Tours/Cusco/Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco | Vinicunca Hike | Optional 8AM
Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco | Vinicunca Hike | Optional 8AM
4.7(761)Cusco12 hours
VIATOR4.6(282)TRIPADVISOR4.7(479)
+8 photos
At a glance
Duration
12 hours
Price from
$85 / person
Location
Cusco, Peru
Rating
4.7 / 5 · 761 reviews
Languages
DE, PT, EN, IT
Group
Small group, up to 15
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Rainbow Mountain Cusco Agency
Description
Discover the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on a guided day tour from Cusco with an optional 8AM departure. Unlike most tours that leave around 4AM, this later start offers a more comfortable way to experience one of Peru’s most famous natural wonders.
Travel through the beautiful Andean highlands before beginning your hike to Rainbow Mountain, where colorful mineral layers create one of the most unique landscapes in the world. Along the way, your guide will share insights about local culture, wildlife, and the geology of Vinicunca. Horses are available for rent if you prefer assistance during the climb.
At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and the Ausangate mountain range before returning to Cusco. Join Andina Expeditions for a safe, well-organized, and unforgettable Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
11 times a day, 3:00 AM–8:00 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 7
Adult (ages 15–60)
$85
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $380.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Tour Options
Early Morning Departure 12 hours
Duration: 12 hours: This tour is approximately 12hrs total. Expected return time is estimated 4:30pm for the 4:00am tour departure.
Pickup included
Private Option
Pickup included
8:00 am Late Morning Departure 12 hours
Duration: 12 hours: This tour is approximately 12hrs total. Expected return time is estimated 6:30pm for the 6:30am tour departure.
Pickup included
Itinerary
Cusipata
120 min
Starting your tour in the morning with a hotel pick up, we wil then drive through Peru’s rugged mountain landscape.
Our first stop is a small town where we will stop for breakfast
Also is the place for the lunch on the afternoon.
Vinicunca Mountain
Admission not included60 min
Montaña de 7 Colores or Rainbow Mountain is the main attraction of this activity, we will take a 2 hours hike to arrive to the rainbow mountain and spend around 1 hour exploring and taking some pictures on this beautiful landscape.
Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
Admission not included60 min
Vinicunca Mountain
Admission not included60 min
Vinicunca, Montaña de 7 Colores or Rainbow Mountain is the main attraction of this activity, we will take a 2 hours hike to arrive to the rainbow mountain and spend around 1 hour exploring and taking some pictures on this beautiful landscape.
Plaza Regocijo (Kusipata)
Pass by
Plaza regocijo or "Cusipata" is the place where we will end or tour, is located only 1 block away from main square.
What's included
Included
First Aid Kit
Professional multi-lingual guide (English and Spanish)
Breakfast and lunch for 4 am departure
Snacks & Lunch for 8am departure
Transportation with hotel pick up
Not included
Rainbow Mountain
Horses (available to rent directly in the first town)
Drinks
Pickup Locations & Times
bookings are 100% confirmed, Exact pick up time will be provided 24 hours before travel date. (they may change to 20 minutes later or 20 minutes earlier).
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
761 reviews
5
622
4
78
3
23
2
16
1
22
How it compares in Cusco
No. 27 by number of reviews among 4,437 tours in Cusco
Starting price $85 is close to the typical $80 for tours of similar length in Cusco
Excurgo comparison of 4,437 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for people over 65 years of age
A strenuous amount of walking is involved
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
Recommendable to arrive to Cusco around 48 hours before the trip
This hike is from 15419 ft (4700 Meters) to the 16522ft (5036 Meters) of elevation.
Total tour time from departure to return is estimated about 12hrs
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco | Vinicunca Hike | Optional 8AM lasts about 12 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $85 per person for this Cusco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $380. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 11 departures a day between 3:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. bookings are 100% confirmed, Exact pick up time will be provided 24 hours before travel date. (they may change to 20 minutes later or 20 minutes earlier). Pickup points include Incatambo Hacienda Hotel, Inkaspacha Hostal.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 761 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Rainbow Mountain Cusco Agency.
Reviews(761)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
B
Barry_H
September 8, 2026 · via Viator
Bad pick up and drop off
Did not pick us up or drop us off anywhere near our hotel. Drop-off was especially shady since we were dropped off so far from hotel, seemed like they just wanted to get off early and not get through the traffic, even though other vehicles were doing it.
Operator response
Dear Barry
We are so surprised by your review.
Your hotel is located in an area that is the pure historic center, with very nice but narrow streets. That is why we asked you to meet us one block away, just a 1-minute walk from your hotel.
Regarding the drop-off, as a living cultural city, we were having a celebration for the “Virgen de la Natividad” on September 8th. As the celebration takes place in the historic center, cars were not allowed to drive through the area.
Therefore, we asked the whole group (this was not a private tour) to respect the celebration and leave the vehicle about 7 minutes walking distance from the historic center.
This was a situation of respecting the local culture, which unfortunately you were not willing to understand.
You did not mention anything about the work we did throughout the tour.
We would like to recommend that on your next trips, you try to immerse yourself in the local culture and respect it as a tourist.
Even though we did our best throughout the full-day Rainbow Mountain tour, these small details regarding the pick-up and drop-off gave you the reason to rate us 1 star.
Best regards
M
Maryanne_H
August 30, 2026 · via Viator
Disappointing Activity
Details of trip did not meet expectations. Van ride was long & cramped. No Wi-Fi on board. Food stops were terrible. Hiking was hard and we were on our own. No oxygen provided. Bring your own water.
T
TimGorsuch
August 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Peru Bacation
Amazing views make the bus ride from town worth it!
J
Jayme_P
August 11, 2026 · via Viator
Breathtaking Views!
Rainbow mountain was an unforgettable experience! We did not do the whole hike, we took horse up part of the way. This was also an incredible experience. The views up top are breathtakingly beautiful! Many llama picture opportunities when you reach the top as well. Would highly recommend this tour.
H
H239YZianc
July 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Too many people
Looking forward to better experience next time
G
Guide61988079039
July 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful colors
Breakfast was great and we came back for lunch after our trek. Rainbow mountain was beautiful, we hiked it. But you can ride horse or quads . Line up for the photo was a bit annoying but it’s what you have to do.
G
Gabriel_W
June 29, 2026 · via Viator
rainbow mtn
traffic both ways so a 3 hr plus drive, last hour is on a dirt road.
great to see rainbow mountains with a handful of other tourists.
an additional 25 sol cost pp
G
GrandTour51361329973
June 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent
Anibal was so amazing!! He was very patient and positive on the difficult trail. We had a great time with him and always felt safe.
M
marclD7356UQ
June 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Rainbow Mountain
I always enjoyed hiking but that was hiking on steroids!! I had the opportunity to either hike, use a motorcycle or horseback to the top. I wanted the full walking experience as the Incas would do so I walked. I went all the way to the top and felt it was quite an accomplishment considering the elevation and 40 percent less oxygen at that height. Machu Picchu was my main event in Peru but this surprised me so much that it ended being my second favorite adventure.
P
Pametravel20
June 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best tour guide joel
It was an incredible experience at Rainbow Mountain with expert adventure guides and great photographers, and they helped us get horses to reach Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
Compare similar tours in Cusco
Lowest price: Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley — $25
Best rated: Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd, Small Group - 8:00 AM Departure — 4.9 (936 reviews)
Shortest: Private Rainbow Mountain Tour - 08 am departure Skip the Crowds — 10 hours
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco | Vinicunca Hike | Optional 8AM
