Cusco to Rainbow Mountain
How Far Is Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
Rainbow Mountain is situated roughly 137 km (85 miles) to the southeast of Cusco. The trail leading to Rainbow Mountain commences just beyond the outskirts of Pitumarca, requiring a scenic 2-hour drive from Cusco.
5 Quick Facts About Rainbow Mountain
#1 — Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude trek.
Rainbow Mountain stands proudly at an elevation of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level — remarkably surpassing half the height of Mount Everest!
Given the substantial altitude, there’s a genuine risk of experiencing altitude sickness during the trek to Rainbow Mountain. To ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey, it’s highly advisable to familiarize yourself with acclimatization techniques. You can find valuable insights in this guide on acclimatization specifically tailored for those traveling from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain.
#2 — Rainbow Mountain is Peru’s second most popular attraction.
The day trip to Rainbow Mountain holds the distinction of being the second most booked tour in Peru, trailing only behind the iconic Machu Picchu as the country’s top attraction. Over 150 tour operators offer Rainbow Mountain as a full-day excursion.
A staggering number of up to 1,500 individuals embark on the hike to Rainbow Mountain each day, amounting to an astonishing 365,000 people experiencing the mountain’s beauty annually! Consequently, if your preference is for solitude with nature and contemplation, Rainbow Mountain may not be the ideal choice.
Other attractive hiking options:
The Inca Trail
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tours
#3 — There is more than one ‘Rainbow Mountain.
Indeed, there’s more than one ‘Rainbow Mountain Peru.’ The renowned and often Instagram-famous slope is called Vinicunca, offering a larger and more awe-inspiring mountain experience, albeit a busier tourist destination.
However, there’s a second, somewhat less-explored site known as Palccoya. Here, you can marvel at several slopes adorned with an array of rainbow colors.
These two Peruvian peaks collectively bear the name Rainbow Mountain, each contributing its unique charm to the overall allure of this natural wonder.
#4 — You can ride a horse to Rainbow Mountain.
Usually, individuals cover the 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain by hiking. Alternatively, you have the option to hire a horse, which can transport you for a significant portion of the journey. Horses cease their ascent at the base of the final, notably steep incline.
The cost for hiring a horse to Rainbow Mountain is 80 soles or $25.
#5 — The colors of Rainbow Mountains are a result of global warming.
The vibrant stripes on Rainbow Mountain are not a consequence of global warming; rather, they stem from the melting of glaciers in the region. For a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, feel free to explore the details in our comprehensive guide to Rainbow Mountain Peru, linked above.
Guided Tours from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain
The most straightforward way to reach Rainbow Mountain Peru from Cusco is by joining an organized group tour, a popular choice for many travelers. Typically, these tours accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 16 participants.
On a group tour, your departure from Cusco is scheduled for around 4–5 am, initiating a 2.5-hour car journey to reach the trailhead. The actual hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 2 hours, allowing you to arrive at the vibrant slopes by around 10 am.
Once at the mountain, groups usually spend around 30 minutes capturing quick photos before commencing the return trip. Anticipate returning to Cusco by approximately 5 pm, concluding a full day of exploration.
