Rainbow Mountain Tour (Vinicunca)

WHAT IS THE ITINERARY OF THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR?

03:50 – 06:30: Pick up from lodging -  Breakfast

The tour begins between 03:50 and 04:30, when a representative of Guru Explorers passes by your accommodation for the journey to the south of Cusco, which will take approximately one and a half hours. Once there, you enjoy breakfast at a rural restaurant. You can buy last-minute items such as drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you consider necessary.

06:30 – 7:30: Transportation to the base of Rainbow Mountain

Along the way, you will see a beautiful landscape, peasant communities and alpacas in their natural habitat.

08:00 – 9:30: Hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

When you arrive at the base, our professional guide will provide instructions for the final ascent, which takes approximately an hour and a half in the Peruvian Andes. You’ll pass impressive mountains and rocky hills with llamas and alpacas.

At a moderate pace, you will reach Rainbow Mountain (5,200 meters / 17,060 feet). Once at the destination, depending on your hiking pace, you will have approximately 45 minutes to take the best photos and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Additionally, you will be able to appreciate the impressive valleys and the snow covering the mountains, crowned by the highest snow-capped peak in southern Peru, our Ausangate. Please remember that for safety reasons, you cannot stay longer than the time indicated by the guide at Rainbow Mountain due to its high altitude.

If you need it, you can ride a horse, which can be rented from the locals at the base of the hike (subject to availability at the time). For more details, please check the considerations section.

10:15 – 13:30: Return to the base 

After this amazing experience, you’ll begin the descent, which takes about an hour, and then transfer to our transportation for lunch.

13:30 – 16:00: Lunch - Return to Cusco

On the way back, there is a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine at a rural restaurant (with vegan and vegetarian options available). After regaining your strength, you will return to Cusco in private transport, arriving directly at Plaza Regocijo in the center of Cusco around 4:00 p.m.

Each experience is unique. Traveling with Guru Explorers offers you a new perspective not just of Peru, but also a connection with what you love and a fresh way to view the world.

Note: Due to the area’s geography, restaurant options are limited. Guru Explorers is always on-site to offer the best alternatives, although restaurant standards may differ from those in the city.

The price of the Rainbow Mountain Tour includes:

• Departure from your accommodation in the Historic Center of Cusco. Sometimes, the selected accommodation may be located on streets with restricted access for tourist vehicles. In these cases, the guide will suggest a nearby point where you can walk to meet them, so they can pick you up from a permitted street.
• Return to Plaza Regocijo, one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
• Professional guide in English and Spanish (other languages are available on private tours). The guiding may be bilingual in englinsh and spanish. 
• Buffet breakfast and Lunch at a rural restaurant (vegetarian and vegan options available upon request).
• Trekking or hiking poles (on request).
• Entrance tickets to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
• Oxygen bottle available with the guide upon request in case of emergency.

Price of the Rainbow MountainTour excludes:

• Transfer from hotels outside Cusco city (please inquire about additional costs for pickups from the Sacred Valley or other locations for private tours).
• Guided visit to the Red Valley (available on private tours).
• Tips for the guide.
• Drinks.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Horse or mule rental (approximate cost $30 USD one way).

What to bring to the Rainbow Mountain hike?

• Comfortable and optimal footwear for walks, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottles of water, clothing or rain poncho (especially between November - April).
• The weather during the hike can be variable, so it is recommended to carry a small backpack to store the clothes you take off or bring extra warm layers.
• Passport or DNI.
• Travel insurance.
• Cash (Local currency / Soles (S/.) In Peru, there is usually a fee to use public restrooms. We recommend bringing coins or cash for these situations. 

Considerations that you should have when taking the Rainbow Mountain Tour:

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• It means that you will join a group of tourists from various nationalities and ages, including both Guru Explorers guests and those from other operators (group of approximately 16 people). It’s a great opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world! Please note that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or our strategic partners who adhere to our standards. If you prefer a tour where you don’t share with others, please request a Private Tour option.
• How is the guiding in this type of shared tour? This tour focuses more on experiences than on detailed historical narration. The guide will point out specific topics, safety recommendations, and highlights of the route before starting. During the hike, the beauty of the landscape will speak for itself. As it is a shared tour, it’s important to remember that the guide will be constantly moving among the group members, who will progress at different paces. In the end, everyone will meet again at the top, where they can enjoy some free time to rest and take photos before beginning the descent. If you prefer a more personalized guiding experience, we recommend our private tour, with an exclusive guide just for you.

Other Considerations:

• Seating arrangement on the transport: It is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.
• Pickup and Schedule: One day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pickup time range and an approximate return time. It's important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the group's pace and traffic, so the return time is only approximate. Please remember that neither traffic nor the pace of tourists is the responsibility of Guru Explorers.
• Access Limitations: Due to some streets having restricted access for tourist vehicles because they are narrow or congested, a nearby pickup point may be suggested.
• Physical conditions: This Vinicunca tour requires stable physical conditions to complete the hike; however, you can rent horses for the excursion at your own risk.
• Horse rental: This service is offered by the local community to tourists and is subject to availability. Guru Explorers has no responsibility or control over this service. We ask tourists to take necessary safety precautions if using this service. Additionally, please note that payment can only be made in cash and the horse will not take you to the typical photo area; you will need to walk for about 10 minutes, depending on your pace.
• Acclimatization: It is recommended to acclimate in Cusco before undertaking the Rainbow Mountain. This will help your body adjust to the altitude of the region.
• Age restrictions: The Rainbow Mountain tour in Cusco is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Adults over 60 should consider that this activity requires good physical condition.
• Time Spent at the Top: We remind you that the time spent on top of the Rainbow Mountain is limited to approximately 45 minutes. This is to preserve the health of passengers, as staying longer could predispose them to developing symptoms of altitude sickness due to its elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level.
• Medications: The guide is not authorized to administer medications. Consult your doctor before taking pills for altitude sickness.
• Route: Being in a mountainous area, the road may have many curves, which could cause dizziness in some people. If you are one of those who experience dizziness, we recommend consulting your doctor about the possibility of taking medications to prevent it.
• Itinerary Variations: The trip itinerary may vary due to environmental or climatic reasons beyond our control. We will notify you in advance of any changes. At Guru Explorers, we value your time and strive to adhere to established schedules, although they may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, field conditions, and other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is not recommended for:

• People with heart disease, back problems, asthma or high blood pressure.
• People in wheelchairs.
• Pregnant women

Cancellation Policies:

• Within 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.
• More than 7 days, 80% is refunded.

Date changes:

• Rates applied for change of date in group tours:
  • There will be no extra charge if you notify more than 5 days in advance.
  • If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
  • If you notify within 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.
• Subject to availability.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

The experience that makes you witness the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature. We want to be part of the experience that you will have during the tour of the Rainbow Mountain.

If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to the Rainbow Mountain? We won't keep you waiting!

¿How difficult is the hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)?

At Guru Explorers, we rate it moderate. It is not an easy walk, and you must consider two important factors which are the height and the incline. The estimated time for the hike is 1.5 to 2 hours, starting at 4,650 masl / 15,250 ft and reaching 5,200 masl / 7,000 ft. If you think you are not prepared enough to do the trek, you can rent a horse at the base before starting the ascent.

If you want a less complex hiking route as an alternative, check out our spectacular Tour to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain!

Can I do the Vinicunca tour if I don't exercise regularly?

The hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) requires some effort; however, generally people who are not in good physical condition do this tour to a slower pace.

If you want a more affordable alternative hiking route, check out our tour to the colorful mountains of Palcoyo!

How long does it take to do the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Walk?

The time depends on the physical condition of each person and the speed of the group. On average, reaching the Vinicunca pass, which is the "viewpoint", takes between an hour and a half to two. The total time, including the descent, is from two and a half to three hours.

Can horse services be hired on site?

Yes, at the base camp you will find several residents offering the services of their horses, they will accompany you as muleteers on the way. In high season it is difficult to find horses available due to the high demand. The approximate price to hire this service up and down the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is approximately 100 Peruvian soles. (~ 30 USD) (payment is in cash and in soles)

How's the weather?

It should be taken in consideration that the coldest period is between May and October, and the rainiest months are between November and April. However, the weather and altitude can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny, windy, coldy and even rainy from one moment to the next. We suggest you always be prepared with the equipment for all weather conditions. The sun is usually intense during the morning and part of the afternoon and the temperature can rapidly decrease from -5 to 18 ° C.

Are there toilets on the route to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)?

Yes, there are bathrooms available provided by the residents along the way to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The cost per use is 1 Peruvian Sol (~ 0.3 USD), which is paid in cash.

At what time of year is the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) covered in snow?

The probability that the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is covered with snow is during the rainy season; from November to March.

What luggage should I bring?

As it is a full day trip, you are not allowed to carry large suitcases or bags. However, you can carry a backpack with basic items such as water, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, among others needed items.

What is the difference between group and private service?

The main difference between Group and Private service is the type of experience provided. In the first one you share the experience with a small group of passengers, all departing from Cusco and being picked up at their respective lodgings. In the second one the service is personalized and you have the option of leaving earlier, to avoid other groups of tourists. Also, in private, the tour will be done at your own pace and you can customize the experience on special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, family trips, among others.

What other alternatives do you recommend?

If you want to take to the next level and enjoy the splendor of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and its surroundings, we invite you to join the 2-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca); with the opportunity to see Ausangate up close, camp in a privileged area, see lakes and impressive landscapes. Also, the next day you will be one of the first to reach the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), avoiding large groups of tourists.