to the park. The cheapest way is to do it on your own, by bus, from the west station of the town, while for those who do not like to leave anything to chance and want to avoid any unforeseen events, the ideal is to opt for an organized tour. However, the most comfortable formula is to hire a taxi for the whole day. This option is not expensive and allows you to visit with much more tranquility, speeding up time.Due to its location, a little over 100 kilometers from the city of Cuzco, this place is reached by car in the first instance. After a journey of approximately 2 hours along the Longitudinal Highway of the Sierra del Sur Peruano, you will reach Pitumarca. The journey continues along a trail to the community of Pampa Chiri. From there you follow a route through mountain slopes. This journey is 5 kilometers long and can be done on foot or on horseback to finally arrive at Vinicunca. There are tours that offer this service.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain vs Palccoyo

Now we will detail the differences between Vinicunca and Palccoyo. These two massifs are: Two striking jewels among the Andes of Cusco? Yes! Do they have similar colorations? Yes! Are you in the same province? Yes! They are differentiated by the scenic beauty that each one possesses, also the altitude, travel distance, one is more popular than the other, etc.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain vs Palccoyo Comparison Chart
Vinicunca MountainPalccoyo Mountain
Height5,200 meters above sea level4,900 meters above sea level
LandscapeYou only see a mountain of colors and the Ausangate glacierYou´ll see three different rainbow mountains.
Number of Visitors1000 – 2000 people per day50 – 100 people per day
Extra toursPossibility to visit the red valley (entrance: $ 3)Possibility to visit the stone forest and the local community
Use of dronesYes, it’s free. Just ask.Yes, $ 15 must be paid to the local community.
Vinicunca Tour vs Palccoyo Tur Comparison Chart
Vinicunca MountainPalccoyo Mountain
Duration of the Tour1 Day1 Day
Departure PointCuscoCusco
Final PointCuscoCusco
Start Time4:00 am. Approx.8:00 am. Approx.
End Time6:00 pm. Approx.6:00 pm. Approx.
Driving Time3.5 Hours per way3.5 Hours per way
Walking time1.5 – 2 hrs. by Cusipata45 min – 1 h. by Checacupe
Walking distance7 km. by Cusipata (with red valley: + 4 km)2 Km. by Checacupe
DifficultyDifficultEasy
PriceEconomicEconomic
Maximum height5,102 masl. (16,739 ft.)4971 masl. (16,309 ft.)
Horse rentalYes, it costs $ 24No
Weather conditionsIt is often colder because is closer to Ausangate glacier.Warmer as it is further to Ausangate glacier.
Best time to visitMay – September (dry season)May – September (dry season)

Geology of Rainbow Mountain Perú

Vinicunca’s rainbow appearance is due to «a complex geological history of marine, lake and river sediments,» according to a report from the Office of Cultural Landscape of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.

These sediments, transported by the water that previously covered the area, date from between the Tertiary and Quaternary periods, that is, from about 65 to two million years ago.

Over time, the sediments formed layers (with different sizes of grains) that today are seen as the stripes that attract tourists so much.

The movement of the tectonic plates in the area raised these sediments until they became mountains.

Later they acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of their minerals, exerted by the humidity of the area, and their erosion, explains César Muñoz, a member of the Geological Society of Peru (SGP), to BBC Mundo.

Acoording to a study of the geology of Rainbow Mountain Perú, each color is composed by:

  • Pink or fuchsia: a mixture of red clay, mud and sand.
  • Whitish: sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone.
  • Purple or lavender: marl (mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) and silicates.
  • Red: argillites and clays.
  • Green: clays rich in ferro-magnesium (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide.
  • Yellowish brown, mustard or golden: limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur minerals (combined with sulfur).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco worth it?

The Rainbow Mountain hike is 100% worth it!

The tour will allow you to see large wild (and domestic) herds of llamas and alpacas; the landscapes change every day, snowy mountains, rocky and desert mountains, swampy pampas, but all these amazing places will lead you to an even more spectacular one; Hidden in the heart of the Andes mountain range, it looks like a rainbow, it is a mountain that is reached by an extreme route, with harsh camping conditions and tiring hikes, so it will take a lot of determination.

However, when you get to the path that leads to the amazing Rainbow Mountain in Cusco and see it for the first time, it will all have been worth it.

Is Rainbow Mountain Perú day tour hard?

With a duration of 3 and a half hours at an average pace, this path has sections with a high degree of difficulty, so it requires an acceptable physical condition.

The locals usually offer their horses for rent, the prices range from s/ 30 to 80 soles (10 to 25 US $), this will depend on how long you want to travel the road on horseback.

It is recommended to do a little walking or go for a run a few days or weeks before the tour.

The Palccoyo rainbow mountain Perú day tour is easier, shorter and mostly flat. Also, as Palccoyo is a new route, it is not well known and therefore there are not many people.

How hard is the hike to rainbow mountain Perú?

The hike to rainbow mountain Perú has MEDIUM difficulty. With a duration of 3 and a half hours at an average pace, this path requires an acceptable physical state. The hike to rainbow mountain Perú includes slightly steep ascents and plains that gradually ascend.

During the journey there are areas of ascent and others of slight downhill. There are no risk factors such as cliffs or river crossings, so this walk is very safe. Although there are no signs, the path is very clear and you will always find other travelers either on the way or back.

If you require assistance or rest, do not hesitate to go out of the way to sit down for a moment and enjoy the scenery and the pure air of the Andes. The cold is moderate depending on the season, but we recommend you bring a coat since at the top of the Vinicunca mountain you can feel freezing winds.

How long does it take to climb rainbow mountain?

Rainbow Mountain is a unique place to visit in the world. And although it is not considered a long hike, reaching the top can be challenging due to the constantly changing weather conditions and the altitude. The mountain is only accessible on foot (and in some parts on horseback).

The climb to rainbow mountain takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the top, depending on your fitness level. The approximate distance to be walked is 6 km.

How high is the rainbow mountain in Cusco Perú?

The high of the rainbow mountain in Cusco Perú is 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet), compared to Cusco which is 3,399 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters above sea level.

What to pack for Rainbow Mountain Tour?

The recommended thing to do a tour to the mountain of the 7 colors, is to do it on a full day excursion, so as not to have to carry too many things:

Appropriate clothing for hike to rainbow mountain Perú

  • Light but Warm Jacket: if the day is sunny, during the walk it will not be necessary to wear a coat, but at the top of the mountain it is cold, for this it will be necessary to wear a coat.
  • A sweater: to withstand the cold during the walk on a sunny day, remember that you are over 4,000 meters above sea level and the cold is felt even on a sunny day.
  • Scarf, Cap, Wool gloves: they will help you protect yourself from the cold during the time you are at the top, capturing photographs or simply enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds it.
  • Warm Pants: The most important thing is that they are light, that they allow freedom of movement, breathe and dry easily. We do not know that the weather may surprise us, we never know if it will rain or it will be a favorable day.
  • Trekking shoes: the most important thing is that the footwear is comfortable, that it does not fit the foot too much and that it does not have a heel or platform.
  • Other: Rain poncho, glasses or sunglasses, Sunscreen or protector alone, Additional sandals to rest your feet on the bus.
Do you need hiking boots for hike to rainbow mountain Perú?

We always recommend wearing good hiking boots for hike to rainbow mountain Perú. But, the most important thing is that the footwear is comfortable, does not fit the foot too much and does not have a heel or platform.

Snack Foods

It is advisable to buy the snacks in the city of Cusco, of course you will find it during the route, but it costs double to triple the price.

  • Mineral Water: Important, what you should never forget if you go hiking, it is very important to keep the body hydrated, which will help us prevent some consequences of altitude sickness.
  • Snacks: Nuts, Chocolates, Coca candies, Cookies, among others. This will help you stay energetic to continue the walk with a lot of energy.
  • Extra Money: bring a little money in soles, for your personal use, such as snacks or horse service and tips.

Important: Everything mentioned about snacks or clear mineral water that you will find in the place, but, as already mentioned, at double or triple the price, if you want to support the locals you can buy it, they charge like this, because they charge up to the top, and it’s a mess to go.

How much time in advance I should book the tour?

We recommend you book the Mountain of 7 Colors tour 1 week in advance, since we have 2 seasons (High Season and Low Season), the same ones that differ between the number of tourists we operate, this is the reason why reservations are subject to availability.

How much does the entrance ticket cost?

Rainbow Mountain entrance price: PEN S/ 10 (USD $ 3 approximately)

When is the best time to hike the Rainbow Mountain?

Some tourists return from Vinincunca with the disappointment of seeing it covered with snow without the colors and shades that characterize it.

This happens mainly during the rainy season (from November to March). During those months, the river rains and the weather cause the Mountain of the 7 Colors to be covered with snow.

The best time to hike the Rainbow Mountainis in the dry season (from April to October). In those months the sky is clear, the rains are less frequent and the Vinincunca never shows its best colors.

Alternative Treks to Rainbow Mountain Perú

The tour that most people take to the area has a focus on the mountain of Vinicunca. So if people talk about the rainbow mountain in Peru, Vinicunca is what they refer to. The daily amount of visitors is enormous and you won’t really have to place to yourself unfortunately.

Palccoyo Mountain Tour

Just 20 kilometers to the south is not one, but three colored mountains resting in complete solitude. Of ocher and red colors, with green, blue and white stripes, the dazzling Palcoyo Mountain Range is visited by a few travelers a day. Reaching it only requires a walk of 1 hour and without unevenness, making the Palccoyo Mountain Tour less demanding alternative than the long trek to Vinicunca.

Pallay Punchu

Also known as the Pallay Punchu de Apu Tacllo or the Pallay Poncho or Condor Sayana mountain) it is one of the new tourist destinations of Cusco that was discovered in full quarantine. It is located more than 194 kilometers and three hours from the city of Cusco, on an elevation summit located at 4,791 meters above sea level.

The Pallay Punchu Tour takes you to a great geological mountain formation tinged with different tones as a result of the complex combination of minerals. Slopes and summit stand out in various colors, including red, brushed, purple, green, pink, white, and more.

Excellent
Based on 151 reviews
Fernanda L
Fernanda L
2023-09-01
Mariela es muy especial! Fue todo perfecto! Mariela es increíble y hizo todo para que nuestro viaje fuera inolvidable. La dedicación de Mariela por su trabajo y por su familia también son muy bonitas. Eso hace todo aún más especial.
Michel
Michel
2023-06-30
Cusco Visitei Cusco em Junho/2023 e reservei todos os passeios com a Qorianka. Equipe muito atenciosa, todos os passeios foram ótimos e bem organizados.
Da F
Da F
2023-06-23
Perfeito!!!!! Quando fui planejar a viagem para Cusco pesquisei muito os locais que queria conhecer e as empresas que faziam os passeios, encontrei a Qorianka Tours entrei em contato e fui super bem atendida pela Mariele que esclareceu todas as minhas dúvidas. Quando estamos planejamento uma viagem sempre surgi o medo de não ser o que esperávamos, mas falo com vocês que foi melhor do que eu esperava, me surpreendeu o comprometimento, a atenção de toda a equipe que esteve comigo e com meu marido no período da viagem. Vou detalhar um pouco como foi, quando chegamos no aeroporto já tinha uma pessoa esperando para levar até o hotel, nos dias de buscar para os passeios foram todos extremamente pontuais, os guias sempre alegres e com toda atenção explicavam as histórias dos locais, os locais de café da manhã e almoço muito bom e agradáveis e no fim da viagem também nos buscaram no hotel e levaram até o aeroporto. Ficamos 9 dias em Cusco, foi uma viagem maravilhosa, um sonho realizado. Agradeço toda a equipe da Qorianka Tours que conseguiram transformar minha viagem em algo mais surpreendente do que eu espera. Se vc estiver planejando super indico a Qorianka Tours, não tem nenhum ponto negativo para reclamar. Podem confiar.
Solange Puga
Solange Puga
2022-09-27
AGÊNCIA CONFIÁVEL!! A agencia é confiável, fiz a reserva pelo Brasil,só paguei uma pequena reserva,em um banco no Brasil,fiz o resto do pagamento diretamente com a Mariella em Cusco. Eles são honestos,mas meio informais. . No city tour,eles atrasaram, logo após 20'' de atraso eu liguei,esqueceram de nós,mas logo Mariella resolveu o problema e mandou um carro para nos levar até o grupo. Adoramos os guias de cada passeio,Aidê,Roni,Ivan e Mari,são eficientes,educados e divertidos . As Vans eram confortáveis. O hotel do pacote em Aguas Calientes,,era bom e bem localizado,foram nos buscar na estação.
Silvia P
Silvia P
2022-09-04
7 lagunas con Diego Go!! La mejor experiencia!!! desde inicio hasta al final... cuentan con servicio de desayuno, almuerzo típico delicioso? Además de conocer y hacer amistades de otros países? y lo más importante el guía quién nos orienta e explica durante todo el trayecto.... totalmente agradecida y muy feliz Guía: Diego Suna Quispe
Rocio O
Rocio O
2022-09-04
TOUR 7 LAGUNAS CON DIEGO GO! La mejor experiencia de la visita a las 7 lagunas además de contemplar su belleza natural fue que el guía Diego nos dejó tomarnos el tiempo necesario para captar las mejores fotografías y hacer videos, ya que estas imágenes quedarán guardadas por siempre para el recuerdo. También agradecer por la alimentación que estaba deliciosa con ingredientes propias de la zona. Un consejo para las personas que deseen aventurarse en este tour (o alguno otro, ya que el guía es experto en muchos tours) no se arrepentirán en tomarlo como guía a DIEGO GO! ( como lo bautizamos ???) su nombre real es DIEGO SUNA QUISPE
Rafa Rodriguez
Rafa Rodriguez
2021-04-26
Todo el viaje valió la pena El viaje fue súper cansador pero llegar a la montaña de colores compensó todo el cansancio! Además con el guía Ronald aka Picasso hizo esta experiencia mucho más gratificante y hermosa!
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