Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Day Trip with Meals

Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour from Cusco

This guided hiking tour to Rainbow Mountain departs from Cusco and suits travelers seeking a high-altitude trek with panoramic mountain views.

Highlights

• Be among the first groups to visit Rainbow Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic views from multiple lookouts
• Experience local flavors of Cusco with breakfast and buffet lunch included
• Choose between shared or private tour options

Description

Your professional guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM. After a two-hour drive, you will arrive in Cusipata, where you will have breakfast and can purchase water and snacks for the trek.

From Cusipata, you will travel for another hour to the hiking start point at 4,850 meters above sea level. The trek covers 3.5 kilometers across flat and uphill terrain, allowing you to encounter wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas along the way.

At the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,010 meters), you will have free time to rest and take in the mountain views, weather permitting. The return hike downhill lasts about one hour to the starting point, followed by transportation back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch featuring local dishes.

You will then return to Cusco, arriving at Plaza de Armas between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Includes

• Hotel pickup from Cusco’s historical city center (depending on selected option)
• Downtown drop-off
• Transportation throughout the tour
• Bilingual tour guide
• Breakfast and buffet lunch with vegetarian options
• Oxygen bottle for emergencies
• Optional wooden walking stick
• First-aid kit

Excludes

• Horse rental (100 Peruvian Sol per person, cash only)
• Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain (30 Peruvian Sol per person, cash only)
• Optional entrance to the Red Valley (30 Peruvian Sol per person, cash only)
• Tips

Important Information

• Hotel pickup may take up to 30 minutes as the guide collects all group members; early pick-ups may experience a wait.
• Extra expenses like entrance fees, water, and souvenirs must be paid in cash with Peruvian soles.
• The hike covers 3.5 kilometers (1.9 miles) to reach Rainbow Mountain’s summit.
• Bring an extra warm sweater, jacket, hat, gloves, and mandatory sunglasses for the hike.
• The local partner does not manage horse or bike rentals; arrangements are made locally without their involvement.
• Weather conditions can change rapidly; choose your departure day carefully based on weather forecasts.
• The dirt roads are rough and may cause altitude sickness; bringing personal medicine or altitude pills is recommended.
• The guide supports the group throughout the hike, accommodating different walking speeds.

Easy Cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book in advance, dress warmly, and carry cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees and optional extras.