Rainbow Mountain Tour

Highlights

Early departure for fewer crowds – Be among the first to arrive at Rainbow Mountain and enjoy the views without the rush

Expert local guides – Learn about the region’s history from experienced, bilingual guides

Safety and comfort guaranteed – Travel with a top-rated operator that includes a first aid kit and attentive support every step of the way.

Scenic hike with Andes wildlife – Walk through stunning mountain landscapes and take fun photos with llamas and alpacas!

Overview:

Explore the colorful and breathtaking mountain on this Rainbow Mountain tour. A once-in-a-lifetime experience where you’ll visit the colored hill, also known as Vinicunca, while passing by villages, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the Ausangate Glacier. A challenging but rewarding trek that should not be missed!

Operated in conjunction with our partner Rainbow Mountain Travels

6 to 12 people

Medium

17,060 ft / 5,200 m

Cusco / Cusco

Whatsapp us here to get in touch with our specialized team for help on planning your perfect adventure!

5 reasons why travelers are choosing Yapa in 2025

1

Guaranteed departures– Your trip is 100% confirmed once booked. Unlike others, we never cancel last minute due to low numbers.

2

We handle the details – We take care of all the bookings and logistics, so your focus stays on the experience. Worry-free from start to finish.

3

Expert local guides– Our passionate guides bring Machu Picchu to life with incredible stories, insights, and top-notch support.

4

24/7 customer support– We’re available via WhatsApp & email before, during, and after your trip.

5

Locally owned, globally experienced– Yapa is led by a young Peruvian woman with a vast amount of international tourism expertise, dedicated to providing authentic, sustainable travel that supports the local communities.

Detailed Itinerary

IMPORTANT: LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE TOUR DATE)

Booking a last-minute tour with Yapa Explorers? We guarantee your Machu Picchu entrance ticket or a full refund!

Our local team works tirelessly to secure your entrance for your chosen date, keeping you updated every step of the way.

Don’t risk your once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu experience—book with Yapa!

Early, around 03:00 am – 3:30 am, we will pick you up from the hotel in Cusco to make the trip to Qollasuyo, the southern part of the ancient land of the Quechua people (Cusco). This area played a huge role in the history of the Tawantinsuyo (Ancient Incas).

Firstly, we will pass through the Cusipata District where we will stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. From there, we continue for an hour and a half until passing Pitumarca where we will be able to admire The Colonial Bridge (Puente colonial). We will then pass through some small villages until we get to the Hanchipata community, a transit station where we will have a brief meeting before starting the walk-up.

We will begin our walk at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range. This will be followed by an ascent of approximately 1 hour to the highest point of the Rainbow Mountain. During this journey, we will have the opportunity to see the different types of South American camelids (relatives of the camel). Upon reaching the red hill, we will have time to soak in and take pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Finally, we will continue our journey with a 1-hour descent into the flat terrain and back to where the walk began, Hanchipata. Here, the driver will be waiting for us to return passing through Pitumarca to the District of Cusipata where we can enjoy 1 hour of lunch. Following lunch, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approx. 3:00 p.m.

Tour reviews

Elinor E

USA

Everything was perfect. The agency’s organization worked brilliantly, and our guides were excellent. We would book again anytime.

NEED ADVICE?

Contact our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu experts on Whatsapp HERE or email info@yapaexplorers.com for help planning your adventure!

What’s included

When you book with Yapa, everything is taken care of – no stress, no surprises, just an incredible Sacred Valley experience led by expert local guides.

Expert-Guided Tours

Led by a professional, experienced and bilingual tour guide

Private transport & optimized logistics

  • Hotel/hostel pick-up
  • Private, comfortable transportation
  • Entrance to the park

Breakfast and Lunch Included

  • 1 simple breakfast
  • 1 buffet lunch

Medical & Emergency Equipment

  • First aid kit
  • Oxygen tanks for emergencies

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

  • Optional: Red Valley - (30 PEN or $8 USD approx)
  • Optional: horse ride

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Walking stick

What to bring

Bringing the right gear ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience. Here’s what we highly recommend:

Passport Required for entry to the park

Trekking shoes Make sure your shoes are broken-in and suitable for uneven terrain

Water Staying hydrated is important to enjoy the trek

Small backpack Just enough space for your daily essentials

Waterproof jacket or rain poncho Sudden rain showers are common

Hat & sunglasses Protection from the strong mountain sun

Sunblock High-altitude sun can be intense, even on cloudy days

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Frequently Asked Questions

How physically fit do I need to be?

You should be reasonably fit to undertake the trek. The trek is not particularly steep, but at this altitude the gradual climb is difficult.

What do the breakfast and the lunch include?

Breakfast: Coffee, tea, chuta bread (traditional bread made in Cusco), butter, jam, a glass of fruit juice, oats, pancake

Buffet lunch: Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers), corn soup (only 1 dish per person), potato, sweet potato, rice, noodles (red noodles or sautéed noodles), quinoa, meat (chicken, beef, sautéed, or some stew), a drink and a small serving of dessert.

Can I rent a horse during this trek?

Yes, you can rent a horse for 90 soles approx for approximately 3 hours, but there are some parts that you will need to walk (approx. 20 to 40 minutes). If you want to hire a horse, you will need to inform the guide at the beginning of the tour and it is subject to availability.

It is not possible to reserve a horse in advance, it must be done the day of the tour.

How many people are on each tour? How many guides are in the group?

The amount of people per tour can vary but we average 10-12 travelers. We operate with small groups to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

The Yapa Promise

Yapa Explorers is locally owned and female-led, ensuring an authentic, personalized, and seamless experience.

We are more than just a tour operator—we are a group dedicated to exceptional service, expert guiding, and responsible tourism. 

Every trek with us supports the local community, ensuring that both our travelers and the people behind the journey benefit from every step.

We promise you can trust that every detail is taken care of – all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

NEED ADVICE?

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question about this tour.

Whatsapp us here