Duration: 1 day From $ USD 100.00
Rainbow Mountain Tour Cusco
The Rainbow Mountain Tour with Red Valley 1 day is one of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in the Peruvian Andes. Also known as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most iconic destinations near Cusco, yet few travelers realize that its true beauty extends far beyond the famous colored slopes. By combining Rainbow Mountain with the dramatic landscapes of Red Valley, this tour reveals a much deeper and more immersive side of the Andes.
This unforgettable Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco takes you into the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, one of the most spectacular regions of the Andes. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and vast high-altitude plains, the scenery feels otherworldly. Over thousands of years, melting glaciers and mineral-rich soil have created the vivid colors that make Vinicunca and Red Valley so extraordinary — deep reds, golden ochres, turquoise blues, and emerald greens spread across the mountains like a natural canvas.
During this 1 day trek to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, you will hike through remote Andean landscapes, passing traditional alpaca herding communities that still live in harmony with the mountains. This cultural encounter adds a meaningful dimension to the journey, offering insight into the way of life of the local people who call this high-altitude world home.
Reaching the summit of Vinicunca at 5,036 meters (16,522 ft) is a powerful moment. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and the surrounding glaciers — a sight that few places in South America can match. Whether you are an adventure traveler, a photographer, or simply someone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour delivers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural connection, and Andean magic.
Hike to the legendary Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,036 m
Explore the stunning Red Valley, one of Cusco’s hidden natural wonders
Enjoy one of the most scenic 1-day treks from Cusco
Walk through colorful mineral-rich mountains and high-Andean landscapes
Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers
Encounter traditional alpaca and llama herding communities
Capture iconic photos of Peru’s most famous mountain
Guided by local experts for a safe and enriching adventure
The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel between 3:30am and 4:00am. Our transportation will then take you on a 2-hour drive to Cusipata where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue the journey for another hour to Phullawasipata (4626 meters/15177 feet), the starting point for the hike.
The hike itself will take you through picturesque landscapes, where you will encounter local residents going about their daily activities, and wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas roaming the area. You will also see stunning lagoons formed from melting glaciers.
After a 1 hour 30 minutes to 2-hour ascent, you will reach the summit of Vinicunca (5036 meters/16522 feet), where you will have time to catch your breath, rest and take some incredible photos. The next part of the hike takes you through the “Red Valley,” which is named after the unique red color of the mountain’s foot. This area is less visited and offers a peaceful and serene experience. The descent to Phulawasipata takes another 2 hours.
Upon your return, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch and then be taken back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off one block from the main square due to traffic. The tour is expected to end between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
This service is an exclusive way to carry out this trip where the service is much more personalized, the prices vary according to the number of people in your group:
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 2 Persons or more | $ USD 115.00 | Inquire Now |
Essential items for the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour:
The Rainbow Mountain Tour Cusco is considered a challenging high-altitude trek due to the elevation, which reaches 5,036 m (16,522 ft). While the hike is not technical, the altitude makes it physically demanding. Good physical condition and acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
The total hiking time is approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip, including Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. The pace is moderate, with time for rest, photos, and acclimatization along the way.
We recommend bringing warm layered clothing, hiking shoes, rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, and cash for optional services. Because this is a high-altitude trek, proper preparation is important.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is located at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest trekking destinations near Cusco.
Yes, beginners can do this tour, but it is important to be well acclimatized and in good physical condition. The altitude makes it more demanding than a typical day hike.
The Red Valley offers dramatic red-colored landscapes, fewer crowds, and wide panoramic views. It is considered a hidden gem and adds a unique dimension to the Rainbow Mountain experience.
The best time to do the Rainbow Mountain Tour Cusco is during the dry season (April to October), when skies are clearer and trail conditions are better.
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email or WhatsApp. Our team will help you choose the best date and provide all the details you need.
Thank you for your interest in traveling with us, just fill out the following form and we can learn more about your travel preferences, and a local specialist will attend your request, if you wish we can call you by phone and show you everything you can experience on your next vacation travelguide in Peru.
The best experiences in the Peruvian Andes
Real contact with the people of the Andean region
We believe in respect for the environment and its importance in our travels.
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