Rainbow Mountain Peru | Day trip from Cusco: what to expect + how to avoid altitude sickness
- Vero
- May 17
- 7 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
If you’re heading to Peru and looking for an unforgettable adventure, a day trip to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco should be high on your list, literally and figuratively! Known for its surreal layers of color and breathtaking high-altitude views, Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Siete Colores or Vinicunca) is one of the most incredible natural beauties of the entire world.
But here’s something many travelers (myself included) often underestimate until it’s too late: the altitude hits hard. Going from Cusco (already high at around 3,400 meters) to over 5,000 meters in just one day is no small feat, especially if you're used to living at sea level like I am. After the hike, I experienced the worst case of altitude sickness I’ve ever had, my body was completely overwhelmed.
Don’t get me wrong, the views were absolutely worth it, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. But I definitely learned some lessons the hard way. That’s why I decided to write this post: to help you prepare better than I did and make the most of your adventure to this incredible, otherworldly place.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Rainbow Mountain, including:
What the hike is actually like and best time to visit
Where to book and how to organize your tour
What to expect from a day tour from Cusco
My personal experience as a solo traveler
Essential tips to prevent altitude sickness (especially if you live near sea level like I do!)
What is Rainbow Mountain and why is it so popular?
Rainbow Mountain is famous for its natural, multicolored stripes that stretch across the Andes like a painted canvas. The colors come from mineral deposits such as iron oxide (red), sulfur (yellow), and chlorite (green), giving the mountain its unique, layered appearance.
Located about 3 hours from Cusco by car (plus a 1.5–2 hour hike), Rainbow Mountain wasn’t even visible until 2013. Before then, it was covered in snow. Starting in 2015, it quickly became one of the fastest-growing tourist attractions in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
At over 5,000 meters (16,500+ feet) above sea level, it’s one of the highest-altitude day hikes you can do in Peru, even higher than Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake. That makes it both a bucket list destination and a serious physical challenge.
This place had been on my bucket list for years, and I still can’t believe I had the chance to admire such a natural wonder with my own eyes. Even after so many years of traveling and all the incredible places I’ve visited, I still struggle to name another spot that impressed me as much as Rainbow Mountain. It’s hands down my favorite natural beauty in all of South America. The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from May to mid-October. I went in early October and was incredibly lucky to get a perfect day: clear skies and vivid colors that made the whole experience feel like a dream!
How to get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco
The easiest way to visit the Rainbow Mountain is on a guided day tour from Cusco. These are very affordable and include:
Round-trip transport from the pick-up point in Cusco’s main square
Breakfast before the hike and lunch after it
An experienced local guide (very much needed, especially if you don’t feel good)
Oxygen and first aid kits (very important at that altitude!)
Here’s a tour I highly recommend that you can book through GetYourGuide for convenience and peace of mind. Alternatively, if you have the time, you can take a walk around Cusco and ask at one of the many local agencies offering the same tour at a more affordable price. Just keep in mind that some of them may only accept cash, so if paying by card is important to you (as it was for me), booking online might be the better option.
Most tours start very early: around 3.30 - 4:00 AM. You'll drive through scenic Andean villages and arrive at the trailhead around 7:00–7:30 AM to start the hike. Most people return to Cusco by early evening. Along the road, you will stop for breakfast after around 1,5 hours and they will take you for lunch only at the end of the hike. But no worries, you will find plenty of places where you can buy water and snacks along the hike.
The hike: what to expect
The hike to Rainbow Mountain is relatively short in distance, about 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) round trip, but the altitude makes it feel way much longer. You’ll start the hike at around 4,600 meters and climb to just over 5,000 meters at the viewpoint, it sounds like nothing special but I can promise you every step means a huge effort, so make sure to be ready for it.
Expect:
Steady uphill hiking for 1.5–2 hours
Cold, windy conditions (even in dry season)
Unpredictable weather: I saw snow, rain, and sunshine all within 20 minutes!
Incredible views: snow-capped peaks, red valleys, alpacas and llamas grazing freely
The final 200 meters are the steepest and most challenging, but also the most rewarding. Reaching the top felt like standing on top of the world!
My personal experience: beautiful but brutal
As someone who lives at sea level, I thought spending a day or two in Cusco would be enough to acclimate, well: it wasn’t.
I felt okay during the hike, just slower than usual, a bit light-headed, and out of breath. But the real trouble started in the van on to Cusco. I got hit with classic altitude sickness symptoms:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath even at rest
I spent the entire evening in bed (with several desperate trips to the bathroom), completely unable to move, eat, or even drink water. All night long, I regretted not giving myself more time to acclimatize. By the next morning, I was feeling slightly better, but I remained extremely tired and drained for days. The only things I could manage to eat were plain white rice and boiled potatoes, which is especially tragic considering how incredible the food is in Peru. It was a harsh reminder of just how real altitude sickness is and how crucial it is to properly prepare for it.
How to prevent altitude sickness in Peru:
Altitude sickness affects travelers differently, but here are a few key ways to minimize your risk:
1. Spend at least 3 (up to 5) days in Cusco before the hike
Cusco sits at an altitude of 3,400 meters, high enough to trigger altitude symptoms in many travelers, especially if you're arriving from sea-level cities like Lima. I highly recommend spending your first few days in Cusco taking it slow: rest, stroll around the city at a relaxed pace, explore the Sacred Valley, and give your body time to adjust before attempting the Rainbow Mountain hike.
For your stay, I can recommend Hotel Amerindia if you're looking for a well-located and comfortable place to relax. Alternatively, check out Socialtel Plaza de Armas (formerly Selina) if you need a good spot to work remotely and want to meet other travelers, it’s perfect for digital nomads or solo adventurers.
2. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and red meat
Drink lots of water and avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol or caffeine right before the hike. Also, for a few days before the hike try to avoid eating red meat.
3. Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves
Locals swear by these natural remedies for altitude. I found coca tea very soothing and helpful during my trip. You will if everywhere you go in Cuzco, especially at the local market.
4. Consider altitude medication
Some travelers use Acetazolamide (Diamox), talk to your doctor before your trip.
5. Take the hike slow
This isn’t a race. Take breaks, breathe deeply, don’t compare yourself with someone else and don’t be afraid to rent a horse if needed, many travelers do.
What to pack for Rainbow Mountain
Warm layers (since is quite high, it’s cold even in the dry season)
Gloves and a beanie
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV rays are extremely intense at high altitude. I actually got the worst sunburn of my life on my face, so don’t underestimate the sun, even on cloudy days!
Lots of water
Snacks (like energy bars or coca candies)
Toilet paper (public restrooms at the trailhead are basic)
Cash (for horse rental or tipping your guide)
Solo Travel in Peru: is it safe?
I did this trip as a solo female traveler, and I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time (like everywhere else I’ve been in this amazing country). The tour guide was professional, the group was friendly, and logistics were smooth.
That said, I recommend booking through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide and choosing well-reviewed providers. Always let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back, and bring a portable phone charger just in case.
Final Thoughts: was it worth it?
100% yes, despite the altitude sickness, Rainbow Mountain was one of the most visually stunning and memorable experiences I had in Peru. The scenery was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and the sense of achievement at the top made it all worthwhile.
Just do your future self a favor and give your body time to acclimate before taking on the challenge. Trust me on this one.
Ready to go? Book your Rainbow Mountain Day Trip from Cusco here
Have you hiked Rainbow Mountain or dealt with altitude sickness while traveling? Drop your tips or stories in the comments, I’d love to hear them!
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