Explore the magical Rainbow Mountain with us! At Rainbow Mountain Expeditions, we’ll take you to Vinicunca (also known as Winicunca), Cusco’s most famous mountain, with our exclusive private tour. You can choose between full-day, half-day, or sunset options, or customize the experience to suit you!
Travel as a couple, with friends, with family, or even alone—the choice is yours! And don’t worry about a thing: we’ll take care of every detail so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Why Choose a Private Tour to Rainbow Mountain?
Total exclusivity: Forget about large groups and being rushed; you’ll enjoy more time at the viewpoints, relaxed and unhurried.
Flexible scheduling: You choose the time you want to start the adventure. We adapt to your pace and preference, whether it’s morning, midday, or even sunset.
Personalized attention: You’ll have professional guides with extensive experience and fluent English, committed to providing a safe experience.
Guaranteed safety: From the beginning to the end of the tour, we take care of everything. Any questions or issues will be addressed immediately.
Comfort at all times: Travel in modern, safe, and comfortable vehicles. We use state-of-the-art vans or buses, so your only concern is enjoying the scenery.
Your own private experience: A private experience just for you, your friends, family, or partner — more intimate and relaxing than a typical group tour
Customized Meals: Breakfast and lunch are essential to this experience, which is why we offer vegetarian, vegan, and other options tailored to any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Optional Access to the Red Valley: Just a one-hour hike from the main viewpoint of the rainbow mountain, you will find the stunning Red Valley, which you can choose to include in your itinerary.
Rainbow Mountain Private Tour Overview
- Location: Located 140 km south of Cusco, in the Canchis province, between the districts of Pitumarca and Cusipata.
- Altitude: The tour runs between 5,000 and 5,200 meters above sea level, so be prepared to feel like you’re walking among clouds (literally!).
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, it’s approximately about 4 km each way, totaling 3 to 4 hours of hiking (Prior acclimatization is highly recommended.)
- Transportation: If walking isn’t your thing or you want to enjoy the scenery without exerting yourself, horses, ATVs, and motorcycles are available to make the journey easier.
Essential Information for Travelers
- 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 change and paper, just in case.
- Nearby Attractions: The Red Valley is the closest attraction and and well 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 no rain or storms.
- Climate: It’s quite cold in the mornings, the wind can be strong at midday, and it gets even colder at night.
- Wildlife: Along the trail, you can encounter llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Is the Rainbow Mountain Private Tour Available Year-Round?
This tour is available 24/7. So, whether you plan months in advance or are someone who jumps into an adventure overnight, we’re ready for you!
You can contact us anytime and start planning one of the most incredible trips you’ll ever take to the Peruvian Andes. The mountains await!
What’s Included?
- An official tour guide fluent in English will make sure you don’t miss a single detail.
- Comfortable and safe transportation, with padded seats, heating for the cold, and ventilation for warmer parts of the day.
- You’ll enjoy a breakfast and lunch buffet, with a wide variety of options for all tastes.
- An oxygen tank, oximeter, walkie-talkie in case any emergency.
- To make sure the morning chill doesn’t catch you off guard, we provide a fleece blanket or extra layers to keep you warm.
Not Included
- Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain (35 soles) and Red Valley (30 soles)
- Horses, ATVs, or motorcycles (available for an additional cost).
- Snacks or alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Hiking poles.
- Anything not specifically listed in the ‘What’s Included’ section.
Packing List
- Extra layers for both cold and warm weather
- Rain poncho (optional, but recommended just in case).
- Appropriate trekking shoes that are comfortable and durable.
- Pack water and energizing snacks to power through the trail.
- Bring cash in soles for entrance fees, souvenirs, taking pictures with llamas, using the toilets, or any unexpected expenses.
- A hat or cap, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense high-altitude sun.
- Sunscreen, because the sun in the Andes is on another level.
Departure Time: Your Choice!
As this is a private tour, you decide the departure time. However, we recommend leaving between 6:00 a.m. to take advantage of the best weather, avoid crowds, and enjoy the mountains in all their splendor.
Here’s the itinerary most popular with our travelers:
6:00 a.m. | Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco
- Early in the morning, our guide will arrive at your hotel to welcome you and escort you to board our private van for your adventure.
- Enjoy a comfortable ride in a van equipped with padded seats, heating, and ventilation.
- Fleece blankets are provided.
- Enjoy a scenic ride.
7:30 a.m. | Buffet breakfast en route
- You’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast at a local restaurant, with hot coffee, freshly baked bread, and options for all dietary needs (yes, even vegan and vegetarian).
- Take the opportunity to acclimate and get ready for the hike.
- Enjoy a scenic ride.
- Our guide will point out the best lookout sopts along the route for stunning views and picturesque landscapes.
10:30 a.m. | Arrival at the starting point (Cusipata or Pitumarca)
- Brief safety briefing with your guide.
- Hike at your own pace and take plenty of breaks to enjoy the views and take photos. your guide will be with you the entire time, providing information and ensuring your safety, the guide carries an oxigen tank, oximeter, and walkie-talkie. in case of emergency, they can use these tools and communicate with paramedic stationed at the beginning of the trail.
10:30–10:50 a.m. | Hike to Rainbow Mountain
- A 4 km uphill route (moderate to difficult), at over 4,700 meters above sea level.
- Start hiking and take your time-go at your pace we never rush you and take breaks to enjoy te surreal views of the landscape.
- Option to rent a horse, ATV, or motorcycle if you prefer not to walk.
12:00 p.m. | Arrival at the summit
- You’ll have plenty of time to walk at your own pace, take amazing photos, and simply enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Meanwhile, our guide will share interesting stories about the area, how this natural wonder was formed, and the animals that live here.
Optional: Visit to the Red Valley
- it is just a one-hour-trip hike to and from the Rainbow Mountain view point.
1:30 a.m. | Return to the starting point
- Return hike (4 km).
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Buffet lunch
- Refuel with a varied and delicious lunch.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Return to Cusco
- Relax in our private van as we head back to the city.
- Estimated arrival at your hotel between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Private Tour Pricing (per person in USD):
- $179.00 per person — for 2 people
- $159.00 per person — for 4 people
- $149.00 per person — for 6 people
- $129.00 per person — for groups of 8 or more
Prices vary depending on group size. The more people you come with, the lower the price per person!
Ready to book your private tour?
Let us know your travel plans or group size, and we’ll help you reserve your private tour — customized just for you.
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.
Which Rainbow Mountain will we explore?
We’ll discover the one-of-a-kind Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca — a full-day adventure customized just for you.
Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain difficult?
Yes, it’s moderately to highly challenging due to the altitude (over 5,000 m / 16,400 ft above sea level). The route is 4 km each way. It’s recommended to be well-acclimated and in good physical condition.
Do I need to acclimate before the tour?
Absolutely! Spending at least one or two days in Cusco beforehand helps prevent altitude sickness and makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Are the entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley included?
No, entrance fees must be paid separately:
- Rainbow Mountain – 35 soles (for foreigners)
- Red Valley – 30 soles (optional)
Are there vegetarian or vegan meal options?
Yes! Both the breakfast and lunch buffets include options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary needs. Just let us know in advance.
What if the altitude affects me during the private tour?
We have oxygen tanks and trained guides to assist you in case of altitude sickness. Plus, you can take your time — it’s a private tour, with no peer pressure.
What time do we return to Cusco?
The estimated arrival time at your hotel is between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on the group’s pace and whether the Red Valley is visited.
What’s the best time to visit the mountain?
Between May and August, during the dry season. These months have less rain and ideal weather for enjoying the scenery.
Can I book on short notice?
Yes! The private tour is available every day, 24/7. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability and personalize your experience.
Can I leave my luggage during the tour?
Of course. If you’re checking out of your hotel that day, we can help arrange for your luggage to be safely stored in Cusco or in the vehicle (depending on its size).
Is this tour truly private or is it shared with others?
It’s 100% private — just you and the people you choose (partner, family, friends, or even just yourself). No random groups, no rush, no interruptions.
Does the guide speak English fluently?
Yes, our guides are certified professionals and fluent in English.
What if I don’t want to go to the Red Valley?
No problem — it’s completely optional. You can decide even on the day of the tour, depending on how you feel.
Can I bring a drone?
Yes, but you must comply with local regulations and ask for permission if you plan to fly it in certain areas. We can advise you on this.
Do you accept credit cards or only cash?
You can pay for the tour with a card, but it’s best to bring cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees, restrooms, snacks, and horse rentals along the way.
What happens if it rains?
If it rains, your plans—especially outdoor activities—might be affected. During the rainy season, severe weather is particularly hard to predict. The forecast might say it will be sunny, but conditions can change quickly. For example, the day before your visit might be clear and pleasant, but it could rain or snow during the night, leading to completely different weather in the morning. Even weather forecasts can’t always give an exact prediction for the next day.
Is there cell phone or internet service?
There’s no cell service on the trail or in the mountains. But don’t worry — your guide is always in radio contact.
Will I have any limitations during this experience?
Absolutely not — there’s nothing to worry about. There are no restrictions on this experience. You set the pace of the hike, choose how much time to spend on the mountain, and take breaks whenever you need. The entire experience is fully customizable.
Are there restroom facilities along the way?
Restroom facilities along the way to Rainbow Mountain are limited due to its remote location in the Andes. Typically, there are basic facilities at the starting point and sometimes at designated stops along the route. However, they may not always meet Western standards of cleanliness and comfort. It’s a good idea to be prepared by using facilities before starting the hike and bringing necessary supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case. Our guides are knowledgeable and can advise on the best times and places for restroom breaks during your journey.
