Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trip With 2 Meals

Cusco offers an unforgettable guided hiking trip to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Adventurers can expect round-trip transportation, two delicious meals, and the support of an experienced bilingual guide. Starting early in the morning, trekkers will reach an impressive altitude of 5,082 m.a.s.l. and explore breathtaking landscapes. While the Rainbow Mountain is the main highlight, the lesser-known Red Valley promises an additional memorable experience. Those seeking an outdoor adventure won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Key Points

• A guided hiking trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, with round-trip transportation, breakfast, and a buffet lunch included.
• The itinerary covers an early morning pickup, a hike to the Rainbow Mountain at 5,082 m.a.s.l., and an optional hike to the Red Valley viewpoint.
• The tour is led by an experienced, bilingual guide and provides trekking equipment like poles, blankets, oxygen, and first aid for accessibility.
• The tour is not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals with respiratory issues or low fitness levels.
• The tour has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on value for money and the caring guide, but some disappointment about the early start time and the strenuous nature of the hike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This guided hiking trip from Cusco takes adventurers to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and the lesser-known Red Valley.

Over the course of a single day, you will enjoy a full itinerary, including round-trip transportation, a delicious breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

Participants will enjoy a full day itinerary with round-trip transportation, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

The experience is priced affordably from €27.73 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring flexibility.

With a professional guide, trekking equipment, and support throughout, this excursion offers an accessible way to explore Cusco’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from respective hotels in Cusco, with guests gathered between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. After the drive, a delicious breakfast awaits in Cusipata. The hike to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,082 m.a.s.l. then commences, with a guide providing instructions. Optionally, visitors can hike to the Red Valley viewpoint at their own expense. The return journey includes walking back to the vehicle parking, enjoying a buffet lunch in Cusipata, and heading back to Cusco.

| Pickup Time | Breakfast | Hiking | Return |

| — | — | — | — |

| 4:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Cusipata | Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) | Vehicle, Lunch, Cusco |

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip tourist transportation with hotel pickup.

Breakfast and a buffet lunch are also provided.

An experienced, bilingual guide accompanies the group, offering instructions and assistance throughout the hike.

Trekking poles, blankets, oxygen, and first aid equipment are available to ensure your comfort and safety.

With these inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the stunning natural landscapes without worrying about logistics.

The tour offers great value, delivering a comprehensive experience that caters to your needs during the adventure to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.

Important Information

To make the most of your trip, participants should bring their passport or ID, a sun hat, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and cash for any additional expenses.

Participants should bring passport/ID, sun hat, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and cash for additional expenses to make the most of the trip.

This hiking adventure isn’t recommended for certain individuals, including:

1. Pregnant women

2. Wheelchair users

3. Those with respiratory issues, recent surgeries, low fitness levels, or over 70 years of age.

Plus, the tour prohibits alcohol, drugs, littering, and fireworks.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The tour provides necessary equipment like trekking poles, blankets, oxygen, and first aid to support participants throughout the journey.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have largely commended the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour, awarding it an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.

Visitors highlighted the exceptional value for money, praising the well-organized trip and caring guide. The lesser tourist presence at the Red Valley viewpoint was also noted as a positive.

However, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the early start time and the potentially strenuous nature of the hike, making it unsuitable for those with lower fitness levels or respiratory issues.

Getting to the Trailhead

Early risers on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour are picked up from their respective hotels in Cusco between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The drive to the trailhead takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing the group to start their hike at the optimal time. Along the way, the guide provides insights into the region’s geography, culture, and history, preparing hikers for the adventure ahead.

The trailhead offers:

1. Stunning views of the Andes mountains.

2. An opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude.

3. A chance to use the restroom facilities before the hike begins.

Hiking to Rainbow Mountain

After the group assembles at the trailhead, they begin their ascent towards the iconic Rainbow Mountain.

The trail winds through stunning Andean landscapes, passing by grazing alpacas and llamas. The guide shares insights about the region’s geography and culture, helping hikers understand the significance of this sacred site.

The trail meanders through Andean grandeur, flanked by grazing alpacas and llamas. The guide unveils the region’s revered cultural significance.

As the group climbs higher, the air grows thinner, but the guide’s encouragement and the stunning vistas keep everyone motivated.

Finally, they reach the summit, rewarded with breathtaking views of the multicolored layers of sedimentary rock that make up the Rainbow Mountain.

It’s a moment of pure awe and triumph.

Optional Hike to Red Valley

For those interested, the tour also offers an optional hike to the nearby Red Valley. This crimson-colored landscape provides a unique contrast to the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain.

The hike to the Red Valley viewpoint, at an additional cost, allows visitors to marvel at the striking geological formations and vibrant hues.

Key features of the Red Valley hike include:

1. Distinct Geology: The Red Valley boasts striking rock formations and minerals that create a vivid, russet-colored landscape.

2. Fewer Crowds: Compared to Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley sees fewer travelers, offering a more peaceful trekking experience.

3. Panoramic Views: The viewpoint provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The trip’s inclusions cover breakfast and lunch, but participants can bring their own additional food and non-alcoholic drinks if desired. However, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not allowed on the tour.

Is There an Option to Rent Hiking Gear if I Don’t Have My Own?

Yes, the tour provider offers trekking poles and other hiking gear rentals for those who don’t have their own equipment. Rental prices are not included in the tour cost and must be paid separately.

How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is considered moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of over 5,000 meters. It requires a decent level of fitness and hiking experience, but the guide provides support throughout the trek.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals over 70 years old, pregnant women, or those with respiratory issues, recent surgeries, or low fitness levels. There are no specific age restrictions, but the hike may be challenging for some older adults.

What Is the Group Size for This Guided Hike?

The tour doesn’t specify a group size, but it’s a guided hike, so the group size likely varies. The maximum group size isn’t mentioned, but it’s small enough for a guide to provide personalized attention throughout the trek.

Sum Up

This guided hiking trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley offers an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can expect stunning landscapes, a challenging hike, and the support of an experienced guide. With round-trip transportation, meals, and all the necessary inclusions, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: