Rainbow Mountain “Vinicunca” Full day

Itinerary

Hiking to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Very early in the morning (at 5:00 am), Pick up from your hotel, we will begin our adventure towards the rainbow Mountain “Vinicunca”. We go with our transport to the community of CUSIPATA by paved road approximately 1:30 hours, then continue along the Cusipata branch for a space of 30 minutes more, until arriving at CHILLIHUANI village, where we will pass through picturesque places such as TINTINKO, RIO TIGRE, we will observe the Mountain of Surina from the LLAQTO village, then we will pass the control of the local government of CUSIPATA, in this place you can appreciate the flora and fauna in their natural habitat. (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas, etc.). Where we will continue our journey along a road for about 20 minutes until we reach the starting point of our walk.

We began our adventure towards the Rainbow Mountain for 1 hour and a half approximately, where we can appreciate panoramic views such as the Red Valley and Mountains with Nevado del Ausangate and small lagoons, where we will have lunch and we will be able to appreciate and take pictures of the Mountain of Colors. Then we will begin to descend to our starting point for 1 hour and a half approximately.

Our Transport will be waiting for us there. Then return to Cusco for 2 hours approx. We are going to arrive at 5:00 p.m. approx. and we will leave you at your hotel.
ding trail

• Food:  Breakfast, Lunch.
• Difficulty:  Moderate.
• Walking Time: Approximately 2 - 3 hours (round trip).
• Maximum Altitude:  5,100 m./ 16,732 ft.
• Llaqto Trekking – Vinicunca Mountain:  7 km (4.35 miles).

What's Included?

• Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Cusipata - Llaqto the starting point of the trek to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
• Adventure Experienced rainbow Mountain trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Entry ticket to the Rainbow Mountain trail.
• Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost)
• Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek

What's not Included?

• Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel Insurance
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

Additional Services

What to Bring?

• Original Passport
• Day Pack
• Full rain gear or poncho (rainy season)
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear
• Headlamp 
• Sunglasses
• Hiking socks 
• Sunscreen
• Cold-weather jacket
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero or bandana
• Casual mountains wear for evenings 
• Photo/video cameras and chargers 
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle

PRICES

Important information

What is the difficulty level of the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The hike is of moderate difficulty, mainly due to the high altitude, which can make the route more challenging. The trail itself doesn't feature extremely steep inclines, but acclimatization and a basic level of fitness are essential to enjoy the experience comfortably.

What is the best location to choose my accommodation in Cusco?

INKA TRAIL Expeditions offers pick-up service from most hotels and hostels in downtown Cusco. Once you confirm your final accommodation, simply send us an email or text message 24 hours before the tour starts, and we'll update the information in our system. If your accommodation is too far from the city center or is an Airbnb, we'll recommend the best pick-up option at a hotel or nearby point.

Will I suffer from altitude sickness during this hike?

Not everyone experiences altitude sickness, and it's difficult to predict who might be severely affected. For most, symptoms don't go beyond a headache and mild dizziness that subside after 1-2 days in Cusco.

To reduce your chances of altitude sickness, we recommend:

• Avoid flying directly to high altitudes; if possible, ascend gradually to allow acclimatization.
• Stay well hydrated
• Slow down the pace of activities
• Chewing coca leaves, a traditional remedy used for centuries by local communities (available in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and street stalls)
• Consider medications for altitude sickness (Soroche) that are sold throughout Peru at affordable prices.

Is it possible to rent a horse during the hike?

Yes, you can rent a horse for approximately 90 soles for a 3-hour tour. Please note that there will be periods (between 20 and 40 minutes) where you will need to walk. If you are interested, please inform your guide at the start of the tour. This service is subject to availability and can only be booked on the day of the tour, not in advance.

Rainbow Mountain “Vinicunca” Full day Map