Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca, is the most famous colored mountain in Peru: a ridge striped in red, gold and turquoise by minerals exposed over thousands of years, with the glaciers of Ausangate behind it. Our Rainbow Mountain tours range from a classic day trip from Cusco to private 2-day tours that continue to Puno and Lake Titicaca, combining Vinicunca with Pallay Punchu or the Inca fortress of Waqrapukara. Every tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide and meals.
Compare Our Rainbow Mountain Tours
Prices are per person. Private tours cost less per person for larger groups; see each tour for details. The 1-day tour can also run as a private tour from Cusco to Puno or from Puno to Cusco.
Which Rainbow Mountain Tour Is Right for You?
- The classic: the Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco leaves at 4:00 am, takes the short route to the viewpoint and returns to Cusco in the evening, with breakfast and lunch included.
- On your way to Lake Titicaca: the 2-day private tours visit Vinicunca and continue to Puno, so you see the mountains instead of spending a day on a bus.
- Two colored mountains: the Vinicunca and Pallay Punchu tour adds the quieter, jagged ridges of Pallay Punchu.
- Mountains and Inca history: the Waqrapukara and Vinicunca tour adds a little-visited Inca fortress above the Apurímac canyon.
The Rainbow Mountain Hike
We take the short route to Rainbow Mountain: about 4 km round trip with roughly 300 meters of elevation gain to the viewpoint at 5,036 meters. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top and about an hour to come down. The walk is not technical, but the altitude makes it demanding. Horses are available at the trailhead for most of the way up (around S/ 80, paid locally). Spend at least two days in Cusco or Puno before the tour.
Best Time to Visit Rainbow Mountain
The dry season, from April to November, has the clearest skies and the best chance to see the colors and Ausangate. From December to March, rain, clouds and sometimes snow can cover the stripes. We reach the trailhead early in the morning on all our tours, before the afternoon weather closes in.
A Quieter Alternative
If you want the colors with fewer people, consider the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour, an easier walk with several colored ridges, or Pallay Punchu, on the road between Cusco and Puno. Compare them in our guide Pallay Punchu vs Rainbow Mountain.
What Our Rainbow Mountain Tours Include
- Hotel pickup in Cusco or Puno
- Transport to the trailhead
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
- Meals as described on each tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
It is short but demanding because of the altitude. On the short route you walk about 4 km round trip with roughly 300 m of elevation gain to the viewpoint at 5,036 m. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top.
How high is Rainbow Mountain?
The viewpoint is at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level.
How much does a Rainbow Mountain tour cost?
Our Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco starts at $80 per person in a group. The 2-day private tours to Puno start at $395 per person.
Can I visit Rainbow Mountain on the way to Puno?
Yes. Our private tours visit Vinicunca and continue to Puno, in one day or in two days with Pallay Punchu or Waqrapukara.
Is Vinicunca the same as Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. Vinicunca is the local name of Rainbow Mountain. It is also called Montaña de Siete Colores, the Mountain of Seven Colors.
Can I ride a horse to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. Horses can carry you most of the way up, though the last stretch to the viewpoint must be walked. They cost around S/ 80, paid in cash to the local owners.
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