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The Mountain of Colors Vinicunca
- Duration1 Day
- DifficultyModerate
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
🌈 A rainbow in the Andes! ✨ The 2nd most visited destination in Peru! 🏔️ The hike is demanding and challenging—perfect for those seeking adventure and a chance to push their limits! At the summit, a breathtaking view reveals colorful hillsides that form a true natural rainbow. 💙
🌈 A rainbow in the Andes! ✨
The 2nd most visited destination in Peru! 🏔️
The hike is demanding and challenging—perfect for those seeking adventure and a chance to push their limits!
At the summit, a breathtaking view reveals colorful hillsides that form a true natural rainbow. 💙
General conditions
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Pickup & Return Drop-off: Pickup starts at 4:00 AM exclusively for hotels in Cusco’s historic center. Drops-offs at the end of the day (around 5:00 PM) are made at a central location near the Plaza de Armas to avoid high-traffic street restrictions.
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Extreme Altitude & Health Advisory: Reaching a maximum elevation of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), this is a physically demanding hike. Participants must spend a minimum of 2 to 3 days acclimating in Cusco before joining this tour. It is not suitable for individuals with serious cardiac, respiratory, or mobility issues.
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Inclusions & Extra Fees: Rates include tourist transportation, a bilingual professional guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch. Local entrance fees (Vinicunca mountain and the optional Red Valley viewpoint) are not included in standard rates unless specified and must be paid in cash (Peruvian Soles) on site.
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Horse Rentals: Horse transport is managed independently by local community members at the trailhead. This service is paid directly to the local handler in cash and cannot be pre-booked or guaranteed by the operator.
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Weather & Schedule Adjustments: High-mountain weather conditions (snow, heavy rain, or frost) can occur unexpectedly. Guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary or timing to ensure passenger safety. Full refunds apply to cancellations made 24 hours before departure; no-shows incur a 100% fee.
Itinerary
•The Mountain Of Colors Vinicunca
Imagine starting your day with the promise of an unforgettable adventure!
At 4 a.m., our shuttle will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco, ready to take you to one of the most magical places in Peru: the Mountain of Colors!
Before exploring the vibrant colors of Vinicunca, we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast in Cusipata. There, our guide will give you all the information you need to make the most of your day.
With renewed energy, we’ll continue for another 45 minutes, climbing the mountain to the starting point of the hike. Here you can choose: on horseback, for a leisurely ride, or on foot, to experience the thrill of the trail.
When you reach the summit, get ready to be amazed by the view.
The mountain’s colors, the Red Valley, and the vibrant culture of the local village will transport you to a magical world.
Our guide will share stories about the mountain, the valley, and the descendants of the Incas, who still preserve the Quechua language and their ancestral traditions.
After marveling at this natural masterpiece and capturing incredible photos, we’ll begin our descent with our hearts full of memories.
In Cusipata, a delicious buffet lunch awaits us to celebrate our adventure together. Around 5:00 p.m., we’ll return to Cusco, with our spirits renewed and the certainty that we’ve experienced an unforgettable day.
Our van will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue exploring this historic and charming city.
Maximum elevation: 5,200 m
Minimum elevation: 3,450 m
Distance: Approximately 98 km
Tour duration: 1 day
Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
What's included
Included
- Pre-trip briefing at the agency.
- Transportation: Cusco – Cusipata – Wasipata – Cusco.
- Professional Spanish-speaking guide.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (vegetarian option available).
- Emergency oxygen cylinder (personal).
- First-aid kit.
Not included
- Additional drinks
- Tips
- Travel insurance
What to bring
- Bring warm clothes for the cold in the afternoon
- Camera
- Bottled water
- If you're a student – ISIC card
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the hike, and do I need to acclimate first?
The hike is moderate to challenging primarily due to the high altitude (5,200 meters / 17,060 feet), where oxygen levels are lower. Proper acclimation is crucial—we strongly advise spending at least 48 hours in Cusco (3,400 m) prior to the tour, drinking plenty of water, and resting well the night before.
Can I rent a horse if I find the hike too strenuous?
Yes, local community members offer horse rentals at the start of the trail for a cash fee (paid in Soles). Horses can carry you along the majority of the flat and moderate sections, though you will still need to walk the final steep steps to the top viewpoint.
Are meals and entrance tickets included in the price?
Both a full breakfast and a buffet lunch in Cusipata are included in your tour. Entrance tickets to the mountain reservation (and the optional Red Valley area) are generally paid on-site in Peruvian Soles directly to the local Quechua communities managing the land.
What clothing and gear should I bring for the trip?
Temperatures can range from freezing in the morning to bright sun at midday. Wear thermal layers, a fleece, and a windproof/waterproof jacket, along with comfortable hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. Be sure to bring a warm beanie, gloves, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, local cash, and a rain poncho.
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