Cusco to Rainbow Mountain: Everything to Know & Travel Tips

For those traveling to Peru, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the must-visit attractions on their itinerary. The adventure to this challenging, but rewarding, trek begins in Cusco. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain!

How far is it from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain?

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is around 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) southeast of Cusco. While the distance doesn’t seem too far, the drive to Cusipata – the entry to the mountain – takes about 3 hours due to the winding roads and the altitude. From there, it’s a 4km (2.5 mi) hike to the peak of the mountain.

Note: Some people say you can do it on your own. While somewhat true, we strongly recommend going with a reputable tour company, as there have been accidents due to not knowing the route/hike.

Choosing the best tour from Cusco

Booking a tour is by far the easiest and most recommended way to reach Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. With the high-altitude terrain, long travel times, and unpredictable weather, going it alone can be nearly impossible. Fortunately, plenty of tour operators offer convenient one-day trips that handle everything, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

With a wide range of options available, choosing the right tour can be tricky, especially since some operators charge low prices but provide unreliable service. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so selecting a reputable tour company is essential. The first thing to check is the operator’s online reviews, primarily on Google and TripAdvisor. These reviews give a true picture of the experience. Look for companies with more than 400 reviews and several years of service, as this is a good indicator of reliability and quality.

Next, check out the full tour itinerary. For the best experience, choose tours that offer early departures, as this will give you better access to the mountain before the crowds arrive. Make sure that they provide pickup directly from your accommodation, round-trip transportation, and breakfast. This Rainbow Mountain tour is one we recommend, as it offers one of the best itineraries and inclusions available.

Safety should also be a priority when choosing a tour, especially since Rainbow Mountain’s altitude reaches over 5,000 meters. A good tour operator will have excellent and quick customer service answering all your questions before booking, provide oxygen on all tours, and ensure the pace of the hike is manageable for all participants.

With all this in mind, and based on extensive research, our travel experts highly recommend Rainbow Mountain Travels as the top option for your journey to the mountain. They offer the complete combination of safety, the perfect itinerary, and have the years of experience and reviews to back up their excellent service.

Tips for Travelers

We’ve gathered some essential tips to help you make the most of your visit to Rainbow Mountain:

• Acclimatize before your trek: Rainbow Mountain sits at an elevation of over 5,000 meters. Spend 1-2 days in Cusco to acclimate before going on the hike. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is key to preventing altitude sickness. Aim for 3-4 liters of water daily leading up to your trek, and bring water with you on the hike.
• Protect yourself from the sun: The high-altitude sun can be intense. Wear sunscreen, reapply every hour, and don’t forget your sunglasses and a hat to shield yourself from UV rays.
• Dress in layers: The weather can be unpredictable, especially early in the morning. Wear layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures, and during the rainy season, a poncho or waterproof jacket is a must.
• Bring cash: Along the route, you’ll find toilets that charge a small fee (1-2 soles). If you plan to visit the Red Valley, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around 10-20 soles.
• Wear proper footwear: Whether you prefer trekking shoes or sturdy sneakers, make sure they’re comfortable. In the rainy season, the trail can get muddy and slippery, so shoes with good grip are essential.