Rainbow Mountain Peru (Vinicunca) - 1D
Expedition Overview
Trek to the breathtaking 5,200m peak of Vinicunca, famously known as the Mountain of Seven Colors. Hidden deep within the high Andes, this geological wonder looks like a painting come to life, with its vibrant stripes of turquoise, lavender, gold, and magenta formed by mineral deposits over millions of years. This full-day adventure is a challenging high-altitude trek, but the reward at the summit is an unparalleled panoramic view of the Rainbow Mountain and the towering Ausangate glacier.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Phulawasipata – Vinicunca
We pick you up from your hotel between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. We drive south from Cusco for about 2 hours to the town of Cusipata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast. We then continue driving for another hour along a scenic dirt road to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,626m). From here, we begin our 1.5 to 2-hour ascent. The trail itself is gradual, but the extreme altitude makes it physically demanding. Along the way, you will see herds of alpacas and llamas roaming the rugged landscape. Upon reaching the summit pass at 5,200m, you will be struck by the vivid colors of Vinicunca and the imposing snow-capped peak of Ausangate in the distance. After soaking in the views and taking photos, we descend for about 1.5 hours back to the trailhead. We drive back to Cusipata for a well-earned buffet lunch before returning to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 PM. • Trekking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles (round trip) • Estimated Hiking Time: 3.5 hours • Highest Altitude: 5,200m / 17,060ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- ✓Professional bilingual high-altitude guide
- ✓Comfortable tourist transportation (round trip)
- ✓Nutritious breakfast and buffet lunch in Cusipata
- ✓First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
✕ Not Included
- —Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain (approx. 25 Soles)
- —Horse rental for the ascent (optional, arranged locally)
- —Personal trekking snacks and extra water
- —Tips for the guide and driver
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.