Vinicunca: Everything to Know in 2025!

Vinicunca, Peru: Updated 2025 information on everything to know about the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco!

Vinicunca is the local name given to Rainbow Mountain, originating from Peru’s native tongue Quechua, which translates to “colored mountain”. Located within the Andes in Cusco, it’s quickly become one of Peru’s top attractions due to its unique beauty and famous rainbow-like pattern. To help you have the perfect trip to Vinicunca, we’ve made this complete guide on everything you need to know!

Overview

At a staggering 5,200m above sea level, the unique Vinicunca was formed after millions of years of erosion. Through time, the rich minerals consisting of sandstones, halites, limestones and more across the region made the multi-colored layers that give color to the montaun. These colors range from green, mustard yellow, turquoise and more.

For years it was cover by snow, and only recently due to global warming did these colors become exposed again to the world. From there, it was only a matter of time until it started gaining popularity from locals and travelers alike, looking to find this unique mountain.

How to get to Vinicunca

The only recommended way to get there is with an official Rainbow Mountain tour departing from Cusco. It’s a 2-hour drive from the city to Cusipata, where the trailhead starts. It’s a 4km trek, which might not sound like a lot but once their you’ll notice it’s not an easy one! But the reward of seeing such a beautiful sight is worth it.

Vinicunca tours

It’s important on choosing a reputable company to Vinicunca. As mentioned, the only way to get there is with a tour and unfortunately travelers have chosen tours without properly researching, ruining their once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are a few things to consider when booking a tour: safety, departure time, and online traveler reviews.

Safety guarantees are what usually separate the best from the worst. Are they certified? Do they provide the necessary emergency equipments such as first aid kits and oxygen tanks? Another important aspect is the departure time. The earlier the better, as this allows the travelers to enjoy Vinicunca without the big crowds that tend to get there later. You can easily verify all this through online reviews written on sites like Tripadvisor.

From our years of research and based on the previously mentioned, Rainbow Mountain Travels are the best option for all travelers. To see the official list of best options, check out our Rainbow Mountain tours page.

Tips and advice

• Make sure to acclimatize a day or two before the tour
• Choose a trustworthy operator, we (and other travelers) recommend Rainbow Mountain Travels
• Go early to beat the crowds and get the best experience possible
• Check out our safety tips page to get the complete rundown of how to prepare

Ready to start you adventure?

Now that you have all the information you need about Vinicunca, start planning your trip there! Check out our tours page to find the best options and then get the complete list of what to bring. Safe travels!