The Rainbow Mountain Trek—also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores—is one of Peru’s most stunning natural attractions and a rising star among the world’s top trekking destinations. Located in the Andes near Cusco, this high-altitude adventure leads you to a surreal landscape where mineral-rich soils paint the mountain in vivid stripes of red, gold, turquoise, and lavender.
In recent years, the Rainbow Mountain hike has captured the hearts of trekkers, photographers, and explorers looking for unique and Instagram-worthy travel experiences. Whether you’re planning a guided tour from Cusco or a self-guided day hike, the Rainbow Mountain Trek offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and cultural immersion.
This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking a less-crowded alternative to Machu Picchu, with the bonus of spectacular panoramic views and encounters with local Quechua communities along the way.
Rainbow Mountain Trek is an absolute must for all those who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery. If you are planning to Travel in Peru! You have to do it! It’s now the second-most visited site in Cusco after Machu Picchu! We have all arranged for you, you just need your hiking shoes and the desire to have the best trip ever.
You’ll receive a detailed briefing from your guide 1 or 2 days before your Rainbow Mountain Trek. The guide will meet you at your hotel, giving you a perfect opportunity to ask any questions, review the itinerary, and finalize your preparations for this unforgettable highland adventure.
Your full-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain Peru begins at 4:20 am with pickup directly from your hotel in Cusco. Our private transport offers a smooth, comfortable ride with cozy blankets, allowing you to rest during the three-hour journey through the Southern Valley of Cusco. As we leave the city behind, the scenery transforms into a peaceful blend of traditional Andean villages, Inca-era farming terraces, and wide open valleys framed by dramatic highland peaks.
Shortly after sunrise, we stop for a nourishing continental breakfast in a quiet highland community. While you enjoy your meal, you’ll be surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas, making it a perfect introduction to life in the Andes.
We then continue to the trailhead at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft), where the hike to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, begins. The trail follows a gentle path alongside a stream, winding between mountains that grow more spectacular with every step. Towering in the distance is Ausangate Mountain — one of the tallest and most sacred peaks in the Andes. Along the way, you’ll observe local families working the land in traditional clothing, maintaining the cultural heritage of Quechua-speaking communities.
Your guide will provide insights into the meaning behind the local attire, daily life in high-altitude villages, and even offer to teach you a few words in Quechua — a language spoken since the Inca Empire.
After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the iconic viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 meters (16,732 ft). The view is nothing short of breathtaking — a colorful geological marvel formed by natural mineral deposits that paint the mountain in vivid stripes of red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender. Here, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and learn from your guide about the mountain’s cultural and geological significance. Depending on weather and your pace, we’ll spend between 30 minutes to an hour at the summit.
For those who want to continue, an optional hike to the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft) is available. This hidden gem is a lesser-visited site with crimson-colored hills and surreal landscapes that feel untouched by time. A 30-minute walk leads to a panoramic viewpoint that offers a truly unique perspective of the high Andes.
We then begin our two-hour descent, retracing our steps along the trail. You’ll pass by more grazing llamas and alpacas, and with a bit of luck, you may spot wild vicuñas — rare and elegant creatures native to the region.
After returning to the starting point, we’ll head to Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in a local restaurant. Then, we begin our return trip to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel — tired but fulfilled, with unforgettable memories from one of the most scenic and culturally rich hikes in Peru.
Here’s a list of essential items to bring for your Rainbow Mountain trek to stay prepared and comfortable throughout the journey
The Rainbow Mountain Trek operates daily, year-round. Prices are valid from March 2025 through January 2026 and are listed in USD.
Daily Departure |
U$D 39.00 |
Per person |
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
Numbers |
Price Per Person |
Book Your Tour |
*02 people |
U$D 169.00 |
Book Now |
*03 people |
U$D 139.00 |
Book Now |
*04 – 05 people |
U$D 89.00 |
Book Now |
*06- 08 people |
U$D 69.00 |
Book Now |
