Why This Tour is Different:
Tired of early wake-ups and crowded viewpoints? This is not your typical Rainbow Mountain tour. We leave later to skip the crowds and give you the freedom to enjoy the trail at your own pace. It’s perfect for travelers who want an exclusive, authentic, and relaxed experience in the stunning Andes mountains.
Discover the magic of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, on an exclusive private tour with a late departure, designed for travelers who want a more personal, peaceful, and crowd-free experience.
Located at 5,020 meters (16,466 feet) above sea level in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder famous for its vibrant, colorful stripes. These colors are formed by mineral deposits, such as iron (red), sulfur (yellow), and copper (green), exposed by natural erosion over time.
Unlike most tours that leave very early and arrive with large crowds, we start later in the morning. This allows you to enjoy the mountain with fewer people, take better photos, and connect with the stunning landscape in a more relaxed way.
During the hike, your expert local guide will share the cultural, geological, and spiritual significance of this sacred mountain. You’ll also get breathtaking views of the Ausangate Glacier, surrounding mountains, and the hidden gem of the Red Valley.
Perfect for travelers who want to avoid big groups, love nature, and want to experience one of Peru’s most photogenic landscapes in peace. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you should be in good physical condition and well-acclimated to the altitude.
Start this unforgettable adventure in the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, a landscape of vibrant colors in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Our experience begins early, with a pick-up from your Cusco hotel around 7:30 a.m. to head to Cusipata, a drive of about 2 hours in private transportation.
Once in Cusipata, enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the hike. Then, we will head to the starting point of the trail, where the hike to Rainbow Mountain will begin. This approximately 2-hour walk will allow you to enjoy the lush flora and fauna of the Andes, including llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully in the valleys.
As we ascend, the stunning views of red mountains and the Ausangate Glacier will accompany us throughout the journey. You will arrive at the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, where you will be welcomed by a 360° panoramic view of the famous color-striped hills formed by colorful minerals. Our expert guide will share information about the landscape and the sacred history of this unique site.
After a photo stop and time to enjoy the surroundings, we will descend the same trail back to the starting point, where a buffet lunch awaits to refuel. We will then return to Cusco, arriving between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with unforgettable memories of this unique experience.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Minimum altitude: 4,638 m / 15,216 ft
Maximum altitude: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
Total walking distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Estimated walking time: 2 hours (1 hour up; 1 hour down)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Quick Itinerary:
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
No refunds will be granted in case of no show for scheduled tours, informational sessions (Briefings), and activities or early departures. Failure to attend will be considered as a NO SHOW.
Yes, absolutely! Doing the Rainbow Mountain tour in just one day is definitely worth it—especially if you choose a well-organized tour with a late departure, like our private experience. Even though it’s a full-day trip, the incredible views of the colorful mountain, the surrounding Andes, and the chance to see llamas, alpacas, and the Ausangate glacier make it unforgettable.
By leaving later in the morning, you avoid the crowds and can enjoy the trail at a more relaxed pace. You don’t need to spend the night outside of Cusco or be an experienced hiker—if you’re in good physical condition and well-acclimated to the altitude, the hike is totally doable.
In short: if you have one free day in Cusco and want to see one of the most unique landscapes in the Andes, Rainbow Mountain is a fantastic choice!
The main difference is the level of comfort, flexibility, and the overall experience.
On a group tour, you share the transport and guide with many people. The schedule is fixed, there’s less time to enjoy the mountain, and you’ll likely be there with large crowds. Most group tours also leave very early in the morning, which means you’ll arrive at the viewpoint when it’s the busiest.
On the other hand, the private tour offers a much more personalized experience. You can go at your own pace, enjoy the trail without rushing, and get the full attention of a professional local guide. Our tour also leaves later in the morning, so you avoid the big crowds and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed visit.
If you value privacy, fewer people, and a deeper connection with nature and local culture, the private tour is definitely the best choice.
Altitude can affect some people, especially if they are not well acclimatized. That’s why we recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before doing any tour, to help your body adjust.
During the tour, your safety is our top priority. Our guide is trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and take action quickly. We always carry a first aid kit and an emergency oxygen bottle just in case. If you start feeling unwell at any point, your condition will be assessed, and if necessary, you can return to the starting point with the help of an emergency horse.
Keep in mind that this is a moderately difficult hike, so you don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in good physical condition and properly acclimatized to enjoy the experience safely.
Yes, there are basic restroom facilities available along the route, usually at the starting point and at some points along the trail. However, keep in mind that these are simple, rural toilets managed by local communities, so it’s a good idea to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case.
The weather at Rainbow Mountain can change quickly and without warning. Mornings are usually cold, but as the day goes on, you may experience sun, wind, or even rain—all within a few hours. That’s why dressing in layers is essential.
Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Friendly Payment
Get a Question?
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
Machu Picchu is a very popular destination. If you're planning to trek there, make sure to check ticket availability in advance.
📲 Check Availability on WhatsApp
