For centuries, nature sculpted Rainbow Mountain in Peru. A decade ago, melting snow unveiled its red, purple, gold, and blue hues. Known as ‘la montaña de siete colores’, it’s Peru’s must-visit spot.
Explore Inca offers trekking tours to this renowned Andean destination called Rainbow Mountain. Our team, seasoned travelers and designers, ensure an unparalleled experience. Dive deep into Vinicunca’s magic with us. Read on to ensure that your Rainbow Mountain experience is as meaningful and memorable as possible.
Where is Rainbow Mountain
Towering into the sky at 5,200 meters above sea level, Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude trekking destination in southern Peru. The glorious marbled mountain is located roughly 3 hours southeast of the imperial city of Cusco. Thisi s where guests of Explore Inca will traverse by private transportation. Its proximity to Cusco means that Rainbow Mountain is most often visited as a day trip from the historical city.
How to get there
Nestled in the Andes of Peru, Rainbow Mountain is just over 60 miles from Cusco. Just before or at sunrise, private transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for a scenic drive to the base of the mountain.
The hike to the Vinicunca viewpoint and back can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Keep in mind the Rainbow Mountain experience can be done upon foot, by horseback or a combo of the two (more on that below).
Afterward, you will refuel with a satisfying lunch before transportation takes you back to your hotel. No doubt you will sleep like a rock after this Cusco adventure!
Hiking and horseback riding to the top
Vinicunca may not be the highest mountain in Peru (that title is owed to Huascaran in the Cordillera Blanca), yet its altitude is more than half that of Mount Everest. In other words, making your way to the top of Rainbow Mountain is no easy feat.
Rainbow Mountain’s hike begins at a staggering 4,600 masl. Explore Inca advises acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Trekking along a scenic trail, behold the valley and Ausengate vistas. While predominantly flat, a thrilling steep climb awaits near the end, reaching a majestic 5,200 masl viewpoint.
Though the hike is just 2.5 miles, the extreme altitude of Vinicucna can be physically taxing for some travelers. Locals of the indigenous Pampachiri community and their horses are at the ready should a traveler need help to complete a portion of the hike (however, this is not included in our services). Keep in mind, however, that the final and steep climb to the top can only be done by foot.
Best time to visit Rainbow Mountain
The main draw for tourists to visit Vinicunca is of course the wonderful display of colors. For that reason, the Cusco’s wet season (November-April) is not ideal for visiting Rainbow Mountain is the colors may be muted by overcast skies. Not to mention, the hike up after a rain can be a bit tricky with the muddy trails.
Aim for the dry season (end of April to late November), especially June-August. These months are the best time of year to visit Vinicunc as the skies will be a clear blue to backdrop the vivid earthen stripes.
Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain journey
Did you know Explore Inca combines Cusco’s top sites in one trip?
In just 7 days and 6 nights, journey to the majestic Machu Picchu. Our guided tour dives deep into Inca culture and the citadel’s significance.
After a restful night spent in Aguas Calientes, you will return to Cusco city. The next day is reserved for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Rainbow Mountain. This site has only been on the radar of tourists for less than a decade, yet its great physical challenge and picturesque views are unforgettable.
