Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and the nearby Red Valley is an unforgettable adventure. This comprehensive 12-hour tour takes travelers on a scenic journey, offering a delicious breakfast, a guided hike, and the option to venture deeper into the vibrant, otherworldly terrain. With a focus on health, safety, and sustainable tourism, this experience promises to leave nature enthusiasts in awe of the region’s remarkable natural beauty. What awaits those who embark on this enchanting expedition?

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Key Points

This 12-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a scenic bus ride, guided hike to Rainbow Mountain, and optional visit to the Red Valley.
The tour is priced at Kč 645 per person and is available in English and Spanish, with a professional bilingual guide.
Inclusions cover hotel pickup and drop-off, professional tourist transport, breakfast, lunch, and entrance tickets, with the option to rent a horse.
Health and safety are prioritized, with hiking poles, first aid equipment, and emergency oxygen provided, and the tour not suitable for certain groups.
The tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on customer reviews, highlighting stunning landscapes, knowledgeable guides, high-quality food, and the unique opportunity to visit both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.

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Tour Overview

The Rainbow Mountain Tour offers an opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Priced from Kč 645 per person, this 12-hour excursion departs from Cusco, providing pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, and features a professional bilingual guide. Travelers can expect a scenic bus ride, a hearty breakfast and lunch, and the option to hike the stunning Red Valley.

While not suitable for certain health conditions, the tour provides essential equipment and medical support to ensure a safe and memorable experience.

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

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in central Cusco. After a 1.5-hour bus ride, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute breakfast in the Cusipata District before continuing to the trailhead. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 1.5 hours, where you’ll have 40 minutes to explore the stunning, multicolored landscape. For an optional extra fee, you can hike through the Red Valley for an additional hour. Lunch is provided in Cusipata District before the 2-hour return bus ride to Cusco.

| Itinerary | Time |

| — | — |

| Pickup | – |

| Bus to Cusipata | 1.5 hours |

| Breakfast | 30 minutes |

| Hike to Rainbow Mountain | 1.5 hours |

| Free time at Rainbow Mountain | 40 minutes |

| Optional Red Valley hike | 1 hour |

| Lunch in Cusipata | 45 minutes |

| Return to Cusco | 2 hours |

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as professional tourist transport limited to a maximum of 18 travelers.

A bilingual professional guide accompanies the group, providing hiking poles and first aid equipment like emergency oxygen tanks.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley.

Customers can also opt to rent a horse for the hike up Rainbow Mountain for an additional fee.

The tour offers permanent assistance during the excursion to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.

Health and Safety

Although not suitable for certain individuals, the tour is designed with safety as a top priority. The tour operator carefully screens participants to ensure they meet the health requirements. A table outlining the restricted groups is provided below. Hiking poles are included, and first aid and emergency oxygen are available throughout the trip. Plus, the tour guides are trained to monitor participants’ well-being and adjust the pace or provide assistance as needed. Ultimately, the health and safety of guests are the top concerns, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all.

| Unsuitable for: | Reasons |

| — | — |

| Children under 3 | Altitude sickness risk |

| Pregnant women | Physical strain |

| People with health conditions | Safety concerns |

| Low fitness levels | Physical demands |

| Infants under 1 year | Altitude sickness risk |

| Individuals over 95 or 70 years | Physical limitations |

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Important Information

Drones aren’t allowed on the Rainbow Mountain Tour. This rule aims to preserve the natural beauty and tranquility of the stunning landscapes.

Visitors are encouraged to fully enjoy the breathtaking vistas and refrain from any activities that could disrupt the peaceful environment.

Plus, it’s recommended that participants acclimatize to the high altitude in Cusco prior to the tour. This will help mitigate the effects of altitude sickness and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Rainbow Mountain Tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Customers highlighted the tour’s stunning landscapes, knowledgeable and supportive guide, and high-quality food. They were particularly impressed by the guide’s flexibility and attentiveness in managing altitude challenges.

The tour’s unique opportunity to visit the Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley were also noted as major highlights.

Exploring Rainbow Mountain

What makes the Rainbow Mountain in Peru such a captivating destination? The stunning, multicolored striations of the mountain’s surface create a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Visitors can hike to the summit and witness the panoramic vistas, including the nearby snow-capped peaks. The challenging trail tests one’s endurance, but the reward of reaching the top is well worth the effort.

Hikers are often mesmerized by the vivid mineral-rich hues, ranging from crimson to turquoise. Despite the high elevation, the mountain’s unique geology and vibrant colors draw trekkers from around the world to this remote and awe-inspiring location in the Andes.

Discovering the Red Valley

For those who seek an even more immersive experience beyond the captivating Rainbow Mountain, the optional hike through the Red Valley offers a complementary adventure.

This unique geological wonder showcases striking rust-colored rock formations sculpted by erosion. Trekkers can explore the valley’s vibrant hues and rugged terrain, marveling at the contrast with the nearby Rainbow Mountain.

The optional Red Valley add-on extends the tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Andean wilderness. This scenic detour is a must for adventure-seekers, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s diverse landscapes.

Things To Know

What Should I Pack for the Tour?

To prepare for the tour, one should pack warm layers, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, water, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to bring cash for optional activities and tips.

How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is moderately difficult, taking around 1.5 hours to reach the top. Hikers will face a steep, winding trail at high altitude, requiring a moderate level of fitness and proper acclimatization.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Way?

There are no restroom facilities along the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The tour includes a stop for breakfast before the hike, and a lunch break afterward, where restrooms are available. Travelers should plan accordingly for the 3-hour roundtrip hike.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, a buffet breakfast and lunch are already included, so bringing extra may not be necessary. The tour includes ample time for enjoying the scenery and taking breaks.

Is There an Option to Rent a Horse?

Yes, the tour offers an optional horse rental for 100 soles. This allows hikers to ride a horse up to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint instead of hiking the entire way.

Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain Tour provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Rainbow Mountain, explore the nearby Red Valley, and enjoy a scenic bus ride, delicious meals, and a knowledgeable guide. With a focus on health and safety, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.