Cusco Tours
Rainbow Mountain in One Day from Cusco
4.5

Rainbow Mountain in One Day from Cusco

By Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
Recommended by 93% of travelers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Journey deep into the Andes to hike Rainbow Mountain, an important worship site since pre-Inca times. With a mountain guide, safely explore the rainbow-striated mountain and see sights including adobe houses, llama herds, and the Ausangate Glacier. Plus, by going with a group, you bypass the stress of choosing the right trail or organizing your own transport from Cusco. Pack light for this challenging full-day hike: breakfast and lunch are provided.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 15-60, max of 15 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Portuguese, English, Spanish
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, Italian, French
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Highlights
  • Mountain guide ensures safety and easy navigation on this ambitious hike 
  • Round-trip transport removes the hassle of driving through the mountainous Peruvian landscape 
  • Travel light, as breakfast and lunch are included 
  • Roll out of bed and catch your super-early morning ride right at your hotel door

  • Transportation
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professional multi-lingual guide (English and Spanish)
  • Hotel pick up
  • First Aid Kit
  • Oxygen
What's not included
  • Horses (but you can rent directly at the first town)
  • Drinks
  • Entrance To Rainbow Mountain - 30 soles
  • Entry/Admission - Vinicunca Mountain
  • Entry/Admission - Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
  • Entry/Admission - Cerro Colorado Vinicunca

Head down to your Cusco hotel lobby for early morning pickup. Relax on the tour vehicle for the journey through Peru’s rugged landscape to the town of Quessiuno, where you enjoy an included breakfast. As you make the challenging climb up the mountain, your guide provides assistance and points out the local flora and fauna. At the summit, admire the mountain's colorful landscape and learn about the geological processes responsible for it. Snap photos of the Ausangate Glacier and rest for a bit before making your way back down for lunch in Quessiuno. Relax in the vehicle on the ride back to Cusco, where you are dropped off in Regocijo Square. Please note: Tour participants should be acclimated to the altitude and in strong physical condition. For others, horse rides are available for an extra cost.

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • bookings are 100% confirmed, Exact pick up time will be provided 24 hours before travel date. (they may change to 20 minutes later or 20 minutes earlier).
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Service animals allowed
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49313P1

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
        • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • Not recommended for people over 65 years of age
        • A strenuous amount of walking is involved
        • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
        • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
        • Recommendable to arrive to Cusco around 48 hours before the trip
        • This hike is from 15419 ft (4700 Meters) to the 16522ft (5036 Meters) of elevation.
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
        What is the pick up location?
        We offer pick ups from most hotels. Let us know where you are staying in the 'Special Requirements' box in the Traveler Details section during checkout. Or you can let us know after booking by visiting 'Manage my Booking' and emailing us there.
        Answered Jul 2019
        What do we need to wear?
        Please bring a rain jacket, hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, warm clothes and gloves.
        Answered Jul 2019

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49313P1

        From
        $85.00
        per adult
        Select date and travelers

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        • 1
        • 2
        • 3
        • 4
          Pass by
          Plaza Regocijo (Kusipata)
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
          1,195
          Cusco, Peru
          Joined in June 2016
        • 587haileyn
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Rainbow Hike
          We had such a great time on this hike! Our guide Anibel was incredible. Such a kind and funny individual! The weather cleared up nicely for us and we enjoyed some wonderful views!!
          Written September 20, 2024
        • estert459
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing experience!!
          The tour was wonderful! Anibal and Alfredo were amazing guides! While the hike is quite challenging they help the group to make it up to the top! Definitely recommend this tour!! The red valley is so worth it!
          Written September 6, 2024
        • Whoisandrewgordon
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Higher than I’ve ever been
          This tour was excellent! Definitely a challenging hike and not for the light hearted. Our tour guide Anibal was the star of the show and made everyone comfortable. Wouldn’t have been the same without him!
          Written August 16, 2024
        • natashasF4599DQ
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Rainbow Mountain Review
          Anibal was an amazing tour guide. He was super friendly and helpful and made our experience great. The route to the mountain was brilliant and the climb wasn’t too bad. The views was incredible I would 100% recommend!
          Written August 14, 2024
        • fernandolF7874WH
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Hands down one of the private tours we've done
          My wife and I are on our honeymoon, travelling throughout Peru for three weeks. We booked this tour back in January of 2024 and have been looking forward to it for many months. First off, there seemed to be some kind of dispute between the local leaders allowing access to Mount Vinikunka so our original tour was put into question. It just so happend that this dispute landed the day before we were set to start. The tour company was forthright with us and offered an immediate solution via the Palcoyo Mountain. Luckily for us, en route with our tour guide Anibal and driver Victor, they recieved confirmation that we could access Mount Vin via another road. Success! Anibal, our guide for the day, was such a pleasure to be around. He is funny, kind, and knowledgeable in his craft. We couldn't have been happier with how the day went. Being a private tour, we felt more secure going with our own guide at our own pace as the altitude is no joke! Again, Anibal was fully prepared, offering extra warm clothing like touques and gloves if needed. He had some spray that we would put on our hands and inhale rapidly to help with the altitude which came in handy. From the moment we were picked up to dropped off, we knew we were in great hands and will always look back on the day we got up to 5,036 m with a smile on our face. This tour is a must for those who want a more personal touch to hiking up to Mount Vinikunka. Having gone through it, we feel it was worth every cent! Thanks Anibal and Victor for an unforgettable experience!
          Written August 14, 2024
        • Christopher L
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          7 Lakes of Ausangate Day Tour with Anibal!
          What can I say that hasn’t already been mentioned in other reviews! We were lucky to go on a surprise private trip to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate with Anibal. He was fantastic; knowledgeable, humorous, well prepared and encouraging, we had a great day trekking the circuit in the mountains. Honestly can’t recommend this chap enough.
          Written August 3, 2024
        • GrandTour21558971251
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A Pleasant Gateway
          Very nice place to relax and rejuvenate. Highly recommended. Their breakfast is superb with fresh greens from the farm. Staff like zainab and Hazmi serving us at the breakfast table makes us feel at home. They service with a bright smile. Thank you.
          Written July 18, 2024
        • vickyz394
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Best time ever!
          Annibal and the driver was a great experience. They take care of you and value your time and money. I felt very safe regarding the fact that altitude was challenging there but Annibal was waiting for me and also motivating me. Also very punctual which is very important as you wake really early up. Best experience ever! Thank you guys!
          Written June 25, 2024
        • Anne M
          0 contributions
          1.0 of 5 bubbles
          Do not assume you will visit Rainbow mountain with this group. Beware!!!!!
          Do not rely on this company if you are on limited time in your vacation schedule. The company CANCELED our trip within one day prior with no explanation given or email indicating the cancellation. As a result it was too late to find another group to take us. The Viator team was helpful for the refund but really????? Cancelling within a day? I had a no cancellation policy with them so we could not make alternate arrangements in advance. The only way I knew about it was it disappeared from the app and went to the cancelled page without anyone informing me of the change. My email is current but I received no message in advance. We had to call from Peru to find out what happened and no one could address this from Viator. This group should be removed from Trip Advisor website and Viator, they are not a responsible company to deal with. There policy is unfair given the end result. I will be very careful using this trip advisor and Viator sight in the future due to the negative experience in this case.
          Written June 17, 2024
        • abdila2024
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          unforgettable experience...
          The excursion was expertly organized and planned, and the guides' expertise of the local flora and animals, in addition to the lagoons, was astounding. Their love for the area was clear, and their ability to communicate it in English added to the unforgettable experience.
          Written May 29, 2024
        • johannesbJ6154SA
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          The local guides were exceptionally knowledgeable
          The hike itself was both challenging and rewarding. The trails are well-maintained and offer a good balance of difficulty, making the journey enjoyable for seasoned hikers and adventurous beginners alike. The local guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, providing fascinating insights into the area's geology, flora, and fauna.
          Written May 28, 2024
        • julsey_kingshott
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Unmissable day out to be had.
          Mum and I had a fabulous day. Everything ran smoothly. Roger, our guide, was fantastic 👏. He imparted so much knowledge about the local environment, culture, flora, and fauna. He was super kind to my mum, who struggled a bit with the terrain. She is 73, and with his help, she managed the whole walk, including the climb, to the highest outcrop. What a gent. Our driver, Lewis, was also very nice. He drove safely, and the car was spotless. The breakfast and lunch was delicious 😋. I am a vegetarian, and my needs were met. The trip in itself is definitely unmissable. It is breathtakingly beautiful 😍 and should not be missed. This is a MUST. Great value, great day out. It's definitely something to write home about.
          Written May 7, 2024
        • Getaway816525
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Lifetime memory
          I went to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mounteen with a private tour. They come for me to my hotel in Cusco in the exact time. The tour was really beautifull not only at Palccoyo, but from Cusco to Palccoyo and back also, because the route goes between very nice hills. On the way to there we stoped for a breakfast, and on the way back for a lunch, in the same restaurant. At Palccoyo the walking route wasn’t steep, it was a really nice walk, the problem for me was only the breathing, because we started the walk at 4600 m, and finished at 4900 m. So we had to stop often to relax a little. My guide Anibal was a very caring and nice guy, he helped me in everything., thank you so much for him for this nice tour.
          Written May 6, 2024
        • M5407DRclaudiaw
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Incredible place and experience
          Incredible, no words to translate such place and experience. Its really hard but if you go slowly you can do it Bucket list checked!
          Written April 18, 2024
        • K4412TKjonathanw
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great trip to Rainbow mountain!
          We had a great experience on our tour! Anibal and our driver were very accommodating. We left at 4am and returned around 3pm. This was perfect as we had to catch a flight at 9pm out of Cusco. We would definitely recommend Anibal and the private tour if you want to go at your own pace, fast or slow! We chose to ride up the mountain on a dirt bike and walk down. The roads are narrow near rainbow mountain. Our driver was confident and was concentrated on the road. We never felt unsafe. Our driver was also very polite and always opened our door. Breakfast, lunch, snack were included. All delicious. Thanks Anibal!
          Written April 13, 2024
        See all 1,195 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        4.5
        4.5 of 5 bubbles426 reviews
        Excellent
        350
        Very good
        49
        Average
        12
        Poor
        6
        Terrible
        9

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        MermaidMary22
        Washington DC, DC9 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2022
        Anibal was a wonderful tour guide, full of energy and knowledge. This mountain hike was not for the faint of heart. Extreme altitude and steady incline the whole way. Anibal gave me a walking stick + lots of altitude essential oils to help. You can take a horse to the top, but must carry extra cash. I did not make it all the way up, but 2/3s of the way. Still enjoyed myself and the steady pace, "little by little" I kept trying to go. Long day, bumpy, windy roads. Breakfast and lunch were okay. If you want to get a great hike and some rural/farm views outside the city, I would recommend this trip.
        Written November 30, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear : MermaidMary22 The hike and scenary are very nice, our team is prepared to help you along the experience. We are close to open our own restaurant and provide the best! Thanks for choose us! hope to see you again! Your Team from "Rainbow Mountain Cusco" & "Andina Expeditions" The Original Local tour operators to the rainbow Mountain since 2014.
        Written December 15, 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Mihnea P
        12 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jun 2022 • Couples
        This was a great tour, well worth the early wake-up. The day starts with a drive to the breakfast spot, a cozy restaurant near Rainbow Mountain, for some hearty food, fruit and tea, followed by a drive up to the start of the hiking trail through picturesque landscapes and local communities. Dress warmly with layers as the temperature ranges from quite chilly to warm once you get moving. After a short hike to see how the group does with the high elevation, there is an option to rent a horse (helpful if you are not acclimatized), however note the horse path stops close to the end of the trail, which is one of the most challenging areas due to the steep incline and high altitude. Basic toilet facilities are available along the trail every half hour or so. Ours was one of the first groups to get to the top, which was great as the area gets very busy later in the morning, which makes it tricky to get pictures, etc. Before heading down we were given the option to explore the Red Valley as well for an hour or so before heading back down. Rainbow Mountain itself was wonderful, but so were the stunning sights along the way: glaciers, colourful mountains, rivers and valleys and herds of grazing alpacas. Highly recommend!
        Written June 10, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Victoria A
        5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2019 • Couples
        Try to go early on this tour if you go during wet season as it rains in the afternoon. The hike is not too bad until the last 20 minutes it’s entirely incline. You can rent horses to and from the mountain (they will take you MOST of the way - you have to walk the incline). Make sure to dress for the weather! The tour guide was very helpful and patient. Breakfast & lunch are included! Would recommend this tour just to say you’ve climbed 5000 meters above sea level!!
        Written January 1, 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear: Victoria The best option to go to the rainbow Mountain at this time of the year (Rain season) is to go very early, then you will avoid the rain. Our team is always prepared to supprt you along the hike, we always carry with us oxygen. We always send a list of things you need to hike. Your Team from "Rainbow Mountain Cusco" & "Andina Expeditions" The Original Local tour operators to the rainbow Mountain since 2014.
        Written January 27, 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        SempreDeFérias
        Connecticut808 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Outstanding tour. We visited on a beautiful day in October. The weather cooperated and we had great views of the mountains.

        Temperatures were in the high 60s at the breakfast restaurant and it was around 32 at the top. It snowed ever so slightly at the peak. Makes sure to bring warm clothing and a wind/rain jacket.

        Our guide, Carlos, was awesome. Knowledgeable, personable and always making sure everyone was doing ok and kept us from getting overextended. The elevation will affect you more than you expect but if you take a slow and steady pace it is fine.

        Food at breakfast and lunch were great. Included local items and offered vegetarian options for both. We took the 7 am departure time which put us on the mountain going up when everyone was coming down. This meant fewer at the top when we were there. Make sure to bring money as you need to pay for your entry into the site and for food/drinks from the locals on your way up.

        Drive back is broken up by lunch and we got back around 6pm. Would recommend.
        Written October 20, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Caroline A
        Manchester, UK24 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Friends
        Rainbow mountain is a must see if you are staying in Cusco and I would highly recommend doing the trip with the Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company. Anibal our guide for the day was exceptional. He not only kept us entertained with local stories and facts about the area but took so much care to ensure we all reached the top of Rainbow Mountain at our own pace. At 5,200m it is a challenge! He was funny, kind and also an expert at taking the best photos! There was nothing he didn’t know and we stopped a few times en route to enjoy spectacular views and to meet a herd of Alpacas! Victor our driver was also superb and made us all feel safe despite the zig zag roads. Thank you for a great day Anibal… memories made for a lifetime! 🫶🏻🌈🦙
        Written May 5, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        valeriabcruz2008
        Juazeiro do Norte, CE125 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Everything is very beautiful but it could be better due to the lack of guidance from the tourism company. I advise when purchasing the tour to inform the prices going up to a certain location by motorbike, horse or quad bike, this has to be booked at least two days in advance. It doesn't leave you at the end, but it takes you halfway and you have more time to enjoy it and take photos. There are two places on the mountain: one is flat where you can see the colorful mountain up close and the other needs to climb further to take the traditional photo. Both have a long queue, so if you get close by motorbike or quad bike you can enjoy it more. However, those who are already acclimatized and have resistance, it is certainly better to enjoy the ascent and descent standing up, as we did. It was great, but tiring, but it was all worth it
        Google
        Written February 15, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Frank A
        11 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2022
        It is a big climb. If you have never done it before, take the easy way out and rent the horse for a few soles. It takes you more than 1/2 way up. You still get the holly crap climb experience with the part that's left. We highly recommend the muna tea being sold during the climb. Our guides where amazing. Very professional! One of our guests didn't feel she could make it and they made sure she did. With motivation and oxygen, she did what she believed was impossible for her.
        Written August 2, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Pierre S
        7 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2023 • Solo
        Rainbow mountain is about as high up as you can hike in the Cusco area. 5000+ meters. If you can do this day trip, feel confident that you can do either the Machu Picchu or Salkantay multi day treks. I am 63. I did both over 8 days. The nice thing is that the local indigenous community who hosts you on their land for Rainbow mountain have horses and ATV’s available to bail you out if the altitude or steepness get to you. They also sell woolen hats and gloves for less than you will pay in Cusco.
        If you are only in Cusco for a couple of days, this is definitely the day trip to choose - preferably after a night’s sleep at altitude, though.
        Note the number of young, fit people who didn’t last 5 minutes once we got back into the van for the drive back to Cusco;)
        Written December 21, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Xilin Z
        8 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        This is my second tour with Alpaca so I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. My tour guide Pamela along with driver David and chef Wilbert made a great team. Pamela is knowledgeable and very attentive to my needs. I wasn’t feeling well after getting down from the mountain and she offered all kinds of help until I felt better. The route with red valley is pretty much Alpaca exclusive and it’s even better than rainbow mountain in ny opinion as there’s no crowds of tourists.
        I also learned a lot from conversation with Pamela about Alpaca company. They are among the few local companies that hires female guides for Inca trail tour and the only one hiring female porters. They also promote porters to chef or even tour guide. They let new guides to start as assistant and then leading smaller groups, even though it’s not the most economic way for themselves, and ultimately leading bigger groups. A true example of empowering women!
        Absolutely recommend them!
        Written August 10, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Kelly E
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Anibal was an excellent tour guide and my friend and I had a wonderful time! It’s a long drive there and back - four hours each way but the views on the bus were spectacular and Anibal was funny and engaging throughout the whole trip. We were also very impressed with the driver who skillfully navigated curvy mountain roads on a cliff (backing up included). Rainbow Mountain itself is incredible and well worth the trip, one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. It was tough, we hadn’t been in Cusco long and weren’t adjusted well to the altitude but Anibal had our group take frequent breaks and was kind and encouraging the whole way. Eventually our whole group made it up to the top and we got some incredible pictures (Anibal knew all the spots for pictures and helped us take several). Highly recommend Rainbow Mountain Tour Company for a trip to Rainbow Mountain and Anibal as a guide.
        Written June 10, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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