Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Andes, Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty. This day trip promises an unforgettable adventure, where you’ll embark on a guided hike to the summit at 5,010 meters, witnessing a stunning spectacle of vibrant hues across the landscape. But the journey doesn’t end there – the optional visit to the Red Valley adds another layer of wonder, showcasing the region’s diverse and captivating scenery.

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Key Points

Guided day trip from Cusco to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and optional Red Valley, with a challenging 3.5 km hike to the summit at 5,010 meters.
Scenic views of the Ausangate mountain range, local wildlife, and the vibrant colors of the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Includes hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, and return transportation, with a professional bilingual guide, first aid kit, and oxygen mask provided.
Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with health issues, or those over 70 years.
Overall 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, with proper preparation crucial for a successful and enjoyable hike.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley tour offers an exhilarating day trip from Cusco, with prices starting from $23.00 per person.

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours and includes hotel pickup, a guided hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit at 5,010 meters, and an optional visit to the Red Valley.

The tour includes a guided hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit at 5,010 meters and an optional visit to the Red Valley.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, and the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Hikers have the option to ride a saddle horse for an additional cost.

This tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as pregnant women and those with health issues.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins as early as 4:00 a.m. with a pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Cusco.

They’ll transfer to Cusipata, arriving around 6:30 a.m. for breakfast.

At 8:00 a.m., the group reaches the starting point for the 3.5 km hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit at 5,010 meters.

After reaching the peak, they’ll descend, enjoy a buffet lunch, and return to Cusco by 5:30 p.m.

The round-trip journey takes approximately 10 hours, covering the iconic Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley.

Inclusions and Exclusions

According to the information provided, the tour includes a variety of amenities and services.

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, breakfast and lunch, and return transportation to Plaza Regocijo are all included. A professional bilingual guide, first aid kit, and oxygen mask are also provided to ensure your safety and comfort.

Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley are covered.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with heart/respiratory issues, wheelchair users, infants, or individuals over 70 years old.

Bring the recommended items, and note that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Essential Information and Recommendations

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential items to bring for the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The trek to the summit can be challenging, so proper preparation is key.

Visitors should also:

Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can impair judgment and physical abilities.
Be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart or respiratory issues, wheelchair users, infants under 1 year, and those over 70 years.
Expect to spend approximately 10 hours on the tour, with a 3.5 km hike to the 5,010-meter summit.
Review the overall 5/5 rating based on 2 customer reviews to set appropriate expectations.

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Highlights and Experience

This guided hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley offers visitors a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region. Trekkers will marvel at the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain and have the opportunity to explore the lesser-known Red Valley. Along the way, they’ll encounter local wildlife like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing peacefully. The tour also includes a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of traditional Peruvian cuisine. The experience is truly unforgettable, blending breathtaking landscapes with culture.

| Highlights | Experiences |

| — | — |

| Guided hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley | Scenic views of Ausangate and local wildlife |

| Buffet breakfast and lunch | Opportunity for photography and culture |

| Encounter with local wildlife (alpacas, llamas, vicuñas) | Immersion in the stunning natural beauty of the region |

| Vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain | Exploration of the lesser-known Red Valley |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

What to Expect on the Hike

Trekkers can expect a challenging but rewarding hike as they ascend to the summit of Rainbow Mountain. The trek begins at an elevation of 4,850 meters and climbs to the peak at 5,010 meters.

Along the way, hikers will:

Experience breathtaking views of the Andes and the iconic Ausangate mountain.
Encounter herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing on the slopes.
Admire the striking, multicolored layers of sedimentary rock that give Rainbow Mountain its name.
Pause for a well-deserved rest and refuel with a hearty breakfast and lunch at the base camp.

The Beauty of Rainbow Mountain

Although the hike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain is undoubtedly challenging, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape more than makes up for the effort.

The vibrant, multicolored striations of the mountainside create a mesmerizing visual display, with hues of red, pink, yellow, and green blending together in a stunning natural mosaic.

Towering peaks and glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop, while herds of alpacas and llamas graze peacefully nearby.

Visitors are left in awe, captivated by the sheer majesty of this unique geological wonder.

The journey to the top offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Exploring the Red Valley (Optional)

For those interested in extending their experience, the optional trek to the nearby Red Valley offers a captivating alternative.

This less-frequented destination showcases a stunning landscape of crimson hues, carved by wind and water over millennia.

The highlights include:

Vibrant red rock formations that glisten in the sunlight.
Awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Unique geological features like natural arches and striations.
The chance to spot elusive Andean wildlife, such as the vicuña.

Exploring the Red Valley allows adventurous travelers to enjoy the region’s raw, untamed beauty.

Things To Know

Is the Hike Physically Demanding?

Yes, the hike to Rainbow Mountain is physically demanding. It involves a challenging 3.5 km ascent to an elevation of 5,010 meters, so it’s not suitable for those with heart, respiratory, or mobility issues.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. However, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.

Are There Restroom Facilities Along the Hike?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the starting point of the hike. However, there are no restrooms along the trail to Rainbow Mountain. Hikers should plan accordingly and use the facilities before starting the trek.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear On-Site?

The tour does not provide rental hiking gear on-site. However, the description recommends bringing comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat for the hike. Participants should come prepared with their own essential gear.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour. You can book it as a solo traveler or with a group, and the tour operator will accommodate your party size. The tour is flexible and tailored to each group’s needs.

Sum Up

Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley offer a breathtaking adventure. Trekking to the summit of Vinicunca, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of vibrant hues. The optional Red Valley excursion further enchants with its unique landscapes and local wildlife. This unforgettable day trip immerses travelers in the rich culture and picturesque scenery of this remarkable Peruvian region.