Private Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco: 7 Colors Trek & Guide

Summary

Guided Vinicunca Hike with Local Insights & Private Transport

You’ll hike through wild Andean valleys, spot herds of alpacas, and stand at the top of Rainbow Mountain’s colorful ridge. This private tour handles all the details—local guide, comfy transport, and lunch—so you can just focus on the adventure.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before dawn—still dark outside, but the city was already humming in the distance. Our driver met us right at the hotel door in Cusco, and we set off south as the sky started to lighten. The road out to Cusipata winds through sleepy villages and open fields where you’ll spot llamas and alpacas grazing. I remember the cold air sneaking in through the window and the smell of eucalyptus from the roadside trees. Our guide, Luis, pointed out the tiny town of Chillihuani just as the sun crept over the hills—he said the locals here still trade potatoes for cheese at the Sunday market.

We reached Fulawasi just as folks were opening their doors for the day. That’s where we grabbed our box lunches—mine had a tamal and some sweet bread, which came in handy later. The trek started easy enough, following a narrow path between rolling hills streaked with reds and yellows. There were little streams running with icy water; you could hear them before you saw them. As we climbed higher, the colors in the mountains seemed to shift every time a cloud passed overhead. Luis explained that the stripes come from layers of minerals—iron, copper, even a bit of sulfur. The last stretch was tough, not gonna lie, but reaching the top at nearly 17,000 feet felt unreal. The wind up there is sharp, but the view is wide open—rainbow bands across Vinicunca, snow peaks in the distance, and a few local women selling coca tea from thermoses. We ate our lunches sitting on a flat rock, boots off, just soaking it all in before heading back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainbow Mountain Hike and Views

• Hike Rainbow Mountain and enjoy views

Top questions

How hard is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?

It’s a challenging walk due to the altitude (over 16,000 feet), but the pace is steady and your guide will help you adjust. You’ll need moderate fitness.

What should I wear or bring?

Dress in layers—mornings are cold but it warms up fast. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, and your passport for entry.

Is lunch provided?

Yes, you’ll get a packed box lunch before the hike starts. Let us know if you have any dietary needs when booking.

Can kids join this tour?

Children can come if accompanied by an adult, but they should be used to walking and altitude.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, private vehicle and driver, entrance to Rainbow Mountain, an English-speaking local guide, and a box lunch for the trek.