Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Hike

Cusco, Peru

Nature OutdoorsAdventure

Would you do this?

Duration12 hrs

EffortStrenuous

BudgetMid-Range

PriceUSD 55

StyleGuided Tour

Best monthsApr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

About This Activity

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), exposed by retreating glaciers only around 2015, sits at 5,200m and displays extraordinary bands of red, yellow, green, and purple mineral-rich rock. Full-day group tours depart Cusco at around 4 AM and cost $45–55 per person including transport and guide (entrance fee ~$8 extra at trailhead). The hike requires 2–3 hours of high-altitude trekking each way and demands solid acclimatization; horse riding is available for the steepest sections. One of Peru's most dramatic photo destinations.

Seasonal note: Best Apr–Oct (dry season); snow or mud can close the trail Nov–Mar. Only attempt after 2+ days acclimatizing in Cusco (3,400m) before tackling 5,200m.

See This in an Itinerary

This activity appears in 19 of our curated itineraries.

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