Peru
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek
Duration
Day tour
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, is one of the most striking landscapes in the Andes: bands of red, ochre, turquoise and gold run across its slopes. On this day trip, you hike up to the viewpoint at 5,050 m and then continue into the Red Valley, a less visited landscape of deep red hills. The drive through the South Valley of Cusco passes traditional villages and offers wide views of the Andes. After breakfast at the trailhead (not included), you hike about two hours to the top, enjoy the panorama and return via the Red Valley before stopping for lunch (not included) on the way back to Cusco. With an experienced local guide, private transport, entrance fees and emergency oxygen, you are in good hands on this high-altitude adventure.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Itinerary
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
10 km / 6.2 mi · approx. 4 h · max. 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The drive of about three hours leads through the South Valley of Cusco, past traditional villages and with wide views of the Andes, to the trailhead at 4,330 m (14,206 ft), where we stop for breakfast (not included). The climb to the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft) takes about two hours. From the summit, a breathtaking panorama of colorful bands stretches across the mountains – the perfect place for photos. We then continue to the Red Valley, whose deep red hills offer a completely different but equally impressive landscape. The descent back to the trailhead takes about 1.5 hours. A one-hour drive brings us to a local restaurant for lunch (not included) before we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 4:00 pm.
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Itinerary
10 km / 6.2 mi · approx. 4 h · max. 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The drive of about three hours leads through the South Valley of Cusco, past traditional villages and with wide views of the Andes, to the trailhead at 4,330 m (14,206 ft), where we stop for breakfast (not included). The climb to the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft) takes about two hours. From the summit, a breathtaking panorama of colorful bands stretches across the mountains – the perfect place for photos. We then continue to the Red Valley, whose deep red hills offer a completely different but equally impressive landscape. The descent back to the trailhead takes about 1.5 hours. A one-hour drive brings us to a local restaurant for lunch (not included) before we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 4:00 pm.
Price from
US$120.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trip Briefing: Briefing at your hotel the evening before the tour.
Private Transportation: Pick-up from and return to your hotel in Cusco.
Professional Guide: Experienced local guide (English and Spanish).
Entrance Fees: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
First Aid Kit: Including emergency oxygen.
What's not included
Meals: Breakfast and lunch are not included.
Horse: Can be hired at the trailhead.
Trekking Poles: Not included.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the guide and driver are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Character of the trip
Condition
Demanding
Altitude
Very high (up to 5,050 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: About 10 km (6.2 mi) round trip in around 4 hours of hiking, with a steady climb at very high altitude. Good fitness is required – the thin air makes even short climbs strenuous. Horses can be hired at the trailhead.
Altitude – very high: The hike starts at 4,330 m (14,206 ft) and reaches 5,050 m (16,568 ft).
Culture & nature – nature-focused: The colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, glaciers on the horizon and herds of llamas and alpacas.
Long day: Pick-up at 5:00 am and return to Cusco around 4:00 pm, with about 6 hours of driving in total.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Acclimatization: This tour reaches very high altitude. Please spend at least two to three days in Cusco beforehand so your body can adjust.
What to bring
Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for the day.
Original Passport: Required at entrance checks; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes or hiking boots with ankle support.
Clothing: Rain jacket or poncho and warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) – mornings and evenings in the Andes are cold.
Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and insect repellent.
Extras: Water bottle (metal or Nalgene), snacks, camera with spare batteries, personal medication and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Walking Poles: Optional, but helpful on the descent.