Cusco Euphoria: Mountain of 7 Andean Colors – Full Day Tour

This full-day adventure whisks you from Cusco’s historic center to the stunning, multi-hued slopes of “Rainbow Mountain,” or Cerro Colorado. For just $25 per person, you’ll enjoy a well-organized trip that includes transportation, guided commentary, meals, and the chance to see some of Peru’s most spectacular scenery. The tour typically starts early around 5 a.m., so it’s definitely a day for those who want to make the most of their trip.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the comfortable, modern transportation and the small-group setting, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and manageable. The guides are bilingual, making it accessible whether you speak English or Spanish, and their knowledge adds a helpful layer of context to the landscapes.

One potential consideration is the early start—you’ll need to be ready to get up before dawn, but the payoff is the breathtaking views and fewer crowds. This tour is ideal for travelers eager to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning all the logistics themselves. It suits those who want a straightforward, reasonably priced, and scenic day trip from Cusco, especially if seeing the famous rainbow-colored mountain ranks high on your bucket list.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $25, it offers great value for a full-day guided trip with meals included.
Stunning Landscapes: Expect snow-capped peaks, glaciers, llamas, and alpacas alongside the colorful mountain.
Comfortable Transport: Modern vans and round-trip transportation make the journey relaxing.
Small Groups & Guides: Personalized attention and bilingual guides enhance the experience.
Early Departure: Be prepared for a 5 a.m. pickup, but it means beating some crowds.
Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or seniors over 70.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey to Rainbow Mountain: What You Can Expect

The adventure begins early, with hotel pickups in Cusco around 5 a.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day. The drive south takes about two hours to Cusipata, a small village where you’ll stop for breakfast. This is a good chance to fuel up before the hike and soak in the quiet countryside of the Sacred Valley.

After breakfast, you’ll continue in a comfortable van for roughly another hour to the starting point, where you’ll begin your approximately 2-hour hike up to the mountain. The route is manageable for most, but keep in mind it’s a steady climb of about 1,600 meters, with the effort rewarded by views that are nothing short of spectacular.

What makes the trek special? The geological formation of Cerro Colorado is truly unique — the vibrant colors aren’t painted on but are a result of mineral deposits accumulated over millions of years. You’ll find yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and herds of llamas — not to mention the stunning contrast of the rainbow hues against the natural landscape.

Once at the top, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, explore the area, and simply marvel at the vivid stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple. The scenery here is as surreal as it gets, with panoramic vistas that will stay with you long after the trip.

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Returning and Lunch

After soaking in the views, you’ll descend the same way, returning to Cusipata for a well-earned lunch. The included meal offers a taste of local cuisine and provides the energy needed for the return journey. The trip back to Cusco takes about an hour, arriving around 6 p.m. You’ll be dropped off conveniently close to the Plaza de Armas, making it easy to enjoy dinner or a drink afterward.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour employs modern vans for the majority of the trip, which is a big plus in terms of comfort and safety. The early start means you’ll beat some of the crowds, and the small group size often results in a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention from your bilingual guide. This can really enhance your understanding of the landscape and local culture.

However, some travelers have experienced communication issues, as noted in a review where a traveler reported not being contacted or seeing anyone to organize their tour. This highlights the importance of confirming your booking and pickup details ahead of time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and oxygen. What’s not included is the entrance fee to the mountain itself and any appetizers you might want to buy at stops. The entrance fee is an essential expense, so be prepared for that additional cost.

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Practical Tips

Bring your passport or ID — necessary for the entrance fee and identification. Drones are not allowed, so skip the drone selfies. Also, pack layers, as temperatures can vary from chilly in the morning to warmer midday.

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The Real Experience: Views, Wildlife, and Authenticity

The highlight of this tour for most travelers is the stunning landscape. As you trek, you’ll see glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing nearby. The vivid colors of Cerro Colorado are unlike any other mountain in the world, thanks to mineral deposits, which means what you see is genuinely natural and not artificially painted.

One traveler mentioned, “I loved the way snow-capped peaks contrasted with the rainbow colors,” and another appreciated the small group size, which made it easier to take photos without crowds. The guides often share interesting facts about the geology and local culture, which enriches the experience.

That said, a few reviews suggest that the experience can be inconsistent. One person noted, “I have not been contacted and no one has been seen,” indicating occasional organizational hiccups. It’s always worth confirming your details and keeping communication open before the tour day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see one of Peru’s most iconic sights, this tour is a strong choice. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers willing to start early and hike for a couple of hours. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to photograph the striking colors of Cerro Colorado will find this trip rewarding.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, very young children, or older travelers over 70 due to the physical demands and altitude. Also, if you value a more relaxed pace or want to avoid early mornings, you might prefer a different option.

The Sum Up

The Cusco Euphoria Rainbow Mountain tour offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to experience some of Peru’s most extraordinary scenery. For around $25, you get transportation, guided commentary, meals, and the chance to witness a geological masterpiece that’s truly unlike anything else in the world. The small-group format and bilingual guides contribute to an engaging, authentic experience.

While organizational issues can arise, most travelers find the views and the overall adventure worth the effort. This tour suits active travelers with an appreciation for natural beauty who want a hassle-free, guided day trip. Expect breathtaking vistas, friendly guides, and a genuine connection to the landscape that will leave you with memories of Peru’s vibrant earth.

FAQ

What is the starting time for this tour?
Check availability, but it usually begins early at around 5 a.m. to maximize daylight and avoid crowds.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses modern vans, making the long drive more pleasant and less tiring.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, layers of clothing, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Drones are not allowed.

How long is the hike?
The hike is approximately 2 hours to reach the mountain, with a manageable climb that most people can handle.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast at Cusipata and a local lunch are included, giving you energy for the day’s activities.

Is there a guide?
Yes, bilingual guides accompany the trip, sharing insights about the geology, wildlife, and local culture.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Are children allowed?
Not suitable for babies under 1 year or pregnant women. For children over a certain age, check with the provider.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The breathtaking views of Cerro Colorado’s vibrant, mineral-rich slopes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

This Rainbow Mountain tour is a memorable highlight for many, blending natural wonders with a straightforward, well-organized experience. If vibrant landscapes and mountain vistas are what you seek, this trip delivers—just be prepared for an early start and a bit of hiking.