Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco: Full-Day Tour to Vinicunca
Full Day
Up to 12 travelers
5,036 m / 16,522 ft
Challenging
Overview
Vinicunca, known worldwide as Rainbow Mountain, is the best-known of Cusco’s colored mountains: bands of red, ochre, mauve and green on a ridge at 5,036 m (16,522 ft), according to Peru’s official tourism inventory (MINCETUR). On this full-day tour you hike to the viewpoint with a bilingual guide, with round-trip transport from Cusco, breakfast and lunch, from USD 70.
It is the most demanding way to see the colors and also the most complete: you cross the high puna on foot, at a measured pace, and earn the view.
Highlights
- The classic viewpoint over Vinicunca’s striped slopes.
- Wide views of the high Andes; MINCETUR highlights the panorama of the snow-capped Ausangate.
- A guided walk across the puna, with regular stops to adjust to the altitude.
- Your guide’s explanation of the mineral layers and the local environment.
What's Included
Included 6
- Pre-tour coordination
- Professional bilingual guide
- Round-trip tourist transport from Cusco
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Small-group service
- Breakfast and lunch
Not Included 4
- Tourist entrance fees unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Services or activities not described in the itinerary
What Should You Bring? 7
- Passport or ID
- Water
- Sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Small amount of cash
Itinerary
1
Early departure
Cusco – Cusipata
Pickup before dawn in Cusco and drive south toward the mountain communities. Breakfast is served on the way, before the final stretch of road to the Phulawasipata trailhead, where the landscape opens toward the Vilcanota range.
2
High-altitude hike
Phulawasipata – Vinicunca
Guided ascent at a measured pace with regular stops to adjust to the altitude. The first 1.5 km cross gentle high plains (4,620–4,690 m); from km 2.7 (4,820 m) the steep final climb leads to the viewpoint at 5,036 m, at km 3.7.
3
Viewpoint and return
Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Time at the viewpoint for photos while your guide explains the mineral layers and the local environment. Descent along the same trail to the trailhead (7.4 km round trip), lunch and afternoon drive back to Cusco.
Route & elevation profile
- 7.4 kmhiking distance (4.6 mi)
- 5,036 mhighest point on foot: Vinicunca (16,522 ft)
- +416 melevation gain from Phulawasipata
- km 0 Phulawasipata Trailhead (Cusipata side)
- km 1.5 High plain Gentle section across the puna
- km 2.7 Final climb Start of the steep final ascent
- km 3.7 Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain summit viewpoint
- km 7.4 Phulawasipata Return to the trailhead
Good to know
Difficulty and altitude
The hike is rated challenging. It is not technical, but all of it is above 4,600 m. Our route profile:
- Phulawasipata trailhead (Cusipata side): 4,620 m (15,157 ft), km 0.
- Gentle section across the puna: 4,690 m, km 1.5.
- Start of the steep final climb: 4,820 m, km 2.7.
- Vinicunca viewpoint: 5,036 m (16,522 ft), km 3.7.
The round trip is 7.4 km (4.6 mi) with about 416 m (1,365 ft) of climbing, half of it in the last kilometer. MINCETUR estimates about 1 hour 45 minutes uphill on the Cusipata side.
Who this tour is for
Fit walkers who have acclimatized: spend at least two nights in Cusco first (see our altitude sickness guide). If you have a heart or lung condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before going above 5,000 m. If you would rather walk less, compare the ATV tours below; for a gentler trail, look at Palccoyo.
Best time to go
MINCETUR recommends the dry season, April to October. The site is open all year from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but from November to April rain, and sometimes snow, can hide the colors.
What to bring
Passport or ID, water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket or poncho and a small amount of cash.
Good to know
- Included: professional bilingual guide, round-trip transport, breakfast and lunch, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Weather, road conditions and community access can change the order of the day; the guide adjusts it without dropping the main visit.
Which Rainbow Mountain tour should you choose?
| Rainbow Mountain on foot | Rainbow Mountain ATV | ATV + Red Valley | Palccoyo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | USD 70 | USD 121 | USD 130 | USD 85 |
| How you go up | Hiking | ATV, then a 10-minute walk | ATV, 10-minute walk and Red Valley on foot | Hiking on a gentler trail |
| Hiking (round trip) | About 7.4 km | Short final section | Short final section plus Red Valley | About 4.5 km |
| Highest point | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 4,935 m (Stone Forest) |
| Best for | Fit hikers on a budget | Less walking at high altitude | Adding the Red Valley | Fewer crowds and an easier walk |
Full comparison with official altitudes, hikes and entrance fees: Rainbow Mountain vs Palccoyo vs Pallay Punchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
It is rated challenging because of the altitude, not the terrain. Our route profile covers 7.4 km (4.6 mi) round trip from Phulawasipata (4,620 m) to the viewpoint (5,036 m), with about 416 m (1,365 ft) of climbing, half of it in the final kilometer. MINCETUR estimates about 1 hour 45 minutes uphill on the Cusipata side.
How high is Rainbow Mountain?
The Vinicunca viewpoint is at 5,036 m (16,522 ft), the figure in MINCETUR's official records (updated 12 June 2026). The hike starts at about 4,620 m, so the whole day is spent at very high altitude.
Do I need to acclimatize first?
Yes. Spend at least two nights in Cusco before this tour and avoid strenuous activity if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness. Our altitude sickness guide explains the warning signs.
How much is the Rainbow Mountain entrance fee?
MINCETUR lists S/ 30 for foreign adults, S/ 15 for foreign children, S/ 15 for Peruvian adults and S/ 7.50 for Peruvian children, the same on the Cusipata and Pitumarca sides (records updated 12 June 2026). Fees are set locally and may change.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
MINCETUR recommends the dry season, from April to October. The site is open all year from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but rain and snow from November to April can hide the colors.
What should I bring?
Passport or ID, water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket or poncho and a small amount of cash.
Should I hike or take the ATV?
Hike (USD 70) if you are fit and want the full trail of about 7.4 km. The ATV tour (USD 121) replaces most of the approach with a ride and a 10-minute uphill walk; the ATV + Red Valley tour (USD 130) adds the Red Valley. For an easier hike with fewer people, see Palccoyo (USD 85).
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, road conditions and community access may require the guide to adjust the order of the day without removing the main visit.
