Alpaca and local people at Rainbow Moutain

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley 1 Day Tour

Tour typeTrekking

Group sizeMax 12 persons

LanguageEnglish, Spanish

Best timeApril - Nov

DifficultyMedium

Duration1 Day

Overview

Rainbow Mountain in Peru, It is an absolute must-see day trip for those in the Cusco area with a bit of spare time. This iconic hike is full of high Andean landscapes bursting with colors of the rainbow. Not only that, but there are hills and peaks that boast a reddish desert vibe, making it one of the most impressive landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. The beauty of this location makes for some of the most perplexing and other-worldly photography on Earth.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it clocks in at 8 km for the round trip. But wait, there’s more – it’s all above a whopping 5100 m! The difficulty of this hike adds to the overall experience and is considered one of the best day hikes in Peru!

To make this Rainbow Mountain trip more convenient, we provide everything you need. The guide will even pick you up from your hotel to give you all the juicy deets before the tour starts. We also provide breakfast and lunch, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. Take a gander at our itinerary and tour details to see what we mean.

Feeling extra adventurous? You can also take this trip on horseback for an additional cost of s/80 soles. Locals rent out the horses, which will only add to your experience. Renting a horse can be done directly from the locals once you reach the trail head.

Highlights

Stunning Andean landscapes: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley offer breathtaking views and unique rock formations.
Challenging Hike: Rainbow Mountain trek is both scenic and adventurous due to the high altitude.
Rainbow-Colored Mountain: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Rainbow Mountain with its vibrant colors.
Hidden Gem: Red Valley’s majestic red peaks and cliffs contrast beautifully with blue skies.
Cultural Immersion: Get a glimpse of Andean life and traditions.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy the views while riding a friendly horse instead of hiking.
Local Communities: Meet welcoming locals and learn about their stories and knowledge of the Andes.
Delicious Food: Taste the fresh and organic local cuisine, with coca tea to help with altitude sickness.
Professional Guides: Experienced guides ensure your safety and share valuable insights about Andean culture and environment.
Sustainable Tourism: Xplore Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain tour supports the preservation of Andean natural and cultural heritage and local communities.

Included

TicketsEntrance ticket for the Rainbow mountain

GuideEnglish speaking, professional local guides

TranportationRound trip transportation

MealsBreakfast and Buffet lunch

Pick upPick up from your accommodation in Cusco city

MoreFirst aid kit, including oxygen. Snacks for the trek.

Not Included

Accommodation

Entrance fee for the Red Valley (10 soles).

Personal gear.

Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented.

Tips.

Itinerary

Pick-up and Breakfast

Pick-up time from your hotel is from 3:30 to 4:00 am
After picking up everyone from their respective hotels, we will go to the town of Cusipata by car for 2 hours
We will make a stop at the restaurant to have a delicious breakfast, which will take about an hour

Hike to Rainbow Mountain

We will continue in the same car for 1 more hour towards the beginning of the hike which is called Chilliwani at 4700 m
Then we go to the control point to pay the entrance fee to the community (20 soles for foreign visitors and 10 soles for Peruvian)
Afterwards, we get ready for the hike towards the Rainbow mountain for around 2 hours uphill hike a distance of 4 km
Once in the Rainbow mountain, you will have enough time to take pictures, listen to the explanations of the guide and enjoy all the wonderful landscape of the area
The time that you will spend at the rainbow mountain is about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the weather conditions
Sometimes it is cloudy, foggy or a little rainy and it is very cold in that case you may stay about 30 minutes, if the weather is sunny and clear you can stay around an hour enough time to know the Rainbow mountain

Hike back to Car Stop

After we will get ready for the return hike through the Red Valley which is a spectacular red landscape
The hike through the red valley takes about 2 hours to the car stop and it will be the end of the hike
If you do not like to do the Red Valley hike you can return to the car stop by the same trail that you took to make to the Rainbow mountain
The downhill hike by the same trail takes around 1.5 hours to the car stop
The car will wait for every single person of the group

Lunch and Return to Cusco

Then we take the car back to Cusipata for an hour where we will stop to have a buffet lunch
Car ride back to Cusco takes around 3 hours
You will be back in Cusco around 4:30 pm

What to bring

Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route)
Snacks such as apples, cereal bars, sweets, and chocolates
Sun cream
Rain jacket or poncho
Cash in soles for extras and entrance fee to the Red Valley.

What to wear

Wool hat
T-shirt
Layer
Jacket
Long pants
Sunglasses
Gloves
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots

It’s also important to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day. Additionally, make sure to bring a small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, and other essentials.

Not allowed

alcohol

Recommendations

Be in good physical condition and acclimatize to the altitude before the tour.
Wear warm and comfortable clothes suitable for hiking, including a wool hat, T-shirt, layers, a jacket, long pants, sunglasses, and gloves.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
Bring a small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
Bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks like apples, cereal bars, sweets, and chocolates.
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Bring a rain jacket or poncho in case of rain.
Bring cash in soles for extras and entrance fee to the Red Valley.
Listen to your guide’s instructions and stay with the group at all times.
Respect the environment and do not leave any trash on the trail.

More info

What is Rainbow Mountain?

It is a beautiful destination located in Cusco, Peru.

Why Rainbow Mountain day tour with Xplore Cusco?

Our tours are all about having the best experience of the destination, that’s why our itineraries seek to find the best schedules so you can have the destination all to yourself or just a few people and enjoy it more.

FAQs

How long is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The uphill hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on a gradual trail, and the return trip can take the same amount of time if you use the same path. If you return through the Red Valley, it may take about 2 hours.

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to November. However, the hike is available year-round and offers different benefits throughout the year.

Do I need to bring my passport for the Rainbow Mountain tour?

No, a physical copy of your passport is not required. However, it's helpful to keep a copy or photo of your passport on your phone in case of emergencies.

What type of transportation is used for the tour?

We use modern minibuses and Sprinter Mercedes Benz vehicles that have all the necessary documentation required by national authorities. Our vehicles are well-maintained and kept clean.

Will altitude affect me on Rainbow Mountain?

Each person reacts differently to altitude, but we recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before your trek to acclimate. This time can be used to rest, explore the city, or take other day tours.

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

Drinking plenty of water and trying coca tea, which naturally helps with altitude effects, can help prevent altitude sickness. You can also eat light food the day before the trek and take any medication prescribed by a doctor.

How do I book the Rainbow Mountain tour?

To reserve a spot, click on the "Book Now" button below and fill out the required information. You can book now and pay later in our website Xplore Cusco.

Can I go by horse to Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, you can rent horses from local people, typically costing between 60 and 80 Soles per person, to go to Rainbow Mountain.

How long will I spend at Rainbow Mountain?

We usually spend around one hour at the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, but the duration may vary depending on the group pace and weather conditions.

$ 120.00

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