Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco

Outty Ranking 62 4.2 · 5 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $35
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco worth booking?

Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $35 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (5)
Duration
12 hours
From
$35 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 62. At $35 it costs less than the typical similar option ($43), so it is strong value. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

Prices and availability checked

The Rainbow Mountain or Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the trekking that leads to the majestic AUSANGATE It is cataloged by the magazine NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC as one of the 100 places you must visit before dying. Vinicunca is located in the district of Cusipata and Pirtumarca, province of Canchis, region of Cusco in southern Peru, is currently inhabited by high Andean communities with llamas and alpacas.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Rainbow Mountain or Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the trekking that leads to the majestic AUSANGATE It is cataloged by the magazine NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC as one of the 100 places you must visit before dying. Vinicunca is located in the district of Cusipata and Pirtumarca, province of Canchis, region of Cusco in southern Peru, is currently inhabited by high Andean communities with llamas and alpacas.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional, bilingual local guide (English and Spanish)
    • transportation ( minibus )
    • Pickup from your hotel from 4:30 am
    • food (breakfast & lunch )
    • walking poles

    Not included

    • Personal horse (s/.80)
    • Extra energy snack (chocolate bar, dry fruit)
    • Personal medicine
    • entrance fee to rainbow mountain
    • Entrance fee to red valley optional

    What you'll see and do

    1. Vinicunca Mountain

      We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am, then we will travel in the direction south of Cusco until we reach Cusipata (3,310 metres/10,000 feet) which takes 2 hours on a minibus. Once we get there, we will have a delicious continental breakfast. Then, we will continue driving to the starting point (Phula Wasipata) at 4,326 metres (14,189 feet), which takes approximately 1 hour. After that, we will start hiking for 1 hour and 30 minutes until we arrive at the Hill of Colours, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, which is the only one in the world! You will have plenty of time to explore. Once we have finished visiting the most famous colourful mountain, we will have the option to go to Red Valley to take some pictures. It will cost you 20 soles for entry, and then we will return to where we started, which takes 1 hour. Our minibus will be waiting for us to take us to the local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we will come back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:30 pm.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    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
    PERU TRAVEL COMPANY

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • Bring a backpack to carry your personal items such as: binoculars, first-aid kit, small towel, toilet paper, one bottle of water, and at least s/.100 in extra money
    • Wear comfortable walking shoes with ankle protection
    • Bring walking sticks with metal tips
    • Wear thermal clothing for cold weather and rain
    • Bring gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, and wool hat
    • Wear shirts and pants for walking, convertible
    • Bring a camera and batteries, spare batteries
    • Bring a hat for the sun
    • Bring a pancho or rain coat
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Minimum age is 8 years
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

    Photos

    rainbow mountains of cusco, Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cuscorainbow mountain, Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cuscorainbow mountain, Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cuscorainbow mountain, Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from CuscoSmall-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

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

    Organization

    2 mentions

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

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    artuzi_na_estrada · April 2024

    Mountain of Colors

    The trip to Montaña de Colores was incredible. The driver was extremely cautious. The desayuno and lunch were well served. I recommend signing up with them.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    AntonioC10838 · January 2020

    Rainbow Mountain

    Very good, good guides and super organized. meal was good and the driver too. very happy about this tour

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing PERU TRAVEL COMPANY for your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu! It was such a pleasure to meet you and be a part of your trip. We are so glad that you enjoyed the Rainbow Mountain Hike as well as the tours. Everyone here at PERU TRAVEL COMPANY enjoyed our time with you, and we hope that you keep in touch! Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    StephA639 · December 2018

    Legit Great Travel Company In Cusco

    Peru Travel was a great honest tour service in Cusco. My sister in law suffered from an injury the day before our tour was booked. I called Peru Travel to push back the dates last minute and they still honoured our booking. I was a little worried that nobody would turn up to pick us up at the alternative booking however they pulled through. At the time of contacting them to change the booking they went out of their way to ensure that the changes were confirmed and assured me that everything will be fine. The tour guides spoke good English and were very accommodating for anyone with altitude sickness. They went above and beyond for my sister in law by giving her a hiking stick free of charge to aide her in not only her Time in Peru but also beyond that. Would definitely recommend booking with this company. They tour prices are the standard rates you’d normally expect to pay for in Cusco so no need to look any further !!

    via Tripadvisor

    Debz Q · August 2018

    Disappointed : Snowy-capped Rainbow Mountain / Peru Travel Company was not transparent

    Visited Rainbow Mountain on July 2018 with the family (all adults). We booked the tour via Viator/Trip Advisor and the local company was Peru Travel Company. We were disappointed due to the following reasons: 1. Pick up time was changed several times: from 3.30am to 5am - When I asked why the big gap in the change of pick up time I was told because our hotel, Hotel Casa Campesina, is on the way to go to the site. Anyways, they came at 5.35am! 2. The process of picking up passengers took very long. We stopped in one hotel and stayed there for more than 30 min. They should implement a better timing process, if passengers don't show up at the agreed time then leave them because it's affecting the other passengers. 3. We stopped at a gasoline station and stayed there for another 30-45 mins. The driver told us that he is looking for another passenger only to find out that there are more passengers to be on-boarded (transferred from another vehicle). I saw other passengers were also complaining because of the delay. 4. I booked a Small-Group Tour with max of 19pax. I was put in a bus where were 30pax. I complained when I saw more people was transferred (as mentioned in #3). Though they transferred us to another vehicle with 21pax. after our breakfast, the time spent is already gone. 5. Breakfast was not good. We picked up the bread along the way and it was just dumped in the bus floor. Lunch is a little better. 6. We were not informed that it was already snowing in the Rainbow Mountain. The guide only told us that "we will stay on the top for 10mins because it's very cold". I saw there were "guards" with radios all over the place I'm pretty sure they have the right contact to inform the tour guides of the situation above. At least we could have been warned that you will only see a white capped mountain. I am not asking for a refund because it's a force majeur but at least you are given the option to proceed or not.

    via Tripadvisor

    Giovani M · December 2017

    Excelente atendimento/Great service

    Fiz 2 passeios com a agência. Foram pontuais, organizados, cumpriram o prometido, possuem ótimos guias bilíngues, prestam ótimo apoio e os preços estão na média das outras agências. Contratei os passeios com o Rodrigo, que me prestou total assistência. Pra quem está no escuro sobre qual agência contratar recomendo procurar a Peru Travel Company. I did 2 tours with the agency. They were punctual, organized, fulfilled the promised, have excellent bilingual guides, provide great support and prices are on average for other agencies. I hired the tours with Rodrigo, who gave me full assistance. For those who has doubt about which agency to hire I recommend looking for the Peru Travel Company.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 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
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 62

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)29
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)34
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco: questions travelers ask

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

    How does Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco 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 $35 it costs less than the typical similar option ($43), so it is strong value. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

    Who is Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco best for?

    +

    It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 12-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco good value?

    +

    Yes. It starts at $35, below the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5 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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco?

    +

    Around 2 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco 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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco?

    +

    Included: Professional, bilingual local guide (English and Spanish); transportation ( minibus ); Pickup from your hotel from 4:30 am; food (breakfast & lunch ); and walking poles. Not included: Personal horse (s/.80); Extra energy snack (chocolate bar, dry fruit); Personal medicine; and entrance fee to rainbow mountain. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 31 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco 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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Small-Group Tour: Rainbow Mountains Hiking from Cusco?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, 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.

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