Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley
1 day
Group up to 8 people
5,200 m.s.n.m.
Moderate
Discover two of Cusco’s most spectacular natural attractions on this full-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain and the breathtaking Red Valley. Hike through the stunning Andean highlands while enjoying incredible views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, colorful valleys, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Along the route, you may also spot native wildlife such as eagles and caracara falcons. This unforgettable journey combines the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain with the unique landscapes of the Red Valley, creating an extraordinary trekking experience.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel pick-up at 4:00 am in private transportation.
- Scenic drive to the trekking trailhead.
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning the hike.
- Approximately 1.5-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain.
- Visit the spectacular Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
- Continue with a 45-minute walk to the impressive Red Valley.
- Return hike while enjoying panoramic mountain and glacier scenery.
- Maximum altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft.
- Lunch before returning to Cusco.
- Arrival at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.
Optional: Horses are available for rent during most of the hike. Please note that the final 600 meters are too steep for horses, so this section must be completed on foot. The approximate rental cost is 100 soles round trip, which your guide can help negotiate.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an early 4:00 am pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Travel for approximately three hours through the scenic South Valley toward the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft). During the drive, admire beautiful agricultural terraces, traditional Andean villages, wide valleys, and impressive mountain landscapes.
Before starting the trek, enjoy a hearty breakfast while surrounded by grazing llamas and alpacas. After a short drive to the trailhead, begin hiking along a peaceful mountain stream with breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain and its surrounding glaciers.
Along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local Quechua communities who continue preserving their ancestral traditions. Your guide will share interesting information about their customs, traditional clothing, and local culture.
After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). Spend around 30 minutes exploring the area, taking photographs, and admiring one of Peru’s most colorful natural wonders.
The adventure continues with a 45-minute hike to the impressive Red Valley (entrance fee not included; approximately 30 soles). Here you’ll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the striking red mountains before returning to the trailhead.
Following the hike, travel back to Cusco by private transportation, arriving at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.
Optional: Horses can be rented directly from local residents at the beginning of the trail.
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco.
- Round-trip private transportation between Cusco and Llacto.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian option available upon request).
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
Not Included
- Entrance to Red Valley (approximately 30 soles).
- Horse rental (approximately 100 soles round trip).
- Trekking poles (US$5).
- Tips for the driver, guide, and cook.
Recommendations
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Rainbow Mountain.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange Auki Cusco Explorers board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Rainbow Mountain Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot complete your booking for the Rainbow Mountain Trek without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $53 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Rainbow Mountain Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
With alternative treks like the Rainbow Mountain Trek we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. With the Rainbow Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack especially in rainy season, there can be snow or rain. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek. Also, at high altitude clouds and even storms blow across quickly and with little warning.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN if needed; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. All guides carry oxygen. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Auki Cusco Explorers specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Yes, though the distance is not great, it is a difficult trek due to the high altitude and the last section is steep. You reach the altitude of 5100m/16732ft. You need to be in good physical condition and have had time to adjust to the altitude before going on the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
If you are doing other treks and tours in the Cusco area, we suggest that you schedule Rainbow Mountain as your last activity.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Auki Cusco Explorers will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. If you are unable to finish due to fatigue you can rent a horse. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. Tipping is a part of the culture here in Peru. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Auki Cusco Explorers destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of sustainable tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Packing list
- Lightweight waterproof daypack.
- Comfortable hiking boots.
- Warm clothing and hiking pants.
- Clothing suitable for changing mountain temperatures.
- Camera with fully charged batteries.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Thermal clothing, wool socks, gloves, scarf, and warm hat.
- Insect repellent.
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho.
- Reusable water bottles.
- Personal first aid supplies.
- Extra cash for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and tips.
- Walking sticks (optional rental available).
- Snacks for the hike.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Copy of your passport and valid student ID (if applicable).
🔒 Secure payment · Flexible cancellation
- Trips Managed by Local Experts
- Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
- Personalized Small Group Tour
- Great Value for Money
- Unique, Customized Itineraries
- Best Local Certified Guides.
You need assistance?
- Inquire Now
- +51 906 725 270
Join Auki Cusco Explorers for an Unforgettable
Travel Experience In Peru
Why Travel with Auki cusco Explorers?
- Superior Service
- Inca Trail Specialists
- 100% value for money
- Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Sustainable Travel
- Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
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