Cusco’s vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes draw visitors from around the world. One popular day tour takes adventurers to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Departing from Cusco, this 12-hour excursion offers a chance to witness the region’s diverse terrain up close. With optional activities like horseback riding, travelers can personalize their experience and gain unique perspectives of the Andes. While the itinerary covers a wealth of highlights, there’s more to discover about this unforgettable journey.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 12-hour day tour from Cusco to explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, priced from $32 per person.
Tour includes transportation, breakfast, buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide, with optional horse riding or quad biking activities available.
Trek to the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain, with trekking poles, first aid supplies, and 30-minute photo stop at the summit.
Tour not suitable for children under 5, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or individuals over 95 years old.
Pickup from Cusco accommodations between 04:15 and 04:45, with a 3-hour van ride to the Cusipata District.

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Tour Overview

The "Cusco One Day: Tour Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley (optional)" offers a comprehensive day-long adventure from Cusco. Priced from $32 per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Guests can choose optional hotel pickup before setting off for the 3-hour journey to Cusipata District. After a local breakfast, the highlight is a guided tour of the stunning Rainbow Mountain, with an optional horseback or quad bike ride.

Visitors can also opt to visit the nearby Red Valley before returning to Cusco around 5 PM.

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Itinerary

Early in the morning, guests are picked up from their Cusco accommodations between 04:15 and 04:45.

They embark on a 3-hour van ride to the Cusipata District, where they enjoy a 30-minute breakfast at a local family home.

The tour then proceeds to the Rainbow Mountain, accessible via a 1-hour van ride.

After a 2-hour guided tour, guests have the option to partake in horseback riding or a quad bike ride for an additional fee.

After the guided tour, guests can choose to go horseback riding or quad biking, with an additional fee.

An optional 40-minute visit to the Red Valley follows.

Lunch is served in Cusipata District before the 2-hour return drive to Cusco, arriving around 17:00.

Pickup and Transportation

Guests are picked up from their Cusco accommodations between 04:15 and 04:45, after which they embark on a 3-hour van ride to the Cusipata District.

The tour utilizes modern vans with experienced drivers to transport guests throughout the day.

Upon arrival at Cusipata, guests enjoy a 30-minute breakfast at a local family home before continuing on to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.

Later, the vans transport guests back to Cusipata District for a 1-hour lunch before the 2-hour drive returns them to Cusco, arriving around 17:00.

Rainbow Mountain Experience

After breakfast, guests hop back into the vans for a 1-hour drive to the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain.

The guided tour starts with a 2-hour trek up the colorful slopes, passing ancient ruins and grazing alpacas. Trekking poles and first aid supplies are provided.

At the summit, visitors take in the breathtaking views of the multicolored strata and snow-capped peaks. Those seeking a faster option can choose to ride horses or take a quad bike for an additional fee.

A 30-minute photo stop allows guests to capture the stunning scenery before descending.

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Optional Activities

Visitors have the option to enhance their Rainbow Mountain experience with either a horse riding or quad bike ride excursion.

The horse riding tour allows guests to take in the stunning scenery of the Andes atop a trusty steed. Alternatively, the quad bike ride offers an exhilarating way to explore the rugged terrain surrounding the mountain.

Both activities incur an additional fee and last approximately one hour. Guests should consider their fitness level and comfort with outdoor activities when deciding whether to partake in these optional add-ons to the core Rainbow Mountain tour.

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Red Valley Visit

Alternatively, visitors can opt to explore the striking Red Valley, located in close proximity to the Rainbow Mountain. This optional excursion requires an additional fee of 10 soles and takes approximately 40 minutes.

The Red Valley offers a unique geological landscape, characterized by:

Vibrant red hues in the rock formations, striking contrast against the blue sky, and rugged, dramatic terrain sculpted by natural forces.

Vibrant red hues in the rock formations
Striking contrast against the blue sky
Rugged, dramatic terrain sculpted by natural forces
Opportunities for scenic photography
Chance to immerse in a less-frequented natural wonder

While the Red Valley visit is optional, it can provide a rewarding supplement to the Rainbow Mountain experience for those seeking a more diverse Andean adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation by modern van with experienced drivers, as well as a bilingual tour guide to accompany guests throughout the day.

Breakfast and lunch are also provided, with a semi-buffet breakfast at a local family home and a buffet lunch.

To ensure guest safety and comfort, the tour supplies trekking poles, a first aid kit, and oxygen tanks.

Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain are included, and visitors have the option to pay an additional fee to visit the Red Valley.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or those over 95 years old.

Important Considerations

While the tour package includes various amenities, there are some important considerations potential guests should keep in mind.

This tour may not be suitable for young children, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or older individuals.

Visitors should come prepared with the right gear, including comfortable shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing that can withstand changing weather conditions.

Plus, the optional activities, such as horseback riding and quad biking, incur extra fees.

Finally, the time allocated for the Red Valley visit may feel rushed for some guests.

Not suitable for certain groups
Proper attire and equipment required
Optional activities have additional costs
Potential time constraints for Red Valley
Changing weather conditions

Things To Know

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern During the Trek?

Yes, altitude sickness is a concern during the trek to Rainbow Mountain. The tour includes precautions like providing trekking poles, first aid kits, and oxygen tanks to help manage the effects of the high elevation.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Yes, travelers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water for the tour. This allows them to stay hydrated and nourished during the activities, which can be physically demanding due to the high altitude.

Is There an Option to Explore Cusco City After the Tour?

The tour does not include an option to explore Cusco city after the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley visit. Travelers would need to plan for additional time in Cusco separately from this specific one-day tour experience.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate vegetarian or special dietary meals upon request. Travelers should inform the tour company of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met during the included meals.

How Do I Tip the Tour Guide and Driver?

Tipping the tour guide and driver is optional but appreciated. Suggested tip amounts are 5-10 soles per person for the guide and 5 soles per person for the driver. Tips can be given in cash at the end of the tour.

Sum Up

This one-day tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive experience of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, with scenic transportation, a local breakfast, a guided trek, and optional activities like horseback riding and quad biking. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and a fulfilling buffet lunch, all while accompanied by a bilingual guide. At just $32 per person, it’s an unbeatable way to explore the region’s natural wonders.