Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in southern Peru. If you are in Cusco and planning to visit by tourist bus, it’s essential to know what the trip entails and how to prepare to enjoy the experience smoothly.
Here we explain the route from pickup to return, approximate travel times, road conditions, and why choosing a formal operator like us makes all the difference.
Start of the Journey: Pickup from Your Accommodation
The day begins early. With a formal operator like us, pickup is arranged directly from your lodging between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to depart on time toward southern Cusco.
This avoids unnecessary early-morning walks through the city and allows you to rest until the last moment. Our team confirms the exact pickup time in advance.
First Leg: Cusco to Cusipata
The first bus segment lasts approximately 2 hours. Along this route, you’ll pass through small towns and rural areas of the southern valley until reaching Cusipata, where a traditional Andean breakfast stop is made.
The breakfast is included in the tour and helps travelers acclimate before continuing the ascent toward the mountain.
Second Leg: Cusipata to the Trek Starting Point
From Cusipata, the bus continues for about 1 more hour along narrower, rural roads. Although this section has some curves, the trip is conducted in authorized tourist vehicles with professional drivers.
This leg ends at the starting point of the hike toward Vinicunca.
Return and Andean Lunch
After visiting the summit and enjoying the colorful landscape, travelers walk back to the bus, which waits at the drop-off point. The bus then returns to Cusipata for an included Andean buffet lunch.
Finally, the journey back to Cusco begins, with an estimated arrival between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on the group’s pace.
Why Travel with Formal Local Operators
Booking with informal tours can involve:
Transportation without permits or safety measures
Buses that do not arrive or fail to follow the itinerary
Lack of a guide or adequate meals
Delays and poor organization
As formal local operators, we guarantee:
Authorized tourist buses
Professional bilingual guides throughout the route
Complete meals: breakfast and lunch included
Pre-arranged coordination, direct support, and zero surprises
Book Your Tour in Advance
Tour prices vary by season and number of travelers, so we recommend contacting us ahead of time to secure your spot and receive personalized service.
Travel safely, stay well-informed, and choose local operators who know every detail of the route. Avoid intermediaries and enjoy an authentic Andean experience from the very first kilometer.
