Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour
- Duration: 1 full day
- Maximum altitude: 5,036 m asl
- Difficulty: Moderate – Requires good physical condition
- Availability: Every day
- Language: Spanish or English
Itinerario Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour
We start very early, 4:00–4:30 am, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco by tourist transport. We head south of Cusco, crossing rural and mountainous landscapes.
7:00 am | Breakfast in Cusipata
We stop in the village of Cusipata to enjoy an Andean buffet breakfast at a local restaurant: freshly baked bread, eggs, fruit, herbal teas, and natural juices to recharge our batteries.
8:00 am | We continue to the community of Phulawasipata
After breakfast, we continue by transport for approximately 1 hour until we reach the starting point of the trek, located in Phulawasipata (4,626 m).
9:00 am | Start of the hike to Vinicunca
We begin the hike on a 7km round-trip trail. The route is gradual, with stunning views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped peaks like Ausangate.
Approximate duration: 1h 30 min – 2h of climbing at a slow pace.
11:00 am | Arrival at Rainbow Mountain
The highlight of the tour! From the summit, at over 5,000 meters above sea level , you’ll contemplate the incredible multicolored landscape of Vinicunca , a product of the natural oxidation of minerals in the layers of the earth.
You’ll have free time to take photos , enjoy the panoramic view, and learn more about the Andean worldview of the area.
11:45 am | Return hike to the starting point
We begin the return journey along the same trail, with different views from a different angle. Trekking poles are recommended.
1:30 pm | Buffet lunch in Cusipata
After the effort, we enjoyed a buffet lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes and vegetarian options.
2:30 pm | Return to Cusco
After lunch, we begin the return trip to the city of Cusco.
5:00 – 5:30 PM | Arrival in Cusco
End of tour. Thank you for sharing this magical experience with us!
- Prior acclimatization: It is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before the tour to adapt to the altitude.
- Good physical condition: The walk is short but demanding due to the slope and altitude.
- Layered clothing: Wear warm, lightweight clothing; mornings are chilly and midday can be hot.
- Hydration: Bring enough water for the journey and take small sips constantly.
- Sun protection: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Optional horse: You can rent one if needed, directly from the local community.
- Bring only what you need: A small backpack with water, snacks, a camera, and documents is enough.
- Respect nature: Do not leave litter and respect the sacred environment of the lagoon.
Include
- Pick up and drop off in Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- First aid kit and oxygen
- Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon
Not included
- Additional snacks and drinks
- Walking sticks (you can rent them at the office)
- Horse rental (optional, directly with the locals)
- Tips