Peruways runs day trips to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, at 5,200m in the Peruvian Andes. About three hours’ drive from Cusco, then a 6 km round-trip hike to the summit.
The route from the trailhead climbs through puna grassland — alpaca country — before the ridge opens up to the striped sedimentary layers at the top. The red, orange, yellow, and turquoise bands come from iron oxide and mineral deposits in rock tilted vertical by Andean uplift.
The altitude is the main challenge. Peruways’ guides handle pacing, horse rentals at the trailhead if needed, and the standard altitude advice: hydrate, don’t rush, and acclimatise in Cusco for at least two days first.
From the summit you can see the Ausangate massif (6,384m) to the south — the highest peak in the Cusco region.
Book at Peruways.
