How is the tour to the 7 Colors Mountain?

The 7-color mountain, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, has become an ideal destination for your visit to Cusco. It’s a natural destination that will allow you to discover incredible landscapes, and it’s a day trip that you can schedule at any time during your trip. Discover the Rainbow Mountain tour and add it to your itinerary.

The Rainbow Mountain

A must-see destination on your trip to Cusco is Rainbow Mountain, a natural destination in the city’s southern valley. On your tour, you’ll also be able to see the impressive Ausangate snow-capped mountain, mountainous foothills, and an area of great diversity of flora and fauna.

Rainbow Mountain is located in the province of Canchis, approximately three hours (104 kilometers) from the center of Cusco. During your visit, you’ll discover why it’s the second most visited destination after Machu Picchu. Plus, you won’t need to book far in advance; tours run every day, so you can choose to visit Rainbow Mountain any day of your stay in the city.

The Rainbow Mountain Tour

The Rainbow Mountain experience begins very early with pickup by tour bus at your hotel door, at approximately 4:00 a.m. Don’t worry about not getting enough rest; you’ll be able to catch up on some sleep during the trip.

From Cusco, transportation will head to the village of Cusipata, a journey of just over two hours. This village will be our first stop, as the tour includes a buffet breakfast. Afterward, the journey continues for another hour until reaching the community of Phulawasipata (approximately 4,600 meters above sea level).

Our hike begins here. The three-kilometer walk isn’t very long, although almost half of it is a steady climb, which makes the adventure more difficult. In this case, it’s also possible to rent horses to help us reach the summit just a few steps away. This service is not included in the tour and costs around 60 soles.

We’ll be accompanied at all times by an expert guide, who will provide details about the area’s geography and the history of how such a magnificent natural destination was discovered. Just before reaching Rainbow Mountain, we’ll have to ascend some steps, which will signal that we’re very close.

Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain, we’ll be able to witness the vivid colors and how the surrounding mountain range makes it look even more spectacular. There are many angles from which you can get that dreamy photo, so you won’t have to wait to get it. At the top of the mountain, we can find basic amenities to help us take a break, from coca tea to some cold cuts.

The descent, as with any hike, will always be easier. We’ll leave Rainbow Mountain around midday to make it to lunch in Cusipata on time. Throughout the hike, we’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire region, and the calm and silence we’ll find will provide some truly wonderful moments.

Once we board the transport, we’ll head to Cusco, though we’ll first stop for our buffet lunch in Cusipata. The tour ends around 6:00 p.m. at your hotel door or a central location in the city.

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?

Visiting the Rainbow Mountain is incredible at any time of year. During your visit to Cusco, you’ll find two distinct seasons. For example, the popular rainy season occurs during the months of November and March, which brings a greater chance of precipitation, although this isn’t always the case. During this season, you’ll also find greener landscapes and, if you prefer more privacy on your tour, fewer visitors, which will allow you to fully enjoy the experience.

The other season in Cusco is the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the city enjoys clear weather, ideal for enjoying the landscapes. However, it can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. These are ideal times to visit any tourist destination, but they also mean that the number of visitors will be higher.

Differences between the classic 7 Colors Mountain Tour and the ATV Tour

Precautions when visiting Rainbow Mountain

• Acclimatization: Prior acclimatization is key to climbing Rainbow Mountain. Given that it’s 5,200 meters above sea level, you’ll first need to get used to the high-altitude climate like Cusco to avoid altitude sickness. Staying hydrated throughout the hike will help a lot.
• Weather: Planning your visit to Rainbow Mountain according to the season is key. If you enjoy adventure regardless of the weather, any date is ideal. However, if you want a clear, unobstructed view without any complications during the hike, the dry season (April to October) will be your best option.
• Day Tour: The trip to Rainbow Mountain will last around fourteen hours, so you’ll need to set aside almost your entire day to venture out on this tour. However, you might still be able to squeeze in some extra plans at night.
• Physical preparation: The hike to reach the mountain can be very demanding. If you’re not planning to go horseback riding, you’ll need to be in good physical condition beforehand; the altitude and climate can be even more demanding. But remember, it’s only a two-hour hike; with enough determination, you’ll be able to overcome it.
• Basic Services: Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain, you’ll find basic services, such as restrooms and food stalls. At the summit, you can take a break with a coca tea, which will help prevent altitude sickness.
• Equipment: Regardless of the season you visit Rainbow Mountain, the weather will always be cold, so you should be well-equipped with warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, plenty of water, and some snacks for the trail. And if you go during the rainy season, a poncho or waterproof clothing is essential.
• Horseback Riding: If you’re not in good physical condition, or are simply a little tired, choosing to ascend the mountain on horseback is a great option, as you’ll also be able to explore the scenic views in more detail.
• ATV Tour: The ATV tour allows you to skip the hike up the mountain and instead give you the experience of riding an ATV amid beautiful scenery without overexerting yourself physically. This adventure takes you on an alternate route, so you can do it without having to stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. Where is the rainbow mountain?

  Rainbow Mountain is located in the province of Canchis, about three hours from downtown Cusco. The tour takes about 14 hours, including transfers, hiking, and rest periods.

• 2. What time does the Rainbow Mountain tour start?

  The tour starts early, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., with pickup directly from your accommodation. Although it’s very early, you’ll have time to sleep during the journey.

• 3. Is the hike up the mountain difficult?

  It’s a bit demanding—the hike is approximately 3 kilometers long—but what makes it challenging is the altitude (up to 5,200 meters above sea level) and the ascent. Although horseback riding is also an option.

• 4. Can I rent a horse if I don’t want to walk?

  Yes, it is possible to rent horses; the cost is around 60 soles and they will take you very close to the summit.

• 5. What does the classic Rainbow Mountain tour include?

  The Rainbow Mountain Classic Tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

• 6. What is the difference between the classic tour and the ATV tour?

  The classic route involves more walking (almost 6 kilometers), while the ATV route is shorter (1 kilometer walk). ATVs are ideal if you’re looking to reduce your physical effort and want an adventure amidst incredible landscapes.

• 7. What time of year is best to visit Rainbow Mountain?

  The dry season (April to October) is ideal for its clear skies and pleasant weather. However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet and fewer visitors, the rainy months (November to March) are also a good option.

• 8. Do I need to acclimatize before traveling to Rainbow Mountain?

  Yes, it’s highly recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before the tour. This will help avoid altitude sickness and make the journey easier.

• 9. What should I bring on the tour?

  At the very least, you should bring warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, water, snacks, and some cash for extra expenses.

• 10. What time do I return to Cusco after the tour?

  You’ll be back in Cusco around 6:00 PM. Transportation will drop you off at your hotel or a central location.