Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Full Day
Dificulty
Moderate
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
14 a 19 People
Max Altitude
4,650 msnm
Description
Live an epic adventure in a single day Immerse yourself in nature and discover stunning landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone, as a couple or in a group, we have daily departures to suit your plan. This tour is designed for travelers with little time but a great adventurous spirit, ready to challenge themselves and live an unforgettable experience in the majestic Peruvian Andes. Join the adventure and feel the magic of the mountain!
Throughout the tour, the difficulty varies from moderate to challenging, mainly due to the altitude, which can exceed 5,000 meters. To ensure a safe and pleasant experience, we recommend spending one or two days in Cusco before joining one of our tours.
Although Rainbow Mountain is a very popular destination, we start our adventure very early to be among the first to arrive. This way, you can enjoy its impressive beauty in total tranquility, without interruptions or crowds. We take our time so you can enjoy the hike without rushing or pressure, allowing you to connect with nature and capture the best moments of this Andean wonder.
In addition to Rainbow Mountain, you will have the opportunity to hike through the surreal Red Valley, a little-known destination with almost no tourists. Very few travelers make it to this impressive landscape, which makes it an even more special experience. Make the most of your time in Cusco and join this epic adventure, where you will discover one of the best kept secrets of the Peruvian Andes.
During the trek, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of small local communities, getting to know their customs and traditions up close. Along the way, you will observe herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in the mountains, a typical spectacle of the Andes. In addition, you will witness millions of years of geological history, reflected in the impressive landscapes that surround you.
CUSCO | Cusipata - Llactoc - Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) - Red Valley Viewpoint - Cusco
Our epic adventure begins at dawn at 4:00 a.m. We will pick you up at the door of your accommodation to embark on a three-hour journey to the South Valley of Cusco in our private transport. Although it is early, you will be able to rest comfortably.
Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of picturesque Andean villages, ancient Inca agricultural terraces, fertile valleys, and rolling mountains. After two hours, we will make a special stop to enjoy a delicious continental breakfast that will give you the energy needed to start the hike.
Upon arrival at the starting point of the hike, located at (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), we will begin our journey along a winding trail that follows the course of a stream between the majestic Andean mountains. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with the imposing view of the Ausangate Glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), considered a living deity by the Andean people.
This remote region is home to many communities that still preserve their traditions. You will have the opportunity to see locals working the land and admire their colorful traditional clothing, made with textile techniques inherited from their ancestors. Your guide will explain the meaning of these garments, and if you wish, you can ask them to teach you a few words in Quechua, the ancestral language of the Incas, still spoken in this region!
Take your time to admire the stunning beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a truly unique site. You will explore the surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking landscape while your guide explains the different theories about the origin of this mountain, which looks like something out of a colorful dream.
Take this opportunity to capture incredible photos or simply immerse yourself in the majesty of the place. We will spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour at the summit, depending on the ascent speed and weather conditions.
If you wish to stay longer, let your guide know. Afterward, there is the possibility of taking a short hike through the Red Valley, if weather and time allow. Don’t miss this valley of completely red mountains! This is a place that will make you feel like you have stepped onto another planet, with landscapes that very few tourists have the opportunity to see. In just a 30-minute walk, we will reach the viewpoint, from where you will enjoy the best panoramic views of the valley.
Next, we will begin our approximately 2-hour descent back to the starting point of the hike. Along the way, we will pass through ancient Andean communities and walk alongside herds of llamas and alpacas grazing in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may spot vicuñas, a beautiful undomesticated animal that has coexisted with the people of Peru since pre-Inca times.
Finally, we will board our transport heading to a restaurant in Cusipata, where a well-deserved buffet lunch awaits us. We will then continue our journey back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:30 p.m.
HORSE OPTION: 100 soles
This is an option for those who cannot walk or simply want to enjoy a horseback ride through the mountains. Once you reach the starting point of the hike, you can rent a horse directly from the locals with the help of the guide. The usual price for the horse is 100 soles, and the horse will carry you—you will only need to sit back and enjoy the ride.
📌 Tour Details
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch
🚶♂️ Total walking distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 4 hours
🥾 Difficulty level: Moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Incluye
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION MEETING
✓ INCLUDED SERVICES:
✓ Entrance Ticket to Rainbow Mountain
✓ Field Staff
- Professional Guides:
Our guides specialize in trekking and are selected from accredited universities. They are fluent in English and have between three to ten years of experience in various hikes throughout the region. They are experts in managing groups under pressure, first aid, and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring their cultural heritage with them. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will ensure that your trip is a unique experience.
✓ MEALS
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 buffet lunch.
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountains, providing a unique gastronomic experience. Our team of adventurers and explorers loves our food, and we ensure that every meal is delicious and nutritious. We respect all dietary requirements and offer vegetarian, vegan, or any other special dietary options at no additional cost. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so our guide can take them into account during the briefing session.
✓ TRANSPORTATION
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in private transport along with the group to the starting point of the hike.
- Day 1: Return transportation to Cusco.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
- Radios:
They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies so that our guides, cooks, and porters can communicate with each other. Additionally, the radios can be used to contact the Salkantay park rangers in case of emergency. - First Aid Kit:
We carry alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical adhesive tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach aches, and antipyretics. If you take prescription medication, you may bring your own. - Portable Oxygen Tank
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Please note that only a medical professional can issue a prescription. Our guides do not have the authority to prescribe treatments to clients. Any medication provided during the trek will be administered with your consent and under your own responsibility. If you have a prescription, we recommend bringing your own medication.
No Incluye
× NOT INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Dinner in Cusco
- Optional Horse Rental
- Entrance Ticket to the Red Valley (Optional – 20 soles)
- Personal Trekking Gear and Clothing
× TRAVEL INSURANCE
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients purchase it in case of flight issues or unexpected health problems. Please check if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions, as some policies become void above 4,000 m (13,123 ft).
× ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Delays beyond management’s control (landslides, bad weather, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, political instability/strikes, etc.).
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW
- Tipping is customary in tourism and excursions. While we pay fair wages to all our staff, an extra tip is always appreciated, especially considering the hard work they do. Generally, group participants pool their tips together.
- Original ID or Passport.
- Sun hat and wool hat for different temperatures.
- Warm clothing (jacket, scarf, gloves, hats).
- Short-sleeved T-shirt.
- Trekking shoes or waterproof boots for your comfort, if they are sneakers with rubber or thick soles it is an excellent option.
- Rain gear: A good raincoat, rain pants (only for the rainy season).
- Long pants.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route).
- Snacks such as apple, cereal bar, candy and chocolates.
- Personal medical kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses.
✓ PRICE PER PERSON:
- $40 USD – Adults
✓ PRICE GUARANTEE
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase under any circumstances. Therefore, before booking, make sure to read all the important information about the tour.
✓ HOW TO BOOK
- You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. The tour payment can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in your local currency for greater convenience.
Please note that IZIPAY charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is associated with the use of their service. This fee applies only to online deposits.
✓ CANCELLATION POLICY
- Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours but before 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour, you will receive a 50% refund.
- No Refund: Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour are not eligible for a refund.
✓ RECOMMENDATIONS
- We highly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure your investment is protected and that you have a smooth booking experience for your adventure.
✓ Pick-up of clients
- Please take into account: All pick-ups are carried out within the city of Cusco, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pick-up time a day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pick-up time may vary between 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow and cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets with no vehicle access or on long and steep slopes, making it difficult to transport your luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost items
- Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to collect everything once you leave our transport, campsites, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your belongings during the tour.
✓ Weather
- Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Generally, the dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, but this does not prevent rain in June or sunshine in December. So, be prepared regardless of the month in which you are hiking. Make sure to have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but the cold and humidity make hiking very unpleasant.
Additionally, be prepared for four seasons. Hiking in the Andes involves various microclimates, and you must be ready. Layering is always essential as it allows easy adjustment to temperature changes. Bring a warm jacket as the night will be cold.
✓ Altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain
For hikers coming to Cusco directly from sea-level locations, we recommend arriving two days before your hike. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain caused by slow digestion.
- Altitude sickness:
Some symptoms include headaches and nausea. There are some over-the-counter medications (pills) that help minimize the symptoms, such as Aspirin, Diamox, Sorojchi Pill, Alti Vital, among others. If symptoms persist, the next step is oxygen use. In such cases, we have the equipment and staff ready to assist our hikers. - Stomach pain:
It is recommended to drink between 3-4 liters of water per day. Your body will need it to stay hydrated. Hot drinks, especially coca leaf tea, are recommended. Soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (not fried or heavy) are also advisable. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are good options as well. In general, opt for foods that are easy to digest. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Try to sleep at least eight hours and avoid excessive exercise. Keep your body at an adequate temperature by wearing warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold. During altitude acclimatization, there is a general rule to follow: eat moderately and drink plenty of fluids.
For the Rainbow Mountain excursion, you will only need a small, light, and comfortable backpack. Since you won’t be carrying many items, a backpack of approximately 20 liters will be sufficient. If you decide to bring a larger one, remember that you will have to carry it throughout the hike.
Definitely. Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of the few colorful landscapes you can see in Peru and China. Without a doubt, it is a unique opportunity. The excursion is a one-day trip, so it won’t take much time in your itinerary. It is relatively challenging, but it is absolutely worth it.
Most of the hike is easy, as the trail is mostly flat. However, towards the end, there is a high-altitude incline that is relatively steep. Overall, the difficulty level is moderate since most of the route is not too demanding.
The weather in the highlands and mountains can be unpredictable. However, an increasing number of travelers visit Cusco during the dry season, which lasts approximately from April to mid-October. During these months, the days are usually sunny, allowing for perfect and breathtaking photos. That said, Rainbow Mountain is accessible year-round. In the rainy season, although the weather may be more unstable, there will be fewer visitors, making the experience more unique.
It is very important to be well-acclimated before going on a hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before starting your trek to help your body adapt and avoid potential altitude sickness issues during the hike. If you have already been in another high-altitude region of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we suggest resting for one day in Cusco to recover.
The tour operates year-round, always subject to weather conditions.
We recommend booking the tour in advance since there are two seasons (high and low), which differ in the number of tourists we accommodate. For this reason, it is best to book early to avoid any issues with tour availability.
Although no specific training is required for the hikes in Cusco, we suggest that the best way to prepare physically is by exercising on a treadmill with a steep incline setting, as well as going up and down stairs or using a stair climber. Keep in mind that you should spend at least two days in Cusco before your trek starts.
We always recommend using the lightest possible trekking shoes. Those that provide ankle support are very useful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you will be going up and down many stairways built by our ancestors, the Incas.
Any luggage that is not necessary for the trek should stay in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed to and equipped for luggage storage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it at our offices until our adventure is over. We will make sure your luggage is stored safely, so don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and delicious fresh fruit, all prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options. We accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
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