Rainbow Mountain Peru
The Rainbow Mountain is an awe-inspiring natural marvel that offers an unforgettable experience. With preparation, proper acclimatization, and a guided tour, most travelers can enjoy the stunning views and colorful landscapes of this unique destination in the Peruvian Andes. During my experience to visit this wonderful place in the Andes Mountains of Peru we had such a great time and be super lucky in different ways; good weather, small group, beaten the crowds, and funny group.
Rainbow mountain travel experience
I am happy sharing with you all my experience about my day trip to this iconic Rainbow Mountain of Peru and what you need to know before heading there. I also share with you the complete full day itinerary which will help to know what to expect during your trip.
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Itinerary
Nowadays there are many travel companies which offers this tour, departing from Cusco city, however some of them like Vidal Expeditions customise the tour according of your requirement, they also lead group service tour if you like to join this kind of tour. The trip started contacting to the travel company and making a deal with them, the price can vary depending of what the company includes and what excludes, it also will depend which route are you taking, actually there are two routes to reach the iconic colorful mountain, Cusipata and Pitumarca, below we will explain both routes.
After they will let you know what time they will pick you up from your hotel the next day. This can be at different times as well, Vidal Expeditions, usually departs early from Cusco to beat the crowds, They collect their customers from 3:30 to 3:50am.
DAY 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llantoc – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco
The company collects from your hotel between 3:30 and 3:50 am with their private transportation. After we drive for roughly 2 hours to reach Cusipata town, where we stop for our breakfast, the restaurant offers a variety of meals (buffet type) where you’ll have a bunch of selected food (fresh fruits, eggs, juice, pancakes, omelette, coffee, bread, and re).
Then, we drive another hour to reach Llacto community, 4,620 meters (15,157 feet), where the trail starts. The hike usually takes 1.20 hours depending on your speed; the path goes gradually ascending around the mountain, which offers some breathtaking vistas while you approach the Rainbow Mountain. On the way, you can appreciate some herds of alpacas and llamas, of course, horses that are transporting people to the mountain. The last 20 minutes are very steep, making it challenging for everyone..
Rainbow Mountain
Once you arrive at the viewpoint where you can see all the beautiful colours and what a nice shape the mountain has before the large groups arrive, your guide will explain to you all the details about the colours. Then, you can have plenty of time to explore on your own the entire area; you will also be able to observe the highest snow peak at the side, which is Ausangate, 6,384 meters, considered by locals as an Apu (deity).
Going with Vidal Expeditions allows you to capture stunning photos, as the group will arrive early, and not many travellers are there at that time. Later, you can continue your walk toward the Red Valley, which is located just 20 minutes from the
The Rainbow Mountain ; the entrance is 20 soles per person; however, the views are worth it. This is an incredible red valley where whole mountains are covered by reddish clay, and it seems like you are in another planet.
Red Valley
This is another tourist destination where not many travellers go; however, the wonderful landscapes and the tranquillity make it an even better destination compared to the Rainbow Mountain itself. The full circuit takes around an hour by walking to the viewpoint 5,200 meters (17,060 ft). Finally, you will make your way back to the bus station by descending a narrow path and see how many people are at the Rainbow Mountain at this time. Afterwards, you will drive the bus to Cusipata, where you will enjoy the Andean buffet lunch. After a little rest, board the bus and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 3-3:30 pm with the drop-off at your hotel.
What is Included in the Rainbow Mountain Day Tour?
- Pick up from your hotel
- Turist Transportation
- Tour guide English & Spanish
- Meals (breakfast & lunch)
- Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
- Walking poles
- Oxygen tank
- First Aid kit
- Small groups
- Private tour (optional)
Not Included
- Water bottle
- Red Valley entrance
- Dinner
- Tips
What to pack for the Rainbow Mountain Tour?
The Rainbow Mountain is the highest tourist destination in Cusco, and the weather is unpredictable at that altitude; however, here we have the right items to pack for your day tour of Rainbow Mountain and enjoy as much as you want.
- Day backpack
- Raincoat or poncho
- Water bottle
- A beanie
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Windbreaker jacket
- Extra cash
What are the Rainbow Mountain Routes?
Actually The Rainbow Mountain has two different routes:
- Cusipata: This is the shorter route and better because the road is well maintained and in the last months the access is free due the problems between the communities.
- Pitumarca: This is the largest route an hour more than the other, but the walking section is shorter and nowadays there are different ATVs, Motorcycles running up to the Rainbow Mountain with some tourist.
Whatever you take, both routes reach the Rainbow Mountain where you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas.
What are the most Frequently Asked Questions about this tour?
Below let see what are the most Frequently Asked Question that people do about this tour.
What is the Rainbow Mountain?
The Rainbow Mountain of Peru is a stunning peak in the Peruvian Andes known for its striking multicolored slopes. The vibrant colors of the mountain are the result of mineral deposits that have accumulated over millions of years. These colors include shades of red, pink, turquoise, yellow, and white. Nowadays, it is the most visited tourist destination after Machu Picchu in Peru. Thousands of travelers put this on their booked list after it became very popular; however, its location makes it a challenging trip for those who are not used to the altitude.
Where is Rainbow Mountain?
The Rainbow Mountain is located approximately 3 hours southeast of Cusco, in a remote area of the Cusco Region. It stands at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest tourist destinations in the region.
Why is Rainbow Mountain so colorful?
The rainbow colors of the mountain are due to the mineral deposits that have formed over millions of years. The various colors (pink, red, yellow, turquoise, and white) come from different types of sedimentary rocks, such as claystone, sandstone, and limestone, as well as the presence of minerals like clay, sand, and salt.
What is the best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit this Rainbow Mountain is from May to October, which is the dry season in Cusco; during this period you will find clear skies and better visibility of the vibrant colors, and the rainy season is from November to April, where it typically rains a few days per week and is not clear skies.
How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
The hike is a bit challenging due to the high altitude, cold weather, and the remote terrain. The hiking time could be from 2 to 2:30 hours round trip depending on your pace speed.
Where is the Rainbow Mountain in Peru?
The famous Rainbow Mountain of Peru is located in the southern of Peru, in the region of Cusco, around 3 hours driving from the city of Cusco.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain?
Nowadays there are different routes to get the Rainbow Mountain:
- Cusipata: This is the shorter route and better because the road is well maintained and in the last months the access is free due the problems between the communities.
- Pitumarca: This is the largest route an hour more than the other, but the walking section is shorter and nowadays there are different ATVs, Motorcycles running up to the Rainbow Mountain with some tourist.
- Hiking routes: If you want to beat the crowds of the day tour, we recommend doing the 2 days trek Rainbow Mountain which allows you to explore part of Ausangate Area, Rainbow mountain and the Red Valley away of the crowds.
What colors are in the Rainbow Mountain?
The vibrant colors of the mountain are the result of mineral deposits that have accumulated over millions of years. These colors include shades of red, pink, turquoise, green, yellow, and white.
Best recommendation to visit the Rainbow Mountain?
If you want to visit and enjoy as much as possible this iconic colorful mountain, here are the best recommendations for your lifetime experience in Peru;
- Book your tour in advance
- Prepare for the high altitude
- Book the trip with a reputable company which depart early from Cusco
- Bring the right clothes and gears for the cold
- Dress properly for the hike
- Drink more water a few days before going there
- Take your time to reach the Rainbow mountain and avoid the altitude sickness
- Visit it during the dry season
- If is possible visit it in two days tour from Cusco
If you follow this recommendation, you definitely will have a great time exploring this iconic Rainbow Mountain in Peru. If you want to get spectacular photos with not people there, write us; we will take you there to capture incredible photos as we know.
