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.
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.
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.
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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 |
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 |
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
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At SALKANTAY TREKKERS, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.