Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour

The Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour is one of the most breathtaking adventures Cusco has to offer. Locally known as Vinicunca, this natural wonder gained global fame due to its vibrant mineral patterns revealed by receding glaciers. Joining the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour means embarking on a high-altitude challenge over 5,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by the majestic Ausangate glacier chain and landscapes that National Geographic lists as a “must-see” destination.

Key Sites: Vinicunca Summit · Red Valley Viewpoint · Ausangate Range · Andean Highland Communities.

ℹ️ General Information

• Duration: From 04:15 AM to 05:00 PM (approx).

• Frequency: Daily departures.

• Price: From $45.00 USD per person.

• Difficulty: Challenging (High altitude hiking).

• Outbound Link: Learn about high-altitude safety at High Altitude Medicine & Biology.

⭐ Highlights of the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour

• Reach the summit at 5,020 meters (16,466 ft) for iconic 360-degree views.

• Discover the vivid natural colors of the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour.

• Opt for the Red Valley hike to see an extraordinary Martian-like crimson landscape.

• Encounter local wildlife including herds of alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat.

🗺️ Itinerary: 

The journey to the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour is a full-day cultural and physical experience:

• 🚐 04:15 AM – Pick-up: We start early, heading south of Cusco for about 2 hours.

• 🍳 06:30 AM – Buffet Breakfast: Enjoy a nutritious meal at Mayucmarca to fuel your hike.

• 🏔️ 08:30 AM – The Ascent Begins: After reaching the checkpoint, our guide will provide safety instructions before starting the trek.

• 🌈 10:30 AM – Vinicunca Summit: Arrive at the peak to witness the spectacular Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour colors.

• 🏜️ Red Valley Option: For those with extra energy, we take an alternative route through the stunning “Red Valley” on the way back.

• 🥗 02:00 PM – Buffet Lunch: Return to the base restaurant for a Novo-Andean buffet lunch.

• 🏠 05:00 PM – Return to Cusco: The trip ends near Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas).

For more information about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@coclatours.com — we’d love to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure!

✅ Includes

• Transport: Hotel pick-up and round-trip tourist bus.

• Professional Guide: Expert bilingual guide and assistant.

• Meals: Buffet breakfast and lunch (vegetarian options available).

• Gear: Trekking poles, blankets on the bus, and a snack pack.

• Safety: Medical oxygen, first aid kit, and radio communication.

❌ Not Included

• Red Valley Entry: Additional local fee (approx. $4.00 / S/ 15.00).

• Horse Rental: Optional service provided by locals (approx. $20 – $30 USD).

• Personal Expenses: Additional snacks and tips.

🎒 What to Pack 

• 🥶 Thermal Clothing: Layers are key. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a beanie.

• 🥾 Hiking Boots: Comfortable, broken-in shoes with good grip (waterproof preferred).

• ☀️ Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

• 💧 Hydration: Carry water and coca leaves or candies to help with the altitude.

• 💵 Cash (Soles): Essential for horse rentals, Red Valley fees, and snacks.

💡 Recommendations for a Better Experience

1. Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before booking the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour. The altitude is a serious factor.

2. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and breathe deeply. It’s not a race; it’s about endurance.

3. Altitude Sickness: Drink coca tea the morning of the tour and stay well-hydrated the day before.

4. Local Communities: Be respectful of the local people managing the site. Always follow the marked paths to protect the environment.

❓ FAQ 

1. How long is the hike? The uphill trek takes between 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness level. Most of the path is relatively flat until the final 20-minute steep climb.

2. Is the Red Valley worth the extra effort? Absolutely. If you have the stamina, the tour is significantly enhanced by the Red Valley views, which are much less crowded.

3. What if I can’t walk all the way? You can hire a horse from local community members at almost any point during the first half of the trek.

Additional Information 

• Sacred Valley – $13.00
• Maras / Moray – $13.00
• Southern Valley – $13.00
• Machu Picchu Tour 1day: from $270.00