1-Day Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour from Cusco with Meals

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike to Rainbow Mountain through the colourful landscapes near Ausangate Mountain
• 02 Spot alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas along the route
• 03 Enjoy panoramic views from different lookouts on the trail
• 04 Taste local flavours with breakfast and a buffet lunch in Cusipata

Hike Rainbow Mountain on a guided day tour from Cusco and admire the colourful landscapes surrounding Ausangate Mountain. Take in the mountain's incredible hues, enjoy sweeping views along the trail, and look out for alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas during the journey. The experience also includes breakfast and a buffet lunch, making it a well-rounded full-day adventure in the Andes.

During your hike, you will enjoy amazing views and encounters with wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Cusco

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco with Breakfast and Lunch

• Experience the incredible beauty of Rainbow Mountain on a guided hiking tour. You will see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas while soaking in the stunning mountain views along the journey. Savour a local lunch before heading back to Cusco.
• Your professional tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive in Cusipata, where you will stop for breakfast and have time to buy water and snacks for the trek.
• Following breakfast, you will travel one more hour to the hike starting point, at 4,850 meters. From there, you will begin your 3.5-kilometre trek to Rainbow Mountain over both flat and uphill terrain.
• During your hike, you will enjoy amazing views and encounters with wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Once you reach the top at 5,010 metres, you can take some free time to rest, and if the weather is good, you will enjoy views over Rainbow Mountain. You will then hike downhill for another hour to the starting point before taking transportation back to Cusipata, where a local lunch will be waiting for you. After your buffet lunch, you will travel back to Cusco, arriving between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Plaza de Armas.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pickup
• Downtown drop-off
• Transportation
• Professional tour guide
• Breakfast and buffet lunch (vegetarian options available)
• Oxygen bottle (for emergencies)
• First-aid kit

What's Not Included

• Horse rental (available for 80 Peruvian Sol per person, in cash)
• Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain
• Gratuities

Know before you go

• A pickup service is included. It can take 30 to 45 minutes to pick up the group. If you are one of the first to be picked up, collecting the entire group might take some time.
• Climb 1.9 miles (3.5 km) to reach the top of Rainbow Mountain.
• Bring an extra warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves.
• If, for any reason, you need to rent a horse, the local partner does not manage these rentals and will not be involved in the process.
• Sunglasses are mandatory throughout the hike.
• The local partner is not responsible for changes in weather conditions; choose the best departure day based on your research.
• The dirt road is not in the best condition, and the drive can produce altitude sickness. It is recommended to bring personal medicine or altitude pills.
• Everyone walks at different speeds. The guide will be in different parts, assisting the group.
• During your trip, extra expenses like entrance fees, water, souvenirs, and others can only be paid in cash and in Peruvian soles.
• Choose from a shared or private experience.
• Be one of the first groups to Rainbow Mountain.
• One wooden stick is available if needed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cusco, Perú

Tour start

Vinicunca, 08225, Peru

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.