The Most Beautiful Natural Wonders In South America
A Looming, Colorful Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Get ready to go on a trip that will live long in your memory to Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, a bright jewel hidden among the natural treasures of Peru. This breathtaking location is a display of the natural world’s color pallet, and it is situated next to the spectacular Ausangate Mountain, which is Cusco’s highest peak. It’s just three hours away from Cusco, and our guided trip perfectly mixes ease and excitement, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for each and every guest.
Beginning with a carefully selected variety of trail snacks and offering horse rentals as an optional activity at Llacto, the beginning point of your trip, your adventure will begin with every detail being taken into consideration. Journey through the Andean deserts and take in the spectacular landscape of snow-capped mountains as you travel across the region. If you happen to come across the native animals of the area, such as llamas, alpacas, and the very uncommon vicuñas, your journey will be enhanced with a touch of the allure of the wilderness.
Within the realm of South American exploration, Rainbow Mountain stands out as a standout due to its kaleidoscopic attractiveness. The mountain’s vibrant stripes will unroll before you, providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take photographs. Witness a visual feast when you see them. We invite you to accompany us on our adventure to discover the reasons why Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca is regarded as a legendary location, serving as a tribute to the breathtaking beauty of the world around us.
Temperature : Minimum -5 °C (23 °F) / max. 14 °C (68 °F)
Physical difficulty : Moderate, but challenging.
At 4:30 a.m. We’ll pick you up from your hotel in our private van, so make sure your bags are packed and ready for the adventure ahead!
Set out on an early morning adventure and enjoy a two-hour drive to reach your delicious breakfast destination by 6:30 a.m.!
Following a nourishing breakfast, set off at 7:00 a.m. on the winding roads to Llacto for an hour of scenic driving.
At 8:10, get off at Llacto, the beginning of the hike.
1.30 hours of adventurous hiking! Get up close and personal with this mesmerizing natural wonder, the rainbow mountain.
By the time 11:00 rolls around, you’ll be heading back to where your journey began. Make sure to relish in all that was seen and discovered during this remarkable trek!
At midday, take a break and refuel with lunch.
After refueling with lunch, hop on the van at 2:00 p.m. for a scenic ride back to Cusco!
Arrive in the city of Cusco at 4:30 pm, and we’ll take you directly to your hotel for a comfortable stay.
Tour Gallery
Trip Itinerary
Cusco - Cusipata - Llacto - Vinicunca
Start your day with a journey to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca, or Wininucuna. Set off from your hotel at 4:30am and travel in our secure private van on winding roads for three hours until arriving at Llacto (4,630 mts/15,190 ft above sea level). Fuel up for the trek ahead with an energizing breakfast, we stop in Colca village before we continue onward!
Take a trek up the rainbow-colored mountain as we make our way to an incredible viewpoint! After an hour of leisurely walking, things will get steeper in order to reach the main viewing spot at over 16 thousand feet (5,020 mts). Prepare for one exhilarating hike and breathtaking vistas!
On this unforgettable journey, you will explore the wonders of a valley surrounded by streams and towering mountains. Along your ascent up winding roads, marvel at herds of llamas, alpacas and sheep grazing across meadows as well as traditional villages nestled among them. All leading to an incredible summit view featuring snowcapped Ausangate (20 900 feet) accompanied with beautiful red coloured hills! As if that wasn’t enough; witness the magnificent colours on show in Rainbow Mountain from 16 400 feet above sea level providing plenty for even professional photographers alike. Your guide’s storytelling throughout will capture your imagination as they detail how these vibrant hues have been created through millions of years worth of nature’s magical design process.
After admiring the incredible beauty of Rainbow Mountain, we will descend from its peak and make our way back to a local village for lunch. Then buckle up as it’s time for an exciting 2 hour drive back to Cusco.
– END OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR –
Tour Map
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Full Day
Tour inclusion
Included
Private transportation to/from your Cusco hotel
Professional bilingual tour guide
Breakfast
Lunch
Entry ticket to the area
Walking stick
Oxygen tank
Not Included
Personal horse to ride
Tips
Packing List
Essential Gear for Rainbow Mountain Full Day
Additional water: we recommend bringing 1 liter per person (if in case you require more, local people sell water bottled along the way)
Warm cloths
Rain jacket and poncho· Outerwear like a jacket, scarf, gloves and a woolly cap
Winter gloves
Rain pants
Appetizers
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Phone or Camera with spare batteries (batteries discharge faster at high altitude)
Extra money
Tour Price
Daily Departure tour – at least two people
Private Service
02 people: $ 120.00 USD per person
03 people: $ 110.00 USD per person
04 people: $ 100.00 USD per person
05 people: $ 90.00 USD per person
06 people+: $ 80.00 USD per person
Group Service
$ 60.00 USD per person
Important Note:
Group size: Up to 20 people.
Guiding service: Available in several languages.
Extras
Horseback riding: $ 45.00 USD
FAQ
The difference between Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca and Palcoyo lies primarily in their accessibility, popularity, and physical demands. Vinicunca, the more famous of the two, is known for its challenging hike. The trek spans approximately 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet, taking you to an altitude of 16,400 feet. This high-altitude journey can be physically demanding, but horseback riding is available to ease the climb.
On the other hand, Palccoyo offers a more relaxed experience. This site is less crowded, providing a more peaceful alternative. The hike here is shorter and easier, covering just 1.49 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 270 feet, and it sits at a lower altitude of 16,030 feet. This makes Palcoyo a great option for those seeking a more moderate and accessible experience. For additional information, visit Palcoyo Tour.
Whether you’re up for a challenge or looking for a more leisurely visit, both locations offer stunning views of Peru’s vibrant, multicolored mountains.
Traveler Reviews
簡辰芸
2025-04-02
Verified
Best travel experience ever to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley
Elistan is a thoughtful, caring, and knowledgeable tour guide who provided me with the best experience I could ever ask for in Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley. His deep understanding of Inca history truly brought each site to life — he explained the significance of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with such clarity and passion that it made the experience even more meaningful.If you ever travel to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu and visit the Inca sites, it would be a real pity to miss out on understanding the incredible history, the brilliant rationale, and the cleverness behind how the Inca people built their structures. That’s why I believe finding a knowledgeable and well-prepared tour guide is the top priority for a trip like this — and Elistan is exactly that.What impressed me most was how well he prepared us even before the tour began. A few days in advance, he checked in with us and shared detailed information about what to expect, what to pack, and how to get mentally and physically ready. Thanks to his thoughtfulness, we felt confident and fully able to enjoy every moment of the journey without stress.Plus, when it comes to iconic spots like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain — where every traveler is hoping to capture that once-in-a-lifetime photo — Elistan is an expert. He knows exactly where the best angles and hidden gems are to take stunning pictures that you'll treasure forever.If you're planning a trip to this region, I can't recommend Elistan enough. He made our adventure unforgettable.
Joseph
2025-03-31
Verified
An unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience with an amazing guided
I had an incredible 4-day tour in Peru, visiting the Sacred Valley, hiking 12 km to Juchuy Coscco, exploring Machu Picchu, and trekking to Rainbow Mountain. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, made even more special by our amazing guide, Elistan.From start to finish, he planned everything seamlessly, ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable trip. He is highly responsible, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history, culture, and landscapes of Peru. His kindness and patience made the journey even more memorable, and he always went the extra mile to make sure everyone in the group felt comfortable and well taken care of. What he did for us already far exceeded what we paid—his dedication and effort truly made a difference.If you’re looking for a guide who truly cares about his travelers and brings Peru’s beauty and history to life, Eli is the guide you’re looking for. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
WaltNYC
2025-02-10
Verified
Machu Picchu with Allyn Pacha Tours
My family had the pleasure of a hike up the Inca Trail (1 day hike) from Km 104 to Machu Picchu. Elistan was a tremendous guide. Friendly and funny he was engaging from the first moment he met us at our hotel in the Sacred Valley.On the hike he shared his knowledge of the local flora and fauna, animals, and pointed out many things we would have not noticed on the route.When we toured Machu Picchu the next day Elistan shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the history which we fascinating. The site speaks for itself but understanding it in a somewhat deeper way made for a much more fulfilling visit.We could not have asked for a better experience! Thank you Elistan and Allyn Pacha Tours!
brooke w
2024-11-20
Verified
Incredible!
We booked the day trip to rainbow mountain and Elistan took care of everything. The trip was well planned, the sites were beautiful and the lunch was amazing. Some of the best food we had the entire trip. We also booked the Inca trail 4 days and 3 nights. The entire trip was amazing. It was the most incredible adventure I have ever been on. Elistan and his crew are the best on the entire trail. We had the best service, best camp sites and best food. The crew always had our campsite ready for us when we arrived. If you are looking to book this trip you have to go through Allyn Pacha. They will help you from the moment you land in Cusco! Message them with any questions and they are very responsive.
Abby O
2024-11-15
Verified
Incredible tour and experience!
My friend and I had the best time on the 2-day Inca trail tour! Eli was an incredible guide and was so friendly and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend booking a tour with Allyn pacha!
Romina P
2024-10-03
Verified
Inca trail + Machu Picchu
With ALLYN PACHA you’re given what you were promised (which is not always obvious with other companies). Elistan knows everything about the Inka culture and the Inka trail. There’s no question he couldn’t answer and would be sincere if something wasn’t dating back to XV century (e.g fountain inside Machu Picchu). Very professional and funny at the same time. He knew the best spots for pictures, and rest. He also advised the best time to take the bus in order to avoid the immense queue. I had a lot of fun and discovered a lot about Machu Picchu history. Thanks Elistan!
Preston B
2024-09-25
Verified
Best 4 day Inca Trail Experience!
We completed the (4) day Inca trail Machu Picchu expedition with Allyn Pacha in September 2024. Allyn Pacha, Elistan, & the entire crews attention to detail, help, knowledge, rides, food, and planning were perfectly setup, making our experience one to remember forever. If anyone is thinking about using a company to complete this trek, please contact Allyn Pacha. I promise, it will be worth it!!
Jaime J
2024-09-24
Verified
Rainbow mountain Extravaganza!🌈
We used Allyn Pacha for our Rainbow mountain tour adventure, was a great and private experience. Had an amazing breakfast and lunch spot as well.
Jaime J
2024-09-23
Verified
ClassIc Inca trail 4 day. Our best trip adventure ever!
Allyn Pacha went above and beyond expectations. The moment we were picked up at the airport we were put at ease that everything was being taken care of. Allyn Pacha took great care of us and we will use them again for other trips and tours to do in Peru.
Dan P
2024-09-23
Verified
Fantastic once in a lifetime adventure
The tour was amazing though the hike was very challenging. Allyn our guide explained the history in detail and was very patient during our hike. He made sure we were well prepared. Allyn also came with us to Puerto Maldonado.
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