Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek
From $875USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
2 days from $875USD
Easy quote
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Discover the Rainbow Mountain of Peru on this trekking tour! This is a breathtaking two-day trek in Peru’s Vilcanota’s Cordillera on a route called the “Camino Del Apu Ausangate.” This hike takes you to one of the most sacred mountains in the region. The “Apu” is one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. This trek shows you Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, in all its colourful beauty.

Your trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear and are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca, who are proud to share their land with you. Trek through pastures, over mountain ridges, and through gorgeous scenery that all leads to Vinicuna. After your hike, rest up in mountain lodges, or “tambos,” where friendly chefs will prepare local cuisine for you and you can savor the beauty and hospitality of Peru. The Rainbow Mountain is waiting for you!

Peru, South America
Happiness promise

Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek

Trek for two days to the iconic Rainbow Mountain of Peru
4.80
(38 reviews)
2 days from $875USD
Easy quote
Duration
2 days
Season
Apr-Nov
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Lodges
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
From $875USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Discover the Rainbow Mountain of Peru on this trekking tour! This is a breathtaking two-day trek in Peru’s Vilcanota’s Cordillera on a route called the “Camino Del Apu Ausangate.” This hike takes you to one of the most sacred mountains in the region. The “Apu” is one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. This trek shows you Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, in all its colourful beauty.

Your trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear and are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca, who are proud to share their land with you. Trek through pastures, over mountain ridges, and through gorgeous scenery that all leads to Vinicuna. After your hike, rest up in mountain lodges, or “tambos,” where friendly chefs will prepare local cuisine for you and you can savor the beauty and hospitality of Peru. The Rainbow Mountain is waiting for you!

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Walk the Camino Del Apu Ausangate, a route through the Vilcanota’s Cordillera of Peru.

Enjoy the chance to experience the unique Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, up close.

Learn about the culture and history of this wonderful mountain region as you walk.

Make your trek a bit easier by letting the llamas and horses help carry your gear so you can focus on the journey.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Cusco to Huampococha
Begin with a morning departure from Cusco, travelling by bus through the lush Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe, from where you’ll start to ascend Pitumarca. Through the spectacular canyon of Japura, arrive at the pastoral community of Osefina, where you will see the herding of llamas and alpacas. Little by little, you will ascend through a picturesque valley where you can see some of the highest potato crops in the world. The landscapes change drastically as you leave behind the last houses until you reach the pass of Anta (16,000ft/4,900m). Catch the first views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Spend the night in the Huampococha Tambo, located near the lagoon of the same name, where the nests of the "Huallatas" (Andean geese) lay.
Distance 4 hours, 6.5km
Overnight Location Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
Included Meals Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2
See more
Hike to Vinicunca and Return to Cusco
The first rays of the sun greet you at this magical location. After enjoying a hearty Andean breakfast, begin to hike through formations of red sandstone. As you hike you’ll witness geological wonders and admire the beauty of this unique landscape. Reach Mt. Vinicunca or “Rainbow Mountain,” renowned worldwide and one of the most spectacular vantage points of the entire Andes Mountains. After time to rest, snap photos, and take in the amazing colors of the mountain, begin the descent through the valley to Japura. On the way, you’ll have your final lunch stop before taking transportation back to Cusco. Onto the next adventure!
Distance 6 hours, 10km
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
33
4
3
3
1
2
1
1
4.80 (38 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices

This guided tour to Peru is run either as a private tour for your group only or you can choose to join an existing group of other hikers.

Prices below are per person.

2025 Prices:

  • Group of 2: $1,470USD per person
  • Group of 3: $1,070USD per person
  • Group of 4+: $875USD per person
What’s included

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks are included.

Accommodations

Accommodation for 1 night is included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes private transport for you to Chillca and back to Cusco. It does not include flights to and from Peru. While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail). Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag.

Also Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas
  • First aid kit and oxygen

Not included

  • Flights or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Travel insurance
  • Emergency transportation

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades

Accommodation for Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek

This trek is based in lodges with spectacular views. The rooms in the lodges are double occupancy.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those wishing to have single rooms can pay a supplement of {price currency="USD" value="175"}.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. You will need to be able to hike 4-6 hours in high elevation conditions for two consecutive days, and we recommend a preliminary 2-day acclimatization stage for your body prior to the trek if possible.

How can I prepare to hike at high elevation?

There are a few things you can do to make hiking at high elevation more comfortable: arrive at the tour starting point early for an initial acclimatization stage. The recommended length of this stage depends on the altitude you’re used to, but generally 2-3 days is recommended. Drink lots of water while hiking. If you start to experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion, let your guide know right away. They will be equipped to handle any signs of altitude sickness as required.

When is the best time to travel to Peru for this tour?

The best time to take this tour is between April and November when the weather is most favourable for hiking.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek?

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?

Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) from where you will be picked up and taken to Chillca.

Is the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Where does the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek end?

The tour ends in Chillca from where you’ll be transported back to Cusco.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter