7 Colors Mountain by car: is it possible to go on your own?
Have you ever wondered if it’s really possible to get to Rainbow Mountain without an agency, driving your own car? Many travelers believe it’s only possible to go on a tour, but more and more people are choosing to do it on their own. In this blog, we’ll tell you how feasible this route is, what you need to know before you set off, and whether it’s really worth taking the wheel to Rainbow Mountain.
Go by own car
Is it possible to go by private car?
Yes, it’s possible to go to Rainbow Mountain by private car, without needing to book a tour. This option is chosen by travelers who prefer more flexibility in their schedule or want to make stops along the way. However, it’s important to know that the road has paved sections and dirt sections, so it’s recommended to use a pickup truck or a high-rise vehicle that can handle uneven roads.
Although it’s a viable alternative, keep in mind that there isn’t clear signage along the entire route, and some sections can be confusing. You should also drive with caution, especially during rainy seasons. It’s not recommended to travel at night, as much of the route is unlit and lacks phone service.
How to get from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain?
From Cusco, head south on the paved road toward Urcos. This first section takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the town of Cusipata. From there, continue along a detour to the left, heading toward the community of Chillihuani and then to Phulawasipata, the most common starting point for the hike. This second section has both paved and unpaved sections.
The total drive from Cusco to Phulawasipata takes approximately three hours. It’s recommended to leave very early, between 3:30 and 4:00 am, to avoid the strong sun during the hike and allow enough time to return. It’s also best to refuel before setting out, as there are no gas stations along the route from Cusco onward.
Where do you leave your car before walking?
The car is left in the Phulawasipata area, where there is a small parking lot. It’s not a formal parking lot, but community members look after the vehicles for a voluntary tip. From there, the hike to Rainbow Mountain begins, which can take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your physical condition.
There is also another access point called Pampachiri, although it is less used by independent travelers. In both cases, the car cannot go any further, as the road is restricted to vehicles. Make sure you take your valuables with you and lock your car, as there is no official security guard.
Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by private vehicle
One of the main advantages of traveling in your own car is that you can manage your time at your own pace, leaving earlier or returning later without depending on a group. You can also make stops to take photos or buy something along the way, and if you travel in a group, it can be more economical to split the costs among all the occupants of the vehicle.
The disadvantages include the wear and tear on the vehicle due to unpaved roads, especially if it rains. There’s also the risk of getting lost if you don’t know the route well, as there are stretches without cell phone service or GPS. Furthermore, when traveling alone, you must be aware of schedules and altitude, as if you have a health problem along the way, there won’t be any guides to help you.
Note:
The drive from Cusco to the community of Pampachiri takes between three and three and a half hours. The last stretch is a narrow, winding, paved road, so it’s recommended to drive slowly. There aren’t many signs, so it’s easy to get confused if you don’t know the route well.
What permits or tickets do I need if I go without a tour?
If you go without a tour, you’ll still need to pay the entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain. This fee is charged at the access point (Phulawasipata or Pampachiri), where community staff will collect a fee. For domestic tourists, the cost is usually 20 soles, and for foreigners, 30 soles. It’s advisable to bring cash, as cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs nearby.
You don’t need a special permit if you’re traveling alone, but you must register your entry at local checkpoints. This serves both security purposes and to control tourism in the area. Don’t forget to bring your ID or passport, as it may be requested to validate your entry. It’s also important to respect local regulations and follow established trails to avoid accidents or damage to the natural environment.
Go by hired taxi
Can I hire a taxi to go to the mountain?
Yes, you can hire a taxi from Cusco to the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain hike. This is a popular option for travelers who don’t want to drive, but also don’t want to go on a group tour. Most taxi drivers are willing to provide this service as long as you make advance arrangements, as this is neither an urban nor a short route.
Of course, it’s important that the taxi is in good mechanical condition and preferably a high-rise vehicle, such as a pickup truck or van, because part of the route is unpaved and can be in poor condition during the rainy season.
Where to hire a safe taxi in Cusco?
To hire a safe taxi in Cusco, it’s best to go through an authorized tourist transportation agency or directly to reliable hotels and lodgings. You can also contact local companies with good references. Avoid taking taxis on the street for long routes like this, as they may not be licensed for trips outside the city.
Another option is to ask travel agencies directly if they offer private transportation services without a guide. Many do, and you’ll be guaranteed a suitable vehicle with an experienced driver. Additionally, Facebook groups for travelers in Cusco also share contacts for reliable taxi drivers, which can help if you’re looking for direct referrals.
Approximate price and duration of the trip
The approximate price of a private taxi from Cusco to the Phulawasipata area, round trip, is between S/250 and S/350 , depending on the type of vehicle, the season, and whether the driver waits during the hike. Some taxi drivers may offer one-way fare for around S/150 to S/180, but the most common option is to hire the full service.
The trip by car takes about 3 hours one way. If you book a round-trip, keep in mind that the driver will wait for about 4 or 5 hours at the location until you complete the hike and return. Therefore, it’s key to agree on all the details before leaving to avoid misunderstandings or additional charges.
Is it worth negotiating back and forth?
Yes, it’s definitely a good idea to negotiate a round-trip transfer from the start. This not only saves you money, but also guarantees that the same vehicle will be waiting for you on your return trip, which is very important, since there are no taxis available in the area to return to Cusco if you arrive without a pre-booked vehicle.
Additionally, when negotiating round-trip transportation, you can agree on a waiting time limit and confirm that the driver will meet you at the drop-off point. This provides peace of mind and security, especially if you’re traveling alone. It’s a good idea to leave everything in writing or on audio so both parties are clear about the agreement.
Go by bus or public transport
Which bus to take from Cusco?
To get there by public transportation, you must take a colectivo to Cusipata or Checacupe, leaving from Huayruropata Avenue in Cusco. These colectivos are minivans that depart early (approximately 4:30 am) and depart as they fill up. The trip to Cusipata usually takes about two hours.
Upon arriving in Cusipata, you’ll need to take another smaller vehicle, usually a shared van or motorcycle taxi, to the starting point of the hike. This final stretch is managed by members of the community, and there are no fixed schedules, so you’ll depend on other travelers to share the vehicle.
How far do the buses go?
Buses departing from Cusco only go as far as Cusipata or Checacupe, towns located on the Southern Interoceanic Highway. No public buses reach the Rainbow Mountain hike, as this final section is a rural detour that can only be done in smaller, more durable vehicles.
From Cusipata, you must continue your journey using local transportation, which can be somewhat improvised and not always available at all times. Some people prefer to arrange motorcycle taxis or vans from Cusipata, although they also hope to join a group for the trip, which can take a while.
Are there direct buses to the start of the hike?
No, there are no direct buses from Cusco to the starting point of the trek (Phulawasipata or Pampachiri). The entire journey must be completed in two parts: first, take a bus to Cusipata, and then continue on local public transport to the access point.
This lack of direct connections is due to the fact that the final route is difficult to access and only serves small or tourist vehicles. Therefore, if you decide to take public transportation, it’s important to leave very early and be patient, as transfers can take time and are not well organized.
Note:
If you don’t have access to transportation or prefer to avoid driving in high altitudes, you can opt for direct transportation from Cusco. We also offer this service as an alternative for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of traveling.
Is it safe to use public transportation?
In general, it is safe to use public transportation to get to Cusipata. The minivans that operate the route are used daily by locals and tourists, although they do not have seatbelts or tourist protocols. Traveling early and with caution is key to avoiding setbacks.
The final part of the journey is the least safe, as you’ll rely on improvised vehicles that aren’t always well-equipped for tourists. Furthermore, during the low season, there may not be enough demand to fill a group, and you may have to wait longer than expected. It’s always best to travel with someone and not leave valuables in plain sight.
Approximate schedules and recommendations
Buses to Cusipata depart from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., depending on passenger flow. After that time, it’s more difficult to find transportation that allows you to make the entire trip and return on the same day. The last return bus from Cusipata to Cusco usually departs between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
It’s recommended to carry cash, as there are no ATMs along the trail, and have some food and water on hand. Warm clothing, sunscreen, and good footwear are essential. If you go during the rainy season (November to March), keep in mind that some sections may be in poor condition, and access may be slower or limited.