Rainbow Mountain Hike 1 Day

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Peru Trails to experience the wonder of Rainbow Mountain. At 4,990 m (16,371 ft), Cerro Colorado is a naturally colorful formation, showcasing millions of years of geological art that appears almost hand-painted.

Hidden in a remote area of the Ausangate region, just a few hours from Cusco, Vinicunca – commonly known as the Rainbow Mountain – was once concealed beneath a thick layer of ice. With rising temperatures, the ice melted to reveal striking mineral deposits across the sandstone, displaying a natural palette of vivid hues.

The route takes you through picturesque farm valleys and local communities, while the trek itself rewards you with panoramic mountain views, encounters with herds of llamas and alpacas, and views of the snow-capped Ausangate, the tallest peak in the region.

“Pictures don’t do it justice” – you have to experience it for yourself.

Highlights

• Begin your day early to beat the crowds
• Trek with an expert guide trained by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and holding a tourism degree. At Peru Trails, we employ only the best guides to ensure your experience is exceptional.
• Marvel at the Andean landscapes, with abundant alpacas and llamas along the way
• Admire the colorful vistas of Rainbow Mountain and the stunning Red Valley

• Distance covered: 4.5 miles
• Duration: 1 day
• Hiking hours: The ascent to the top of Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on a gentle uphill trail, with an equally easy return along the same path.
• Type of trip: Includes car transport and trekking.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style at a local restaurant, courtesy of Peru Trails.
• Level of difficulty: Challenging, but your guide will support and encourage you every step of the way.

Group size: We keep our trekking groups small—typically between 2 to 8 people—to ensure personalized service and a more intimate connection with nature. This approach allows for close-up wildlife encounters and minimizes our impact on the fragile environment.

Our guides: At Peru Trails, our guides are among the best in the region. Many hold professional degrees and receive regular training with NOLS. Their expertise in local history, culture, and the natural environment is unmatched, ensuring that your trek is both safe and enriching.

Location: The journey begins in Cusco City or the Sacred Valley, based on your preference. To reach the starting point, you will fly from Lima to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport, a small domestic hub.

Departures: This trek is operated exclusively by Peru Trails. When you book with us, you travel with our team—tours are not shared with other operators. We offer departures daily, year-round, and our small group sizes guarantee personalized attention.

Bookings are accepted throughout the year without the need for long-term reservations. For any inquiries, contact us via WhatsApp at +51 987467790.

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Phulawasipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am, followed by a 2-hour drive to Cusipata, where a hearty breakfast awaits at a local restaurant. Next, enjoy a 50-minute drive to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), passing through scenic landscapes dotted with alpaca herds and agricultural fields.

The trek starts on a winding path that reveals spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife, including alpacas and llamas.

After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, you will arrive at the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). There’s no need for Photoshop or filters—this natural masterpiece is stunning in its pure form.

At the summit, take your time to capture photos, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and explore the surroundings. A short 20-minute walk will lead you into the serene Red Valley—a quieter, yet equally rewarding part of the trek, offering a peaceful walk among crimson-hued rocks.

The descent back to the van takes about 1.5 hours, followed by a 50-minute drive to Cusipata where a delicious lunch awaits. Finally, a 2-hour drive returns you to your hotel in Cusco or to any other specified drop-off location by around 3:00 pm.

Why Choose Peru Trails

• Peru Trails creates customized treks and tours tailored to your interests.
• We are dedicated to delivering world-class tours backed by outstanding customer service.
• As a locally owned and experienced travel company based in Cusco, our team has decades of firsthand experience in Peruvian tourism.
• Our staff is fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
• All our guides are highly trained in local history, culture, wilderness first aid, and environmental preservation.
• We are committed to environmental protection and sustainable tourism practices.
• We support local communities through fair labor practices and social programs, including education initiatives and community development projects.
• Our tours are designed to ensure a personal and immersive experience, keeping group sizes small for a more intimate encounter with nature.
• Peru Trails organizes worry-free trips so you can fully enjoy your adventure.

Specialists in Small Group Treks

Our tours are perfect for adventurers of all ages, whether you are traveling solo, with friends, as a couple, or with family. We keep our groups small—usually 4 to 8 people—to ensure flexibility, personalized attention, and access to unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.