Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour

Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary – Full Day

🕗 Schedule: 4:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Meeting Point: Pickup at your hotel (Cusco historic center)
🕒 Duration: Full Day – 12 hours approx.

Detailed Itinerary

4:30 a.m. – Pickup and Departure from Cusco
We begin the day early, picking up all participants from their hotels in the historic center. We’ll take the southern route toward the Andes, enjoying an impressive sunrise as the Andean landscape lights up.

Scenic Route to Cusipata
Along the road we’ll pass valleys, mountains, and small high-Andean communities dedicated to llama and alpaca herding. This route offers perfect views for photographing Peru’s rural landscape.

Breakfast in Cusipata
We stop in Cusipata to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast. This is the perfect moment to recharge with coffee, bread, fruit, and warm dishes before beginning the hike.

Phulawasipata – Start of the Hike
We arrive at the base camp located at 4,400 m.a.s.l., from where we begin the hike to Vinicunca. The trail is around 3 km (about 1.5 hours) through paths surrounded by multicolored mountains and local wildlife like llamas and alpacas.

Arrival at the Summit of Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca
At 5,200 m.a.s.l., we reach the highest point of the tour. Here you will have time to:

• Enjoy a panoramic view of the Vilcanota Mountain Range
• Learn about the geological formation of Rainbow Mountain, thanks to your guide’s explanation
• Take spectacular photos of Vinicunca and its natural colors
• Rest and connect with the energy of the Apus

Return to Phulawasipata
We begin the descent along the same path, taking advantage of new landscapes and capturing the last photos of the trek.

Lunch in Cusipata
Before returning to Cusco, we enjoy a traditional buffet lunch with local dishes—perfect for recovering after the hike.

Return to Cusco – End of the Tour
After lunch, we take the bus back to Cusco. Arrival is approximately at 5:00 p.m., ending the tour at your hotel or a central point in the city.

What the Rainbow Mountain Tour Includes and Does Not Include

Includes

✅ Pickup at your accommodation (urban area of Cusco)
✅ Round-trip tourist transportation
✅ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English)
✅ First aid kit
✅ Oxygen tank
✅ Trekking poles
✅ Full meals: breakfast and buffet lunch
✅ Return to Cusco’s historic center

Not included

❌ Entrance to Rainbow Mountain – S/ 30.00 per person (direct payment at Vinicunca control)
❌ Horse rental – Approx. S/ 80.00 (optional service offered by local residents)
❌ Water or additional drinks
❌ Tips (optional, based on personal appreciation)
❌ Travel insurance (recommended; purchase it in your home country)

Additional Details

Recommendations for the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour

To fully enjoy this experience at more than 5,000 m.a.s.l., keep these suggestions in mind:

• Ideally, stay in Cusco at least 48 hours before the tour for proper acclimatization.
• Before visiting Rainbow Mountain, take light walks around the city or join short tours such as
  Cusco City Tour,
  Sacred Valley,
  Maras – Moray – Chinchero,
  South Valley, or even an early visit to
  Machu Picchu. This helps improve your adaptation to altitude.
• Drink coca tea or Andean infusions; they are excellent for reducing altitude sickness effects.
• Wear appropriate clothing for hiking:
  trekking shoes,
  thermal wear, gloves, and accessories to protect you from the cold.

What to Bring on the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour

Prepare the essentials for a comfortable and safe experience:

• Trekking poles (optional but helpful for the ascent).
• Light backpack for personal items.
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Hat or cap for the sun.
• High-protection sunscreen.
• Personal medication, especially if you tend to experience altitude sickness.
• Energy bars or light snacks.
• Lip balm.
• Sunglasses.
• Camera or phone with good battery.
• Enough bottled water.
• Some extra soles for additional expenses such as horses, snacks, or local services.