Rainbow Mountain Day Tour from Cusco: Hike Vinicunca & Ausangate

Summary

Vinicunca Trekking Experience: Local Culture & Colorful Peaks

If you want to see Peru’s famous Rainbow Mountain up close—and meet local Andean communities along the way—this day trip is for you. It’s a real adventure with colorful views, fresh mountain air, and good company.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before sunrise—still dark outside, a bit chilly in the room. By 5:00 am, we were already in the van, winding through the South Valley out of Cusco. The city lights faded fast, replaced by quiet villages and open fields. Our driver pointed out tiny roadside stands selling coca tea; I grabbed a cup at Llactoc village where we stopped for breakfast. The air up here is thin but crisp, and you can smell wood smoke drifting from nearby houses.

The hike starts at about 4,500 meters—honestly, you feel it in your lungs right away. Our guide, Luis, kept us at a slow pace. Llamas and alpacas grazed along the trail; some wore bright tassels on their ears. You’ll notice the silence up here except for the crunch of boots on gravel and the occasional call from a herder. After about an hour and a half uphill (it feels longer), you get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain—bands of red, yellow, turquoise stacked like layers of cake. Luis explained how minerals created these colors over centuries. We had plenty of time to snap photos and just sit with the view—windy but worth it.

The way down is easier on your legs but watch your step—loose stones everywhere. Back at Llactoc, lunch was waiting: hot soup and rice with veggies (and yes, more coca tea). We made it back to Cusco by late afternoon, tired but happy to have seen something so different from anywhere else I’ve been.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainbow Mountain Trek and Return

• Hotel pickup and drive to Llactoc village
• Uphill walk to Rainbow Mountain summit
• Explore and photograph Rainbow Mountain
• Hike downhill to trekking start point
• Lunch and return to Cusco

Top questions

How hard is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?

It’s a challenging walk because of the high altitude—about 1.5 hours uphill—but our guide goes slow and there are breaks along the way.

What should I bring for this tour?

You’ll want warm layers (it gets cold early), sunblock, water, snacks if you like, and good walking shoes or boots.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes! Both meals are provided in Llactoc village before and after the hike.

Can I do this tour if I’m not used to high altitudes?

If you’re new to altitude or have health concerns (heart or spine issues), it’s best to check with your doctor first—the trek is demanding.

What’s included

This trip covers private transport from Cusco, breakfast and lunch in Llactoc village (think hot soup and local dishes), an English/Spanish-speaking guide who knows the area well, plus a first aid kit just in case.