Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley Full Day
PRICE FROM
$30.00 USD
price per person in group service
Cusco | Cusipata I Vinicunca I Cusco
Duration of the trip:
1 Day
Physical Level:
Medium
Altitude:
5036 m.a.s.l
Group Size:
18 people
Type of Tour:
Hiking / Adventure
| Overview – Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
The Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Full Day Tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore two of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes in one unforgettable adventure. This experience takes you to the famous Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, renowned for its stunning colorful mineral layers, and continues to the breathtaking Red Valley, a hidden gem featuring dramatic red landscapes and wide panoramic views rarely seen by most visitors.
Unlike the standard routes, this Rainbow Mountain hike follows a scenic and less crowded trail, allowing travelers to enjoy the beauty of the Andes at a relaxed pace while surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. Along the way, you will pass through high-altitude valleys where it is common to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing freely in their natural habitat.
The trail also offers incredible views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes. This combination of colorful landscapes, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery makes the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour one of the most unique day trips in the Cusco region.
Detailed Itinerary – Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Full Day Tour
Day 1: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
The Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco begins with an early 5:00 a.m. hotel pick-up. We travel south through Qollasuyo, an ancient Quechua route that once formed part of the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyo), arriving in the town of Cusipata for a traditional breakfast.
After breakfast, we continue to the trailhead and control point, where the hike begins. The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours, passing through high-Andean landscapes where alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and native birds can often be seen.
We reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain Pass) at 5,030 m.a.s.l., where you will enjoy spectacular views of the colorful mountains and surrounding valleys, with impressive panoramas of sacred peaks such as Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. According to Andean tradition, this area holds deep spiritual significance connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
After spending time at Rainbow Mountain, travelers have the optional opportunity to visit the Red Valley, a stunning area known for its intense red landscapes. This visit is optional and requires an additional entrance fee of 20 Peruvian soles, paid locally.
We then begin the descent back to the trailhead, where our transportation awaits. Returning to Cusipata, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch before traveling back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m.
What Is Included?
- Hotel pick-up from Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- First aid kit and oxygen
What Is Not Included?
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (S/.30.00 soles)
- Entrance ticket to Red Valley (S/. 20.00 soles)
- Horse rental (optional)
- Dinner
- Extra drinks or snacks
- Optional tips
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Full Day (Prices for 2025 and 2026)
Pricing & Booking Information
🔹Group service · Daily departures
From USD $ 30.00 per person
📌 Optional visit to the Red Valley available for an additional entrance fee (20 PEN), paid locally.
🔹Private Service
From USD $150 per person (price varies by group size)
✔ Flexible departure time
✔ Private transportation
✔ Personalized guiding
✔ Ideal for couples, families, and friends
📌 Request your private tour quote via WhatsApp.
📋 Required Information for Booking
To confirm your reservation, please send us the following information:
Full name
Nationality
Hotel name in Cusco
WhatsApp number (including country code) or Peruvian mobile number
(Essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up)
Once we receive your details, we will send you a secure payment link via WhatsApp or email.
💳 Payment Policy
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking
The remaining balance is paid in Cusco, upon arrival
📌 Tour Terms & Conditions
🔹 Agency Cancellations
In the unlikely event that we must cancel the tour due to weather conditions, political situations, or other unforeseen circumstances, a 100% refund of the tour cost will be provided.
🔹 Cancellations & Refund Policy
Full refund (100%): Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour
Partial refund (50%): Cancellations made within 24 hours but before 7:00 p.m. the day before the tour
No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 p.m. the day before the tour
To cancel or modify your reservation, please contact us by email or WhatsApp.
Packing List for the Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour
Hiking shoes or sneakers
Warm clothing and layers
Rain jacket or poncho
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Cash for entrance fees and horse rental
Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.
Booking
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Starting from
$ 30.00 USD
per person
Group & private options available
Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.
BRIEF CONDITIONS
• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided
• Balance paid in Cusco
Why Choose this Tour?
🔹Visit Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in one day
🔹 Less crowded route compared to classic Rainbow Mountain tours
🔹 Spectacular panoramic views and photo opportunities
🔹 Professional guides and small group experience
🔹 Perfect for nature lovers and photographers
🔹 One of the most scenic day hikes from Cusco
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about the Rainbow Mountain Tour (Vinicunca), including altitude considerations, physical requirements, schedules, weather conditions, and important travel recommendations to help you prepare for this unforgettable experience.
Where is Rainbow Mountain located?
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is located about 100 km southeast of Cusco, in the Andes of Peru, at an altitude of approximately 5,036 meters.
How long does the tour take?
The tour is a full-day experience, usually lasting between 10 to 12 hours, including transportation, breakfast, hiking, and return to Cusco.
Is the hike difficult?
The hike is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude. The walking time is around 1.5 hour, depending on your pace.
Do I need previous hiking experience?
No previous experience is required, but good physical condition is recommended. Horses are available for rent along the trail if needed.
Are the Pacchanta hot springs included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes free time to relax in the Pacchanta natural hot springs after completing the hike. Please note that entrance fees and personal expenses at the hot springs may not be included, depending on the service option.
What should I bring for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour?
We recommend bringing warm clothing, waterproof layers, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, a hat, water, snacks, and cash for optional expenses such as hot springs or horse rental.
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Due to the high altitude and physical demands, this tour is not recommended for young children or travelers with heart, respiratory, or altitude-related conditions. Seniors in good physical condition and with proper acclimatization may participate.