“Rainbow Mountain” sounds like a destination right out of a children’s book, and it looks like one too. Vibrant pops of turquoise, lavender, marigold, and maroon sediment paint the peaks of the Ausangate mountain region of the Peruvian Andes, just outside of Cusco. Known to the locals as Winnikunka, the breathtaking trek through Rainbow Mountain is every adventure-seekers dream come true.
The multi-colored mountain tops were once hidden by ice and snow and only recently discovered when the ice melted. Since its discovery, Rainbow Mountain became a must-see destination for seasoned hikers (and Instagram fanatics) for obvious reasons, attracting an average of 1,000 tourists per day.
Overcoming Rainbow Mountain’s Past
Rainbow Mountain received negative attention due to the lack of geographical knowledge for a proper trail in the early years of its appearance. Standing 16,000 feet above sea level, the high altitude makes any trek deep in the Peruvian Andes more challenging than your average hiking trail.
Fully aware of the mountain’s past reputation, we have designed this excursion with complete sustainability, so you can safely enjoy the majesty of the Andes with confidence in our staff. All of our certified mountain guides carry proper equipment and lead you through a route they have mastered. Come prepared for a hike that is safe but challenging, and completely worthwhile.
You will begin your day at 4 a.m. to avoid the possibility of rain, clouds, and snow that the afternoon can typically offer in the Andes. After a three hour drive from Cusco to the Ausangate mountain region, our guides will lead you up the first trail from the Cusipata parking lot to the overlook point of Rainbow Mountain.
Although you have the option to stop here, our trek has more to offer. We combine Rainbow Mountain with the Red Valley for a complete Peruvian Andes excursion most tourists will never experience.
Less Adventurous, but Still Breathtaking
If you want to keep it simple, take the tourist route which takes you by foot or horse to the Rainbow mountain and back down. However, if you are a bit more advanced trekking, or using local coca leaves to enhance your breathing at higher altitudes, take the path less traveled with us and visit the Red Valley for a pleasant and very unexpected surprise.
This isn’t just a route less traveled, this private route our team of professionals has mastered is paved just for you and your private guide. You will look down at the trail of people and bask in the sights of the Salkantay off in the distance for a hike truly unlike any other.
Trek across the vivid landscape of the Ausangate mountain region, witnessing the newly discovered candy-swirled mountains, with complete confidence in our travel guides for a hike, unlike anything you’ve experienced before.