Why Photography Peru
We work around timing, not schedules
Access beyond the standard route
Built for photographers at any level
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: Option 1 (16.9 km) Option 2(6km)
- ELEVATION: Lowest 4,400 m (13,200 ft) / Highest 5,030 m (16,500 ft)
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate/Difficult
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Cusco – Chillca
OPTION A:
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and drive 3.5–4 hours to the Chillca region. After arrival, we hike 4–5 km through a quiet Andean valley over 2.5–3 hours, with alpacas and wide mountain views along the way. A box breakfast and snacks are included.
By late morning, we reach a hidden rainbow mountain, where colors appear best under strong sunlight, offering open 360° views. After the hike, our crew meets us with a warm soup and fresh meal before we continue.
In the afternoon, we drive toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and begin a 3–3.5 km hike from the trailhead. The ascent takes about 1.5–2 hours at high altitude. We arrive around 4:00 p.m., after most crowds have left, and stay for golden hour and sunset.
After the shoot, we hike down in about 1 hour, return to our vehicle, and drive to a local homestay for dinner and rest before the next day.
OPTION B:
The morning stays relaxed with minimal hiking, using short drives to reach hidden viewpoints where you photograph the south face of Ausangate and Qayangate with clean light, ideal for drone and tripod work. Along the way, you also visit local families, adding natural portraits and cultural moments to your shoot.
After the exploration, we enjoy a warm and hearty lunch while you take time to rest before the afternoon session. Later, we drive closer to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and begin a short hike of 1.5 km to the summit, which takes about 1.5 hours at a steady pace due to the altitude. We arrive around 4:00 p.m., once most crowds have left, giving you space to explore compositions and work freely during golden hour.
After sunset, we hike the same 1.5 km back down in about 1 hour and continue to our nearby camp or homestay. If the sky is clear, you have the option to shoot stars under clean Andean skies. We finish the day with a warm dinner and rest early, preparing for sunrise photography the next morning.
Option A → For experienced hikers and well-acclimatized photographers.
Option B → Easy pace, ideal for learning drone and enjoying portraits with locals.
Day 2
Chillca Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
We wake up early around 4:00 a.m. and start the day with a quick hot drink, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, based on your preference. Instead of a full meal, we bring a box breakfast to maximize our time in the field.
We hike back to Rainbow Mountain before sunrise, arriving in time to capture soft morning light and empty landscapes. Since we scouted the best compositions the day before, we can start shooting right away. The area usually remains quiet until around 7:00 a.m., giving us clean conditions for photography.
After sunrise, we continue toward the Red Valley, where deeper tones and strong textures create a different visual style. Your guide will lead you to multiple composition spots, helping you make the most of the location.
Once we finish the session, we return to camp for a full meal to close the experience well. Then, we drive back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon, marking the end of the journey.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore a rainbow unknown to tourists
- Rainbow Mountain for sunset.
- Rainbow Mountain sunrise before the crow
- Hike through the red valley
- Views of Ausangate mountain
- For drone: Montaña Inca (Glaciar near the rainbow viewpoint)
INCLUDES
Included/Excluded
- Private Comfortable car ride (Pillows and Blankets)
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, tent, sleeping pad)
- Meals (Peruvian Homemade style)
- Dietary needs will be taking care (At the moment of booking the tour)
- Oxygen tank in the van and with the guide
- Oxygen tank in the van and with the guide
- Entrance fees to private property
- First Aid kit in the van and with the guide
- Professional photographer and Adventure certified guide
- Astrophotography Session if weather allows
- Cultural Interaction at the Homestay
- Cultural Interaction at the Homestay
- Personal hiking gear
- Emergency horses
- Photography equipment
- Pick-up outside Cusco city
- Drone Permission Fees
- 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.
