Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley 1 Day

Full Day from US $ 35.00

Overview

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) 1-Day Adventure

Experience one of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes in the Peruvian Andes with our Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) 1-Day Adventure. Renowned for its vivid, rainbow-like colors, Rainbow Mountain offers a stunning natural spectacle that you can explore in just one day. At Salkantay Trekkers Peru, we pride ourselves on being direct tour operators, ensuring a top-notch experience with bilingual (English and Spanish) guides, modern transportation, and included meals—all designed for your utmost enjoyment.


Tour Highlights

  • Stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Witness the vibrant, multi-colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain, a true natural wonder in the Peruvian Andes.
  • Red Valley Visit: Explore the extraordinary Red Valley, an area that mirrors a red desert and beautifully enhances the Vinicunca experience.
  • Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy a comfortable and scenic train journey through the captivating landscapes surrounding Rainbow Mountain.
  • Bilingual Professional Guides: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our bilingual guides, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
  • Included Meals: Savor nutritious breakfast and buffet lunch, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free diets.
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley 1 Day
Full Day from
$35.00
per person

Max Altitude
3300msnm
Trip Length
Group Size
Max: 10 People per group
Physical Level
Regular
Trip Style
Classic
Location
Cusco - Peru
Tour Type
Hiking
Meals
1B, D, 1L
Departures
Daily Departures
LODGING TYPE
No Included

SELECT YOUR TRAVEL DATE

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Begin your unforgettable adventure early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Alternatively, you can choose to meet us directly at our office located at Calle Garcilaso 210, near Plaza de Armas at 5:00 AM. Once all participants are gathered, we will depart from Cusco around 5:15 AM for a scenic two-hour drive to the charming village of Cusipata.

Upon arrival in Cusipata, indulge in a nutritious breakfast at a local restaurant, giving you the energy needed for the day ahead. After breakfast, we will continue our journey by vehicle for another hour to reach the entry point of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Here, you will need to pay a 30 soles entrance fee to access the trailhead.

From the checkpoint, your hike to Rainbow Mountain begins. This trek lasts approximately 1.5 hours, gradually ascending from 4700m to 5100m. As you reach the summit, take in the mesmerizing views of Rainbow Mountain’s vivid, multi-colored slopes. Spend about an hour at the top, capturing stunning photos, listening to your guide’s insightful explanations, and interacting with local inhabitants who share their unique perspectives.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, you have the option to visit the Red Valley. Entrance to the Red Valley requires an additional 20 soles fee. Alternatively, you can choose to return via the same path you ascended. The hike back through the Red Valley takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to the meeting point with the vehicle.

Once reunited with the group, we will drive back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch around 1:30 PM, offering a variety of delicious local dishes to replenish your energy. After lunch, we will embark on an approximately two-hour drive back to Cusco, aiming to arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. This itinerary provides a comprehensive experience, blending natural wonders with cultural interactions, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout the day.


Summary: Rainbow Mountain Hike

  • Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
  • Estimated Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Elevation: Rainbow Mountain at 5100 meters above sea level
  • Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy conditions
  • Accommodation: Not included (Day trip)
  • Additional Note: At the checkpoint before beginning the hike, saddle horses are available for rent to help with the ascent of Rainbow Mountain. The cost typically ranges from 80 to 100 soles and may be negotiable.

Important Notice Regarding Our Machu Picchu Excursions

Each of our tours to Machu Picchu includes a standard entry ticket, typically corresponding to Circuit 02, subject to availability at the time of booking. To secure your preferred circuit, we recommend booking well in advance. Additional options are available to enhance your travel package, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. For real-time availability, specific ticket details, and information on the various circuits of Machu Picchu, please visit our website or contact us directly.


Trip Tips for Your Rainbow Mountain Adventure

  • Prepare for the Altitude: Rainbow Mountain is located at over 5100m/16,000 feet, so it’s crucial to be prepared for high altitude effects. Drink plenty of water, rest as needed, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if recommended by your doctor.
  • Dress in Layers: Weather can be unpredictable. Bring warm clothing for cold temperatures and lighter layers for sunny conditions.
  • Recommended Footwear: Comfortable sports or hiking shoes are ideal. Mountain hiking shoes are highly recommended for optimal comfort and support.
  • Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against intense UV rays.
  • Bring Snacks and Water: There are no food or drink vendors along the Rainbow Mountain trail, so ensure you have enough snacks and water to stay hydrated and energized.
  • Bring Cash: Ensure you have soles in cash to purchase entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, as these sites only accept cash payments.
  • Respect the Environment: Protect the natural beauty by leaving no trace. Pack out any trash and stay on designated trails to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

Inclusions

Included

Included in the Tour

  • Round Trip Transportation: Comfortable travel from Cusco to the Colorful Mountain in modern Mercedes Benz vehicles.
  • Meals:
    • Breakfast: Fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit salad, bread, or pancakes with butter and jam.
    • Buffet Lunch: A variety of dishes to suit all preferences.
  • Professional Tour Guide: English-speaking guide to enrich your experience.
  • Safety Measures: First-aid kit and oxygen bottle provided for emergencies.

No Included

  • Entrance Fee for Rainbow Mountain: 30 Soles. This fee is charged by the local government and communities.
  • Entrance Fee for the Red Valley: 20 Soles. Please ensure you have cash available for this fee.
  • Personal Gear: Please bring any necessary personal gear for the tour.
  • Tips: Gratuities for guides and staff are not included and are greatly appreciated.Horse Rental for Riding at Rainbow Mountain:Availability and Assistance:
    • Riding horses are available for rent from locals at the Rainbow Mountain checkpoint. Your tour guide will help facilitate the rental process if you wish to ride.

    Cost and Inclusions:

    • The rental fee for a horse ride to the summit is between 90 to 100 soles (approximately $25 to $30 USD). This fee includes the guidance of a local who will lead the horse up the mountain, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy the ascent. If you decide to rent a horse for the return journey as well, the cost will be an additional 40 to 60 soles (about $10 to $17 USD).

    Pricing Variability:

    • The cost of horse rentals can fluctuate based on daily demand. Prices may be higher on busy days and lower during quieter periods. Negotiation is recommended, and the locals are typically amiable and open to discussion. Payment must be in Peruvian soles.

    Animal Welfare:

    • It’s crucial to treat the horses with kindness and respect. Select a tour operator that ensures the proper treatment and well-being of their animals.

    Photo Souvenirs at Rainbow Mountain:

    Local Culture and Animals:

    • Rainbow Mountain offers excellent opportunities for unique photographs. You’ll frequently encounter locals in traditional attire with llamas and alpacas, providing a colorful and authentic backdrop for photos.

    Cost for Photos:

    • If you opt to take pictures with the locals and their animals, a tip of about 5 soles ($2 USD) is typically expected. This small amount helps support the local community and compensates them for contributing to your travel memories.

Prices

Group Service

The group service for the Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley 1 Day tour is a shared experience where you join other travelers in a bus and guided hike. It typically includes hotel pickup in Cusco around 3:30-4:00 a.m., a 2-hour drive to Cusipata for breakfast, then a 1-hour drive to the trailhead at Phullawasipata (4,626 m / 15,177 ft). The hike involves 1.5-2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain summit (5,036 m / 16,522 ft) for photos and rest, followed by a 2-hour downhill return via the quieter Red Valley with its striking red soil landscapes, alpacas, llamas, and occasional vicuñas. Lunch is provided after the hike, with return to Cusco by 4:30-5:00 p.m. Groups are usually 10-18 people, with daily departures even for solo travelers.

This service offers a budget-friendly way to explore with like-minded adventurers, professional English-speaking guides, basic meals, and transport, making it ideal for social interaction and confirmed daily availability.

Service Type Price per Person (USD)
Group Service 25

Private Service

Opting for a private service provides a more tailored adventure with just your group, allowing for customized pacing, flexible stops, and dedicated guide attention to ensure comfort at high altitudes. It includes all elements of the group tour—early pickup, breakfast, guided hike through stunning Andean scenery to Rainbow Mountain and the serene Red Valley, lunch, and drop-off—but with exclusive transport and personalized insights into local culture and wildlife. This setup minimizes wait times, enhances safety for varying fitness levels, and offers privacy for families or couples.

The all-inclusive pricing covers transport, meals, guide, and entrances, with any extras available as upgrades.

Number of People Price per Person (USD)
1 200
2 150
3 130
4 110
5 100
6 90
7+ 80

Service Upgrades

  • Horseback Riding (USD 20 per person): Essential for reducing physical strain on the uphill sections, allowing you to conserve energy for enjoying the views of colorful mountains and wildlife while local herders guide the horses safely.
  • Oxygen Tank Rental (USD 10 per person): Crucial for mitigating altitude sickness symptoms at over 5,000 m, providing quick relief to keep you comfortable and focused on the hike.
  • Walking Poles Rental (USD 5 per person): Important for stability on uneven trails and steep descents, helping prevent slips and easing knee pressure during the 3-4 hour trek.
  • Premium Lunch Upgrade (USD 15 per person): Valuable for a more nourishing post-hike meal with fresh Andean ingredients, boosting recovery after the demanding elevation changes.
  • Early Start Add-On (USD 20 per group): Key for avoiding crowds at the summit, offering a peaceful experience with better photo opportunities in the crisp morning light.

Discounts

Book 30 days in advance for a 10% discount on group or private services, similar to promotions offered by various agencies to encourage early planning. Groups of 6+ in private service receive an additional 5% off per person.0

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