4:00ā4:30 a.m.
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Our professional guide and tourist transportation will pick you up from your accommodation (downtown area).
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour ā Full Day
Discover the magic of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the stunning Red Valley, two of the most surprising landscapes in Peru in a single day.
This tour combines adventure, extreme nature, and unique panoramic views at over 5,000 meters above sea level, ideal for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the Andes.
During the hike, you will be able to observe llamas, alpacas, snow-capped mountains, and Andean communities that preserve their ancestral traditions. A complete experience of adventure, culture, and color.
Places you will visit on this tour:
š¢ Cusipata
An Andean village where you will enjoy buffet breakfast and lunch.
š¢ Phulawasipata
Starting point of the hike located at 4,400 meters above sea level.
š¢ Rainbow Mountain ā Vinicunca
The iconic multicolored mountain of the Peruvian Andes.
š¢ Red Valley
A surreal landscape with reddish slopes that look like they belong to another planet.
š¢ Vilcanota Mountain Range
A natural setting of snow-capped mountains and spectacular views.
Schedule:
š Start: 4:00 a.m. ā 4:30 a.m. (Hotel pick-up ā downtown area)
š End: 5:00 p.m. approx.
Itinerary Overview
š Schedule: 4:00 a.m. ā 5:00 p.m.
š Meeting Point: Pick-up from your hotel (Cusco Historic Center)
ā³ Duration: Full Day ā Approx. 12 to 13 hours
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour Itinerary
Transfer
Journey to Cusipata (approx. 2 hours)
During the trip, you will enjoy beautiful Andean sunrise landscapes.
Cusipata
Buffet breakfast
A varied breakfast at a tourist restaurant with hot drinks, bread, fruit, and more.
Transfer
Toward Phulawasipata (1 hour and 30 min)
Arrival at the camp located at 4,800 meters above sea level, the starting point of the hike.
Start trek
Hike toward Rainbow Mountain (approx. 40 min to 1 hour)
A 3 km route with flat sections and a final ascent.
Optional: horse rental (not included).
Tip: take short, steady steps; keep a stable pace due to the altitude.
Vinicunca
Summit of Rainbow Mountain
Arrival at 5,200 meters above sea level to enjoy a spectacular view and take photographs.
Red Valley
Visit to the Red Valley
A light 30-minute hike toward a unique reddish landscape in the Andes.
Recommendation: make the most of a wide-angle lens; the landscape looks enormous.
Return
Return to Phulawasipata
An easier descent to the camp where the transportation will be waiting.
Cusipata
Buffet lunch
Enjoy a full lunch with typical dishes.
Afternoon
Return to Cusco (approx. 2 hours)
Estimated arrival around 5:00 p.m. in the city center or at your hotel.
Recommendations
- Bring warm clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat and gloves
- Extra money for purchases or snacks
What is included and not included in the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour
Included
- Pick-up and return Tourist transportation from and to your hotel.
- Professional bilingual guide Spanish ā English.
- Buffet breakfast and lunch At a tourist restaurant in Cusipata.
- First aid kit and oxygen First aid assistance.
Note: bring layered clothing and water; at the summit it is usually cold and windy, and the hike is more enjoyable when maintaining a steady pace.
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain
- Entrance to the Red Valley
- Tips (optional)
- Water or additional drinks
- Horses (optional)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Entrance fees
- šļø Rainbow Mountain: Domestic: S/ 15 soles – Foreign S/25 soles
- šļø Red Valley entrance: General S/20 soles
Additional Details
Recommendations for taking the Rainbow Mountain Tour
To make the most of this high-altitude experience, keep in mind:
- Arrive in Cusco 24 hours in advance to acclimatize.
- Stay well hydrated and rest properly before the tour.
- Avoid heavy meals the night before.
- Drink coca tea to help prevent altitude sickness.
What to bring to the Rainbow Mountain Tour
For a comfortable and safe experience, bring:
- Windbreaker jacket or waterproof jacket.
- Warm clothing.
- Hat for the cold and sun.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack.
- Snacks or energy bars.
- Enough water.
- Money in soles for optional expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour
How long does the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour last?
The total duration is approximately 12 to 13 hours, starting between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m.
The return to Cusco is around 05:00 p.m..
What is the difference between Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley?
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) stands out for its natural multicolored stripes formed by minerals.
The Red Valley is a landscape completely tinted with intense reddish tones, unique in Peru.
On this tour, you will visit both destinations in a single day.
Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain difficult?
The hike is 3 km each way, considered of medium-high difficulty due to the altitude (5,200 meters above sea level).
Optionally, you can rent a horse (approx. S/80) at the starting point (Horse rental is arranged directly with the local resident in the area).
What does the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley tour include?
It includes:
ā¢ Hotel pick-up and return
ā¢ Tourist transportation by minivan
ā¢ Professional bilingual guide
ā¢ Buffet breakfast and lunch
ā¢ First aid kit, oxygen, and trekking poles
What is not included in the tour?
It does not include:
ā¢ Water or personal drinks
ā¢ Optional horse for the hike
ā¢ Tips
ā¢ Travel insurance
What should I bring to the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour?
It is recommended to bring:
ā¢ Warm clothing suitable for cold weather
ā¢ Sweater, gloves, and hat
ā¢ Trekking shoes
ā¢ Sunscreen
ā¢ Water and snacks
ā¢ Rain poncho
ā¢ Cash
Is the tour dangerous because of the altitude?
The area is above 5,000 meters above sea level, so it is normal to feel tired or short of breath.
The tour is safe because it includes:
ā¢ First aid kit
ā¢ Oxygen tank
ā¢ Specialized guide
It is recommended to acclimatize for 1ā2 days in Cusco before the tour.
Can I do the tour with children or older adults?
It is not recommended for:
ā¢ Young children
ā¢ Older adults without hiking experience
ā¢ People with heart or respiratory problems
The altitude can be very demanding even for travelers in good physical condition.
Where are breakfast and lunch served?
Both meals are served in a tourist restaurant in the village of Cusipata, with a varied buffet and options for travelers who prefer light food.
Is the Red Valley a mandatory part of the tour?
Yes, it is included in this service.
Access takes place after visiting Rainbow Mountain, through an additional 30-minute hike.
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From: $35.00
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Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Tour
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