Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

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Trip Length
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Activity Type
Physical Level
Easy
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

This is a one-day trip to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco. The drive takes you through the Vilcanota Valley, passing small villages and a colonial church. You will also see Pitumarca village and a small Inca site called Machupitumarca with its canyon.

The journey continues to Janchipacha control point, where you will have breakfast. From here, you begin the hike towards Vinicunca, known as Rainbow Mountain. After reaching Rainbow Mountain, you will also have time to see the Red Valley, a nearby area with distinct red-colored hills.

After seeing these sites and taking photos, you will hike back to Janchipacha for lunch. Following lunch, we drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. This tour offers a full day of high-altitude hiking to see unique geological formations.

Rainbow Mountain Peru 1 Day trip; will satisfy the most demanding and get unforgettable memories as sumptuous panoramas of high, colorful mountain and Red Valley formidable glaciers and crystalline rivers, peaceful pastoral scenes of the herds of spangled and alpacas kept on by Andeans with multi-coloured clothing. Rainbow Mountain Peru 1 Day trip is new route, is a true adventure through a nature preserved and wild, where the only meetings which you will make will be VINICUNCA, Rainbow mountain, the colorful mountains and small communities of Quechua-speaking Inca descendants that exploit the vast wide ones of Altiplano. The Rainbow Mountain Peru 1 Day Trip , achieves a circuit of scale, passing by collars located between 4300 and 5100 meters, then turn over to the small hamlet of Qesiuno, starting point of the circuit Rainbow Mountain Peru 1 Day Trip.

Location: Pitumarca, Canchis, Cusco, Perú
Type of trip: Adventure, Nature, Culture
Travel Style: trekking, local communities, highest mountains, shepherd’s paths.

Highlight:

  • Vinicunca The rainbow Mountain (Colorful Mountain).
  • High Nature: fauna & flora,
  • Quechua-speaking Inca descendants
  • Vilcanota Mountain range 

Trip extensions. Rainbow Mountain Peru for 2 Days

Trip Style Services: CONFORT, ORIGINAL AND BASIX

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip See What each day looks like!

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Janchipacha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Janchipacha – Cusco Early morning hotel pick-up. Drive to Janchipacha for breakfast. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley. Return to Janchipacha for lunch. Drive back to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.

Trip Details

  • Starting Altitude: 3399m / 11,152ft (Cusco)
  • Highest Altitude: Approximately 5200m / 17,060ft (Rainbow Mountain)
  • Total Walking Distance: Approximately 6-8 km / 3.7-5 miles (estimation based on typical hike)
  • Overall Difficulty: Difficult (due to very high altitude and sustained uphill walking).
  • Sites to Visit: Pitumarca village, Machupitumarca, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Red Valley.
  • Acclimatization: Acclimatization is Recommended.

Highlights

  • Early morning departure from Cusco hotel.
  • Drive through the Vilcanota Valley and local villages.
  • Visit the small Inca site of Machupitumarca.
  • Hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
  • Explore the unique Red Valley.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided.
  • Professional guide and emergency support (horses, oxygen) included.

Itinerary

DAY 1CUSCO/JANCHIPACHA CONTROL/CUSCO

We leave Cusco very early in the morning from your Hotel. We drive through the Vilcanota Valley, passing small villages, a colonial church, Pitumarca village, and the small Inca site MACHUPITUMARCA with its small Pitumarca canyon. A short drive from here takes us to JANCHIPACHA control, manned by Quechua-speaking Inca descendants. After a short break and energy breakfast, our hiking continues toward VINICUNCA, the Rainbow Mountain. We set off to explore the area and see the RED VALLEY. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. From here, we return to JANCHIPACHA for our lunch spot, then continue and drive back to Cusco. BREAKFAST, LUNCH & SNACK

Included

  • Transfers from /to: hotel in Cusco
  • Expert Mountaineering tour guide
  • Cooker
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & snacks
  • Private transportation round trip
  • Extra local Horses per person (in case of emergency you can continue on horses)
  • Horsemen
  • Water
  • Spoken languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese
  • First Aid kit and oxygen balloon

Not Included

  • Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program.
  • Tipping staff

Pricing

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

  • Red Valley Entrance Fee – $8 USD per person (~30 soles — The Red Valley is an optional extension after Rainbow Mountain and is not included in the base tour price. Inform your guide before starting the hike if you wish to visit. Cash only, paid at the entrance gate)
  • Horseback Assistance to the Summit – $25–$30 USD per person (~90–100 soles — Horses are available for rent at the checkpoint near Rainbow Mountain, managed by local handlers who will guide you to the top. Cash only, paid directly to the local community. Weight limit: ~80 kg / 176 lbs)
  • Trekking Poles Rental – $5 USD per pair (Available for rent at the trailhead or from your tour operator. Strongly recommended given the steep, high-altitude final ascent. Some private tour packages include poles at no extra cost)
  • Oxygen Assistance – Included (Emergency oxygen tanks are carried by guides throughout the tour. If you experience severe altitude symptoms, your guide will assist you immediately. Note: not all budget operators carry oxygen — always confirm at booking)
  • Hotel Pick-Up Outside Historic Center – $10 USD per vehicle (Standard service covers hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs within Cusco’s city center. A small surcharge applies for accommodations located outside this zone)
  • Palcoyo Alternative Mountain Option – $35 USD per person (If weather conditions force a cancellation of Rainbow Mountain, or if you prefer a less crowded experience, we can reroute you to the equally stunning Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain — a lower-altitude alternative with three colorful mountain ridges. Please request at booking)
  • Coca Leaves & Soroche Pills Pack – $5 USD per person (A small kit of traditional coca leaves and altitude sickness tablets to help manage symptoms on the day of the trek. Available for purchase at our office the evening before departure)
  • Early Sunrise Departure Upgrade – $10 USD per person (Depart 30–45 minutes earlier than the standard group to arrive among the very first trekkers at the summit, ensuring uncrowded views and ideal photography conditions before the daily crowds arrive)
  • Combo Loyalty Discount – $10 USD off (If you have previously booked any other tour with us — such as the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, or Machu Picchu — you qualify for a special promotional rate on this tour. Mention your previous booking at the time of reservation)

Pricing & Availability – Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley 1 Day Trip

The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley 1 Day Trip departs daily, year-round, with hotel pickup between 3:00–4:30 AM and return to Cusco city center around 4:30–5:00 PM. Daily departures are available and can be booked up to one day in advance. A minimum of 2 travelers is required for a guaranteed departure. High season runs from May to September. A minimum of 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended before attempting this trek.

GROUP SERVICE

  • $49 USD per person
  • Groups of 14–16 people, maximum 18 participants
  • Discount of $10 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE

  • $119 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
  • $89 USD per person – 4 to 5 persons
  • $69 USD per person – 6 to 8 persons
  • $55 USD per person – 9 or more persons

DISCOUNTS

  • Students (18–25 years old): $5 USD discount. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Information required: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date.
  • Under 18 years old: $5 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Children under 9 years old: Tour service fee still applies. Note: this hike reaches altitudes above 5,000 m / 16,400 ft and is not recommended for young children without prior acclimatization.

Important Notes: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) sits at approximately 5,030 m / 16,500 ft — far higher than Cusco (3,300 m). The hike is rated moderate-to-challenging, with the most demanding section being the final steep ascent and staircase to the summit. The Red Valley entrance fee (~30 soles / $8 USD) is always paid separately in cash on-site and is not included in any base price. There are no ATMs along the route — bring small bills in Peruvian soles or US dollars. Tips for your guide and driver are optional but warmly appreciated.

What to bring

  • Long Sleeved Shirts: These help protect your skin from the sun and offer warmth at higher altitudes.
  • Walking Pants: Choose comfortable, durable pants suitable for hiking. Avoid heavy cotton if possible, as it retains moisture.
  • Polar or Thermal Clothing: Essential for warmth, especially for early mornings and high-altitude areas where temperatures drop significantly.
  • Sweater and Warm Jacket: Layering is key for managing temperature changes throughout the day. A warm jacket is crucial for cold conditions.
  • Thermal Clothes: Base layers help maintain body heat and wick away moisture.
  • Hiking Boots: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and traction are critical for uneven, steep terrain.
  • Waterproof Pants and Jacket: Protect yourself from rain and wind, as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
  • Cotton Pants: While comfortable, be aware that cotton can stay wet and cold if it rains. Quick-dry materials are generally preferred for hiking.
  • Wool Gloves: Keep your hands warm in cold and windy conditions.
  • Scarf: Provides extra warmth for your neck and face.
  • Hat or Cap for the Sun: Protects your face from strong high-altitude sun exposure.
  • Memory Cards: Bring enough memory for your camera to store all your photos.
  • Toiletries and First Aid: Carry personal hygiene items and any necessary personal medications, plus basic first aid supplies.
  • Binoculars: Useful for viewing distant landscapes or wildlife.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from intense sun and glare at high altitudes.
  • Sunscreen: Apply regularly to exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
  • Lip Balm: High altitude and wind can cause chapped lips.
  • Hiking Poles: Provide stability and reduce strain on your knees, especially on descents. Highly recommended for this hike.
  • Pocket Knife: A useful multi-purpose tool for various situations.
  • Bottle or Canteen: Essential for carrying water and staying hydrated during the hike.
  • Plastic Bag to Keep the Battery, Dirty or Wet Clothes: Protect electronics from moisture and keep dirty/wet clothes separate from clean ones.
  • Small Backpack: For carrying your personal items, water, and snacks during the day.

Travel Guide

How Much to Visit

This is a demanding day trip focused on reaching Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and visiting the Red Valley. It is a direct journey to these high-altitude natural wonders. The time spent at the main sites is dedicated to enjoying the views and taking photos before returning to Cusco.

Recommendations

  • Prioritize Acclimatization: Spend at least 2-3 full days in Cusco (3399m / 11,152ft) before attempting this tour. This is crucial for your health and enjoyment due to the extremely high altitude of Rainbow Mountain.
  • Physical Preparation: This is a challenging hike. Regular cardiovascular exercise before your trip will help prepare your body for the demands of high-altitude trekking.
  • Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and during the hike. Dehydration can worsen altitude sickness.
  • Dress Warmly in Layers: Temperatures can be very cold at the summit, and weather can change quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential.

Climate

The weather around Rainbow Mountain is unpredictable and can change rapidly.

  • Dry Season (May to October): Generally sunny days, but very cold winds are common. Mornings are often clear, but afternoons can bring clouds.
  • Rainy Season (November to April): Expect more frequent rain, hail, or even snow. The colorful stripes of the mountain may be less distinct on cloudy or snowy days. Be prepared for strong sun, cold temperatures, and potential wind and precipitation at any time of year.

Local People

The communities living near Rainbow Mountain are primarily indigenous Quechua speakers. They have adapted to the high-altitude environment and maintain traditional ways of life, often relying on alpaca herding. They are generally welcoming, and tourism provides an important source of income for them.

How to Prepare for the Tour

  • Medical Consultation: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, especially regarding high altitude. Consider consulting about altitude sickness medication.
  • Gear Check: Ensure your hiking boots are broken in and comfortable. Pack all recommended items, paying special attention to warm clothing and rain gear.
  • Light Meals: Eat easily digestible foods the day before the hike. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before.
  • Early Bedtime: Get a full night’s sleep before the early start.

Recommended Age

This tour is best suited for individuals who are in good physical condition and have experience with high-altitude environments. It is generally not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or individuals with heart or respiratory conditions due to the extreme altitude and physical exertion required.

How to Acclimatize

  • Gradual Ascent: Spend sufficient time in Cusco before this tour. This allows your body to produce more red blood cells and adapt to the lower oxygen levels.
  • Rest and Hydration: Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival in Cusco. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas (like coca tea) to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Tobacco: These substances can hinder acclimatization and worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Listen to Your Body: If you feel unwell, inform your guide immediately. Do not push yourself beyond your limits.

FAQS

What is the starting time of the tour? The tour begins very early, typically with a hotel pick-up in Cusco around 5:00 AM.

How high is Rainbow Mountain? Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is at an approximate altitude of 5200 meters (17,060 feet).

Is food provided during the trip? Yes, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included as part of the tour.

Is transportation from my hotel included? Yes, round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Cusco is provided.

What languages do the guides speak? The professional guides speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

What happens if I cannot complete the hike due to the altitude? An emergency horse is available for each person in case you need assistance during the hike. A first aid kit and oxygen are also carried.

Is this a difficult hike? Yes, this hike is considered difficult due to the very high altitude and the sustained uphill walking required.

Are entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley included? Any necessary local fees for these sites are covered as part of the tour package.

What kind of clothing should I bring? It is essential to bring warm layers, including thermal clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, and good hiking boots, as temperatures can be very cold at high altitudes.

Is tipping for the guide and staff included? No, tipping for the staff is not included in the tour price and is at your discretion.

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.

Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.

Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.

SMALL GROUPS

To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.

We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
  • OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.

Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!

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