How to Visit Mount Vinicunca, Peru’s Rainbow Mountain

This post contains affiliate links.

This weekend Daniel and I hiked to Mount Vinicunca, Peru’s rainbow mountain.

We were fortunate to be able to do the trek at all – it used to take tourists days of hiking to get a view of this surreal landscape. The new one-day trek was only discovered and opened for tourism in January 2015.

Why?

Because it was hidden under a large glacier, that has now melted due to climate change.

Because of these rising temperatures, instead of a grueling trek through the mountains, we can enjoy the rainbow colored land in a one-day trip from Cusco. It’s a sad fact undermining the beauty of the day, and caused me to vow to make sure I do more to protect our earth.

2018 Edit: Although our guide cited melting glaciers as an aspect thats led to increased tourism and it’s mentioned in this Forbes article as well, I’ve began to look into it more and now I’m not so sure that’s the case.

My friend Diego has been a guide in Cusco for years and says that increased demand, better roads, and more services on the route and climb have led to the recent boom in tours to the Rainbow Mountains, and not melting glaciers (although that certainly is an issue that’s happening in Peru at the moment!)

The Stats

Difficulty: Moderate

Altitude: The hike begins at 14,000 ft. and peaks at 17,000 ft.

Temperature: Varies from about 30 to 60 degrees throughout the day. I wore multiple jackets, gloves, and a scarf in the morning, but finished the trek in a t-shirt. Come prepared with layers.

Cost: 70 soles / $22 usd

Hike Time: 5 hours

Distance: 6 miles

Total Tour Time: 15 hours from Cusco to return

How To Book a Tour and What to Expect

Mount Vinicunca is not an easy trek. It begins high in the Andes at 14,000 feet and peaks at almost 17,000. So, even though it’s only 6 miles round trip the thin air makes it feel much longer.

Daniel and I made sure to drink plenty of coca tea and eat coca toffees on our hike to combat the effects of high altitude and ward off any headaches or dizziness. That being said, the hike is still a must do while you’re in Cusco.

We booked our tour the night before we decided to do it.

If you’re planning on visiting this and many of the other tourist sites in Cusco, you will get much cheaper prices by booking in person at the agencies in town rather than booking in advance online. There are hundreds of little tour shops and everything (except the Inca Trail) can be booked just a day or two before departure.

Just like everything else in Cusco, prices are negotiable.

Look for signs advertising Mount Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. We snagged a deal on the street on the right side of the Cathedral in Plaza de Armas for 60 soles each – less than $20 for the trek!

If you feel you must pre-book a spot for peace of mind (hey, I’ve been there) The TripGuru offers one of the cheapest deals I’ve seen online for $39 per person – click here to check it out. 

The price includes transport, breakfast and lunch, English speaking “guides”, and a doctor. The trail is well marked and pretty obvious, though, so the guides didn’t stick with us on the walk or give us much information at all.

If you don’t want to book a tour, this trip could easily be done on your own if you pack some food and rent a car.

However, we liked the security of having a doctor to provide oxygen and care in case something went wrong at the high altitude. We also enjoyed having a hot meal provided after the 6 mile walk.

My tip: Wait a few days in Cusco to acclimate before you book the trek to Mount Vinicunca. You’ll be better prepared for the high altitude and it will help prevent altitude sickness.

The Trek

The drive from Cusco began with a 3:30 am pick up at our apartment, followed by a 3-hour drive to the town near the trailhead. The last hour or so of the drive is on dirt roads winding along a sheer cliff face so… don’t take a window seat if you’re afraid of heights!

Also, make sure you wear layers.

The morning was freezing and I wore two jackets, gloves, and a scarf. Later on the trek though, the sun was beating down and I did most of it in a t-shirt.

Temperatures change quickly in the mountains so make sure you’re prepared for both extremes (a good tip for any treks you do from Cusco).

After we ate a quick breakfast, we drove another 20 minutes to the beginning of the trail, where even the views of the surrounding mountains from the parking lot were stunning!

We began our tour in a large group – 5 buses worth – but quickly began to spread out along the path.

Some people opted to pay another 60 soles / $20 usd for a horse to take them up the impending three-mile incline, but we decided to do it the old fashioned way.

Don’t worry, if you get tired or the altitude gets the best of you you can still rent a horse easily at any point on the trek to take you to the top.

We came to a gate and paid a 10 sole / $3 usd entrance fee, then we were on our way.

The trek is three miles out and three miles back. On our way we passed whats left of the highest glacier in Peru. It was a stunning view, and not even the main attraction. The streaked and colored mountains also begin to come into view as we climbed.

Finally, the trek to Mount Vinicunca finished with a steep hike up the mountainside to view the famous “rainbow mountain” on the other side.

Although it’s rarely shown, there are also snow capped peaks, deep valleys, and gorgeous panorama views on all sides. It was breathtaking.

We hung out at the peak for about 30 minutes before we got too old and had to go.

The walk back was easier because it was mostly downhill, and the way the afternoon light hit the mountains enhanced the colors streaking through them.

The rainbow look isn’t confined to Mount Vinicanca, but actually extends through the whole range. This made for a picturesque trek back to the parking lot as well.

Finally, we reached our bus again at 1pm after five hours of walking.

We returned to the same restaurant where we ate breakfast for a buffet lunch, and then made the long, but beautiful, drive home. After almost 15 hours total, we arrived in Cusco again at 6pm.

Whew. It was an exhausting but unforgettable day.

If you are visiting Peru, this site certainly should not be missed!

What to Pack for the Hike to Rainbow Mountain

Because this trek is at such high altitude it’s important to come prepared and not to underestimate the difficulty of the hike.

I recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and bringing a small day pack with:

• A large water bottle (or two)
• Snacks to refuel with on the trek
• Camera
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Layers like a jacket or sweatshirt for the quickly changing weather
• Cash for renting a horse (if you choose to do so) or tipping the guide

This is some of the hiking gear I can’t live without:

Image	Title	Prime	Buy
Top Top Top	Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top	YETI 26oz Seafoam Rambler Bottle	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top Top Top Top Top Top	Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100+	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top Top Top Top	Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack with Detachable Day Pack	PrimeEligible	Buy Now

Ready to go?

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Cusco and explore accommodation like unique stays on Airbnb or the top-rated hotels on Booking.com to plan the perfect night, weekend, or long-term stay in the city!

This article is part of the Cusco Hiking series. Read the rest below:

How to Hike to Huchuy Qosqo Without a Guide

6 Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know

How to Visit Sacsayhuaman + the Surrounding Ruins

How to Visit Chacan Cave and the Temple of the Moon

How to Visit Tipon and Piquillacta on a Half-Day Trip from Cusco

Then, explore the complete Peru series for more tips on what to see, do, eat, drink, and discover in Cusco and beyond.

Like it? Pin it!