Inti Raymi Festival of The Sun 2025
included
From
$
230.00 pp
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Cerro Colorado or Montaña Arco Iris (Rainbow Mountain), is located in Vinicunca, in the province of Quispicanchi, Cusco region, at the base of one of the highest snow-capped peaks in Peru, the Ausangate Glacier.
The Andes mountain range has been significantly impacted by climate change, especially by glacier melt, which led to the discovery of the Rainbow Mountain. The colors of this now-popular natural wonder are the result of its mineral composition. The mountain gets its pink hues from red clay, its whitish tones from white sandstone, and its red shades from claystones. Its geological formations reveal a breathtaking spectacle, contrasted against the blue sky, forming a striking barrier between the coastal desert and the Amazon rainforest, all dominated by the stunning Ausangate Glacier (6,384 m), one of the majestic “Apus” (sacred mountains) of this region.
We begin the tour by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center). From there, we will take an approximately 2 ½-hour journey in a tourist vehicle to a restaurant where we will enjoy a local breakfast. Afterward, we will head to the starting point of the hike, from which we will walk to our destination. Once there, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning Rainbow Mountain (5,036 meters above sea level). You can take photos and videos of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and the beautiful landscape that surrounds them.
The return journey is less challenging and can be completed in about 2 hours; there is also the option to rent horses from local residents along the route. The majestic Ausangate Glacier makes this visit even more special, offering a breathtaking and stunning view. The effort required for this hike is greatly rewarded by the unique natural wonders you will admire, which are sure to become unforgettable memories.
After the visit, we return to the restaurant to enjoy a refreshing buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we board the tourist vehicle that will take us back to the city of Cusco.
IMPORTANT:
OPTIONAL
A group tour means that it is open for other hikers to join.
2 Travelers: $ 0 per person
3 Travelers: $ 0 per person
4 Travelers: $ 0 per person
5 Travelers: $ 0 per person
6 Travelers: $ 0 per person
7 Travelers: $ 0 per person
8 more Travelers: $ 0 per person
Private tours are available and the price depends on the size of the group.
Knowing the maximum altitude will help you prepare adequately for the experience. During the hike, we will reach an altitude of approximately 5,036 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. It is recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before the hike for proper acclimatization, as well as staying well-hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption.
It is important to understand the difficulty level of the hike to ensure you are physically prepared. The hike has a moderate difficulty level and is not extremely challenging, but the altitude can present an additional challenge. It is recommended to be in reasonable physical condition and prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
It is essential to know what services are included in the tour price and what additional expenses you might incur. The tour price includes hotel pickup, a professional guide in English and Spanish, breakfast and buffet lunch with hot beverages, entrance fees, an oxygen tank, and a first aid kit. However, you should consider additional expenses such as entry tickets, cold drinks during meals, tips, and other personal extras.
Knowing the total duration of the tour and the planned activities will help you plan your day accordingly. The tour lasts a full day and includes hotel pickup in Cusco, breakfast, a hike to Rainbow Mountain, time for taking photos, as well as breakfast and lunch during the tour.
Some travelers might be interested in renting horses to facilitate the hike. It is important to know if this option is available and what the additional cost is. In this case, the cost of renting horses is not included in the tour price, so you will need to check with the tour provider about availability and the additional cost for this option.
The trek lasts approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the walking pace and each person’s physical condition.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is more stable and there is less rain.
The weather is cold, especially in the morning and at higher altitudes. It can also be variable, with sun, wind, rain, or snow possible in a single day.
It is important to consult with a doctor before the tour, as the altitude can be a challenge. It is also advisable to go slowly and be attentive to symptoms of altitude sickness.
It is recommended to bring warm clothing, waterproof gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, trekking poles, water, and some snacks.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
