Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour Vinicunca route

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a stunning natural wonder in the Peruvian Andes. Its vibrant colors and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Día 1: Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour (B, L)

Discover the Enchantment of Rainbow Mountain: A Sacred Andean Treasure

Get ready to venture into one of Peru’s most mystical and visually stunning destinations!

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, isn’t just a natural wonder it holds ancient myths and local legends that bring this magical landscape to life.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and spiritual significance of this extraordinary place!

An Early Start for a Sacred Journey

Moreover we start the day bright and early, with our Machupicchu Latin America guide picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am.

As we drive through the Andean highlands, you feel the energy of these sacred lands surrounding you.

The Andean people revere Apu Ausangate, the majestic mountain near Vinicunca, as a powerful deity or “Apu” that protects the region.

For centuries, they have worshipped this mountain as a provider of life and fertility for the nearby communities.

After a 1.5-hour drive, we stop in the village of Cusipata to enjoy a nourishing breakfast, allowing you to acclimatize and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Trek Through Mythic Landscapes

After breakfast, we drive for another hour to Fulawasipata, where our hike begins. Before the ascent, our guide shares local legends about this sacred mountain. Andean folklore says its colorful stripes represent the earth’s energies, blessing travelers with strength and good fortune.

As we hike for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the vibrant rainbow hues slowly emerge, creating a breathtaking panorama. Along the way, you may spot Chakana symbols carved into stones or woven into textiles representing the Incan Cross and the three levels of existence: the underworld, earth, and heavens. This journey is a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Reaching the Sacred Summit: The Rainbow Reveals Itself

Also at the summit, you witness a natural masterpiece Rainbow Mountain’s bold, colorful bands.

Local myths say the mountain was once a sleeping god who infused the earth with color upon awakening.

Its vibrant hues reds, purples, golds, and greens symbolize his power over nature.

These stunning colors, hidden beneath glaciers for thousands of years, only emerged in recent decades as the ice receded due to climate change.

For local communities, this is a sign from the mountain gods, urging humanity to respect and protect nature.

The Descent and Traditional Lunch

On one that after soaking in the views, capturing unforgettable photos, and honoring the mountain spirits, we begin our descent.

As you walk down, enjoy the serene landscape where alpacas and llamas graze peacefully animals once sacred to the Incas.

We then return to Cusipata for a well-earned Andean lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Return to Cusco: A Day of Wonder Completed

Then arriving back at your Cusco hotel around 4:00 to 4:30 pm, you’ll have time to reflect on your spiritual and visual journey through one of the most magical landscapes on earth.

The Rainbow Mountain is more than just a hike; it’s an experience that connects you to the deep, mystical history of the Andean people.

Myth and Legend of Vinicunca:

• The locals believe that Apu Ausangate protects the surrounding lands and its people, and visiting the Rainbow Mountain is a way to honor these ancient beliefs.
• It’s said that those who make the trek are blessed with good fortune, as they walk along the ancient paths of the gods.

Why Visit Rainbow Mountain?

• A Visual Wonder: With its vibrant natural colors, this mountain is a photographer’s dream.
• Sacred Landscape: Trek through the lands of the Inca and explore the spiritual connection the Andean people have with these mountains.
• An Adventure for the Soul: More than just a hike, it’s a journey into the heart of Peru’s mythical past.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour (B, L)

• Early Departure from Cusco (4:30 - 5:00 am)
  • Your adventure begins early, when our transportation picks you up at your hotel in Cusco.
• Breakfast Stop in Cusipata (1.5 hours travel)
  • Enjoy a local breakfast in the town of Cusipata, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes.
• Start of the Hike in Fulawasipata (1 hour drive)
  • The tour begins in Fulawasipata, at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range.
• Hike to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) (1.5 hours ascent)
  • Gradual hike to reach the summit of the famous Vinicunca, located at 5,200 meters above sea level.
• Panoramic View and Rest at the Summit
  • Upon reaching the summit, enjoy the stunning views of the colorful mountains and the surrounding landscape.
• Descent from Vinicunca (1 hour descent)
  • Descend via the same trail back to the starting point of the hike.
• Lunch in Cusipata
  • Enjoy a delicious local lunch in the town of Cusipata before returning.
• Return to Cusco (1.5 hours travel)
  • Return to your hotel in Cusco, with approximate arrival at 4:00 pm.

Total Tour Duration: Approximately 12 hours

This itinerary allows visitors to fully experience the beauty of Rainbow Mountain in a single day, with strategic stops to enjoy the local culture and natural landscapes.

Includes / Does not Include

Included

• Hotel/Airbnb pick up and drop off (door to door service).
• Breakfast and Lunch.
• Rainbow Mountain hiking tour.
• Admission tickets to Rainbow Mountain.
• Professional English-Spanish speaking tour guide.
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the tour program.
• 1 Bottle of Water.

Not Included:

• Saddle a horse during the rainbow mountain (120 Peruvian sol cash).
• Dinner.
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended).
• Gratuity (optional).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS