Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Trek – Explore Vibrant Colors and Andean Landscapes

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Mountain Thermal Clothing: Layered clothing MANDATORY. First thermal layer (thermal shirt), second insulating layer (fleece), third waterproof and windproof layer (rain and wind jacket). Weather at extreme altitude is unpredictable: there may be intense sun, strong wind, extreme cold, or rain/snow.
• Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots with excellent ankle support ESSENTIAL. Terrain is irregular, rocky and may be muddy. Also bring thick trekking socks (preferably merino wool). Do not wear regular sneakers.
• Extreme Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen MANDATORY (apply every 2 hours). Sunglasses with UV 400 protection (category 3 or 4), hat or cap with neck protection, and lip balm with sun protection. UV radiation at over 5,000 m.a.s.l. is extremely intense and dangerous.
• Cash: Bring soles for Vinicunca entrance (included in tour), optional lunch at local restaurants (approx. S/20-35), optional horse rental if you don't wish to walk (approx. S/70-100 round trip), voluntary tips for guide, driver and horse handlers, snacks and additional beverages.
• Extreme Hydration: Minimum 2-3 liters of water. Dehydration at altitude is rapid and dangerous. Also bring sports drinks or rehydration salts. Drink constantly throughout the route, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Trekking Backpack: Medium backpack (30-40 liters) with chest and waist straps to distribute weight. Carry water, energy snacks (chocolates, nuts, energy bars), extra clothing, camera, documents, personal first aid kit, and waterproof bag to protect belongings.
• Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to capture Vinicunca's colored stripes, Ausangate snowcapped mountain, unique high Andean landscapes and local fauna. Bring extra battery or powerbank (cold drains batteries quickly), additional memory cards, and rain/snow protection.
• Mandatory Medications: Altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi Pills or Diamox - consult with doctor previously), pain relievers for headache, personal medications, nausea pills, stomach protector. Also bring coca candies or coca leaves to chew during the hike.
• Extreme Weather: Temperatures between -5°C and 15°C at Vinicunca summit. Unpredictable weather with intense sun, freezing wind, possible rain or hail. Prepare for adverse conditions. Dry season (May-October) is better, but rain can occur anytime.
• Documents: ID or original Passport MANDATORY. Also bring cash in soles and emergency card. Store everything in waterproof bag.
• CRITICAL Acclimatization: It is MANDATORY to be MINIMUM 2-3 full days in Cusco before the tour. Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,036 m.a.s.l. - the most extreme altitude of popular tours in Cusco. Without adequate acclimatization, the risk of acute mountain sickness (severe soroche) is very high. Drink coca tea constantly, hydrate, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, do progressive walks in Cusco.
• Breakfast Included: Tour includes traditional Andean breakfast in Quiquijana before starting the hike. Eat well to have energy during the demanding trek.
• Extreme Schedule: Departure VERY EARLY (4:00-4:30 a.m.) from your hotel in Cusco. Tour lasts 12 full hours. Approximate return: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Sleep well the night before.
• Hiking Pace: Walk SLOW and steady. At extreme altitude, the correct technique is "Andean step": short steps, deep breathing and slow pace. Do not rush. Rest frequently.
• Oxygen and Safety: Although not included, consider carrying personal portable oxygen (available at Cusco pharmacies, approx. S/30-50) if you are sensitive to altitude. Guide carries first aid kit and emergency oxygen.
• Lunch: Not included. Local restaurant options on return route (approx. S/20-35). You can also bring substantial snacks from Cusco.
• Trekking Poles: Optional and recommended (included in tour). They help enormously on ascent and descent, reducing knee impact and improving balance on irregular terrain.
• Optional Horse: If at the start of the hike you feel you cannot complete the trek on foot, you can rent a horse (S/70-100 round trip, not included). Local muleteers are available at the starting point. However, the last section must be done walking.
• Respect for Nature: DO NOT leave trash. Bring bag to collect your waste and bring it back. Vinicunca is a fragile high mountain ecosystem that must be preserved. Also respect local communities and their livestock (llamas and alpacas).
• Photography: Allowed at all sites. Ideal for extreme natural landscape photography, colored geology, snowcapped mountains, high Andean fauna and astrophotography (if leaving very early). Bring wide-angle lens to capture the landscape's immensity.
• Physical Condition: Honestly evaluate your physical condition before booking. This is a DEMANDING trek at EXTREME altitude. Not suitable for people with heart problems, severe respiratory issues, pregnant women, elderly with limitations, or small children.
• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to purchase insurance covering extreme altitude trekking activities and emergency evacuation.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? Adequate physical condition is recommended. The Vinicunca trek has a moderate to high difficulty level due to extreme altitude (5,036 m.a.s.l.) and approximately 3-4 hour hike (round trip). Good cardiovascular and respiratory health is required. NOT recommended for people with heart problems, severe respiratory issues, pregnant women, elderly with physical limitations or small children. It is ESSENTIAL to be completely acclimatized to Cusco altitude (minimum 2-3 days). 2. What does this tour include? It includes private tourist transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified multilingual professional guide (Spanish, English and Portuguese), traditional Andean breakfast in Quiquijana, permanent assistance throughout the tour, and entrance to Rainbow Mountain. Also includes optional trekking poles and first aid kit. 3. What services are NOT included? Lunch (available at local restaurants for approx. S/20-35), additional beverages, horse or optional transport for those who don't wish to walk (approx. S/70-100 round trip), voluntary tips for guide, driver and horse handlers, travel insurance, portable oxygen (recommended for altitude-sensitive people), or additional personal expenses are not included. 4. How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude? The tour lasts approximately 12 hours (full day), from 4:00-4:30 a.m. to 4:00-5:00 p.m. The hike to Vinicunca summit is approximately 3-4 hours (round trip, 7-10 km depending on starting point). Maximum altitude is 5,036 meters above sea level at Rainbow Mountain summit. The hike starting point is approximately 4,600 m.a.s.l. 5. How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? It is recommended to be in Cusco MINIMUM 2-3 full days before the tour for proper altitude acclimatization. Rainbow Mountain exceeds 5,000 m.a.s.l. and altitude sickness can be severe if you are not acclimatized. During these days, drink coca tea, hydrate constantly, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and do short walks in Cusco to prepare your body. This tour is NOT recommended as a first activity upon arriving in Cusco. 6. What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Quiquijana (Andean town where you'll enjoy traditional breakfast), Pitumarca (access point to Vinicunca), Rainbow Mountain

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Total duration: 12 hours approximately (full day with very early departure).
• Departure: 4:00-4:30 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Extremely early schedule.
• Maximum altitude: 5,036 m.a.s.l. (Vinicunca summit - Rainbow Mountain). This is EXTREME ALTITUDE.
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Documentation: ID or original Passport MANDATORY for entry to protected area.
• CRITICAL Acclimatization: MANDATORY to be MINIMUM 2-3 full days in Cusco before the tour. Without adequate acclimatization, the risk of acute mountain sickness (severe soroche) is extremely high and dangerous. DO NOT take this tour as first activity upon arriving in Cusco.
• Guide language: Spanish, English and Portuguese subject to availability.
• Service type: Group with comfortable and safe private tourist transportation.
• Entrance fees: Rainbow Mountain entrance INCLUDED in tour.
• IMPORTANT Medical Restrictions: NOT suitable for people with heart problems, severe respiratory issues (severe asthma, COPD), uncontrolled hypertension, pregnant women, elderly with significant physical limitations, children under 8 years old, people with recent surgeries, or any medical condition that worsens with extreme altitude. Consult with doctor before booking if you have health concerns.
• Extreme Weather: Unpredictable high mountain weather. Temperatures between -5°C and 15°C at summit. Possible rain, hail, snow, strong wind or intense sun (even same day). Dry season (May-October) is more favorable, but weather can change abruptly. Prepare for adverse conditions with adequate thermal clothing.
• MANDATORY Clothing: Thermal layered clothing (minimum 3 layers), waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, waterproof and windproof jacket, gloves, thermal hat, sun hat/cap, SPF 50+ sunscreen, category 3-4 sunglasses.
• Physical Condition: Adequate physical condition required. Trek is demanding due to extreme altitude and irregular terrain. Honestly evaluate your physical capabilities before booking.
• Breakfast: Traditional Andean breakfast included in Quiquijana before starting trek.
• Lunch: Not included. Local restaurant options available on return route (approx. S/20-35), or bring substantial snacks from Cusco.
• Optional Horse: Available at starting point for those who cannot or do not wish to walk (approx. S/70-100 round trip, NOT included). However, the last section must be done walking.
• Experience: Extreme altitude adventure trekking. Ideal for nature lovers, unique landscape photography, personal challenges and deep connection with the Andes. NOT a conventional tourist tour - it is a physically and mentally demanding expedition.
• End: Return to your hotel in Cusco approximately between 4:00-5:00 p.m.
• Safety: Certified guide with high mountain trekking experience, first aid kit, emergency oxygen. However, each participant is responsible for evaluating their own health and physical capacity before the tour.
• Weather Cancellations: In case of dangerous extreme weather conditions (severe storms, intense snowfall), tour may be rescheduled or canceled for safety. Notification is given in advance when possible.
• Final Recommendation: This tour requires serious preparation, adequate acclimatization and good physical condition. If you have doubts about your capacity to complete it, consult with the operator before booking.

Dare to discover one of the most famous natural treasures in Peru.

Check the map and find out how to get to Vinicunca, the famous Mountain of 7 Colors in Cusco. Find routes, accesses and key points for your adventure.