Peruways’ Vinicunca day-trip is a long one — pickup at 4 a.m., back in Cusco by 6 p.m. — but Rainbow Mountain earns the hours. The route out of Cusco climbs south-east through Checacupe and onto the Pampachiri plateau, past alpaca and vicuña herds, to a trailhead at 4,800 m.
From there the hike up to the viewpoint takes 1.5 to 2 hours, climbing to 5,200 m. The red, ochre and turquoise bands came from iron, sulphur and copper oxidising in sedimentary layers that only emerged in the last decade as the summit glacier retreated. The viewpoint also opens up Ausangate (6,384 m) on the far side.
Peruways includes breakfast on the way, lunch in the valley, and horses on request for anyone struggling with altitude. Local Quechua guides from the Pampachiri and Chillihuani communities who hold the land lead the walk.
Dry season (April to October) is the time to go. Book the Rainbow Mountain day with Peruways.
