Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of Cusco’s most iconic hikes. Its striking striped colors—reds, yellows, greens, and purples—come from mineral-rich sediments and create a surreal, painted landscape high in the Andes. The trek itself is relatively short (around 6–7 km round trip) but can feel tough because of the altitude, with the summit reaching over 5,000 m (16,400 ft). Many hikers experience shortness of breath, so taking it slow and acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is important. The views at the top are spectacular, especially when combined with nearby Red Valley. The downside is that Vinicunca has become very popular, so it can be crowded, especially in peak season. Still, the sight of the rainbow-colored slopes against the Andean sky is unforgettable and worth the effort. Best for adventurous travelers prepared for altitude, who want to see one of Peru’s most unique natural

This place was worth the 3-hour drive (1 way) from Cusco. It is at 17,000 ft. roughly 5,000 m. So if you come from sea level, this is not a good idea on your first day in Peru. We went after being a week in Cusco and visiting other sites. We went with a guide, who drove us from Cusco and managed our tickets and lunch reservations so we didn't have to do that. If you go alone, know that you will need to have sol for the tickets, the bathrooms, any snacks you want to purchase and if you want to ride horses to the lookout point. I highly recommend, unless you're looking for mileage and you are very acclimated, you pay 70 sol and ride a horse to the view point and then you can walk the trail back. It's roughly a 1.2 mile, 2 km, one way to the viewing point and then it's another 500 meters or so up. Our guide highly recommended going first thing in the morning because the weather can change very quickly in the afternoon. We experienced this, it was lovely when we got there and raining when we left. While it was warmer in the sun at the base camp area, by the time we got to the mountain it was windy and quite cold. Dress in layers, have lots of sunscreen, I recommend bringing an oxygen bottle with you just in case (I needed mine but my family didn't), and have water and snacks.

Beautiful views. Make sure your lungs and legs are strong. You will definitely feel the altitude if you are not accustomed. I would recommend the motorbike ride on your way up and then option to walk down. I enjoy mountain trails so if that is also you, this is worth it.

Such a great hike. Not particularly difficult but the altitude can take its toll. Plenty of places to stop along the way for a break, including 2 toilets.

The scenery is beautiful when hiking at Rainbow Mountain in Peru. You can choose to hike on foot, take a horse or motorcycle (100Sol / PP) to the bottom of Rainbow Mountain then hike. There is an emergency room in the parking lot to help guests with severe altitude sickness, and also ambulances. There are toilets in the parking lot and on the mountain (2 Sol /PP). Highly recommended to wear hiking shoes and use hiking poles, chew coca leaves, drink coca tea, or coca candy. In addition to the altitude sickness, you also need to pay attention to a plant called Yareta. It is a moss that looks like ordinary moss, but it has many inconspicuous small thorns. If you don't pay attention to sitting on it or touching it with your hands, they will prick your butt and hands. Very hurts and very difficult to remove all the spikes.

Awesome hike. If you go there just go slow otherwise you’ll gonna get altitude sickness preferable take altitude sickness pill. We started hiking around 7:45 am. and it was perfect not busy.

Is a privilege does that make it to the top is a body chalage. The high altitude make it more difficult but the views are totally worth it. This mountain has this colors of the result of the oxidation of difference minerals like copper, iron, bronze etc. Is a natural give who dose love nature. What is risky is the road to reach this area to many cliffs with no guard and big rocks that can slide.

When we reached the top it was foggy but cleared up later. Definitely doing the ATV ride was worth it. Once it was clear the view was nice and seeing the colors was beautiful.