This isn’t your typical Rainbow Mountain tour where you have to wake up early, set off in the dark, and sacrifice your sleep. Let’s be honest: many of us think, “I’ll sleep in the car on the way to the mountain,” but the reality is quite different. You don’t really rest, you arrive tired and half-asleep, and you don’t enjoy it the way you should.
That’s why, at Rainbow Mountain Expeditions, we do things differently and offer you an exclusive alternative: visiting the majestic Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon. No rush, no crowds, and at a time that’s much more comfortable for your body and mind. This way, you can enjoy the experience the way it’s meant to be: calm, rested, and best of all, at your own pace.
Why Choose an Afternoon Tour to Rainbow Mountain
A More Exclusive Experience: This isn’t like any other tour. Being a less common option, it feels almost like a private tour. There are fewer people, more personalized attention, and a much calmer atmosphere. It’s one of those experiences that few agencies offer, and it makes you feel like you’re truly experiencing something special.
Convenient Schedule (No More Early Wake-Ups): Forget about waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. With our afternoon tour, you can start your adventure as early as 7:00 a.m., giving you the freedom to enjoy breakfast at your own pace.
Zero Stress, All Enjoyment: Going in the afternoon is like taking the same trip, just at a more relaxed pace. There’s less traffic, fewer tourists, and everything feels more laid-back. You don’t deal with the morning rush or the stress of crowds.
Better Photos, No Obstacles: If you love taking photos or just want great memories, this tour is perfect. In the afternoon, there are fewer people and more freedom to move around, find new angles, and capture the mountain without interruptions. Plus, you avoid the typical morning fog, which can sometimes completely block the view. Everything is clearer, sharper — and all yours.
Personalized Attention at All Times: We’re here for you from the very beginning. Our team is available before, during, and after the tour to ensure a comfortable, worry-free experience. Plus, we don’t follow rigid schedules — if you need a break, a little extra time to enjoy the scenery, or take photos, we’ll make it happen.
More Favorable Weather in the Afternoon: At this altitude (over 5,200 meters above sea level), the weather can be unpredictable. But the truth is, the sky is usually clearer in the afternoon and there’s more sun. It’s also a bit warmer — which is definitely welcome. The wind can still be strong, but with a good jacket, you’ll be just fine.
Backed by a Trusted Local Agency: When you travel, you want to be in good hands. Rainbow Mountain Expeditions is a trusted local agency with years of experience, dedicated to providing top-quality service and a truly enjoyable experience. With us, you’re not just booking a tour — you’re setting off on a safe, well-organized adventure you’ll remember with a smile.
About the Tour
- Location: Vinicunca—better known as Rainbow Mountain—is situated approximately 140 km south of Cusco, in the Canchis province. The main access points are through the districts of Pitumarca and Cusipata.
- Altitude: The tour takes place between 5,000 and 5,200 meters above sea level — so be prepared to feel like you’re walking among the clouds (literally!).
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The hike is approximately 4 km each way, totaling 3 to 4 hours of walking. (Prior acclimatization is highly recommended.)
- Tour Duration: This tour typically lasts a full day, departing in the morning or around noon (depending on your chosen time) and returning to Cusco in the afternoon or evening.
- Transportation: If hiking isn’t your thing, or you just want to enjoy the scenery without the effort, horses, ATVs, and motorcycles are available to make the journey easier.
Practical Information
- Tickets: Tickets cost 35 soles (about $10) for foreigners and 20 soles (about $7) for Peruvian nationals.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available for 2 soles (approximately $0.55). Don’t forget to bring small change and toilet paper — just in case.
- Nearby Attractions: The Red Valley is the closest attraction and definitely worth a visit if you’re already in the area.
- Best Season to Visit: May through August. During these months, the weather is more stable, with little to no rain or storms.
- Climate: Mornings are quite cold, the wind picks up around midday, and it gets even colder at night.
- Wildlife: Along the trail, you might spot llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Afternoon Tour Availability
This tour is available year-round. So whether you plan months in advance or are the spontaneous type who jumps into an adventure overnight — we’re ready for you!
What’s Included in the Tour?
- A professional, English-speaking guide to accompany you throughout the experience.
- A modern, air-conditioned vehicle with all safety measures for a smooth ride.
- Boxed lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available.
- An oxygen tank carried as a precaution in case of altitude-related discomfort.
- A cozy quilt or blanket for added comfort during the journey — especially helpful on chilly afternoons.
Not Included
- Breakfast
- Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain (35 soles) and the Red Valley (20 soles)
- Horses, ATVs, or motorcycles (available at an additional cost)
- Snacks or alcoholic beverages
- Anything not expressly mentioned under the “What’s Included” section.
Packing List
- Light, comfortable T-shirt
- Thermal layer (optional, but useful if it gets chilly)
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking pants (avoid tight jeans)
- Sun hat or cap
- Light gloves (the wind can be sneaky)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Thick, comfortable socks
- Water and snacks
- Cash (in Peruvian soles)
Departure Time: Your Choice
This is the most popular itinerary among our travelers, although it can also be arranged earlier, starting at 7:00 a.m., as we mentioned earlier.
8:00 a.m. | Departure from Cusco
- You’ll be picked up right from your hotel (or a nearby meeting point), then we’ll head south of Cusco in a safe and comfortable van. The drive lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours.
- During the journey, your guide will give you a fun introduction to the tour, share useful trekking tips, and tell you some interesting facts about Rainbow Mountain.
12:00 p.m. | Box Lunch
- Before starting the hike, we’ll stop to enjoy a boxed lunch in the vehicle, already parked in the Chillihuani area. It’s a light but nutritious meal.
12:30 p.m. | Start of the Trek
- We begin the hike from the community of Chillihuani, located at approximately 4,730 meters (15,518 feet) above sea level. The ascent takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace.
Don’t want to hike the entire route? No problem — you can rent a horse for an additional cost.
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Arrival at the Summit of Rainbow Mountain
The day’s big moment! We reach the highest point of the hike — 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. From this spot, you can soak in amazing views of:
- The famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
- The imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the background
- The Red Valley, if you choose to visit it as well
And the best part: there are usually very few people around at this time, so you’re free to take all the photos you want — uninterrupted.
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. | Descent
- We start the descent along the same path. The descent is much easier and faster, and it’s common to see llamas and alpacas grazing freely in the surrounding area.
5:30 p.m. | Shuttle Back to Cusco
- Back at the vehicle, we begin the return trip to the city. You can rest, take a nap, or keep chatting with your guide about everything you experienced.
8:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Arrival in Cusco
We’ll leave you at your hotel or a central meeting point in town. You’ll arrive just in time for dinner, to review your photos, and to relive an unforgettable day.
Afternoon Tour Pricing (per person in USD)
- $159.00 per person – for 2 people
- $149.00 per person – for 4 people
- $139.00 per person – for 6 people
- $119.00 per person – for 8 people
- $109.00 per person – for 10 or more people
Prices vary depending on group size. The more people you come with, the lower the price per person!
Very Important
- If you decide to cancel your tour less than 5 days before it begins, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer any refunds.
- If you cancel between 5 to 7 days before your tour starts, we’ll refund 50% of your payment.
- Now, if you cancel more than 7 days in advance, we’re happy to refund 90%, but we do need to keep a 10% fee to cover some administrative costs.
- Changing the date of your tour is possible, but it does come with a fee of $20 per traveler, and it’s subject to availability.
- Now, when it comes to unforeseen circumstances like delayed flights, train schedule changes, bad weather, or sudden strikes that impact the tour, unfortunately, we can’t issue refunds in those cases. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience they may cause.
Is the tour a group or private tour?
The standard itinerary is for small groups, but you can request a private tour for an even more personalized experience (additional costs apply).
How many people are usually in a group?
Groups are small compared to traditional tours. Since this is an off-peak tour, it’s common to have just 4 to 6 people — making the experience more intimate and less overwhelming.
How different is the experience in the afternoon?
It’s much quieter. By the afternoon, most tourists are already heading back or have finished their hike — which means less noise, more room for photos, and a real chance to have the mountain almost to yourself.
What time does the afternoon tour start?
Departures start around 7:00 a.m., depending on the operator.
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is moderate to challenging — mainly due to the altitude (over 5,000 meters above sea level) rather than the distance (about 4 km each way). It’s recommended to acclimate beforehand.
Is horse rental available if I prefer not to hike the whole way?
Yes! Horses are available to rent locally for an additional fee.
Is it cold in the afternoon?
The weather can be unpredictable. It may feel warm at first, but at the summit, strong winds and low temperatures are common — so dressing in layers is highly recommended.
Do you need a coat even in the afternoon?
Yes! While the afternoon might be sunny, mountain weather is unpredictable. The wind can be strong, and temperatures can drop quickly.
Is food provided during the tour?
Yes, you’ll receive a boxed lunch that’s light and easy to enjoy along the way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available—just give us a heads-up in advance.
Where do you eat your boxed lunch, and what does it include?
You’ll enjoy your boxed lunch inside the vehicle, just before the hike begins. It typically includes a light but energizing meal — a sandwich, fruit, an energy bar, a drink, and a snack.
Can this tour be taken any day of the year?
Yes, the tour is available every day — including holidays and weekends. However, during the rainy season (November to March), road conditions can vary, so extra caution is advised.
Are there restrooms during the tour?
Yes, basic restrooms are available at the trailhead and in some areas along the route. They cost about 2 soles and are usually quite rustic, so it’s a good idea to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Are the guides certified?
Yes, your tour will be led by a licensed, experienced guide who is fluent in English and trained in first aid.
What kind of transportation is used?
You’ll travel in a modern, comfortable van equipped with reclining seats and room for your backpack. Your journey will be guided by a seasoned driver familiar with the route.
Do I have to book in advance?
It’s recommended — especially during peak season (May–August). However, since the afternoon tour is less popular, same-day or next-day bookings are sometimes possible.
Is it possible to visit the Red Valley during the afternoon tour?
Yes! Since the Red Valley is located near the summit of Rainbow Mountain, you can easily add a short visit as part of your afternoon adventure. Just coordinate with your guide on-site — it usually comes with a small extra fee and depends on timing.
