CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
This tour begins very early in the morning to ensure we are among the first to reach the mountain, avoiding large crowds of tourists.
Between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel. Then, we’ll travel by tourist transport for approximately 2 hours to the community of Cusipata, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,155 ft), where we will enjoy breakfast.
After breakfast, we’ll continue driving for about 50 more minutes until we reach the starting point of the hike at Llacto (4,630 meters / 15,190 ft). From there, we will begin an uphill hike that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, leading us to the Vinicunca Pass at an altitude of 5,029 meters (16,500 ft).
At the summit, you’ll have time to admire the stunning scenery and take in the breathtaking views. Due to the high altitude, cold temperatures, and wind, we will stay just long enough to enjoy the experience comfortably.
We will then descend via the same trail, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to return to Llacto. From there, we’ll board our transport and return to the restaurant for lunch, and finally head back to Cusco, arriving at the main square between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on the group’s pace and acclimatization to the altitude.
OPTIONAL: If conditions permit, after reaching Rainbow Mountain, you may choose to take an optional hike to the Red Valley viewpoint. This additional ascent takes approximately 50 minutes one way. The decision to do this hike can be made upon arrival at Rainbow Mountain.
Important points
Rainbow Mountain – Private Tour Prices
| N° |
Group Size |
Price (USD) per Person |
| 01 |
1 person |
$190 |
| 02 |
2 persons |
$100 |
| 03 |
3 persons |
$80 |
| 04 |
4 persons |
$60 |
| 05 |
5 or more persons |
$60 |
Important Information: Reservation and Cancellation Policy
Reservation Conditions
To confirm your reservation, it is essential to provide the exact departure date of your Salkantay Trek. Please note that once the reservation is made, no changes or cancellations are allowed.
Deposit Requirement
A deposit is required to confirm your participation in the trek. This deposit secures all your trek services, and most importantly, your non-refundable, non-transferable Machu Picchu entrance ticket. These tickets are issued personally and cannot be modified under any circumstances.
Cancellation Policy
Once your reservation is confirmed, no cancellations or date changes are accepted, and your deposit will be forfeited.
Please understand that this deposit is not a profit for us — it is used to ensure the smooth organization of your trek. At Oki Doki, we make advance bookings with our service providers to guarantee all logistics for your 4- or 5-day trek. These providers require upfront payments, and cancellations result in the loss of those deposits.
By reserving with us, you are securing a limited space that cannot easily be reassigned to another traveler. We kindly ask for your understanding, as these are commitments made with our partners to deliver a quality experience without last-minute disruptions.
FAQs
📍 Where is the Rainbow Mountain located?
Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, is located at the foot of the Apu Ausangate in the Andes of Peru. It sits at an altitude of over 5,200 meters (17,060 ft) and is approximately 120 km (3 hours by car) southeast of the city of Cusco. It belongs to the community of Chilca, in the Pitumarca district, Canchis province, Cusco region.
🚶♂️ How difficult is the hike?
The hike is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude. It involves about 1.5 hours of walking uphill. Good acclimatization is highly recommended before the tour.
🕒 What time does the tour start and end?
The tour starts very early, between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., and ends around 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., depending on group pace and weather conditions.
🌦️ What’s the best time of year to visit?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October), when there’s less chance of rain and the colors of the mountain are more vivid. The rainy season (November to March) may affect visibility and trail conditions.
🐴 Are horses available during the hike?
Yes, local residents offer horse rental services at the starting point of the trek. Prices vary and are paid directly in cash to the locals.
🎟️ Are the entrance fees included in the tour price?
No. Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain (25 soles) and the optional Red Valley (20 soles) are not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on site.
🧳 What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring a 30L backpack, rain and thermal jackets, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and extra money for snacks, entrance fees, or optional horse rental.
💳 Can I pay the entrance fees with a credit card?
No. Only cash in Peruvian soles is accepted for entrance fees and local services.
💨 Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, due to the high elevation, it’s recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before doing the hike. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before the trek.
🍽️ Is food included?
Yes. A light breakfast and a buffet lunch are included in the tour.
👶 Can children do the trek?
The trek is not recommended for young children due to altitude and physical demands. However, teenagers in good physical condition may participate with parental guidance.
