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Rainbow Mountain: Early Access Adventure
4.9
2,239 Ratings
Cusco
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Rainbow Mountain, Peru’s top tourist attraction. Explore the vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes with the #1 tour operator.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Rainbow Mountain, Peru’s top tourist attraction. Explore the vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes with the #1 tour operator.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cusco - The day trip kicks off early, with hotel pickups scheduled between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. in Cusco. Departing before dawn ensures arrival at Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) ahead of the crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience and perfect photo opportunities. The initial part of the journey is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Cusipata,…
- Cusco - The day trip kicks off early, with hotel pickups scheduled between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. in Cusco. Departing before dawn ensures arrival at Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) ahead of the crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience and perfect photo opportunities. The initial part of the journey is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Cusipata, where the high-altitude adventure begins.
- Cusipata - The first stop is in the town of Cusipata, where a warm, traditional Andean breakfast awaits to energize participants for the day. This 30-minute break is ideal for relaxation, acclimatization, and enjoying local flavors before continuing the adventure.
Following breakfast, the journey continues with a 1-hour drive through scenic highland landscapes and the village of Pitumarca, arriving at Hanchipata–Llama Chimpana, the starting point for the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
- Vinicunca Mountain - The trek begins at the base of the Ausangate mountain range, with a 1-hour and 45-minute ascent to the summit of Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, trekkers may encounter various South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas. Upon reaching the red hill, breathtaking views of the vibrant landscape await.
- Red Valley Viewpoint - After reaching Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca), adventurers can opt for an additional 1-hour hike to the stunning Red Valley. This lesser-known gem offers otherworldly red and copper landscapes, seemingly painted by nature itself.
No need to worry about the altitude; oxygen tanks and essential safety equipment are readily available, and experienced guides are prepared to assist at every step!
- Cusco - After completing the hike, enjoy a scenic 1-hour descent back to the trailhead, where the driver will be waiting. From there, the journey returns to the District of Cusipata for a well-deserved, one-hour buffet lunch. Enjoy a variety of traditional Andean dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Following lunch, the drive back to Cusco begins, with an estimated arrival around 3:30 p.m., providing ample time to relax and reflect on the highlights of the Rainbow Mountain adventure.
Drop-off will be at Avenida El Sol, in front of the Qorikancha temple, around 4:30 p.m.
What's Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Private and comfortable transportation
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Entrance to the Vinicunca & Cusipata (other providers will charge you)
- Meals
- Blanket, first aid kit and oxygen mask
- Drop-off at Avenida El Sol, in front of Qorikancha temple
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Private and comfortable transportation
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Entrance to the Vinicunca & Cusipata (other providers will charge you)
- Meals
- Blanket, first aid kit and oxygen mask
- Drop-off at Avenida El Sol, in front of Qorikancha temple
What's Not Included
- Optional Red Valley entrance fee (30 soles, cash)
- Optional Red Valley entrance fee (30 soles, cash)
Additional Information
Avoid the crowds with exclusive early access to Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley on this comprehensive day tour from Cusco. Marvel at the stunning colors of this Andean treasure, and for those eager for more, choose the picturesque hike to Red Valley - a surreal landscape of red peaks and striking views. Along the journey, experience warm…
Avoid the crowds with exclusive early access to Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley on this comprehensive day tour from Cusco. Marvel at the stunning colors of this Andean treasure, and for those eager for more, choose the picturesque hike to Red Valley - a surreal landscape of red peaks and striking views. Along the journey, experience warm hospitality with a nourishing Andean breakfast and a delightful buffet lunch featuring authentic Peruvian dishes.
Our knowledgeable local guides accompany you throughout the tour, equipped with oxygen tanks and safety gear to ensure your adventure is as seamless and enjoyable as it is memorable.
Why Travelers Love This Experience:
- Be among the first to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain—peaceful and uncrowded
- Capture stunning views from panoramic lookout points
- Relish a hearty local breakfast and a delectable buffet lunch
- Hike with assurance thanks to expert guides, oxygen support, and safety equipment
Location
Cusco
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(2239 Ratings)
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Retiredandhappytrave
Dec 13, 2025
100% recommend - This is the best company to go with. Very well organised and the service is exceptional. The guides are very knowledgeable and will take good care of your every need. Also the buffet for breakfast and lunch is unbelievable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_c
Dec 6, 2025
So great! - This was an absolutely amazing experience! Rainbow mountain travel made it so great from beginning to end. Our guides Edgar and Vicky were enthusiastic and attentive, always making sure everyone was safe and ok. This was truly a dream come true for me and my husband and rainbow mountain travels made it more than anything we could have ever hoped for.
Review provided by Viator
320selmal
Dec 5, 2025
An Unforgettable Rainbow Mountain Experience - This review is for the incredible Yaki, our tour guide for the Rainbow Mountain trek and honestly, she made the entire experience unforgettable.
From the night before the tour, Yaki was already setting the tone with her professionalism and kindness. She reached out to us via WhatsApp, sent all the details we needed, answered every single question we had, and made sure we felt completely prepared for the adventure. Her communication was super clear, warm, and genuinely reassuring.
The next morning, Yaki and our driver Edgar arrived right on time for pickup. She even came into the hotel reception personally, called each of us by name, and gave a full explanation of the plan for the day. You could tell right away that she cares deeply about her group.
During the hike, Yaki was absolutely amazing. She kept a close eye on everyone, constantly checking in to make sure we were feeling well especially important at such high altitude (over 5,000 meters!). She shared helpful tips, encouraged us along the trail, and made the whole experience feel safe and enjoyable. On the way back down, if anyone felt a headache or any discomfort, she was prepared and even offered pills to help. It truly felt like being guided by someone who loves what she does and genuinely wants you to have the best experience possible.
The recommendations she gave ahead of time (clothing, snacks, money for extras, optional Red Valley hike, horse rental info, etc.) were spot on and made the day so much smoother. You can tell she’s extremely experienced and thoughtful.
If you’re thinking of doing Rainbow Mountain, ask for Yaki. Her warmth, organization, and care take the entire experience to another level. We could not have asked for a better guide. Highly, highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula
Dec 1, 2025
It was worth it! - Because we left super early we were almost the first. Despite the snow, the view was mega. Everyone could go up at their own pace and those who wanted were still allowed into the red valley. The driver and guide were super sweet and the buffet really delicious. Thanks for everything!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mario
Nov 30, 2025
Amazing and unique experience - At first, I didn't know if I could actually do this. I walk long distances for several hours, but not at such high altitudes or climbs. Our guide, Yaki, was great at making us bond as a team through this experience. She and other guides from the company kept a close eye on all of us to make sure we were ok and encouraging us to stay alert on any signs of exhaustion.
I was able to push through and do the entire climb on foot. It was exhausting, but incredibly fulfilling and personally life changing as to how far you can go. I'm still amazed I did it. You never know how your body will respond, but the team allows you to go at your own pace and cheer for you all the way. Still before you go, consider taking the horse ride as a backup plan in case you may need it.
The views were beautiful, both Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and Red Valley, and you can take wonderful photos with that astounding backdrop and with alpacas and llamas. We were lucky the snow was clear on one side to see the colors, and I strongly recommend including the Red Valley detour. The guides also take the perfect photo for you to show off later, which will definitely get you some compliments.
The early call is key to getting at a time with the least traffic for hiking. Our driver was very careful through the natural roads to keep us safe. The stops for breakfast and lunch were great to rest from the long trip to and from the mountain. We still made it back to Cusco early to rest and have dinner, making the best out of the day. Altogether, it was a fantastic experience that I will never forget. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P6503qovanessal
Nov 30, 2025
Amazing experience! - Incredible experience, highly recommend. Well-organized, ran on time, and there was enough flexibility to go at your own pace. The altitude is no joke but the hike is absolutely worth it and it’s not too difficult — you just need to pace yourself for the altitude. There is also the option for horses if you need it (although there is about 10-15 mins of stairs at the end). The guides are great — Edgar accommodating for the different needs of the group (e.g., fitness levels, when to let people nap from the early wake up, when to pump people up for the hike). He also literally held my hand to help me at one point as there was an optional additional climb to a viewpoint that was a little icy on the way down. Ronny was a great driver even on tight roads. Overall, great experience and would absolutely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tewei_t
Nov 28, 2025
Excellent - The guide was excellent and very responsible.
Reaching 5,000 meters of altitude was truly a unique experience,
and he even hiked all the way up with us.
He not only clarified the route for everyone
but also helped take photos and took great care of the group throughout the hike.
It was an unforgettable experience — thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Fe_b
Nov 25, 2025
Tour guides are great! - The tour guides are very active, attentive, and truly accommodating. They consistently stayed engaged throughout the entire visit, offering explanations, answering questions, and making sure everyone felt supported. Their energy and willingness to help made a strong positive impression, and it was clear that they were doing their best to create a good experience.
Review provided by Viator
Mariadelsocorroeliat
Dec 14, 2025
Nice visit - In the beginning, the guide did not call me for the pickup directions, already with all the passengers gave us the directions and the secondary guide was all the time pending all the pax, during the guide I could only see the main guide at the beginning, on the Mountain and on the return that I explain about the mountain
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannah
Dec 17, 2025
Do yourself a favour and book with someone else! - We were extremely disappointed with our tour of the rainbow mountain. The weather conditions were snowing, wet and cold which we were not warned of ahead of time. Our van was not safe as the tires were nearly bald, not equipped to go up the mountain and there were limited seatbelts. We were also not advised that there would be extreme snow on the mountain and when we arrived we were the only group to be there. Rainbow Mountain Travels should have either moved the trip to later in the day or rescheduled as the driving was not safe around the corners and the experience hiking was not enjoyable. Rainbow mountain.. more like snow mountain. The food was also quite average and i found a hair in my eggs in the morning and the again in my salad at lunch, was a bit gross. Do yourself a favour and book with someone else!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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