Why Photography Peru
Max. 08 people per trip
90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch
Everyone at a similar life stage
About your trip
Rainbow Mountain Tours offer a rare opportunity to capture both sunrise and sunset at the iconic Vinicunca. This 2-day photography-focused tour provides breathtaking panoramas as the warm light highlights Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant colors.
Perfect for photographers and adventurers alike, you’ll explore beyond the usual trails to discover hidden gems and rugged terrains, including a mini Rainbow Mountain tours and stunning red mountain slopes.
With an experienced photographic guide, encounter unique photo spots featuring wandering alpacas and colorful Andean landscapes. This Rainbow Mountain tour is crafted to help you capture the beauty of Vinicunca from multiple angles, avoiding crowds and ensuring optimal light.
Start this 2-day adventure in the Chilca region with stunning opportunities for drone photography against the backdrop of the Ausangate and Qayangate mountains. After lunch, hike to Rainbow Mountain to capture the sunset’s warm light. As night falls, we’ll enjoy astrophotography under the stars.
Day 2 begins early, reaching Rainbow Mountain before sunrise for unbeatable morning shots. From there, head to the Red Valley—a must-see for vivid landscapes often missed by travelers. Afterward, enjoy a hearty meal before returning to Cusco. This tour is crafted for photography enthusiasts, ensuring you capture Rainbow Mountain’s beauty from dawn to dusk.
- TRIP TYPE: Camping / Trekking / Photography Tour
- SEASON: Year Round
- DISTANCE: 7 km (5 mi)
- ELEVATION: 4460 m (14,600 ft) – 5035 m (16,520 ft)
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Cusco – Chillca
- 7:00 am – Pickup from your hotel: Begin the journey with a scenic 4-hour drive to the Chilca region. Along the way, enjoy select stops for drone photography opportunities, capturing the Andean landscapes.
- Chilca region exploration: While our team prepares lunch, we’ll take short drives to nearby hidden gems with spectacular views. These spots are ideal for both drone shots and tripod photography, featuring the stunning south face of the Ausangate and Qayangate mountains.
- Lunch break: After enjoying the scenic Chilca region, we’ll have a hearty lunch before starting our hike. Our goal is to reach Rainbow Mountain by 4:00 pm to allow ample time to scout photo compositions and perfect lighting conditions.
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain: The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic trails that lead to the vibrant summit of Rainbow Mountain.
- Top of Rainbow Mountain: Arrive in time to explore various compositions before sunset. Enjoy the view with some snacks and hot coca tea as the sun casts warm hues over the landscape.
- Descent and setup for night photography: After sunset, hike back to camp. If the weather is clear, prepare for a night of astrophotography under the Andean sky.
- Dinner and overnight rest: End the day with a satisfying dinner at camp and rest up for an early morning to capture Rainbow Mountain at sunrise.
Day 2
Chillca Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
- Early wake-up: Rise before dawn to reach the top of Rainbow Mountain for an unforgettable sunrise shoot.
- Drive to trailhead: A short 25-minute drive from camp takes us to the trailhead. Equipped with headlamps, we’ll hike up in the dark, ready to capture the magic as the first light hits the mountain.
- Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain: Enjoy an extended photography session at the summit, taking advantage of the unique morning light and serene atmosphere.
- Explore Red Valley: After Rainbow Mountain, continue to Red Valley for more stunning photography opportunities amidst the striking red landscapes and panoramic views.
- Mid-morning meal: Around 10:00 am, we head back to camp for a well-deserved meal, refueling after a full morning of photography.
- Return to Cusco: Following our meal, we embark on a relaxed 4-hour drive back to Cusco, with hotel drop-off in the afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rainbow Mountain at sunset with vibrant evening colors.
- Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain, arriving before the crowds.
- A scenic hike through the captivating Red Valley.
- Multiple opportunities to capture vivid landscapes and unique compositions.
- Chilca Region offering extra landscape opportunities
INCLUDES
Included/Excluded
- Private Comfortable car ride (Pillows and Blankets)
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, tent, sleeping pad)
- Meals (Peruvian Homemade stile)
- First Aid kit & Oxygen tank
- Entrance fees to private property
- Pro-Portrait Digital Photos of the experience
- Fluent english speaking guide photographer
- Personal hiking gear
- Emergency horses
- Travel insurances & travel medication/ evacuation insurance
- Tips for your guide(s) and staff are optional but highly appreciated and encouraged if you enjoyed the experience.
