Cusco : Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour

The "Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour" promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to explore Peru’s stunning natural wonders. Kicking off with an early start, participants embark on a scenic journey, indulge in a hearty breakfast, and tackle a challenging hike to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain. With a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and essential safety measures in place, this tour offers a well-curated experience to uncover the region’s captivating landscapes. But what lies beyond the Rainbow Mountain? The journey continues as adventurers explore the captivating Red Valley, unveiling another layer of Cusco’s natural splendor.

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Key Points

This 1-day tour takes visitors from Cusco to explore the vibrant Rainbow Mountain and the striking Red Valley in the Andes.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, as well as the services of a bilingual professional guide.
Hikers can opt to rent horses for the Rainbow Mountain trek, which reaches an altitude of 5,082 meters.
Challenging high-altitude conditions require proper hiking gear and acclimatization in Cusco before the trek.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional organization, magnificent landscapes, and supportive guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, named "Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour," is priced from $49.00 per person and lasts for 1 day.

It’s offered in Spanish and English, with hotel pickup in Cusco included. Cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later. The tour departs Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and includes a 2-hour bus ride to Quiquijana for breakfast before hiking to Rainbow Mountain, offering panoramic views of Vinicunca and Ausangate Mountain.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Early Pickup: Depart from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. for a 2-hour bus ride to Quiquijana, where travelers enjoy breakfast before the excursion starts.

Arrive at Phulawasipata, where the hiking begins. Travelers can rent horses if desired.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,082 meters) takes approximately 2 hours, rewarding guests with panoramic views of Vinicunca and Ausangate Mountain (6,372 meters).

After exploring the colorful landscape, return to Quiquijana for a buffet lunch before the journey back to Cusco.

Inclusion Details

This tour includes private round trip tourist transportation, providing a comfortable and convenient way for travelers to reach the destination.

Plus, the tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch, ensuring travelers are fueled for the excursion.

The tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch, ensuring travelers are fueled for the excursion.

A bilingual professional guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and expertise throughout the experience.

For safety, a first aid kit with an Oxygen Ball is provided.

Entrance fees to the Montaña de Colores and Red Valley are also covered, allowing seamless access to these natural wonders.

This comprehensive package offers an exceptional value for the price.

Important Considerations

When planning this tour, travelers should consider the challenging hiking conditions due to the high altitude. The Rainbow Mountain hike reaches an elevation of over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), which can cause altitude sickness for some.

To prepare, it’s recommended to acclimate in Cusco for a few days before the trek. Proper hiking gear, such as sturdy boots, warm layers, and sun protection, is essential.

The weather can be unpredictable, so rain gear is advised. Finally, travelers should book the tour well in advance, as it’s a popular destination with limited availability, especially during peak seasons.

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Traveler Experiences

Based on the traveler reviews provided, it appears that the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous participants. Reviewers praised the magnificent landscape, excellent organization, and supportive guides. One traveler described the "fantastic experience" with "enjoyable meals" and an "unforgettable hike", despite the challenging altitude. Another noted the "breathtaking views" despite the physically demanding nature of the trek. The reviews suggest that this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of the region.

| Review Source | Rating | Feedback |

|—————|——–|———-|

| Kasprzak | 5/5 | "Magnificent landscape, well organized." |

| Steve | 5/5 | "Fantastic experience! Excellent guide, enjoyable meals, unforgettable hike." |

| GetYourGuide | 5/5 | "Challenging hike due to altitude, but breathtaking views and supportive guides." |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Rainbow Mountain Exploration

Exploring the captivating Rainbow Mountain is the highlight of the tour.

After a 2-hour bus ride, hikers arrive at Phulawasipata, where the ascent begins. The moderate 2-hour hike to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views.

The moderate 2-hour hike to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views after a 2-hour bus ride to Phulawasipata.

At 5,082 meters above sea level, the vibrant, multicolored stripes of the Rainbow Mountain create a stunning natural spectacle. Visitors can admire the Vinicunca and Ausangate Mountain in the distance.

The challenging high-altitude trek is made easier by the availability of horse rentals, which allow travelers to enjoy the scenery without exerting too much effort.

With the right gear and preparation, the Rainbow Mountain hike is an unforgettable experience.

Red Valley Adventure

After exploring the captivating Rainbow Mountain, the tour continues its adventure to the stunning Red Valley.

Known for its vibrant red-hued rock formations, the Red Valley offers a unique and breathtaking landscape. Visitors will hike through this otherworldly terrain, marveling at the striking colors and geological wonders.

The journey through the Red Valley promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the tour, showcasing the region’s diverse natural beauty.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guides provide insights into the valley’s history and formation, enhancing the overall experience.

Getting to Cusco

How does one get to Cusco, the starting point for this captivating tour?

Cusco, the historic Inca capital, is easily accessible by air and land. Flights from Lima, Peru’s capital, take about 1 hour. Travelers can also take a bus, which takes approximately 10 hours.

Once in Cusco, the tour operator will arrange hotel pickup. Cusco’s high altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) means visitors should allow time to acclimatize before embarking on the hike to Rainbow Mountain.

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Cusco is the perfect gateway to exploring this remarkable region of Peru.

Since You Asked

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern for This Tour?

Altitude sickness is a common concern for tours at high elevations. The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour reaches over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), so participants should be prepared for potential altitude-related symptoms and take necessary precautions.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is typically during the dry season, from May to October. This is when the weather is most stable and the views are clearest, making it an ideal time for the hike.

Are There Any Physical Fitness Requirements to Join This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any strict physical fitness requirements, but it involves a challenging 2-hour hike at high altitude. Guests should be reasonably fit and acclimatized to the elevation to complete the trek comfortably.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the hike. This allows them to fuel up and stay energized during the trek to Rainbow Mountain. The tour operator encourages bringing personal provisions to supplement the meals provided.

Are There Any Cultural Activities Included in the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any cultural activities. It’s focused on hiking to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley to enjoy the stunning landscapes. Travelers can learn about the local environment and geology from the bilingual guide during the hike.

The Sum Up

The "Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour" offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to explore the stunning landscapes of Peru. The tour provides a comprehensive experience, including transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a safe and memorable journey through the region’s breathtaking natural wonders. Hikers will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Rainbow Mountain and the captivating Red Valley, making this tour a must-do for anyone visiting Cusco.