Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Day Trip from Cusco
Overview
Vinicunca is the mountain on every Peru wish list: a ridge striped in red, pink, mustard and green, the colours coming from layers of clay, sandstone and iron-rich minerals. It sits south-east of Cusco on the road to Ausangate, and reaching it is a proper adventure.
You're picked up in Cusco before dawn and driven into the mountains, with breakfast on the way. From the trailhead, the walk up takes around one and a half to two hours on a clear path, past alpacas and herders' houses, to a viewpoint at around 5,000 metres. On the top you look across the stripes to the snow peaks of Ausangate. After time for photos, you walk back down for lunch before the drive back to Cusco in the evening.
The walk itself isn't technical, but the altitude makes it hard work. Do it at the end of your stay in Cusco, once you've acclimatised. Horses can usually be hired at the trailhead for part of the climb.
Highlights
- Walk up to a viewpoint at about 5,000 metres
- Striped slopes of red, pink, mustard and green
- Views to the snow peaks of Ausangate
- Alpacas and Andean herding villages
- Breakfast and lunch on the way
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and return in Cusco
- Transport to the trailhead
- Guide
- Breakfast and lunch
- Community entrance fee, unless stated by the operator
- Horse hire
- Tips
Location
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Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
The path is easy underfoot, but you walk at up to about 5,000 metres, so it's tiring. Acclimatise in Cusco for a few days first. Horses are usually available for part of the way up.
Layers, a warm jacket, a hat and gloves, sun cream, sunglasses and walking boots. Mornings are freezing and the sun is strong at altitude.
