must-visit in CuscoNational Park & Nature

Rainbow Mountain

📍 Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Pitumarca District, Cusco Region, Peru

1 photos

4.6/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Peru, Cusco
Category: National Park & Nature
Duration: Full day (2–4 hours of hiking)
Opening Hours: Trail roughly 5:00–14:00; afternoon clouds roll in and entry closes at 14:00
Ticket Price: Adult: Free · S/30 foreign adults (S/20 Peruvians, under-5 free); register online in advance
Address: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Pitumarca District, Cusco Region, Peru
Coordinates: -13.8700, -71.3030

Introduction

Vinicunca — Rainbow Mountain, or Montana de Siete Colores ('mountain of seven colours') — is one of Peru's most startling natural wonders. At about 5,200 metres, oxidised iron and sulfur in the rock paint the ridge in red, yellow, green and white bands, like a spilled palette; viral since 2016, it is now Cusco's hottest nature attraction. The round trip from the trailhead runs 7–8 km, one and a half to two hours uphill, with horses covering part of the way. Colours peak between 5:00 and 10:00, entry closes at 14:00, and once afternoon clouds settle the view is gone. Register online with the Cusipata municipality a few days ahead and bring cash — and respect the altitude: acclimatise in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for two or three days before going up.

✨ Highlights

Seven-Colour Stripes

Iron and sulfur oxides paint red-yellow-green-white bands — brightest on clear days.

5,200 Metres

The viewpoint tops most Peruvian peaks — acclimatise first, no shortcuts.

The Hike

7–8 km round trip, 1.5–2 hours uphill; horses cover part of the trail.

Red Valley

A neighbouring canyon for a cash surcharge — wilder, open weather permitting.

Alpacas

Wild alpacas graze below the ridge — the trail's unplanned cast.

The Morning Window

Colours peak 5:00–10:00; entry closes at 14:00, so go early.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：A full day from Cusco (about 10 hours round trip); 2–4 hours of hiking.

→Acclimatise：Spend two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first — never on arrival day.

→Gear：Layers, sun protection, gloves, rain jacket and small cash (horses S/70–90, Red Valley about S/30).

→Opening Hours：Trail roughly 5:00–14:00; afternoon clouds roll in and entry closes at 14:00

→Transportation：About 3 hours from Cusco to Cusipata, then a community shuttle to the trailhead

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Free

S/30 foreign adults (S/20 Peruvians, under-5 free); register online in advance

💡 Tips

• Do not schedule Rainbow Mountain on your first day in Cusco — altitude sickness shows no mercy.

• Colours peak 5:00–10:00; entry closes at 14:00 and afternoon clouds spoil the view.

• Register online with the Cusipata municipality a few days ahead; the gate takes cash only.

• Independent travellers transfer to community shuttles at Cusipata — book the round trip first.

• Horses cover part of the trail with weight limits, S/70–90 paid directly to the handlers.

• Red Valley costs about S/30 cash and closes in poor weather — treat it as a bonus, not a given.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Rainbow Mountain?

Trail roughly 5:00–14:00; afternoon clouds roll in and entry closes at 14:00

How much is the admission for Rainbow Mountain?

Adult: Free; S/30 foreign adults (S/20 Peruvians, under-5 free); register online in advance

Any practical tips for visiting Rainbow Mountain?

Do not schedule Rainbow Mountain on your first day in Cusco — altitude sickness shows no mercy. Colours peak 5:00–10:00; entry closes at 14:00 and afternoon clouds spoil the view.