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Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek 1 Day Traditional

(1 Review)
Price
$35
Price
$35
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Length

Full Day
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Group

Min 8, Max 16
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Trip Style

Cultural
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Grading

1,2,3,4,5
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Tour Details

Embark on the “Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek 1 Day Traditional” tour, an extraordinary journey to one of Peru’s most visually stunning natural wonders. The trek to the Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, offers adventurers a breathtaking experience as they explore a vibrant landscape celebrated for its unique geological formations.

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Seven Colours Mountain, offers adventurers a breathtaking experience as they explore a vibrant landscape, famous for its geological formation where the rainbow fell from the sky to merge with the mountainous landscape, a work of art discovered by nature itself, tinted with a wide range of colours on its slopes, from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet to white.

It is currently the second most visited tourist destination after Machu Picchu. It is located 100 kilometres from the city of Cusco at an altitude of 5,036 metres.

Detailed Itinerary:

  • Early Morning Departure: Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco, typically around 4:00 AM. This early start ensures that you reach the trailhead before sunrise, allowing you to experience the changing colors of the landscape as the sun rises.
  • Scenic Drive to the Trailhead: Enjoy a scenic drive through the South Valley, passing quaint villages and sweeping Andean landscapes. As dawn breaks, the drive offers spectacular views and photo opportunities, setting the tone for the day ahead.
  • Breakfast at the Trailhead: Upon arrival at the trailhead, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast in a local community. This meal not only fuels your climb but also provides a moment to engage with the local people who maintain their ancestral ways of living in harmony with the land.
  • The Trek Begins: The trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is both challenging and rewarding, with a gradual ascent that takes approximately 1 hour. As you climb, you’ll traverse paths that have been used for centuries by the local Quechua people. The trail offers stunning views of the Andes, dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas, under the watchful eyes of their herders.
  • Arrival at Rainbow Mountain: Reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain presents a surreal vista of undulating colors—vivid cerulean, deep maroons, bright yellows, and lush greens, all formed by mineral deposits over millennia. Here, at an elevation of about 5,036 meters (16,522 feet), you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and simply soak in the breathtaking panorama that stretches out before you.
  • Visit to the Red Valley: Optionally, after descending from Rainbow Mountain, you can take a detour to the nearby Red Valley. This area offers a stark contrast to Vinicunca with its deep, maroon hues that make it an equally impressive sight. The visit to this less-traveled path underscores the diverse beauty of the region’s landscape.
  • Lunch and Return Journey: Post-trek, enjoy lunch back at the local community. This is a time to reflect on your experiences and recharge before the drive back to Cusco. The return trip allows for further appreciation of the Andes as the day winds down.
  • Evening Arrival in Cusco: You will arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon or early evening, giving you time to relax and enjoy the evening reflecting on a remarkable journey.
 

Inclusions

  • Pick-up from hotel between 4 – 4:30 am
  • Professional guides: Expert guides, fluent in English and Spanish, will accompany you and provide insights into the geography, history and culture of the area. They are also trained to deal with the challenges of altitude.
  • Transportation: round-trip transportation to ensure a comfortable. Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco.
  • Meals: Nutritious meals are provided to keep you energized throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch usually consists of local Peruvian cuisine.
  • Entrance fees: All necessary entrance fees to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain are covered. You don't need to worry about any additional costs to access the site.
  • Walking poles: Walking sticks can be provided to help you on your trek. These are particularly useful for navigating uneven terrain and making the trek more manageable.
  • Photographic opportunities: The tour allows for plenty of photographic time to capture the stunning scenery, vibrant mountain colors, and panoramic views.
  • Adaptability to participants' pace: The walk will be at a pace appropriate to the overall fitness level of the group, with breaks as necessary for rest and acclimatization.
  • First aid kit and oxygen: For safety reasons, the tour includes a first aid kit and oxygen. This is essential due to the high altitude and potential for altitude sickness among participants.

Excludes

  • Personal Gear: Walking poles may be provided, but personal gear such as backpacks, hiking boots, and appropriate clothing for variable weather conditions is not included. You will need to bring your own.
  • Travel insurance: Participants are generally responsible for their own travel insurance. It's important to have insurance for trekking at altitude and in case of any unexpected incidents.
  • Alcoholic beverages: If meals are included, they usually do not include alcoholic beverages, which must be purchased separately.
  • Additional Transport: Any additional transport not included in the itinerary, such as horse, motorcycle or ATV rides to Rainbow Mountain, is excluded.
  • Personal horse (s/.80)
  • Extra energy snack (chocolate bar, dry fruit)
  • Tips for guides and staff: Gratuities for guides, drivers and other staff are not included in the tour price. Tipping is optional but appreciated for good service.

Recommended to carry

  • Warm hat and gloves: Temperatures can drop, especially in the early morning or on the summit, so these are essential to keep warm.
  • Rain Gear: A rain jacket and rain cover for your backpack will protect you and your belongings from sudden downpours.
  • Waterproof walking boots: Durable footwear with good ankle support and grip will help you to navigate the varied terrain.
  • Layered clothing: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so you need to wear layers that you can add or remove as needed. This should include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer and a waterproof outer layer.
  • Sun protection: The sun at high altitudes can be intense. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against UV rays.
  • Drinking water: Staying hydrated is essential, especially at high altitude. Carry at least 2 litres of water or a Camelbak hydration bladder.
  • Camera or smartphone: Capture the stunning scenery and vibrant colours of the mountain. Make sure your devices are fully charged.
  • Personal first Aid Kit: take altitude sickness medication, painkillers, blister plasters and any personal medication.
  • High-energy snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruit or chocolate can help maintain your energy levels during the walk.
  • Backpack: A comfortable, lightweight rucksack to carry your essentials, preferably with rain protection.
  • Reusable water bottle or thermos: To avoid littering and to keep your water or drinks at the desired temperature.
  • Gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, wool hat
Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco.

Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. You’ll embark on a scenic two-hour drive to Cusipata, located at 3,310 meters (10,859 feet), where a hearty continental breakfast awaits to fuel your day.

Next, you’ll head to the trekking start point at 4,600 meters, where your guided hike begins through breathtaking Andean landscapes, accompanied by llamas, alpacas, and sheep along the way. After about an hour of trekking, you’ll reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,036 meters (16,466 feet), a natural wonder recognized worldwide as one of the top 100 must-see attractions.

You’ll have free time to take in the stunning views, snap unforgettable photos, and relax. If you wish, you can extend your experience with an optional visit to the nearby Red Valley, just 30 minutes extra.

After descending back to the starting point, you’ll return by bus to Cusipata for a delicious buffet lunch to recharge.

Finally, you’ll journey back to Cusco, arriving near the Plaza de Armas after an unforgettable 14-hour day filled with nature, culture, and adventure.

Key statistics of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Hike

  • Distance Covered: the hike takes approximately 9 kilometers/ 5 miles, provides a full day of exploration.
  • Highest altitude: At the summit, you will reach approximately 5,036 metres / 17,060 feet above sea level, standing amidst the clouds.
  • Lowest Altitude: The excursion begins at 4,326 meters /14,189 feet, where the trailhead is located.
  • Level of difficulty: The walk is considered challenging due to the high altitude and steep sections. However, with our expert guidance it’s accessible to those with a moderate level of fitness.
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FAQs

1.What time does the tour start?

The tour starts with an early pickup from your Cusco hotel, between 4:00 to 4:45 AM.

 

2.Where is the first destination after leaving Cusco?

The first destination after leaving Cusco is Cusipata, which is reached after a 2-hour drive.

 

3.What is the elevation of Cusipata?

Cusipata is situated at an elevation of 3,310 meters (10,859 feet).

 

4.What is the starting point of the trek?

The trek starts from Phula Wasipata, which is at an elevation of 4,326 meters (14,189 feet).

 

5.How long is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) takes approximately 1:30 hours.

 

1 Review
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Rose T.

Solo Traveller

The Rainbow Mountain trek was an unforgettable adventure that surpassed all expectations. The day began with an early pickup from my hotel in Cusco, setting the tone for an exhilarating journey ahead. The scenic drive to Cusipata village provided glimpses of the breathtaking Andean landscape, preparing us for the awe-inspiring sights to come.

Upon arrival in Cusipata, we enjoyed a hearty continental breakfast, fueling our bodies for the trek ahead. The van then took us to Phula Wasipata, the starting point of our trek, where we were greeted by the majestic Andean peaks towering above us.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The 1:30-hour trek to the summit rewarded us with panoramic views of the vibrant colors and unique geological formations that make this mountain a natural wonder. Standing at 5,020 meters above sea level, surrounded by such beauty, was a truly humbling experience.

July 12, 2023