Rainbow Mountain Hike: Leaving the city of Cusco, you drive along the Longitudinal Route of the Southern Peruvian Sierra toward the town of Checacupe, where you take the fork toward the village of Pitumarca. From there, you travel along a dirt road, passing through rural communities, until you reach the community of Pampa Chiri. The road ends here and the approximately 5-km hike to the Vinicunca Pass begins. You can appreciate the natural formation of the mountain and its colors.
Mineralogical Composition:
According to research by the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralized Government of Cusco, the colors of the Mountain of Seven Colors are due to its mineralogical composition: the pink color is due to red clay, mudstone, mud, and arilite (sand). The whitish color is due to quartz sandstone and marl, rich in calcium carbonate. The red color is composed of clays (iron) and argillites belonging to the Upper Tertiary. The green color is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferromagnesian. The earthy brown color is a product of fanglomerate composed of magnesium-containing rocks belonging to the Quaternary era. And the mustard yellow color is due to calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals.
Overview
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Key Information
Location:
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is located in the Andes of Peru, about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco.
Altitude:
Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
Why it’s famous:
The mountain gets its name from its naturally occurring colorful stripes, caused by the mineral composition in the soil:
- Red: iron oxide rust
- Yellow: iron sulfide
- Green: chlorite
- Brown: sandstone
- White: quartz and sandstone mix
Access and Trekking Info:
- Most treks start from the village of Cusipata or Pitumarca.
- The hike is about 10 km round trip and considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude.
- It typically takes 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit.
- Acclimatization in Cusco (2–3 days) is strongly recommended before attempting the hike to avoid altitude sickness.
Best time to visit:
- Dry season (May to September) for clearer skies and better views.
- Avoid rainy season (November to March) when the trail can be muddy and visibility poor.
Quick Overview: Rainbow Mountain Day Hike
- Location: Vinicunca, Andes Mountains, Peru
- Elevation: ~5,200 meters (17,060 feet)
- Hike Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles) round-trip
- Duration: 5–6 hours total (3 hours up, 2 down, plus breaks)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to high altitude)
- Best Time to Go: Dry season (May–September)
What to Expect
- Start early. Tours typically leave Cusco around 4:00 AM.
- Scenic drive. ~3 hours through remote Andean villages and rolling valleys.
- High-altitude trek. The hike starts at ~4,600m; thin air makes even easy inclines tough.
- Incredible views. Color-striped mountain flanked by glaciers, alpacas, and vast highland landscapes.
- Photo ops. Best light is in the morning before clouds roll in.
- Optional horse rental. Available if altitude or fatigue becomes a factor.
Tips
- Acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days beforehand.
- Dress in layers. Mornings are freezing; afternoons warm up.
- Bring: Water, snacks, sun protection, rain gear, cash (for toilets, horse rental, tips).
- Watch for altitude sickness. Coca tea and slow pacing help.
Itinerary
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE:
This is a stunning hike in the Andes mountain range (Vilcanota Range), a route through the Rainbow Mountains, located very close to Apu Ausangate (6,377 meters above sea level), a very important mountain for the Andean people. Thus, our hike will be accompanied by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and beautiful mountains.
ITINERARY:
We will pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 to 4:45 a.m., and then begin our incredible adventure. We will drive for approximately 2:30 to 3:00 hours in our tourist transport through the southern valley until we reach the village of Tintingo, located at 3,800 meters above sea level. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. We will then continue our journey to the start of the Killiwani trail (4,800 meters above sea level). Along this path, there are stunning views of agricultural terraces, canyons, and snow-capped mountains.
Once you reach the trailhead, our guide will give you a brief introduction to the area. You will then begin a hike of approximately 1.5 hours along a flat path with a gradual incline of roughly 35 degrees. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to appreciate spectacular natural systems typical of this area and beautiful views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. At approximately 11:45 a.m., we will arrive at our destination, the Rainbow Mountain, located at 5,000 meters above sea level. Here, you will have enough time to enjoy this landscape. After visiting the mountain, we will return to our transportation location to return to Tintingo, where lunch will await us. We will then return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m. Finish our Rainbow Mountain Hike.
Recommendation:
- Acclimate in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,200 ft): Spend at least 2 days before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Prep Gear: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, hiking boots, gloves, sunglasses, snacks, coca leaves/candy, water, and sunscreen.
- Book Tour: Choose a reputable tour operator (private or group). Confirm early pickup, breakfast/lunch included, oxygen availability.
- Go with a guide or tour: Not recommended to self-drive unless you’re highly experienced at altitude.
- Weather varies: Snow, rain, or fog can obscure the mountain—check forecasts but know it’s unpredictable.
Inclusions
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Round-trip transportation to Cusco – Killiwani – Cusco
- Breakfast
- Buffet lunch
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance to the protected area
- Walking sticks
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
NOT INCLUDED:
- Extra Expenses
- Additional costs.
- Tips.
Should Bring
WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING:
- A small backpack
- Thermal clothing
- Hiking shoes
- Sun hat
- Warm jacket
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Rain jacket/poncho (for safety)
Acomodation
Our Best Transportation
We are a legal and certified company. We have the best and most modern tourist transport units to carry out our different tourist circuits and to satisfy our clients with the necessary comfort.
Price
Price: Season 2025
Shared Service:
- Price per person U$. 40.00
- The approximate group is 15 people
Private & Personalized Service:
- Price per person U$ .120
- Minimum people 02 pax
Payment method
