Classic Rainbow Mountain Tour - Full Day
A visit to Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca (its Quechua name), is an absolute must for all those who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Nestled in a remote region of the Andes, Rainbow Mountain was once a spectacle only to be admired by trekkers along the Ausangate Trek, but now you can witness this display of natural beauty in all its glory on a shorter 1 or 2-day hike.
Turquoise, scarlet, and mustard colored sediments drape down Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, and give the mountain its striking appearance. These different layers of color represent distinct mineral contents and were formed over the course of millions of years before being exposed by the tectonic movements and intense wind erosion of the high Andes. The mountain was once covered by a glacier which has since melted due to the effects of global warming.
At 5,035 m / 16,519 ft above sea level, Rainbow Mountain’s altitude is more than half that of Mount Everest. Those who wish to see this beautiful site for themselves must be prepared for a difficult 2-hour hike at high altitude. Weather conditions can also complicate the journey, with both blistering cold temperatures and intense UV rays due to the elevation. But while getting there might be a little tough, the extraordinary view once you reach the top will make it all worth it.
Cusco – Cusipata – Vinicunca – Cusipata – Cusco
After departing from Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft) at around 5:00 am, your tour will take you on a 2-hour drive south of the city to the town of Cusipata (3,319 m / 10,889 ft). Here you’ll have a good breakfast and get ready to head towards the Rainbow Mountain.
After a nutritious breakfast your drive brings you up for one more hour to get to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead (4,638 m / 15,216 ft) to start your hike. Once there you’ll have a brief meeting with your guide before starting the hike.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain will usually take around 2 hours depending on your speed and level of physical fitness. The trail itself is not very steep except for the final climb, but the high altitude is what makes it challenging. Because of the strain that high altitude can cause on the body, it’s generally recommended to walk at a relaxed pace, so that you can enjoy the natural beauty around you. For those who prefer not to hike, there are usually horses available for rent along the trail, however they can only bring you to the end of the kinda flat part of the trail where you’ll have to dismount and climb the final 25 minutes stretch on foot to reach the summit.
The local people of this region keep herds of llamas and alpacas, so you’ll have the chance to see many of these furry creatures along the way. Once you reach the summit’s lookout point (5,035 m / 16,519 ft) you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of not only Rainbow Mountain but also the nearby Red Valley. Make sure to take a lot of pictures of this amazing landscape. After being at the top you’ll hike back to the starting point of the trek and get on the bus to return to the same place where you previously had breakfast, but this time you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Then you’ll go back to Cusco arriving at approximately 6:00 pm, and finally our bus will drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch & snacks
- Maximum altitude: 5,035 m / 16,519 ft
- Minimum altitude: 4,638 m / 15,216 ft
- Cusco altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft
- Distance hiked: 8.00 km / 4.97 ml
- Approximate walking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pick up in Cusco city
- Private transport throughout the tour
- Professional trekking Tour Guide
- Personalized service
- Small group tour max 8 people
- Polar blankets
- Entrance fee tickets
- Breakfast, lunch & snacks
- Non alcoholic drinks while on trek
- Emergency first aid kit
- Emergency oxigen bottle
- Hotel drop off in Cusco
- Hotel in Cusco
- Dinner in Cusco
- Gratuities
- Horse rental
- Trekking poles
- Travel insurance
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