Exploring the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and the captivating Red Valley can be an unforgettable experience. This one-day tour offers visitors a chance to witness the vibrant landscapes and encounter local wildlife, all while being guided by a knowledgeable bilingual professional. With an early morning departure from Cusco and a scenic bus ride, the adventure begins. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises to leave you with lasting memories. But what makes this experience truly special? Let’s dive in and find out.

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Key Points

A one-day tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, priced from $28.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, meals, and a professional bilingual guide.
The tour involves a 1.5 to 2 hours uphill hike to Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 meters elevation, followed by a 2-hour descent through Red Valley.
Highlights include stunning views of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, encounters with local wildlife, and learning about the geological and cultural significance of the region.
The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and the challenging hike may not be suitable for all travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This one-day tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley offers an exciting adventure for visitors. Priced from $28.00 per person, it includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now & pay later option.

The tour provides hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, meals, a professional bilingual guide, and all necessary equipment. Highlights include stunning views of the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, as well as encounters with local wildlife.

The total hiking time is about 4.5 to 5 hours, making it suitable for most travelers.

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

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 3:30 – 4:00 a.m.

After a 2-hour bus ride, you’ll enjoy breakfast in Cusipata.

The hike to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) takes 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, reaching an elevation of 5,036 meters.

The hike to the 5,036-meter-high Rainbow Mountain takes 1.5 to 2 hours of uphill trekking.

The descent through the Red Valley, known for its unique reddish soil, takes 2 hours.

After the hike, you’ll enjoy lunch before being dropped off in Cusco around 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Key highlights include:

Stunning views of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Encounter with local wildlife like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas
Less traveled route for a more tranquil experience.

Highlights

One of the highlights of this tour is the stunning views of Rainbow Mountain and the adjacent Red Valley. The multicolored stripes of the mountain and the unique reddish soil of the valley create a breathtaking landscape.

Along the hike, you’ll encounter local wildlife like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing in the surrounding hills. The route is less traveled, offering a tranquil and peaceful experience away from the crowds.

With the guidance of a professional bilingual guide, you’ll learn about the geological and cultural significance of this remarkable region.

Inclusions

This one-day tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley includes several amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

The tour provides hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and all necessary equipment such as a jacket, gloves, and wooden walking sticks. Guests will enjoy a tasty breakfast and lunch, including vegetarian and vegan options.

A professional bilingual guide will lead the way, and first-aid kits with oxygen tanks are available in case of emergencies.

The tour also includes:

Entrance tickets to both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Bottled water to stay hydrated.
Personal equipment like biodegradable sunscreen.

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Important Information

Total hiking time for this tour is around 4.5 to 5 hours.

The tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year. Guests should bring biodegradable sunscreen. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5.

It’s important to consider these details before booking this one-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.

The tour provides a less traveled route for tranquility and stunning views, but the challenging hike may not be suitable for all travelers.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Getting to the Starting Point

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m.

From there, you’ll embark on a 2-hour bus ride to Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure.

The journey includes:

An early morning departure to maximize time at the site.
A comfortable bus ride through scenic countryside.
A chance to refuel with a delicious breakfast before the hike.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to the iconic Rainbow Mountain, ready to learn about the stunning natural beauty of this remote region.

What to Expect on the Hike

After fueling up with breakfast, it’s time to begin the ascent to the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

The hike is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, gaining over 1,000 meters in elevation. It’s a challenging trek, but the views are worth it.

Dress in layers and wear proper hiking shoes as the terrain can be rocky and uneven. Trekking poles are provided to assist with the climb.

Along the way, you may spot local wildlife like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.

Once at the top, take in the breathtaking panorama of the Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding Red Valley.

Returning to Cusco

After descending through the unique Red Valley, the group gathers for a well-deserved lunch.

The tour then drops off the participants back in Cusco around 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

The overall experience highlights:

A less traveled route for tranquility and stunning views
Encounters with local wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas
Inclusion of essential gear and professional guides to enhance the adventure

The return trip provides time to reflect on the incredible sights and the physical challenge of the hike.

With a mix of excitement and fatigue, the group heads back to their accommodations, ready to share their Rainbow Mountain experience.

Things To Know

Is There an Option to Visit the Sites Separately?

The tour doesn’t offer options to visit the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley separately. It’s a packaged one-day tour that includes both sites. Visitors can’t book the sites individually.

Can I Rent Equipment Like Hiking Boots on Site?

You can’t rent hiking boots on-site, but the tour includes the necessary personal equipment like jackets, gloves, and walking sticks. It’s best to bring your own comfortable hiking boots for the trek.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Hike?

There are restroom facilities available at the starting point and the midway stop during the hike. However, there are no restrooms along the hiking trail itself, so hikers should plan accordingly.

Is It Possible to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, it’s possible to upgrade to a private tour. You’ll have a more personalized experience with a private vehicle and guide. Prices start at $80 per person for the private tour option.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Partial Refunds?

The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, they don’t provide partial refunds for cancellations made after that time frame.

Sum Up

The one-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is an unforgettable experience that showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Peru. With a moderate hike and stunning landscapes, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature enthusiast, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories.