Rainbow Mountain Tour – 1 Day
Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Type Service: Group / Private
Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley – 1-Day Trek
Discover the breathtaking landscape of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley in Cusco! Located in the Andes region of Peru, near the city of Cusco, this mountain is renowned for its stunning views and is also known as Rainbow Mountain or Montaña Vinicunca.
This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience nature at its finest. During your visit, you’ll admire a variety of landscapes, from emerald green to deep red, as you observe the clay soils that create shades of yellow, blue, violet, and brown. Extend your adventure to the Red Valley, a hidden gem with dramatic, Mars-like landscapes, offering a unique contrast to the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain.
Itinerary Tour to the Mountain of 7 colors Vinicunca
Day 01: Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
In this Seven Colors Rainbow Mountain Tour, we will visit one of Cusco’s newest natural attractions, Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. It has been declared a Unique Natural Treasure of the World. It is located at an altitude of 5,100 meters, which is comparable to the elevation of Everest Base Camp. Likewise, it lies 100 km southeast of Cusco.
The tour begins early in the morning with a 4:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a two-hour drive south to the district of Cusipata — Paucarpata in the Quispicanchi province, where we’ll have breakfast.
After a short rest, we will take a 20-minute drive to the first base control at the rural communities of Tintinco and Paucarpata. From there, we’ll drive for 25 minutes to the second base control at the rural community of Chillihuani. Here, we will begin a 1-hour and 40-minute hike through the Red Valley mountain range, leading to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. During the hike, you’ll observe the typical flora and fauna of the Andes, including llamas and alpacas.
Upon reaching the viewpoint of Vinicunca (5,100 meters above sea level), our guide will provide an engaging explanation about the topography, ecosystem, and the mountain’s colors. Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder formed by the oxidation of various minerals that shape these geological formations. The slopes and peaks present colors ranging from red, purple, green, pink, to yellow, creating a fascinating array of colors.
You will also see the majestic Ausangate, a snow-capped peak standing at 6,385 meters above sea level. This peak is the fifth-highest in Peru. At the Vinicunca viewpoint, you will have the chance to capture memorable photos with the mountain and enjoy the stunning landscape.
Afterward, we will hike back along the same trail to the starting point. Our transportation will be waiting to take us back, where we’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch. After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 PM.
Hiking Level.
The hiking level for Rainbow Mountain is classified as Slightly Rough Terrain with steeper slopes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included
- Pre-tour information.
- Transfers in tourist transportation.
- Assistance during the whole tour.
- Professional guided tour, English — Spanish.
- All entrance tickets to tourist attractions mentioned in the tour.
- Walking sticks.
- Lunch in Cusipata.
Not Included
- Tips.
- Trekking Poles $10
- Horse rental.
- Other services not mentioned.
Prices
Pricing Per Person
Minimum 2 people required – We operate in small groups to provide a more exclusive experience and avoid crowds.
- 2 persons → $150 peep
- 3 – 4 persons → $125 pp
- 5 – 7 persons → $95 pp
- 8+ persons → $79 pp
Packing List
- Wear warm clothing.
- Sunscreen (Preferably SPF 90+).
- Sunglasses.
- Hat.
- In rainy season, a waterproof poncho.
- Hiking shoes (hike / trekking).
- Water.
- Personal medication
