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Local operator · Pitumarca side

Rainbow Mountain via Pitumarca

A full day on the Pitumarca side of the mountain in a group of ten at most, with a WhatsApp briefing the night before and vegan meals on request. Pick it for the small group and the different road, and read the booking terms carefully.

Full-Day Tour via Pitumarca

About this experience

Most group tours use the Cusipata trail. This one goes by Pitumarca, the other approach to the mountain, which Wikipedia's Vinicunca entry describes as a longer drive with a shorter, steeper walk. Breakfast is an hour in Pitumarca, then about 40 minutes more in the van to the mountain. Lunch is back in Pitumarca, also an hour.

The group is capped at 10, the smallest of any shared tour here. You get a WhatsApp briefing the day before, the Rainbow Mountain entrance, drinks, a walking stick and vegetarian or vegan meals at no extra cost. Guests mention guides from the region who know the area well. The Red Valley and horses are optional extras.

Two gaps in the listing. Its segment times do not add up to the stated 13 hours, and it does not give a time for the walk itself, so ask the operator how long you will be on foot. And the listing does not state a cancellation policy. Check the terms on the booking page before you pay, and if free cancellation matters to you, the premium trip states it.

  • Group capped at 10 people
  • The Pitumarca road instead of Cusipata
  • Rainbow Mountain entrance and drinks included
  • Vegetarian or vegan meals at no extra cost
  • WhatsApp briefing the day before

How the day runs

  1. Day beforeWhatsApp briefing

    The operator sends the plan and your pickup details.

  2. Early morningPickup in Cusco

    From central Cusco hotels, with the Iglesia del Triunfo as the pickup point.

  3. About 1 hBreakfast in Pitumarca

    An hour for breakfast in the town.

  4. About 40 minVan to the mountain

    The last stretch of road on the Pitumarca side.

  5. MiddayRainbow Mountain

    The walk and time at the viewpoint. The listing does not give a walking time.

  6. AfternoonLunch and back

    An hour for lunch in Pitumarca, then the drive back to the Plaza Mayor.

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • WhatsApp briefing
  • Breakfast and lunch, vegetarian or vegan at no extra cost
  • Guide
  • First aid with oxygen and a walking stick
  • Rainbow Mountain entrance
  • Drinks

Not included

  • Red Valley entrance (optional)
  • Horse ride (optional)
  • A stated cancellation policy: check the booking terms

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the smallest shared group
  • You are vegan or vegetarian
  • You want a different road from the big Cusipata groups
  • You like to know the plan the night before

Skip it if

  • You have children under 14
  • You have back, heart or breathing problems, or high blood pressure
  • You need free cancellation in writing: try the premium trip or the classic day
  • You want to know exactly how long you will walk

What guests say

★★★★★

This was a lovely trip our guide was from the regions so you felt he knew all about it and could pass it on to you.

Julia · United Kingdom
★★★★★

The guide was so supportive though, we cannot fault the company in the slightest.

Nik · United Kingdom

Tips before you book

  • Read the cancellation terms on the booking page before paying. The listing does not state them.
  • Ask in the WhatsApp briefing how long the walk is and where it starts.
  • Mention vegan or vegetarian meals when you book.
  • Cash in soles covers the Red Valley and a horse if you want them.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel the Pitumarca small-group tour for free?

The listing does not state a cancellation policy. Check the terms shown on the booking page before you pay, or ask the operator.

How big is the group?

Ten people at most, per the listing.

How long is the hike from the Pitumarca side?

The listing does not say. The Pitumarca approach is generally a longer drive with a shorter, steeper walk. Ask the operator for the time on foot.

What is the minimum age?

The listing excludes children under 14, as well as travellers with low fitness, back, heart or breathing problems and high blood pressure.

Ready to book

Book Small group via Pitumarca

Ten people at most, a WhatsApp briefing the day before and the Pitumarca road to the mountain.

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Ten people at most, a WhatsApp briefing the day before and the Pitumarca road to the mountain.

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