If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track, imposing yet less touristy, and an adventurous trip from Cusco, then look no further. This two-day Cusco to Rainbow Mountain tour and Red Valley takes you right amidst the pure bliss and serenity of the Peruvian Andes.
Most people dream of being at the Rainbow Mountain early in the morning to bask in the golden rays of the rising sun, on this Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour, you actually do that.
On the second day, early in the morning, you will be at the summit of Rainbow Mountain while those on the full-day tour will just be leaving from Cusco.
Most part of the trek will be taking you around the imposing Ausangate Mountain, the sacred Inca Peak at 6372m / 20905ft.
In addition to visiting Rainbow Mountain, you will also be hiking through the spectacular Red Valley. Rightly named after the color of the soil due to its high iron contents. Seldom do travelers get the opportunity to visit the Red Valley as it is not popular yet as the colores mountain in Peru.
So, grab this opportunity and make the most of your time in Cusco city by visiting the captivating Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, the second most visited attraction in Cusco after Machu Picchu.
To make this experience a more rewarding one, you will be spending a night camping under the constellations up in the Peruvian Andes. You are certain to experience peace, tranquility, and the energy of the Sacred Andean Peak, Apu Ausangate.
Please note that this is a high-altitude trek. We highly recommend that you spend a few days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Although Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain of Peru can be visited round the year, the ideal time to visit the Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is during the dry season, between March and November.
The best time to hike Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is between June and August. It is when the skies are blue and the weather is pleasant.
Reserve NowAt 04:00 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and embark on a scenic drive through the South Sacred Valley of Cusco to a small Andean town, Pitumarca. We will have a brief stop here.
We will then continue to drive for another hour and a half to the community of Quesinouno. This is the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek.
Our Andean chef will be serving you a traditional breakfast. The tour guide will be briefing you on some safety aspects and will share tips on hiking at this high altitude.
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley trek begins amidst a green valley with a sight of imposing Ausangate Peak at a distance. You will be able to witness the life of locals in the region. They are welcoming. You will also get to see many Alpacas and Llamas grazing in their natural habitat.
We will be hiking up to the first mountain pass of the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek, Puka Pass at 4,870m / 15,978 ft. From the summit of the pass, you will be getting a panoramic view of the valley below.
You will also get a view of Pukaqocha Lake. It is a glacier lake fed by the melting snow of Ausangate Mountain.
The energy of the Sacred Andean peak, Ausangate, will awaken your senses. You will have plenty of opportunities to click wonderful photos here.
We will then hike down the hill for an hour and a half to Anantapata. Here we will be stopping for lunch. After lunch, we will be hiking up the hill for another two hours to the highest point of the first-day trek, Warmisaya Pass at 4,955m / 16, 257ft.
The final stretch of this hike could be somewhat challenging. This however will be compensated with a pristine view of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain at a distance.
Once you had your fill of this beautiful sight, we will continue hiking down the hill for 45 minutes to our campsite right next to Surineqocha Lagoon.
At 0400 AM, our crew will be waking you up to a cup of freshly brewed coca tea or coffee. After warming up a bit, you will be having a nutritious breakfast.
All set, we will begin with a short two hours hike, up the hill to the spectacular Rainbow Mountains of Peru 5,100m / 16, 732 ft. You will have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the serenity and enchanting views of the Rainbow Mountains in solitude.
Our guide will be sharing some stories and Andean beliefs.
We will then hike down to the Red Valley 5,050m / 16,732 ft. You will be among a handful of tourists to step into this imposing valley. It feels like you are on a different planet altogether.
After enjoying the tranquility of the valley, we will be hiking for 30 minutes to the viewpoint, from where you will get to witness this stunning valley snuggled between the Rainbow Mountains.
We will then hike down the hill for two hours through some native Andean communities and farmlands. Our chef will be serving lunch before we embark on our drive back to Cusco city.
After a full day hike in the Andes, to curb your hunger, our crew will be serving some tea and snacks. This will be followed by an exquisite dinner amidst the Peruvian Andes.
Cusco to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain of Peru Day Tour is done in a group or private service based on the size of your group.
“Ask first for availability 24 hours before the tour date, otherwise we can not ensure availability”