Rainbow Mountain Private Tour 1 day with Luxury Picnic

282 reviews

Recommended by 98% of travellers

Physical Moderate

10000 km / 6,200 ft

Duration 6 hours

Max Group private tours

Altitude 5,200 m / 17,060 ft

Discover the Rainbow Mountain Private Tour with Luxury Picnic, the most exclusive and comfortable way to experience Vinicunca the iconic striped mountain that has become one of Peru's most photographed natural wonders.

Unlike crowded group tours, this private full-day expedition ensures you skip the crowds, enjoy personalized attention from your expert guide, and savor a gourmet luxury picnic at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Andes. Vinicunca, also known as Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), sits at 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet) in the Ausangate mountain range.

Its vibrant mineral stripes red, purple, yellow, green, and turquoise were hidden under glaciers for centuries until climate change revealed this natural masterpiece to the world in 2015. This is not a standard bus tour. This is a private, tailor made experience designed for travelers who value exclusivity, comfort, and unforgettable moments in the Peruvian Andes.

ALL - INCLUSIVE NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE

from US$ 119.00
per person based on double occupancy

BOOK NOW ENRIQUE NOW

Skip the crowds with early 3:30 AM private departure
Gourmet luxury picnic breakfast at scenic Andean viewpoint
Stand before iconic Vinicunca at 5,200 m with zero rush
Spot alpacas, llamas and vicunas along Ausangate range
360 panoramic views of Red Valley and Ausangate glacier
Authentic Peruvian buffet lunch in Cusipata
Private bilingual guide with deep Andean knowledge
Oxygen tanks and first aid kit for safety
Optional Red Valley extension Mars like landscapes
Private vehicle your schedule no shared buses

Itinerary

Early Morning | Cusco - Cusipata - Luxury Picnic Breakfast

Around 3:30–3:40 AM, we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. We drive south through the Qollasuyo region — the ancient southern territory of the Inca Empire — passing traditional Andean villages and vast highland plains.

After ~2.5 hours, we arrive in Cusipata for your luxury picnic breakfast. Unlike standard tours that rush through a basic buffet, we set up a beautiful picnic spread with:

Fresh tropical fruits
Artisan breads and pastries
Local cheeses and jams
Hot coffee, tea, and coca tea
Scenic mountain views

This is your moment to fuel up, breathe the crisp Andean air, and prepare for the hike ahead.

Morning Quick Facts:

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Breakfast: Luxury picnic in Cusipata
Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Mid-Morning | Fulawasipata Trailhead - Rainbow Mountain Summit

After breakfast, we continue to Fulawasipata (4,600 m) — the trailhead at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range. Your private guide gives a briefing, checks your gear, and sets a comfortable pace.

The hike begins! You'll ascend for approximately 1.5 hours on a well-marked trail. Along the way, keep your eyes open for South American camelids — alpacas, llamas, and perhaps even the rare vicuña grazing on the high-altitude grasslands.

As you climb, the landscape transforms: red earth, yellow mineral deposits, and snow-capped peaks come into view. Then, suddenly — the stripes appear.

You reach the Rainbow Mountain summit (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). The iconic bands of color stretch before you: red, purple, yellow, green, and turquoise — a geological masterpiece revealed by melting glaciers.

Your guide will help you find the best photo spots away from the main crowd. Take your time. Breathe. This is your private moment.

Hike Quick Facts:

Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 mi ascent
Hiking Time: ~1.5 hours
Max Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Late Morning | Summit Exploration - Optional Red Valley

At the summit, you'll have ~1 hour to explore, take photos, and soak in the 360° views. On clear days, you can see the Ausangate glacier — one of the highest peaks in Peru — dominating the horizon.

Optional: Extend your adventure with a 30-minute trek to the Red Valley (entrance fee: 30 soles / ~$8 USD). This Mars-like landscape of crimson earth and rock formations has become a traveler favorite — many say it's a MUST-DO on your trip.

Summit Quick Facts:

Time at Summit: ~1 hour
Optional Red Valley: +30 minutes, +30 soles
Views: Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate glacier, Red Valley, Andean highlands

Midday | Descent - Cusipata Buffet Lunch

The descent takes approximately 1 hour — easier on the lungs, but watch your step on the rocky path. Your private driver waits at the trailhead with warm drinks.

We drive back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch featuring authentic Peruvian dishes:

Quinoa soup — the Andean superfood
Lomo saltado or trout (fresh from local rivers)
Vegetarian options: stuffed peppers, grilled vegetables, pasta
Fresh salads and desserts

Relax, share photos, and enjoy the warmth of the lower altitude.

Lunch Quick Facts:

Drive to Cusipata: ~1 hour
Lunch: Buffet, ~1 hour
Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Afternoon | Return to Cusco

After lunch, we begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 PM — with plenty of time to rest, explore Cusco's evening charm, or plan your next adventure.

Return Quick Facts:

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Arrival in Cusco: ~3:00 PM
Drop-off: Your hotel or Airbnb

Inclusions

What is included?

Transport

Private round-trip transport Cusco ↔ Rainbow Mountain
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco

Meals

Gourmet luxury picnic breakfast in Cusipata
Buffet lunch in Cusipata
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options — no extra cost

Guide & Safety

Private professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
First aid kit
Oxygen tanks for emergencies

Gear

Walking sticks (trekking poles)
Entrance fees to Cusipata and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Not Included

EXCLUSIONS

Entrance to Red Valley — 30 soles (~$8 USD, optional)
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high-altitude activities)
Water (bring your own refillable bottle)
Snacks
Saddle horse / horseback ride (available for rent at trailhead if needed)
Rain poncho (bring waterproof jacket)
Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)

Packing List

PACKING LIST

Essential

Passport (required for entrance)
Trekking shoes (broken-in, ankle support)
Water (2L minimum — refillable bottle)
Small backpack (daypack)

Clothing

Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm layers (fleece, down jacket — it gets cold at 5,200 m!)
Hat and gloves
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Extras

Camera / phone + power bank
Cash (soles) for Red Valley entrance and tips
Snacks (energy bars, nuts)
Lip balm with SPF

Note: Temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing. Dress in layers!

Pricing

Group Size	Price Per Person
2–3 people	$119 USD
4–5 people	$109 USD
6–8 people	$99 USD
9–12 people	$89 USD

Book in advance as tours tend to sell out fast!

Booking Deposit: 30% to confirm; balance due 48 hours before departure.
Payment Methods: Credit card, PayPal, bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours before departure.

Why choose us? This is a fully private tour with luxury picnic, dedicated guide, and personalized service. You skip the crowds, enjoy gourmet food, and experience Vinicunca at your own pace — no rushing, no strangers.