Overview:  Rainbow Mountain vinicunca - full day tour

The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) tour via Cusipata is the modern and preferred choice for travelers who want to witness this natural wonder with less physical strain. Unlike the old Pitumarca trail, the Cusipata access point significantly reduces hiking time, reaching the summit in just 1.5 to 2 hours.

This "Short Route" is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in Peru without compromising on the spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and the sacred Ausangate Glacier.

Why choose the Cusipata Route?

Shorter Trek: It’s the best option for hikers seeking a more accessible path to the 16,466 ft summit.

Better Logistics: Cusipata serves as the main hub for professional tour operators, offering comfortable spots for traditional Andean breakfast and lunch.

Wildlife Encounters: The trail is famous for sightings of vast herds of alpacas and llamas, providing incredible photo opportunities.

Key Trip Details:

• Difficulty : Moderate (mostly due to the high altitude).
• Horse Rental : Local communities offer horse rides for those who prefer not to hike the entire way up.
• Expert Tip : Always pack layers! The weather at the top of Vinicunca can change from sunny to snowy in minutes.

Itinerary – A Scenic Day Reaching Vinicunca

Full Day Vinincunca

We begin early morning at 4:30 am, heading south towards Puno taking the route by Cusipata. Where we will take a break for breakfast before returning to our bus and continue down the road, the route will be as such:

• Cusco – Cusipata – Phulawasipata: 102 km (asphalt and carriage track).
• Phulawasipata – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) (Walk): 3 km.

Take note: This walk requires some acclimatization due to the fact you will be over 5000 meters in altitude surrounded by the cold climate of Rainbow Mountain.

The annual average temperature varies between 7 to 12 °C. Specifically the months of May, June and July are the coldest months for this site.

Here’s a rundown of the mineral composition gives Rainbow Mountain its name:

• The Pink is comes from the red clay, mudstones (fango) and claystones
• The White comes from the quartz sandstone, rich in calcium carbonate
• The Red is composed of claystones (Iron) and claystones belonging to the upper tertiary
• The Green is due to the compounds of phyllites and claystones rich in ferromagnesian
• The Earthy Brown is product of the fanglomerate made of magnesium rock belonging to the quaternary era
• Finally, the Mustard Yellow forms due to the presence of calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur minerals

Inclusions – Everything Arranged for a Smooth Day Trip

Includes:

• Transport from hotel to starting point of the trek
• Entry to the Rainbow mountain and Red Valley
• Guide (English or Spanish)
• Breakfast and Lunch
• Transport bus back to Cusco
• Oxygen Tank
• First aid Kits
• Trekking poles

Excludes:

• Dinner
• Travel Insuramce
• Tips for your guide and driver

Travel Info – Key Details for a High-Altitude Excursion

1. Briefings

   All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

2. Pickups

   Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

   They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

3. Health Concerns

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

   Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

4. Group Tours

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

   Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

5. Strikes

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

   Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

6. Lost Items

   You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

   Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

7. Tips

   Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

   Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

   For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

8. Travel Insurance

   Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

   Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

9. Weather

   Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

   No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

   Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

   It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

   More Information About the Weather (BOTÓN)

10. Altitude Sickness

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

    Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

    Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

    If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

11. Getting To Cusco

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

    Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

Packing List – Essentials for Cold Weather and High Elevation

What Do I Need To Bring?

• Passport (A copy of it would suffice)
• Daypack
• Water
• Snacks
• Extra batteries, and portable chargers for either cameras or phone
• Sunblock
• A hat for the sun
• Scarves for the cold
• Sunglasses
• Trekking shoes
• Rain Poncho
• Some money (in soles preferably)

FAQs – Common Questions About Rainbow Mountain