Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain: 2021 Updated information about Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru from COVID-19 protocols, how to get there, itineraries, prices, and FAQs.

Rainbow Mountain Brief Summary:

The multi-colored mountains are caused by the sediment of minerals throughout the area.
Also known as Vinicunca, a word originating from Peru’s native tongue Quechua, which translates to “colored mountain”.
Only recently discovered, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the main attractions to visit in Peru for all travellers and locals.
Visit the Official Rainbow Mountain Peru website for information about tours, things to know before you go, and how to get there.

Below we have created our extensive guide to Rainbow Mountain based on our expert local knowledge having helped to transport over 140,000 travellers here since our formation in 2013.

Rainbow Mountain Guide Contents:

Rainbow Mountain Tour Information – Check time, prices, and more.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain – Compare transportation options.
What to bring to Rainbow Mountain? – Be prepared for your tour.
Rainbow Mountain FAQs – We answer your frequently asked questions.
Did you know? – Rainbow Mountain fun facts.
Photo Gallery – A few of the best photos of the Rainbow Mountain.

Peru is open!

Peru Hop is the only company offering flexible date change until 2024 at NO extra cost.

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Rainbow Mountain Tour Information

Peru Hop does not operate any tours to Rainbow Mountain. To see Peru Hop’s recommended operators for this tour read below.

Rainbow Mountain Tour with Rainbow Mountain Travels

Price: $35 USD

Duration: Approximately 12 hours

Pick-ups: Hotels and hostels in Cusco city

Important Note: December, January and early February are prone to varying weather which can effect visibility on the mountain. However, the tour does continue as normal during this period.

Itinerary

04:00am – 04:40am

Pick-ups from hotels and hostels

06:00am – 07:00am

Arrive to Cusipata and have breakfast

08:15am – 10:00am

Trek to the peak of Rainbow Mountain walking through stunning and colorful scenery.

10:00am – 10:30am

Reach the peak of the mountain. Once at the top, enjoy the view of the majestic mountains surrounding the area.

11:00am – 12:30pm

Return to the starting point where the transportation awaits

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Lunch before heading back to Cusco

4:30pm

Arrive back at Cusco

Included

Pick-up from your hotel/hostel in the center of Cusco
Tourist bus transportation during the tour
Professional bilingual guide (Engish & Spanish)
1 simple breakfast / 1 buffet lunch
Entrance to the park
First aid kit
Oxygen tanks for emergencies

Not included:

Entrance to Cusipata – 5 soles (mandatory)
Entrance to Red Valley – 20 soles (optional)

If doing a tour of Rainbow Mountain we recommend you use Rainbow Mountain Travels for the highest quality tour at an affordable price!

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How to get to the Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is located in Cusco, just 3 hours away from the main city. The best way is to get a tour or trek that includes transportation from and to Cusco city.

If you are looking for information on the best buses to take to Cusco, visit our passes page. Just browse our passes and find the perfect one for you.

Peru is open!

Peru Hop is the only company offering flexible date change until 2024 at NO extra cost.

Find My Perfect Trip

What to bring and wear to Rainbow Mountain?

Small backpack
Extra water
Sunscreen
Personal medication
Warm layers
Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes
Sunglasses and a hat
Rain jacket or poncho

Rainbow Mountain FAQs

Are there chances of suffering altitude sickness during the trek?

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick at high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time (1-2 days).

We strongly recommend acclimatizing to the altitude before partaking in the trek. If short on time, consult your doctor on taking altitude sickness (acetazolamide/Diamox) or go for the natural remedy of locals, chewing coca leaves.

Rainbow Mountain Travels counts with a first-aid kit and oxygen tank as well as trained and professional guides prepared for any type of emergency that can occur during the trek.

What do I do if I get tired/exhausted during the trek?

There are horses available throughout the whole trek which you can ride for however long you want. NOTE no tour operator offers this, it’s run the by locals that live in the surrounding communities.

Like mentioned in the previous Q&A, Rainbow Mountain Travels counts with a first-aid kit and oxygen tank as well as trained and professional guides prepared for any type of emergency that can occur during the trek.

Does it actually look like the pictures?

Yes! And it’s definitely what makes the trek much more gratifying. There are unlucky days where the weather does ruin a little bit of the beauty, but it adds a mystical effect.

Did you know?

It was only recently discovered due to the ice melting on top of the mountains.
Its base altitude is 4,326 meters (14,189 feet), and its peak altitude is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).
The local Ausangate community is one of the only shepherding (raising llamas and alpacas) communities left in the world.

Gallery