MOUNTAIN OF 7 COLORS BY CUSIPATA

Planning a trip to see Rainbow Mountain? At just $40, this full-day tour offered by Mallky Tours promises an immersive experience with memorable scenery, local cuisine, and a smooth itinerary. You’ll visit not just the iconic Vinicunca but also two other colorful peaks, all within a carefully planned route that balances adventure and comfort. The tour lasts around 13.5 hours, starting early from Cusco’s historic center, making it a day well spent for those eager to see one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the inclusion of breakfast and lunch, which helps keep energy high during the trek, and the fact that transportation and guided commentary are all arranged, reducing the hassle for travelers. Plus, the professional bilingual guides ensure you won’t miss any of the geological or cultural stories behind the vibrant landscapes.

A possible consideration? The tour’s long travel times—over three hours each way—mean you’ll need to be comfortable with a full day on the road. It’s suited best for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of a journey to reach this high-altitude marvel. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized adventure to snap some photos and learn about Peru’s striking geology, this tour hits the spot.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one experience: transportation, guides, meals, and entrance fees included.
• Spectacular scenery: visit three colorful mountains, not just Vinicunca.
• Comfortable arrangements: trekking poles, oxygen balloons, and first aid kit on hand.
• Long day trip: over 13 hours, with significant travel time from Cusco.
• Suitable for active travelers: not recommended for pregnant women, those with heart problems, wheelchair users, or travelers over 95.
• Good value for the price: especially considering the included meals and guided experience.

Our journey begins early in Cusco’s historic center, where we’re picked up at the designated location. From there, a comfortable van whisks us away on a 105-minute drive through diverse Peruvian landscapes. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, offering glimpses of rural life, lush valleys, and rugged mountains as we head toward the Cusipata District, our first stop.

In Cusipata, we break for a local breakfast—a perfect chance to fuel up and mingle with other travelers. The breakfast is simple but hearty, giving us the energy necessary for the upcoming hike. After this brief pause, another 1.5-hour drive takes us closer to the mountains.

The highlight arrives at the Rainbow Mountain, where we spend around 2 hours exploring. This part of the tour includes a guided walk and some scenic viewpoints. Here, the landscape is truly surreal—vivid stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple stretch across the peaks, carved by centuries of sedimentation and tectonic activity. The formation of Vinicunca is, as our guide explains, due to marine, lake, and river sediments transported over millions of years, with the mountains themselves pushed skyward by tectonic forces.

Many travelers mention how breathtaking the views are—“the colors are even more vibrant in person” or “it’s like walking into a painted landscape.” The altitude, which can be over 15,000 feet, does pose a challenge, so bringing trekking poles and oxygen balloons is wise.

After soaking in the scenery, we descend and head back to Cusipata for a local lunch. The meal is included, typically featuring traditional Peruvian fare, offering a taste of regional cuisine. Post-lunch, the group boards the van again for the return journey, which takes around 2 hours back toward Cusco, with a final drop-off at Calle Plateros—a central spot close to many accommodations.

This tour is built for convenience. The transportation is private, which often means fewer stops and more personalized attention. The guides are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, ensuring all questions about the geology, culture, and local life are answered confidently.

Included in the price are trekking poles, which are essential at high altitude, and first aid kits along with communication radios—these safety features are reassuring for those concerned about altitude or safety. The oxygen balloons provide a quick relief option if anyone feels breathless, a thoughtful addition considering the altitude.

The tour also provides a breakfast and a hearty lunch, both of which are crucial since the day involves significant physical activity and long hours. Simple, nourishing meals help maintain stamina.

While the overall cost is quite reasonable, you’ll need to budget for optional extras like cold drinks or an additional horse ride costing S/.90 if you want to conserve energy on the ascent. Also, note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart issues, or those with mobility challenges.

Timing-wise, the start times vary; check availability when booking. The long hours may be tiring, but the experience justifies the effort if you’re eager to see one of Peru’s most famous sights.

Stop 1: Pickup at Cusco’s Historic Center
Expect an early start, usually around dawn, to beat the crowds and the midday altitude drop. This early departure is a smart move—by the time you arrive at the mountains, the light is perfect for photos and the crowds are thinner.

Stop 2 & 4: Long scenic drives
The approximate 2-hour drives each way are essential parts of the experience. From the comfort of your van, you’ll see different facets of Peruvian rural life—small farms, winding mountain roads, and cloud-shrouded peaks.

Stop 3: Breakfast in Cusipata
A must-have to prepare for the hike, often a traditional Peruvian breakfast with bread, eggs, and perhaps some local specialties.

Stop 5: Rainbow Mountain Visit
The core of the tour—expect a guided walk, some gentle hiking, and plenty of photo stops. The guides often share insights into the geological history, explaining how sediment layers create the stripes, and why the mountain has such intense colors.

Stop 7: Lunch in Cusipata
A filling, local meal helps replenish lost energy before the return trip. Many reviews mention the satisfying nature of the included meal.

Stop 8: Return Journey
The return drives are quieter, giving you time to reflect on the day or relax after the hike.

Finish: Calle Plateros
A centrally located spot in Cusco, close to other attractions and accommodations.

Multiple travelers highlight the well-organized nature of this tour. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way everything was taken care of—from transport to meals. It made the experience stress-free.” Others appreciate the guided explanations that added depth to the scenery—“Our guide was very informative, explaining the sedimentation process and the tectonic forces that pushed the mountains skyward.”

Some note the altitude challenges, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization beforehand and bringing necessary gear. The inclusion of trekking poles and oxygen was appreciated, especially since some found the climb strenuous.

This tour is praised for value, as considering the meals, transport, guide, and entrance fee, it offers a comprehensive package at a good price point. However, travelers should be prepared for a long day, both physically and in terms of travel time.

This experience is ideal for active travelers eager to see one of the world’s most colorful landscapes without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves. It’s perfect if you appreciate guided tours with local insights and don’t mind the early start and long hours. It’s also great for those who want a cost-effective way to visit Rainbow Mountain, especially considering the meals and extras included.

However, if you have mobility issues, are pregnant, or have health concerns related to altitude, you might want to consider other options or prepare thoroughly. The tour’s physical demands mean it’s best suited for those in good health and ready for some walking at high elevation.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 13.5 hours, with early pickups and returns to Cusco, making it a full day adventure.

How much walking is involved?
Expect around 2 hours of sightseeing and moderate walking at the Rainbow Mountain, including some uphill sections. Trekking poles are provided.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s more suitable for active individuals; it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with heart problems, or mobility challenges.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, it includes a breakfast in Cusipata and a lunch after visiting the mountains.

What safety features are provided?
The tour includes first aid kits, oxygen balloons, and communication radios for safety at high altitude.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While not specified, generally the dry season (May to October) offers the clearest skies and best photography conditions.

Can I go if I don’t want to hike much?
While some walking is involved, you can enjoy the scenery from various viewpoints, and guides often assist with shorter paths.

Are there any additional costs?
Extras like cold drinks, tips, or a horse ride (costs S/.90) are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for high-altitude weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any personal medication. Trekking poles are provided, but you might want your own.

This Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience one of Peru’s most stunning natural sights. With comfortable transportation, professional guides, and included meals, it makes for a practical choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free day of adventure. The landscapes are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere, with vivid, colorful stripes layered across the mountains—truly a natural masterpiece.

While the long hours and altitude might challenge some, the authentic insights, safety features, and scenic beauty make it a worthwhile journey. It’s best suited for active travelers who are eager to explore, take photos, and learn about the fascinating geological history of the region.

If you’re after a straightforward, engaging, and affordable way to visit Rainbow Mountain, this tour by Mallky Tours stands out as a smart option. Just remember to come prepared for a full day, and you’ll leave with memories of one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.