RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE 1 DAY
The Rainbow Mountain Hike is an incredible 3-hour hike covering 7 kilometers/4.3 miles up to an altitude of 5036 m /16,000 ft. Appropriately called Rainbow Mountain, or Winicunca, its beautiful layering of minerals has been formed over many years through sedimentation. This creates the breathtaking display of colors you’ll encounter on the Rainbow Mountain Hike.
Rainbow Mountain Hike starts with a short ascent at Fulawasipata, then takes a break with the longer, flatter stretch before finally preparing you for the short, steep climb to the top. The Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru can be challenging, but totally worth the visit if you’re up for it. You can also go by horse and walk the last section as an alternative. Horses are not allowed at the lookout point, but walking to this point is a must to be able to take the best photographs and enjoy the amazing surrounding landscapes this area has to offer.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE DETAILS
Rainbow Mountain Hike length: 3 hours RT, based on regular pace.
Rainbow Mountain Trail Distance: 7 km. (4 miles)
Rainbow Mountain trailhead: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level. – Summit: 5,036 meters (16,486 feet) above sea level.
Rainbow Mountain Weather: Always cold and changeable.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE IN PERU
Rainbow Mountain used to require at least 5 days, but now you can get there in a 1 day hike! This treasure of Peru had remained under thick layers of Andean glaciers for centuries. Now these colorful stripes are a must see in the Andes. The Andes also houses the Ausangate Mountain, the tallest point in the region. Ausangate Mountain is the deity of Cusco and has been considered a holy place of worship by indigenous Peruvians for a millennium. The tradition of prayer and making offerings continues to this day. Its valleys are also populated by wild and domestic camelids. With some luck, you might be able to spot them on your hike!
The Rainbow Mountain is Peru’s second most famous attraction after Machu Picchu and deserves a place on your bucket list when you visit Cusco. To get the most out of your trip and for a perfect Rainbow Mountain Hike, choose a private tour specialist company like ours!
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE
Trailhead: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level.
Summit: 5,025 meters (16,486 feet) above sea level.
When you take the Rainbow Mountain Hike, the altitude is something you should put into consideration. Trail is not too steep and wouldn’t be difficult if it wasn’t for the altitude. We suggest that you take this hike at the end of your trip to allow a good acclimation.
The symptoms of high altitude sickness (“soroche” in Peru) can include headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness and shortness of breath. In some cases these symptoms can develop into more serious situation. This can happen when you climb quickly to high altitudes and generally above 10,000 ft / 3,050m.
BEST TIME
The peruvian Andes offers two different seasons: dry (May to november) and wet ( December to April). And the best time to take the Rainbow Mountain Hike is during the dry season.
If it’s a clear day, the views at the top are incredible. We don’t recommend the Rainbow Mountain Hike on a rainy, cloudy day because you wouldn’t see anything. Also, the hike could be harder as the trail becomes muddy and slippery.
- Itinerary & Map
- Prices & Inclusions
- Client Reviews
- Reserve Tour
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE FULL DAY
The Rainbow Mountain Hike starts with a pickup at 5:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then, We will take a 2-hour drive in our private vehicle, heading to the south valley of Cusco. When we reach Cusipata, we will enjoy our breakfast. This is your last chance to use the proper bathroom and get some snacks. We recommend that you get some lemon-flavored candies and some water.
Rainbow Mountain Hike tour continues in our transport for another hour to reach phulawasipata. Here, begin your Hike enjoying a typical Andean scenery with herds of alpacas and llamas. Views of Ausangate Mountain will grace us as we trek through villages and interact with locals. You’ll also see many red-colored mountains and green valleys who are the main highlights of this adventure.
We summit the Rainbow Mountain after a total hike of approximately 2 hours. we’ll reach our destination at an elevation of 5025m/16,500ft. Fom the lookout point enjoy the natural and fantastic vibrant colors. Also, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take pictures and take it all in. We’ll enjoy approximately 30 minutes at the summit. We’ll descend the same trail for 1 hour to finish the Rainbow Mountain Hike, and continue by car to our lunch spot.
Finally, we will take a 3-hour drive back to Cusco and we’ll drop off at your hotel at 5:00 pm.
TOUR MAP
Trip Level: 
Doable
TOUR DETAILS:
Length: full day
Tour Type: Private Service
PRICE FROM:
$125.00
Lodging: No hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Activity: Adventures Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
The Rainbow Mountain.
Red Valley, Ausangate snow mountain.
Pricing
Private Service:
Prices are per person, valid through 2022 | |||
2 | 3 - 4 | 5 - 6 | 7 - 8 |
$ 175 | $ 125 | $ 95 | $ 80 |
The Rainbow Mountain Peru Hike is perfect for friends, couples, and families because you can leave any date you wish. With our private premium tours, you can also set your pace to maximize your experience. You do not have to wait for anyone else, the Rainbow Mountain Tour starts with only 02 passengers.
Rainbow Mountain Hike Includes:
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Roundtrip private transportation between your hotel and the trailhead at Quesiuno.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
- One continental breakfast and one box lunch.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Emergency horse .
Rainbow Mountain Peru Hike Excludes:
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us).
- Dinner and bottles of water.
- Travel /Health / Emergency insurance.
Extra Services:
- Walking Sticks: $ 8.
Bring for Rainbow Mountain Tours:
- Original Passport.
- Sufficient drinking water.
- Rain jacket/poncho and pants.
- Warm clothing, hat, and gloves.
- High-energy snacks.
- Sunblock, minimum 30+ recommended.
- Sunglasses and sun hat.
- Camera with extra batteries.
- Binoculars.
- Trekking poles (can also be rented from us).


