1 Day | Price: USD $35.00 per person
Tour Location
Group maximum
Maximum Altitude
Tour difficulty
The Full Day Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Peru Tour offers a breathtaking journey through one of the most vivid and unique landscapes in the Cusco region. Known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain is a spectacle of colorful, naturally striated minerals that paint the peaks with shades of red, yellow, green, and blue. The Rainbow Mountain hike will take you to heights of around 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), providing a panoramic view of the surrounding Andes that feels like stepping into another world.
Starting early from Cusco, we will travel to the trailhead, where our journey begins at an altitude that allows us to gradually adjust, lessening the effects of altitude sickness. As we hike up to Rainbow Mountain, we’ll pass by local villages and see llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully in the valley. Each step brings us closer to the colorful mountain, and as the sun rises over the peaks, it illuminates the vivid colors, enhancing the landscape’s beauty.
Our local guides, knowledgeable about the region’s history, geology, and culture, will enrich the experience with insights about how these vibrant colors came to be, a result of mineral deposits that were once part of ancient seabeds.
After taking in the splendor of Rainbow Mountain, we will continue to the Red Valley, a quieter but equally stunning location. Here, the mountains shift to deep red hues, contrasting sharply with the blue skies. The red color that gives the valley its name creates a mesmerizing scene, offering a different and equally powerful perspective of the Peruvian Andes. As one of the lesser-known yet unforgettable attractions, the Red Valley in Cusco offers a chance to explore more of Peru’s natural wonders.
This full-day tour requires a moderate level of fitness, as the high altitude and the trail’s steepness can be challenging, especially during the rainy season (November to March), when paths may become muddy. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) when conditions are more favorable for hiking and the colors of the mountains are even more vibrant.
Our tour group will be small, ensuring a personalized experience, and we’ll take regular breaks to stay hydrated and to admire the landscape. We will provide all necessary entrance fees, and local guides will be on hand to answer any questions and make sure your journey to these famous tourist attractions is safe, informative, and memorable.
This day trip to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley will leave you with a sense of wonder at Peru’s geological wonders, the rich coloring of the mountains, and the incredible views that only the Andes can offer. With each step, you’ll uncover the beauty of Vinicunca Mountain, the charm of the Cusco region, and the quiet magic of Red Valley, making this a must-see experience when visiting Peru.
We’re thrilled to take you on an unforgettable journey with our Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour! Our adventure will begin with an early morning pick-up from your hotel. Rising with the sun, we’ll set out for an exciting day, ensuring you have time to prepare for the journey ahead. An early departure is essential, as our itinerary includes the breathtaking Red Valley in Cusco.
After a scenic two-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Cusipata for a delicious breakfast to fuel us up for the hike. Continuing from Cusipata, we’ll travel to the community of Pitumarca, where the hike will officially begin. As we ascend over the next one and a half to two hours, we’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, towering mountains, and glimpses of local life, with people in traditional clothing going about their day. Along the way, you’ll likely spot herds of alpacas, llamas, and perhaps even wild vicuñas. We’ll also encounter small, clear lagoons fed by glacier melt, adding a touch of serenity to our surroundings.
Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca at an elevation of 5,036 meters (16,522 feet), we’ll pause to fully take in the stunning panoramic views. You’ll have ample time to rest and capture memories of this colorful mountain wonder. From here, our route will lead us down through the unique Red Valley, named for the striking red hue of its soil. This quieter path is a remarkable experience, offering a beautiful contrast to the Rainbow Mountain, with far fewer visitors along the way.
After our descent, which will take around two hours, we’ll arrive at Phullawasipata, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back for a comforting lunch at the same restaurant as our morning stop. Reenergized, we’ll make our way back to Cusco, reaching the city by late afternoon, just in time for an evening in the main square.
We look forward to making this day one of the highlights of your Peruvian adventure, and we can’t wait to share these amazing sights and experiences with you!
*Horses: Rent a horse costs 90 to 100 soles one way ($30 to 40 USD).
*Lamas: photos with locals and animals for a tip of about 5 soles ($2 USD)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour is considered a moderate to challenging hike. It involves a 2-hour bus ride followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour uphill hike to the summit of Vinicunca at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level. The descent is another 2-hour hike.
You should bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a backpack, a camera, and plenty of water and snacks.
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 years old due to the challenging nature of the hike and high altitude. But if they are in good shape with previous acclimatization, can be done without any problem.
The tour price includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and a professional English-speaking guide.
The trailhead is at 4,626 meters (15,177 feet) above sea level, while the summit of Vinicunca is at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level.
If you need to cancel your reservation for the tour, you must notify the tour company at least 72 hours in advance to receive a full refund. If you cancel within 72 hours of the tour, no refund will be given.
More Rainbow Mountain Tours? click HERE.
This tour is done in a group service based on the size of your group.
“Ask first for availability 24 hours before the tour date, otherwise we can not ensure availability”
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR + RED VALLEY – GROUP SERVICE |
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GROUP SERVICE | PRICE | BOOK NOW |
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35.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
For private groups, request it with the Kantu Peru Tours Reservations Department.