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Cusco Tours

Rainbow Mountain Full Day

Full Day (approx. 12 hours)5.0 · 35 reviews on TripadvisorCusco, Perú
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Vinicunca
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day
  • Rainbow Mountain Full Day

Overview

The Rainbow Mountain tour, also known as Vinicunca, is a natural wonder that can be admired on the way to the Ausangate glacier. This Apu (sacred mountain) is considered a deity and is deeply revered by the local inhabitants.

Since pre-Inca times, it has been a site of worship and offerings—a tradition that remains alive to this day.

On our «short route» tour to the Rainbow Mountain, we will travel through charming villages, admire traditional adobe houses, and see herds of llamas and alpacas. You will also enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Ausangate (20,948 ft / 6,385 m), the highest peak in the Cusco region.

Highlights

  • Meeting Point: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.
  • Tour Itinerary: Cusco – Cusipata – Llaqto – Rainbow Mountain Hike – Return to Cusipata – Cusco.
  • Important: The tour includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and a specialized guide. The hike takes approximately 1:30 to 2 hours each way.

Itinerary

  1. 1Day 1Detailed Itinerary

    Meeting Point
    Pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 04:00 and 04:30 a.m. to begin the journey toward the southern region.

    Transfer to Cusipata – Paucarpata
    A 2-hour drive in tourist transportation to the district of Cusipata – Paucarpata (10,860 ft / 3,310 m), where we will enjoy breakfast before continuing our journey.

    Transfer to Llaqto
    We continue by vehicle for 1 more hour until we reach the Llaqto checkpoint, the starting point for the hike to the mountain.

    Hike to Rainbow Mountain
    An ascent of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes through Andean landscapes, featuring views of snow-capped peaks, valleys, and local wildlife such as llamas and alpacas.

    Vinicunca Viewpoint
    Arrival at the highest point of the tour (16,666 ft / 5,080 m). Our guide will provide an explanation of the geological formation and the cultural significance of the Mountain of 7 Colors. You will have free time for photographs and to appreciate the Vinicunca mountain range.

    Return to Llaqto
    Descent along the same route back to the starting point, where our transportation will be waiting.

    Lunch in Cusipata
    Return to Cusipata to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before heading back to Cusco.

    Return to Cusco
    Arrival in the city between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., concluding the tour near the Plaza de Armas.

What’s included

Included

  • Professional tour guide
  • Hotel pickup and transfer to Cusipata
  • Return transportation from Cusipata to Cusco
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit

Not included

  • Entrance ticket to this natural wonder.
  • Trekking poles – you can rent them from us.
  • Horses (you can rent them from local villagers along the way).

What to bring

  • It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude. Bring comfortable hiking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after making your reservation, bring both)
  • Water
  • Rain jacket / poncho
  • Winter hat and gloves
  • Rain pants
  • Snacks
  • Sunblock, SPF 35+ recommended
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Camera with spare batteries – batteries drain faster at high altitudes
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended for steep descents; these can be rented from us)

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour and the return time to Cusco?

The tour is a full day, approximately 12 hours. Pickup is between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., with a return to Cusco around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

What is the route and highlights of the tour?

The tour begins in Cusipata – Paucarpata, continuing to the Llaqto checkpoint for the ascent toward Rainbow Mountain. We reach the Vinicunca viewpoint (16,666 ft) for photographs and the guide's explanation, followed by the descent to the starting point and lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

Moderate. The hike is 4.3 miles round trip, with an ascent of 1:20 to 2 hours each way, and good physical condition is recommended due to the altitude.

What is recommended to bring during the tour?

Thermal clothing in layers, a windbreaker and waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm, a reusable water bottle, optional trekking poles, a camera, energy snacks, and cash for local purchases.

Is altitude acclimatization necessary before the tour?

Yes, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance. During the tour, it is important to walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and, if desired, chew coca leaves or have coca candies to help with acclimatization.

What our travellers say

  • Hans-Kristian H

    We booked the Salkantay trek through hahatrips and had an amazing time Haha Trips was great at explaining and planning our Salkantay trek. Helped whit renting sleeping bags and did it all at a good price. Wilson is a friend of ours🤠 - he is always ready to help and very responsive However it is not hahatrips you are on the trek whit but another travel agency called KB Adventures which we were surprised about - they are however really great as well and we had a fantastic trek whit a great group of people😎

    Tripadvisor · Aug 2023
  • Anghie R

    Excelente tour Muy buena agencia, de verdad la recomiendo un montón! Wilson siempre estuvo dispuesto a resolver mis dudas e incluso a ayudarme con ciertos inconvenientes que tuve, siempre fue cordial, muy amable y comprensivo en todo momento 😃 Tuve una hermosa experiencia en Cusco, muchas gracias!

    Tripadvisor · Aug 2023
  • Laura V

    Great organization! Wilson is a great person! My friend had to recover from being sick and Wilson helped us with his flexibility and new ideas for visiting MachuPicchu. We went to MachuPicchu in two days and enjoyed the great organization. From hotel to transport and the guides were really great! I would definitely recommend this travel agency. Big thanks for everything!

    Tripadvisor · Jun 2023
  • Claus Santa

    Sehr empfehlenswert Wir haben bei Wilson von HaHa Trips die 5 Tage Salkantay Tour gebucht. Wilson war sehr informativ und hilfreich. Alle Fragen wurden per WhatsApp sofort beantwortet. Die Organisation der ganzen Unternehmung war tadellos.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Joe G

    Great and Cheap! The prices of this tour company will have you going ‘HAHA’, because it’s so cheap! We did both the 2D1N Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain tours. Well organised and lots of fun. Wilson is great, would highly recommend.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • 552wimg

    The best touring company in Cusco! This was my first time in Peru, and it did not disappoint. Ha ha tours are true professionals! I booked a package to trek the old Inca Trail. Our guide was Ronny Pillco, who led the expedition! He shared a world of historical knowledge and was a true professional! Everything was top-not ch, from the cook Rene, to the guides and porters and our female porter! Everyone was always smiling and trying to help having us have the greatest experience! I truly recommend HAHA TOURS! Price-quality are unmatched

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Maxwell B

    5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Wilson was very helpful with everything. He gave me the information needed for the Salkantay 5-day trek to Machu Picchu. Whenever I had a question he provided everything I needed with a quick response. Very professional.

    Tripadvisor · May 2023
  • Carla C

    El mejor servicio de tour! Llegue a esta agencia gracias a la recomendación de un amigo y desde entonces, Wilson me apoya brindándome el servicio de tour. Es una empresa seria que se preocupa por brindarle comodidad a los turistas y siempre están haciéndole seguimiento al servicio que te brindan. Además, me encantó la flexibilidad que la empresa proporcionó en términos de tiempo y lugares a visitar. Recomiendo a cualquier persona que busque una experiencia turística excepcional.

    Tripadvisor · Apr 2023
  • Benjamin P

    Excelente tour de la Ciudad de Cusco con Venturia y Ruben Excelente tour de la ciudad de Cusco con Venturia y Ruben, el tour guy. Ruben me fue a buscar al hotel, y caminamos toda la ciudad por unas 3 horas. Fuimos al mercado, a las iglesias principales, y las calles mas interesantes de Cusco. La pase super bien con Ruben, y hasta fuimos a almorzar en un lugar muy pintoresco y cerca de la plaza principal de Cusco. Ruben sabe mucho de la historia de la catedral de Cusco, 100% recomendado.

    Tripadvisor · Apr 2023
  • Christian Stocker

    Amazing Great experience; we did the Salkantay trail for 5 days all meals and accommodation included for only £30 a day; everything went perfectly!

    Tripadvisor · Mar 2023
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