Montaña de Colores.

1 DAY RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes! The Rainbow Mountain tour, also known as Vinicunca, will take you to one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. This journey will allow you to walk among majestic mountains and rocky hills, surrounded by llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat. At over 5,000 meters above sea level, you will witness the incredible hues of Rainbow Mountain while enjoying panoramic views of the impressive Ausangate snow-capped peak. Join our Rainbow Mountain tour, a dream destination that will take you to the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Details of the trip.

Itinerary for the Rainbow Mountain Tour:

The tour begins between 4:00 and 4:30 AM, with pickup from your accommodation to start the journey to Cusipata, a village south of Cusco. There, you will enjoy breakfast in the Tintinco community, where you will also have the opportunity to purchase last-minute items such as drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and any other necessities you may need.

From Tintinco, we will begin a one-hour ascent to the Phulawasipata camp, located at 4,600 meters above sea level (15,091 feet).

Upon arrival at the base, our professional guide will provide instructions for continuing the ascent, which will take approximately one and a half hours. As you progress, you will witness majestic mountains and rocky hills inhabited by llamas and alpacas. At a moderate pace, you will reach Rainbow Mountain, situated at 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet). Depending on the pace of the hike, you will have between 45 minutes and 1 hour to take photos and admire the stunning landscapes surrounding the area. You will also enjoy views of the valleys and snow-capped mountains, crowned by the majestic Ausangate snow-capped peak.

After this unforgettable experience, you will begin the descent, which will take approximately one hour, before taking transportation to the restaurant. In Cusipata, you will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine, including vegan and vegetarian options. After lunch, the return journey will take you back to Cusco, where you will arrive in the historic center of Cusco around 4:00 PM.

Rainbow Mountain Tour Includes:

Pickup from accommodation in central Cusco.
Transportation.
Return to the Historic Center of Cusco.
Professional guide in English and Spanish.
Breakfast and lunch.
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
Oxygen supply.
Trekking poles.

Rainbow Mountain Tour does not Include:

Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Riding horse (optional).
Drinks.

What should I bring for the Rainbow Mountain Tour?

When planning your tour to Rainbow Mountain, it's essential to carefully select what to bring due to the high altitude, cold weather, and rugged terrain. Here are some essential items you should include in your packing:

A small backpack will be useful for carrying your extra layers, snacks, and water during the hike.
It is crucial to wear hiking boots or footwear with good traction to ensure stability on varied terrain.
Consider bringing extra layers, as the weather can change rapidly at high altitudes.
Pack snacks such as energy bars or mixed nuts to keep your energy up during the excursion.
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong sun at high altitudes.
Use sunglasses to shield your eyes from the intense sunlight at high elevations.
A hat will be useful for sun protection and to keep you warm in case of cold temperatures.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the stunning landscapes you will encounter during the hike.
It’s essential to carry a personal first-aid kit for any discomforts.

How many days should I acclimate before the hike?

It is very important to be well-acclimated to the altitude before undertaking a hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the hike starts to help you acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness issues during the hike. If you have already been at a high altitude in another area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights.

Client Pickup

Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Pickup times are between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, but please note that wait times may vary. Cusco has narrow and cobbled streets, which can make accessing your hotel difficult; in this case, the guide will indicate the meeting point.

Considerations

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

A shared tour means that you will experience the tour with other travelers of different ages and nationalities, both from Ausangate Adventure and other operators, with a group of up to 16 people. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world while enjoying the adventure. This type of tour can be organized by Ausangate Adventure or by partner collaborators who meet our high-quality standards. If you prefer a more personalized and exclusive experience, you can opt for a private tour.

In the shared option, you will be informed of the pickup and return times a day before the tour. It is essential to be punctual to avoid delays that could affect the rest of the group. Times may vary depending on the participants' pace or local traffic, so we provide an approximate schedule. We appreciate your understanding regarding these factors that are beyond our control. Due to environmental, climatic, or other unforeseen factors beyond our control, the itinerary may be modified. If this occurs, you will be duly informed.

Altitude

Located in the Vilcanota Range, the mountain is named for the vibrant color stripes created by the minerals in its composition. At an altitude of 5,200 meters, it is one of the highest in Peru. It is important to take precautions:

Acclimate to the altitude before starting the trek.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks to maintain energy.
It is essential to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Climate

The climate at Rainbow Mountain is known for its great diversity and dramatic changes. Situated in the Andes, this region experiences a wide variety of climatic conditions, some of the most extreme in the world. During the day, the average temperature at Rainbow Mountain is around 15°C (59°F), but at night it can drop below 0°C (32°F).

First Aid

Each Ausangate Adventure guide is trained in first aid, and we also provide oxygen for the hike. If you need oxygen, you can request it directly from the guide.

Lost Items

Please take special care with your belongings and ensure that you collect all your items when leaving our vehicles or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal belongings during the tour.

Shared Service Tour.

Price: $45 USD per person.

This shared or group service means that you will be taking the tour with other people. This standard service is conducted with a group of 10 to 16 people. We have confirmed departures for every day, so if you are just one or two people, don't worry, you can join one of our groups.

Private Service Tour.

This private and exclusive service is a way to take this trip where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. Please, if you want private service, request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp at +51 914201334.

Is the Rainbow Mountain hike demanding?

Yes, most of the trail is accessible, as it follows a mostly flat path. However, towards the end of the route, there is a steep ascent at high altitude. Overall, the difficulty level is moderate, as the majority of the path does not present a significant challenge.

Is the Rainbow Mountain hike recommended?

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world due to its unique color composition. Although it is a day trip, it does not require a large amount of time on your schedule. While the hike can be challenging, the experience truly justifies the effort.

How far do you walk?

During the Rainbow Mountain hike, you will walk approximately 7 kilometers over a span of about 2 hours.

What is the menu during the hike?

During the hike to Rainbow Mountain, we will provide both breakfast and lunch at a restaurant. We recognize the importance of being well-fed for hiking, especially at high altitudes. Therefore, we guarantee a variety of options to choose from, ensuring a balanced meal. The service will be buffet-style, offering a wide selection of local dishes for you to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine.

If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, don’t worry. If you inform us in advance, we will ensure there are suitable options for you, allowing you to enjoy the meal safely and comfortably.

What is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?

The most recommended months to explore Rainbow Mountain are from May to October. During this period, you generally experience pleasant weather with less chance of rain. Between November and December, which marks the start of the rainy season, the weather can be variable, with sunny days interspersed with rain. Between March and April, at the end of the rainy season, the weather can also be variable, with sunny days and possible rain.

Which months are the coldest at Rainbow Mountain?

The coldest months at Rainbow Mountain are May, June, and July. During this time, the climate is extremely dry and nights can be very chilly. Although daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, it is important to be aware that you may experience wind at the summit of Vinicunca.

What is the temperature at Rainbow Mountain?

Throughout the year, the climate at Rainbow Mountain is cool, with temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 12°C (52°F). At night, temperatures can drop below freezing.

When does it snow at Rainbow Mountain?

The snowfall season runs from December to March. During this period, temperatures drop significantly, and there is an increased presence of cold winds and rain.