Rainbow Mountain vs Humantay Lake: Which One to Choose If You Only Have One Day?
Rainbow Mountain vs Humantay Lake: Which One to Choose If You Only Have One Day?
They are the two most popular day trips from Cusco after Machu Picchu, and almost every traveler asks the same question: if I only have time for one, which should I do? Both are spectacular, cost the same and leave before dawn, but they are quite different experiences. Here's how to decide.
Quick comparison
| Rainbow Mountain | Humantay Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 5,200 m (17,060 ft) | 4,200 m (13,780 ft) |
| Climb | 1.5-2 hours (about 5 km) | 1.5 hours (about 2 km, steep) |
| Difficulty | Moderate-high, due to altitude | Moderate, short but intense |
| Scenery | Colored stripes on the mountain and the Ausangate glacier | Turquoise lake at the foot of a glacier |
| Departure from Cusco | 4:00-4:30 am | 4:30 am |
| Return to Cusco | Afternoon | Around 5:00 pm |
| Horses | Yes, US$20 (optional) | None: you climb on foot |
| Entrance fee | S/25 foreigners, S/15-25 Peruvians (separate) | S/20 foreigners, S/10-15 Peruvians (separate) |
| Price with Danfer | US$30 | US$35 |
Both tours include hotel pickup, transport, breakfast, buffet lunch and a professional guide. Entrance fees are paid separately, in cash.
Choose Rainbow Mountain if...
- You want Peru's most famous photo after Machu Picchu. The red, ochre, turquoise and lavender stripes look like nothing you've seen before.
- You've already spent at least 2-3 days in Cusco and feel fine with the altitude. At 5,200 meters, oxygen is very thin.
- You like a challenge: reaching the viewpoint is very rewarding.
- You love high-mountain scenery: along the way you'll see alpacas, herding communities and, on clear days, the Ausangate glacier.
More details in our Rainbow Mountain guide.
Choose Humantay Lake if...
- You have fewer days to acclimatize. At 4,200 meters it's demanding but more manageable than Vinicunca.
- You prefer a shorter hike: only about 2 km uphill, though steep.
- You're drawn to water and glaciers: the contrast between the turquoise lake and the Humantay glacier is stunning, especially in sunshine.
- You're traveling in the rainy season: the lake looks good almost all year, while at Rainbow Mountain snowfall can hide the colors.
More details in our Humantay Lake guide.
Which one is harder?
Rainbow Mountain, because of the altitude. The hike itself isn't technical, but at 5,200 meters every step is hard work. Humantay Lake has a shorter, steeper climb, 1,000 meters lower. If altitude worries you, Humantay is the safer choice.
At Rainbow Mountain there are horses (US$20) that carry you much of the way. At Humantay there are no horses: if you can't hike a steep climb, choose Rainbow Mountain with a horse or Palccoyo. For both, the rule is the same: climb slowly, drink water and don't do either the day after arriving in Cusco. Read our altitude sickness guide.
What if I want to do both?
You can! Ideally on separate days, in this order:
- Humantay first (4,200 m), as "training".
- Rainbow Mountain one or two days later (5,200 m), when you're better acclimatized.
In between, a gentler day such as the Sacred Valley or the City Tour helps you recover. See how to fit them into a full trip in our 7-day Cusco itinerary.
What about Palccoyo?
If you want to see rainbow mountains but are worried about the altitude or the hike, there's Palccoyo, an alternative with a shorter walk and fewer crowds. We cover it in Palccoyo: the alternative rainbow mountain.
What to bring to either one
- Layers: it's very cold at dawn and warm at midday.
- A waterproof, windproof jacket.
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Water (at least 1 liter) and snacks.
- Cash in soles for entrance fees, toilets and, at Rainbow Mountain, a horse.
- Trekking poles, if you have them.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake?
It depends on you. Rainbow Mountain is more famous and sits at 5,200 m, so it requires better acclimatization. Humantay Lake is at 4,200 m, has a shorter hike and is enjoyable almost all year.
Which one is harder?
Rainbow Mountain, because of the altitude. Humantay Lake has a shorter but steeper climb, 1,000 meters lower.
Can I do both on the same trip?
Yes, on separate days. Do Humantay first to acclimatize and Rainbow Mountain one or two days later.
How much do the tours cost?
With Danfer Tours, Rainbow Mountain costs US$30 and Humantay Lake US$35 per person. Both include hotel pickup, transport, breakfast, buffet lunch and guide. Entrance fees are paid separately; at Rainbow Mountain a horse (US$20) is optional. There are no horses at Humantay.
