Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain

Outty Ranking 62 5.0 · 9 traveler reviews13 hoursFrom $175
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain worth booking?

Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain is a 13-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $175 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
5/5 (9)
Duration
13 hours
From
$175 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 62. At $175 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

Prices and availability checked

With this option you will have the oportunity to enjoy the rainbow mountain with less time of hike, the regular Tours takes 3.5 hours Up and 3.5 Hours down. But this Option is Only 1,5 Hours of hike to the Rainbow Mountain and 1,5 hours of Getting Down. Enjoy this amazing place with Just 3 hours of hike at all.

What you get

    About this experience

    With this option you will have the oportunity to enjoy the rainbow mountain with less time of hike, the regular Tours takes 3.5 hours Up and 3.5 Hours down. But this Option is Only 1,5 Hours of hike to the Rainbow Mountain and 1,5 hours of Getting Down. Enjoy this amazing place with Just 3 hours of hike at all.

    What's included

    Included

    • Oxygen
    • First aid kit
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Professional tour guide
    • Hiking pooles

    Not included

    • Bottled water
    • Horses. (Available since 90 soles)
    • Entrance ticket to the rainbow mountain

    What you'll see and do

    1. Plaza de Armas

      Leave Cusco at approx. 4am from your centrally located hotel.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Vinicunca Mountain

      This a really good option for people who don't want to walk more than 3 hours to the famous rainbow mountain in Cusco, Peru, this is the short vertion that demands only 1,5 hours of hike, then you will have more time to enjoy the magical landscape located over the 5000 metters over the sea level !..

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Late Departure Short Trek

      Departure 6:30 am Pickup included

    • 4am Departure Short Trek

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Rainbow Mountain Cusco Agency

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 2Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 3Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 4Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 5Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 6Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
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    Sort
    andrewtB1413PR · June 2025

    Amazing experience! Loved it!

    This was an amazing tour. Rubén was my tour guide, and he truly was excellent. I believe our driver was named Victor. The hiking part was about 2.3 miles up and the same distance down. I live at a pretty low elevation, but I am quite active. With the altitude, the hike to the top was difficult for me, but Rubén was very patient and encouraging along the way. There are options to rent a horse from locals to get up there, but they only take you about 80% of the way to the Rainbow Mountain. I am proud of myself for doing it, and it was a beautiful view. Everything was very smooth, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to do it and feels like they are up for the hike at this altitude. The views were stunning. One of my favorite things I did in Peru! <3

    via Tripadvisor

    Megan R · October 2022

    10/10 take this 🌈🏔 tour!

    So much fun!! Best guide ever - he was so funny and when I had a hard time hiking up the mountain he immediately pulled out his phone, played eye of the tiger, and started dancing to help encourage the group. It was a great view and I pet lots of llamas and alpacas along the way! 10/10 recommend! 😊🦙

    via Tripadvisor

    L11112 · March 2022

    An amazing tour.

    We booked this tour but due to issues at rainbow mountain and it being shut, we were given options on what we wanted to do instead! We ended up going to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains instead and it was amazing!! Not so much of a tricky hike, beautiful views and our tour guide Mario was superb!! Couldn’t have asked for a better tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    paulorO3532EF · October 2021

    All very good

    All the way is magical very beautiful , the team of Márciel was great at all an excellent experience indicate to everyone who wants to know the beauties of Cusco

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    mariasofiam2019 · August 2019

    Excellent tour

    I fully recommend this tour, pick up was on time, the car is in a very good condition, the group is small which is really good, breakfast and lunch it’s ok. The guide was incredible, he support you during the whole trekking ...

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    13 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Rainbow Mountain Cusco Agency, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0.

    See everything Rainbow Mountain Cusco Agency runs

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)27
    Value for money (12% weight)35
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How does Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain compare to similar tours in Cusco?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 62. At $175 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

    Who is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain best for?

    +

    It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 13-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $175, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain cost?

    +

    Prices start at $175 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain take?

    +

    Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    Included: Oxygen; First aid kit; Lunch; Breakfast; and Professional tour guide. Not included: Bottled water; Horses. (Available since 90 soles); and Entrance ticket to the rainbow mountain. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 272 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Late Departure Short Trek, 4am Departure Short Trek. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Short Trek to the Rainbow Mountain.

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