Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru – The Ultimate Guide

Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain has recently become one of the most popular adventure trails. The Rainbow Mountain Route is Peru’s second-most-visited tourist destination after the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Visit the Rainbow Mountain Trail for one of the most stunning photos south of Cusco, known locally as Winikunca, or the Mountain of the Seven Colors.

The tourist route is a must for hikers or visitors enjoying the unique and colorful scenery of the rugged mountains deep in the Andes and Ausangate. It only takes 70 minutes of hiking to see Mother Nature’s remarkable beauty show or to go horseback riding for 50 minutes.

What is Rainbow Mountain like in Peru?

There are many reasons to visit Cusco, Peru, from its diverse natural geography to cultural celebrations and remnants of ancient Inca civilizations. Every year, millions of tourists travel to the Andes to visit Machu Picchu. But in 2015, a newly discovered geological wonder was added to the country’s must-see list. Also known as the Seven Colored Mountains or the Rainbow Mountains, Vinicunca was founded eight years ago when the Andes snowpack melted, revealing the natural beauty below. Formed over time by weathering, environmental conditions, and sedimentary deposits, the mountain’s unique minerals create stunning views that rise high into the sky in layered colors of gold, purple, red, and turquoise.

Do you need to acclimatize before going to Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

The trail to Rainbow Mountain begins at the parking lot of Llactoc and follows a flat path for approximately 70 minutes. It then gradually ascends through Rainbow Valley to a steep incline to the top of Rainbow Mountain. To reach the typical view of Rainbow Mountain, you must climb the mountain’s steep slopes for about 18 minutes.

At the summit, you can see beautiful views of the colorful foothills and the blue Andes, as well as lush green views of the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate.

Recommendation: Two days of acclimatizing in the Cusco or Sacred Valley area are recommended. On the last day, we recommend doing the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Circuit; your body has already adapted to the altitude of the Andes.

What is the weather like at Rainbow Mountain, Peru?

The climate on the Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca varies with the seasons. Due to its altitude of 5200 meters (17,060 feet), the weather on Mount Vinicunca is generally chilly, with consistently cool, dry air and temperatures. During the rainy season, the weather is cloudy, rainy, and frigid, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees Celsius at night, average temperatures during the day between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, and temperatures between May and November between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius. Twelve degrees below zero during the day. At night, the temperature drops below 0°C.

What is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountains and the Vinicunca Circuit in the Cusco region is during the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, from April to November. From April to November, there are blue skies with fantastic panoramic views. The sun is present most days, making it one of the most comfortable conditions for walking and horseback riding. Please prepare and bring appropriate mountain equipment.

Certain months of the year are better for exploring the colored mountains than others. We recommend April, May, September, October, and early November. During these months, the weather remains dry, the temperatures are pleasant, and the trails are lightly traveled.

Travelers should visit Rainbow Mountain at any time of the year. Whether it’s the dry or rainy season, we are happy to organize an excursion to one of the planet’s most unique, colorful mountains. Our advice is always to carry the right mountain equipment when the sky is blue and the weather might change instantly.

red valley tour

What are the travel distances to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?

Depending on your route, Cusco and the Mountains of Color are separated by a distance.

The most well-known and renowned transport route is the one that passes via Cusipata.

• From Cusco to Cusipata via the paved road, it takes 81 km
• The dirt route takes 20 kilometers to get from Cusipata to Phulawasipata
• There is a 3-kilometer dirt road that leads from Phulawasipata to Rainbow Mountain.

General Note: The trip from Cusco to the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain adventure takes 3 hours. After traveling on the paved route south of Cusco for almost two hours, the car arrives in the village of Cusipata. The final hour leaves Cusipata and travels along a vehicle-only dirt track for an hour as it climbs toward the Andes of Rainbow Mountain.

The old, less crowded, and longest route passes through Pitumarca.

This vehicular travel route reaches the vicinity of Rainbow Mountain from the back.

• It takes roughly 87 kilometers to travel on a paved road from Cusco to Pitumarca.
• Pitumarca to Pampachiri (by dirt road) is 49 kilometers away.
• From Pampachiri to Rainbow Mountain (dirt road), it takes 4.5 km.

Is there restroom service on the Rainbow Mountain circuit?

It’s not ideal, but very rustic toilets are available. To be well prepared, bring a roll of toilet paper.

The entire system and circuit of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain are managed by the 20 Indigenous communities that surround the tourist attraction. That is why there is a rustic bathroom service at the beginning of the adventure, in the middle of the entire excursion, and about 20 minutes before reaching the top of Rainbow Mountain.

The half-recommended bathroom service is located at the ticket control. The bathroom is located before reaching the vehicle parking lot or the dirt road’s end.

Note: There are gas stations with bathroom service when traveling by car. There are also several tourist restaurants where travelers can stop to enjoy the WC services.

rainbow mountain by horse

Is Rainbow Mountain a challenging hike?

Yes! It is considered a challenging trek due to the height (5100 meters of altitude), not precisely because of the complexity of the path.

• The hike is short, but the ascent is steady for about 70 minutes. Being in good physical shape and having some trekking experience is advisable. Otherwise, we recommend organizing a horseback tour so as not to feel the elevations of the Andes and enjoy the excursion much more with the fascinating views of the Rainbow Mountain Pass.
• This excursion is not recommended for people with asthma, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
• If it rains, be careful; the path can become slippery. You have to be prudent. Bring excellent mountain equipment.
• World travelers, remember to rest or acclimate in Cusco’s surroundings for at least two days to get used to the altitude before beginning the adventure through the Ausangate Andes.

What should I bring to the Vinicunca Tour?

1. Good hiking shoes, mainly!
2. Water (at least one liter), snacks, raincoats (during the rainy season), gloves, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen (+45), and long-sleeved clothing that is practical and easy to remove as the weather changes quickly
3. A pair of walking sticks is recommended.
4. Oh! And, of course, the digital camera!

Is Palccoyo an alternative to the Rainbow Mountain tour?

Although the mountain of seven colors is beautiful and a great trip from Cusco, its popularity is undeniable.

About 2,500 customers use it every day! What was once a peaceful and secluded place has become one of the most visited destinations after Machu Picchu.

However, another mountain offers the same appearance, which few people talk about (at least for now): Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain in Combapata.

Is it worth going to Rainbow Mountain, Peru?

The excursion to the top of Rainbow Mountain on foot or horseback is well worth it. The panoramic view is fantastic and adds beauty to the entire landscape of Ausangate.

There is a combination of beautiful things, such as Ausangate covered with snow, valleys in the middle of the Andes, the natural exposition of color during the trek, the presence of South American camelids, and the experience of hiking over 5,100 meters above sea level. 16,732 feet. Undoubtedly, the Rainbow Mountain sightseeing tour is 100 percent worth it.

Where are the Rainbow Mountains of Peru located?

The Winikunka Rainbow Mountains are located southeast of Cusco, between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca, in Canchis and Quispicanchis, in southern Peru, South America.

Rainbow Mountain Tours

• Rainbow Mountain by Horse 1 Day
• Red Valley Tour Peru
• Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
• Rainbow Mountain Trek Full Day
• Rainbow Mountain Trek – 2 Days
• Pallay Punchu, Full Day Trek
• Machupicchu + Rainbow Mountain – 2 Days
• Rainbow Mountain Travel Package – 3 Days