The Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, located at over 5,000 meters above sea level, is one of Peru’s most spectacular and visited natural attractions, famous for its iconic multi-colored mineral stripes. With Vilcabamba Tours, this demanding full-day adventure combines physical challenge with breathtaking natural surroundings, allowing travelers to hike at the foot of the imposing Ausangate glacier, interact with local communities, and observe high-andean wildlife such as llamas and alpacas under the highest standards of safety and comfort.
Brief Itinerary
- 04:00 a.m. – 04:30 a.m. – Pickup: Hotel pickup in Cusco by the Vilcabamba Tours team and travel south in tourist transport.
- 08:00 a.m. – Breakfast: Arrival in Cusipata for an energetic breakfast, followed by a transfer to Phulawasipata.
- 09:00 a.m. – Trekking: Start of the 1.5-hour hike surrounded by Andean landscapes and local wildlife accompanied by our expert guide.
- 11:00 a.m. – Summit: Arrival at the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m a.s.l.) with free time for photos and exploration.
- 12:00 p.m. – Return: Descent and return hike to Phulawasipata.
- 01:00 p.m. – Lunch: Andean buffet lunch in Cusipata with local ingredients.
- 05:00 p.m. – Arrival: Arrival in Cusco and end of services with Vilcabamba Tours.
Detailed Itinerary
The day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, from where you will embark on an approximately three-hour journey south in the comfortable tourist transport of Vilcabamba Tours. Along the way, you will pass traditional villages such as Oropesa, Andahuaylillas, and Urcos, until reaching the district of Cusipata, the designated spot for a replenishing breakfast to provide the necessary energy for the climb. Later, the journey continues by vehicle to Phulawasipata, located at 4,600 meters of altitude, which marks the official start of the trekking.
Starting at 9:00 a.m., an approximately one-and-a-half-hour walk begins through a majestic natural setting, where herds of alpacas, llamas, and highland birds accompany the trail under the imposing gaze of the Ausangate mountain range. Around 11:00 a.m., you reach the main viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 meters above sea level. Accompanied by our professional guide, you will have a full hour of free time to contemplate the stunning geological formations, take photographs, and connect with the mysticism of the Andes.
The return hike to Phulawasipata takes place at noon, followed by a short transfer in our transport back to Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch based on local Andean gastronomy. Finally, the return trip concludes with the arrival in Cusco around 5:00 p.m., where our team will drop you off, ending an unforgettable high-mountain experience organized by Vilcabamba Tours.
Inclusions
- Direct pickup from your hotel in Cusco by Vilcabamba Tours staff.
- Round-trip tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- 1 energetic breakfast in the town of Cusipata.
- 1 Andean buffet lunch based on local ingredients.
- Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain.
- Professional guide service (English – Spanish).
- First aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen tank for your total safety.
Exclusions
- Optional horse rental (Approx. S/ 100.00, subject to variation by local provider).
- Dinner and personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.
