Rainbow Mountain Full Day
ITINERARY:
Complete Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary:
- 03:00am – 03:30am: Pick up from Hotels/Hostels: The day starts early with participants being picked up from their respective accommodations in Cusco. Private transportation will take them to the starting point of the tour, in the direction of Rainbow Mountain, a destination famous for its stunning natural colors.
- 03:30am – 05:00am: Drive from Cusco to Cusipata: The drive from Cusco to the district of Cusipata takes approximately 1.5 hours. As you ascend into the high mountains that surround the region, you will see beautiful landscapes of the Andean mountain range.
- 05:00am – 06:00am: Breakfast in Cusipata: Upon arrival in Cusipata, you will stop to enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant. This is the time to rest, hydrate and prepare energy for the hike that begins soon.
- 06:00am – 09:00am: approximately: After breakfast, the group continues the journey by bus to the start of the hike to Arcoíri Mountain. 7:30am starts the hike up to the Rainbow Mountain. This hike lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on the pace of the group, and is a moderate climb. The air in the area is cooler and the altitude begins to be felt, so it is important to take your time to walk slowly.
- 09:00am – 09:30am: Arrival at Rainbow Mountain: After a demanding hike, we finally reach the summit of the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). There, travelers will enjoy spectacular views of the mountain and its surroundings, with the vibrant colors that characterize this unique landscape. They will have time to take pictures, admire the scenery and rest a bit before continuing.
- 09:30am – 10:00am (Optional): Visit to the Red Valley: Those who wish to extend their adventure can make an additional visit to the Red Valley, another scenic spot offering incredible views. This tour is optional and is not included in the cost of the tour, as it requires a separate entrance fee.
- 10:00am – 11:30am: Return to the starting point: After enjoying the Rainbow Mountain and its surroundings, the group begins the return to the starting point of the hike, where the transportation will be waiting for the return trip. The descent will be faster, as the hike will be downhill.
- 11:30am – 12:30pm: Return to Cusipata: Once back at the starting point, the travelers will take the transport back to Cusipata, where they can relax after the effort of the hike.
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch in Cusipata: Upon arrival in Cusipata, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This is the perfect time to relax, share experiences about the trek and recharge with a typical local meal.
- 1:30pm – 3:00pm: Return to Cusco: After lunch, the group will take the transportation back to Cusco. The return trip will take about 1.5 hours, and arrival is estimated to be between 5:00pm and 5:30pm approximately, depending on traffic. The tour will end near the Plaza Regocijo, just two blocks from Cusco’s main square.
This itinerary provides a complete experience to explore one of Peru’s most impressive landscapes, offering the opportunity to enjoy both the physical challenge of the hike and the unparalleled views that only Rainbow Mountain can offer.