Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco Vinicunca
All-inclusive Guided hike
Full Day
FROM
45 USD
PER PERSON
Duration
12 HOURS
Tour Type
DAILY TOUR
Group Size
2 - 15 PEOPLE
Difficulty level
EASY TO MODERATE
Language
ENGLISH SPANISH
DESCRIPTION
Rainbow Mountain Tour
Explore one of the most magnificent geological wonders on Earth with our Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco Vinicunca, a guided trekking experience tailored for nature lovers, landscape enthusiasts, and photographers. Situated in the Ausangate mountain range at 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 ft), this geological ridge is renowned for its vibrant mineral strata exposed over millions of years. Your journey begins with a morning pickup at your Cusco hotel, transferring in a comfortable tourist vehicle toward the southern Andean valley.
We make a scheduled stop in Cusipata to enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast designed to provide energy before hiking. We then proceed to the Phulawasipata trailhead (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) to begin our walk. Along a gradual trail surrounded by grazing llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped peaks, you will hike alongside our certified official tour guide, who offers steady assistance and geographical insights until reaching the main Vinicunca viewpoint.
Mountain Safety & Local Operational Support:
At Cultural Perú, passenger safety on high-altitude trails is paramount. We provide certified guides equipped with first-aid kits and medical oxygen bottles, a return transfer to our Cusipata restaurant for a rewarding buffet lunch, and return transport to central Cusco.
If you’re looking for more options, we recommend the ATV Tour in the Seven Colors Mountain. Contact our operators for more information.
WHY
Why Experience the Vinicunca Hike with an Official Guide
Altitude Monitoring & Emergency Oxygen Gear
Hiking above 17,000 feet requires professional supervision. Our guides constantly monitor group pace and carry portable oxygen equipment to handle altitude fatigue promptly.
Buffet Breakfast and Lunch in Hygienic Facilities
Refuel with complete buffet dining: fresh local dishes, hot soups, vegetables, and herbal teas formulated to aid digestion at high elevations.
Optional Local Horse Rental Support
At the Phulawasipata trailhead, local community members provide optional horse rentals for guests needing assistance during the uphill trek (paid directly to locals).
Transparent Pricing & Direct WhatsApp Support
Booking with Cultural Perú guarantees direct local pricing without third-party commission markups, alongside direct communication with our local team in Cusco.
LET YOURSELF BE INSPIRED!
Rainbow Mountain Vinincunca
OUR
Guided Vinicunca Tour Itinerary
Trip Summary:
Duration: Full-day guided hike (Approx. 12 Hours)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft)
- 04:00 AM – 04:30 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco: Picked up directly at your hotel in central Cusco.
- 06:30 AM – Buffet Breakfast in Cusipata: Stop at our partner restaurant for hot drinks, grains, fruit, and bread.
- 08:00 AM – Trailhead Arrival in Phulawasipata: Brief safety orientation at 4,600 m (15,091 ft) before starting the hike.
- 10:00 AM – Vinicunca Summit Viewpoint: Reach the main overlook at 5,200 m (17,060 ft), enjoy guide commentary and photo opportunities with Ausangate glacier.
- 11:30 AM – Return Descent Walk: Walk back down along the same path to Phulawasipata parking area.
- 01:30 PM – Buffet Lunch in Cusipata: Return by transport to enjoy a hearty Peruvian buffet lunch.
- 04:30 PM – Final Return to Cusco: Arrival back in central Cusco (near Plaza de Armas or hotel drop-off).
TABLE
Trekking Options: Choices for Every Traveler
Hiking Option
Traditional Hike (Included)
Hiking Option
Moderate
Service Description
Standard guided walk along the official designated trail.
Hiking Option
Horse Rental (Optional)
Hiking Option
Low
Service Description
Option to rent horses directly from local community members at the trailhead.
Hiking Option
ATV / Quad Bike Route (Special)
Hiking Option
Minimal
Service Description
Alternative ATV route along a secondary trail to minimize walking distance.
TOUR
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Pre-tour information.
- Round-trip tourist transport (Cusco – Phulawasipata – Cusco).
- Certified Official Mountain Guide (English/Spanish).
- Nutritious Buffet Breakfast in Cusipata.
- Full Buffet Lunch in Cusipata (vegetarian choices included).
- Vinicunca community entrance permit.
- First-aid kit and medical oxygen bottle.
- Trekking poles (upon advance request).
- A unique experience created by Cúltural Perú Tours.
Exclusions:
- Optional horse rental (~80 to 100 PEN paid directly to community horse handlers).
- Optional Red Valley entry permit (~20 PEN).
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Essential Altitude Trekking Recommendations
- Prior Acclimatization: Rest in Cusco for at least 1 to 2 days prior to this hike to adapt to the elevation properly.
- Layered High-Mountain Clothing: Wear windproof jackets, thermal layers, beanies, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes with grip.
- Sun Protection & Hydration: Apply FPS 50+ sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and drink coca tea or water during the journey.
- Bring warm clothing.
- Walking sticks.
- A rain poncho during the rainy season.
- Hiking/trekking shoes.
- Water
Before travelling
- This tour involves a moderate amount of walking time, as well as stairs.
- Some of the places you will visit are about 3800 meters above sea level, higher than the city of Cusco.
- There will be stops at local artisan souvenir shops so you can browse and shop, if you like.
CONSULT
Prices
The price is per person. Request our seasonal offers and promotions for last minute bookings. If you have questions regarding prices, destinations or the tour, we will be happy to assist you. Write to us at info@culturalperu.com, you can also contact us at:
Cell phone – WhatsApp: +51 974 995090.
IMPORTANT
- For reservations 3 months in advance request a special discount.
- For groups larger than 4 people, contact us to send you a special price.
OFFERS
Transparent Rates: Rainbow Mountain Tour
TOUR IN GROUP SERVICE - Minimum of 2 people
(Per person rates including tourist transport, buffet meals, guide, oxygen gear, and entrance fees)
Prefer a Private Tour or ATV Adventure?
We organize private vehicle tours with tailored schedules or combination routes featuring ATV Quad Bikes to Vinicunca upon request.
Check Live Availability & Book on WhatsApp Here.
CONTACT
Reservation Form
From
45 USD
Contact us
You have a question?
Do not hesitate on calling us. We are a team of experts and we are happy to speak with you.
- +51 326598
- +51 974306885
- +51 974995090
- Info@culturalperu.com
- Culturalperutours@gmail.com
QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions: Rainbow Mountain Tour Vinicunca
What is the exact elevation at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain?
The main viewpoint reaches 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet).
How long does the hike take?
The uphill walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and the return downhill walk takes about 1 hour.
Is hiring a horse necessary?
No, horse rentals are optional and available at the trailhead for hikers seeking physical assistance.
What food is served during the buffet lunch?
The buffet includes soups, chicken, beef, vegetables, rice, legumes, fresh salads, and hot herbal teas.
What happens if I feel altitude sickness symptoms?
Our guide carries a portable medical oxygen tank and first-aid equipment to assist you immediately.
What is the best season for this hike?
The dry season (April through November) provides clearer skies and best visibility of the mountain pigments.
How does this tour differ from the 1-day tour page?
This page focuses specifically on the geological trekking experience of Vinicunca, whereas the other page addresses general full-day logistics.
Why book directly with Cultural Perú?
We offer small group management, certified mountain guides, modern vehicles, and direct local support in Cusco.
REVIEWS
Traveler Reviews & Feedback
WHY BOOK WITH US?
Best price guaranteed without complications
Customer service 24/7.
Carefully selected tour and activities.
Free travel insurance.
OUR
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