Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake? A comparison to choose your day trip

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Humantay Lake are the two most popular day trips from Cusco after Machu Picchu. Both mean a very early start, hours on a bus and a short but tough hike above 4,000 metres. If you only have time for one, this comparison will help you decide. If you have time for both, here's how to plan them.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Summary: which should you choose?

• Choose Humantay if: you want a turquoise lake under a glacier, prefer to stay below about 4,300 m and can handle a short, steep climb.
• Choose Rainbow Mountain if: you're drawn to its unique striped colours and handle altitude well, as the highest point is around 5,000 m.
• If it's your first time at altitude and you've only been in Cusco a few days, Humantay is usually more manageable.

• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): a practical guide to visiting
• Humantay Lake: how to get there, the hike and tips

Altitude and difficulty

Humantay Lake

• The lake sits at about 4,200 m. The hike starts at Soraypampa, at around 3,900 m.
• About 1–2 hours up a steep trail and roughly 1 hour down.
• The difficulty is the gradient; the distance is short.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

• The main viewpoint is around 5,000 m; the trailhead is already above 4,500 m.
• About 1.5–2 hours up a moderate slope that gets harder near the end.
• The difficulty is the altitude: every step costs more with less oxygen.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

Schedule and logistics

Both are usually done as full-day tours:

• Pick-up in Cusco between 3:30 and 5:00 am.
• About 2.5–3.5 hours by bus to the trailhead, with a breakfast stop.
• Back in Cusco by late afternoon or early evening.

You can go independently by public transport or private car, but logistics are tricky given the distances and hours. Both charge a modest local entrance fee, which can change and is usually paid in cash.

Scenery and photos

• Humantay: a turquoise lake beneath Humantay peak, with Salkantay nearby. The water's colour shines most in sunshine.
• Rainbow Mountain: red, yellow, green and purple stripes from the minerals in the mountain. Snowy Ausangate appears behind on clear days. Many tours add the Red Valley, close to the viewpoint.
• In the rainy season, snow can partly cover Vinicunca's colours, and clouds can hide Humantay's glacier.

Weather and season

• The best time for both is the dry season, May to September: clear skies but very cold at dawn.
• In the rainy season (November to March) expect more cloud, mud and a chance of snow.
• Both can be below freezing in the morning. Bring a hat, gloves, layers and sunscreen.

• Cusco weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect

Horses and help on the trail

On both routes, local community members rent horses for the climb, paid in cash. They usually take you close to the top, but the last stretch is on foot. A good option if altitude hits you, and it supports local communities.

Can you do both?

Not on the same day: they're in opposite directions from Cusco. It's sensible to leave at least a rest day between them. A good order is Humantay first (lower), then Vinicunca. If Rainbow Mountain seems too crowded or high, Palccoyo has similar coloured stripes with a gentler walk.

• Palccoyo: the alternative rainbow mountain, easier and quieter than Vinicunca

Booking a tour

Compare what each tour includes: breakfast and lunch, entrance fee, guide, oxygen and first-aid kit, and weather cancellation terms.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).