The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route + Red Valley excursion takes travelers on a breathtaking 12-hour adventure through one of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. At just $30 per person, this affordable tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, and a bilingual guide. Hikers will reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, capturing awe-inspiring views, before exploring the captivating Red Valley. With ample photo opportunities and chances to encounter local wildlife, this excursion promises an unforgettable cultural and natural experience. What else can you expect from this remarkable tour?

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Key Points

A 12-hour excursion that combines visits to Rainbow Mountain and the captivating Red Valley, priced at $30 per person.
Includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, lunch, and a bilingual guide, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit takes approximately 1.5 hours, followed by a 40-minute guided tour at the summit.
Opportunity to encounter local wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, and enjoy local Peruvian cuisine for breakfast and lunch.
Not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility or respiratory issues, and certain items are prohibited on the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route offers a 12-hour excursion to explore the renowned Rainbow Mountain and the nearby Red Valley.

Explore the renowned Rainbow Mountain and nearby Red Valley on this 12-hour excursion along the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route.

Priced at $30 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional bilingual guide, and all necessary entrance fees.

Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is also available.

With its stunning mountain views and opportunities to encounter local wildlife, this tour is an excellent choice for adventurous travelers seeking to experience the beauty of Cusco’s natural wonders.

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

Itinerary and Schedule

This tour offers a well-structured itinerary, designed to maximize the experience.

Guests are picked up from various locations in Cusco, with the trip beginning with a 2-hour bus ride to Cusipata District. After a 40-minute breakfast stop, the journey continues with a 1-hour bus ride to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.

The hike to the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to admire the vibrant colors and encounter local wildlife. After a 40-minute guided tour and break, the return hike takes 1 hour.

The tour concludes with a 50-minute lunch stop and a 2-hour bus ride back to Cusco.

Highlights and Experience

Visitors can expect to witness the stunning beauty of the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, which ranks as the second most visited destination in the Cusco region after the iconic Machu Picchu.

The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is the second most visited destination in the Cusco region after Machu Picchu.

The tour offers an opportunity to encounter wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas during the hike, while enjoying the following highlights:

Breathtaking views of the Mountain of Seven Colors
Exploration of the captivating Red Valley
Guided tour and ample time for photographs
Enjoyment of local Peruvian cuisine for breakfast and lunch
Convenient transportation and support from a professional bilingual guide.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Hotel pickup, tourist mobility, a breakfast and semi-buffet lunch, and a professional bilingual guide are all provided. Visitors will also receive a first aid kit and the necessary entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.

Vegetarian and special diet options are available. However, the tour excludes dinner, travel insurance, and tips.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant women or those with mobility issues or respiratory problems.

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Important Information and Recommendations

It’s important to note that the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route tour isn’t suitable for everyone.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or high/low blood pressure, and babies under 1 year.

To ensure a comfortable experience, it’s best to bring the following:

Passport or ID
Warm clothing
Sunglasses and hat
Camera and drinks
Sunscreen, jacket, and rain gear

Visitors should also avoid high-heeled shoes, pets, weapons, oversized luggage, alcohol, and smoking in the vehicles.

With these considerations in mind, adventurers can embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

What to Bring and Not Allowed

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, travelers should bring essential items like their passport or ID, warm clothing, sunglasses, and a hat.

Hikers should also pack a camera, drinks, sunscreen, a jacket, rain gear, comfortable clothes, gloves, and cash.

However, certain items aren’t allowed on the tour, including high-heeled shoes, pets, weapons, oversized luggage, alcohol, and smoking in the vehicles.

Littering is also prohibited.

Following these recommendations will help make the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route + Red Valley adventure a pleasant and memorable one.

Customer Reviews

While the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, customers have provided mixed feedback on their experiences.

Some praised the stunning mountain views, wildlife encounters, and professional guides, but others noted issues with:

Long hike up the mountain
High altitude and difficulty breathing
Lack of clear instructions on what to expect
Crowded trails and limited photo opportunities
Subpar lunch options

Getting There and Booking

Though the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route tour can be booked directly through the operator’s website, travelers may find it more convenient to reserve their spot through an online travel platform.

Most major booking sites, such as Expedia, Tripadvisor, and Viator, offer this tour. Booking online allows travelers to compare prices, read reviews, and secure their reservation with a credit card.

Pickups are available from 10 locations in and around Cusco, making it easy for guests to join the tour. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, booking the Rainbow Mountain tour is hassle-free.

Things To Know

How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is moderately difficult, requiring about 1.5 hours of moderate uphill trekking at high altitude. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or health conditions that could be exacerbated by the strenuous ascent.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear On-Site?

The tour doesn’t provide hiking gear rentals on-site. Hikers should come prepared with their own warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and other necessary gear for the challenging trek to Rainbow Mountain.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit is generally during the dry season from April to November. Crowds are smaller and the weather is more favorable for hiking during these months.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

While travelers are allowed to bring their own food and snacks, the tour includes a breakfast and a semi-buffet lunch. Bringing additional snacks is optional and recommended to have on hand during the hike.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has age restrictions – it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year old. However, there are no stated minimum age requirements for the activity.

Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Short Route + Red Valley excursion offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore Peru’s stunning landscapes. With a reasonable price tag and a well-curated itinerary, this tour provides travelers with an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking views, culture, and ample photo opportunities. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or cultural experiences, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the region.