The adventure begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup to start the journey to the Rainbow Mountain. The trip is made in a comfortable vehicle, with a stop for breakfast in Pucará.
The journey is long (approximately 5 to 6 hours), but the scenery makes it worthwhile: you will witness the sunrise over the mountains and pass through Andean villages and meadows where llamas and alpacas graze.
The route continues ascending to Abra La Raya (4,335 m), the highest point between Puno and Cusco, where we will stop to capture the breathtaking view of the Andes.
Upon reaching the starting point of the hike (approximately 4,600 m in altitude) in the mid-morning, we will begin the ascent to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. The hike usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the summit, following a high-altitude trail through a valley where alpacas graze, with views of the Ausangate glacier.
As you ascend, you will notice how the colorful stripes on the mountain become more visible. Upon reaching the summit, at around 5,020 m in altitude (16,466 feet), between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., you will have time to enjoy these panoramic views of the vibrant multicolored mountain and the surrounding peaks.
Afterward, you will begin the descent along the same trail, which takes approximately 1 hour. For those who find the hike challenging, horses are often available for rent on-site for an additional cost (starting at 80 soles per person).
Once back, lunch is provided at a nearby restaurant, and then we will continue toward Cusco.
After a day full of adventure, the tour concludes in Cusco at sunset. Arrival is usually between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., where we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, tired but filled with unforgettable memories. In just one day, you will have traveled from Lake Titicaca to the imperial city of Cusco, with the Rainbow Mountain as an unforgettable highlight.
If you take this tour in reverse order (Cusco - Puno), the itinerary remains the same but in the opposite direction: departing from Cusco at dawn, hiking to the Rainbow Mountain, and ending in Puno at night.
Travel Itinerary: Puno – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
04:00 AM – Departure from Puno: Pickup from hotels and departure by vehicle toward Rainbow Mountain. The journey begins across the Andean plateau, enjoying the sunrise.
07:00 AM – Breakfast in Pucará: A short stop in Pucará to enjoy a local breakfast and recharge energy. Opportunity to learn about the local culture and the region’s famous pottery.
09:30 AM – Arrival at the hiking starting point (4,600 m altitude): Beginning of the ascent to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. A hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through the valley, surrounded by Andean landscapes and grazing alpacas.
10:45 AM – Arrival at the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m altitude): Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding peaks. Free time for photos and rest at the summit.
11:30 AM – Descent from Rainbow Mountain: Start of the descent along the same trail, taking approximately 1 hour. Option to rent horses on-site for those who need assistance (additional cost).
02:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant: Stop to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing the journey.
03:00 PM – Departure to Cusco: Travel by vehicle through Andean landscapes, passing green valleys and traditional villages.
06:45 PM – Arrival in Cusco: End of the tour, arriving in Cusco between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Transfer to hotels in Cusco.
This tour stands out for its efficiency and convenience. Instead of spending an entire day on a simple transfer between Puno and Cusco, you make the most of the route by visiting Rainbow Mountain and exploring historical sites.
The journey takes you from the high plateaus of Lake Titicaca to the vibrant landscapes of Vinicunca, and finally to the historic richness of Cusco—all in just one day.
It is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their experience in the Andes without needing to plan a separate trip to Rainbow Mountain. With expert guides, comfortable transport, and seamless logistics, this is the best way to connect Puno and Cusco with an unforgettable adventure.
The adventure begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup to start the journey to the Rainbow Mountain. The trip is made in a comfortable vehicle, with a stop for breakfast in Pucará.
The journey is long (approximately 5 to 6 hours), but the scenery makes it worthwhile: you will witness the sunrise over the mountains and pass through Andean villages and meadows where llamas and alpacas graze.
The route continues ascending to Abra La Raya (4,335 m), the highest point between Puno and Cusco, where we will stop to capture the breathtaking view of the Andes.
Upon reaching the starting point of the hike (approximately 4,600 m in altitude) in the mid-morning, we will begin the ascent to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. The hike usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the summit, following a high-altitude trail through a valley where alpacas graze, with views of the Ausangate glacier.
As you ascend, you will notice how the colorful stripes on the mountain become more visible. Upon reaching the summit, at around 5,020 m in altitude (16,466 feet), between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., you will have time to enjoy these panoramic views of the vibrant multicolored mountain and the surrounding peaks.
Afterward, you will begin the descent along the same trail, which takes approximately 1 hour. For those who find the hike challenging, horses are often available for rent on-site for an additional cost (starting at 80 soles per person).
Once back, lunch is provided at a nearby restaurant, and then we will continue toward Cusco.
After a day full of adventure, the tour concludes in Cusco at sunset. Arrival is usually between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., where we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, tired but filled with unforgettable memories. In just one day, you will have traveled from Lake Titicaca to the imperial city of Cusco, with the Rainbow Mountain as an unforgettable highlight.
If you take this tour in reverse order (Cusco - Puno), the itinerary remains the same but in the opposite direction: departing from Cusco at dawn, hiking to the Rainbow Mountain, and ending in Puno at night.
Travel Itinerary: Puno – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
04:00 AM – Departure from Puno: Pickup from hotels and departure by vehicle toward Rainbow Mountain. The journey begins across the Andean plateau, enjoying the sunrise.
07:00 AM – Breakfast in Pucará: A short stop in Pucará to enjoy a local breakfast and recharge energy. Opportunity to learn about the local culture and the region’s famous pottery.
09:30 AM – Arrival at the hiking starting point (4,600 m altitude): Beginning of the ascent to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. A hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through the valley, surrounded by Andean landscapes and grazing alpacas.
10:45 AM – Arrival at the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m altitude): Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding peaks. Free time for photos and rest at the summit.
11:30 AM – Descent from Rainbow Mountain: Start of the descent along the same trail, taking approximately 1 hour. Option to rent horses on-site for those who need assistance (additional cost).
02:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant: Stop to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing the journey.
03:00 PM – Departure to Cusco: Travel by vehicle through Andean landscapes, passing green valleys and traditional villages.
06:45 PM – Arrival in Cusco: End of the tour, arriving in Cusco between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Transfer to hotels in Cusco.
This tour stands out for its efficiency and convenience. Instead of spending an entire day on a simple transfer between Puno and Cusco, you make the most of the route by visiting Rainbow Mountain and exploring historical sites.
The journey takes you from the high plateaus of Lake Titicaca to the vibrant landscapes of Vinicunca, and finally to the historic richness of Cusco—all in just one day.
It is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their experience in the Andes without needing to plan a separate trip to Rainbow Mountain. With expert guides, comfortable transport, and seamless logistics, this is the best way to connect Puno and Cusco with an unforgettable adventure.
Book with an executive and make your reservation easier
Find out about news and promotion news by subscribing to our newsletter
