Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley

1. 03:00am - 03:30am

   Hotel/hostels pickups for transport towards Rainbow Mountain

2. 03:30am – 05:00am

   Departure from Cusco city takes approximately 1.5 hours to get to Cusipata

3. 05:00am – 06:00am

   Arrival and Breakfast in the district of Cusipata

4. 06:00am – 07:15am

   Start the uphill trek to Rainbow Mountain

5. 09:00am – 09:30am

   Arrival to the Rainbow Mountain. Spend some time at the top of the mountain taking in the view of the beautiful surrounding scenery

6. 09:30am – 10:00am

   OPTIONAL – Visit the Red Valley (does not include entrance)

7. 10:00am – 11:30am

   Return to the starting point where transportation awaits us

8. 11:30am – 12:30pm

   Return in transport to Cusipata district

9. 12:30pm – 1:30pm

   Stop at a lovely, local restaurant for delicious buffet lunch before hitting the road back to Cusco

10. 1:30pm – 3:00pm

    Transfer back to Cusco (takes about 1.5 hours to get back – traffic dependent).

11. 3:00pm

    Drop-off in Qoricancha in Cusco, just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas.

YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE AWAITS

CHECK AVAILABILITY

• Passport
• Warm layers
• Comfortable trainers/shoes or trekking boots
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Water
• Small backpack
• Cash for optional Red Valley and/or horseback assistance
• Small bills for toilets and/or local purchases

CHECK AVAILABILITY

• We don’t recommend this trek if you’re over 60 and not in good physical condition, or if you have health issues that could be affected by high altitude. Due to the elevation and steep sections, it can be risky for some travelers. Other tour operators won’t tell you this, so be very careful.
• Our guides are trained for high altitude. Oxygen is available on board and at the trailhead. Tell your guide if you feel unwell at any time so we can pace the group or assist you.
• The tour operates as normal during December, January, and February, however occasionally visibility may be limited due to the changeable weather.
• Children under 10 years old may not partake in this tour. All children 10 or over but under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

As part of our commitment for customers who book direct, Rainbow Mountain Travels tries to be as flexible as possible when it comes to changes or cancellations

CHANGES ARE FREE: Change your tour date free of charge up to 6:00 pm the day before your tour.

24 HOUR RISK-FREE CANCELLATION: After booking, you have up to 24 hours to cancel for a full refund for any reason, provided your request is made by 6:00 pm the day before the tour. After this window, standard cancellation terms apply.

NO SHOWS OR CANCELLATIONS: Cancel up to 6:00 pm the day prior for an 80% refund (20% administration fee applies). After 6:00 pm or if you don’t show, there is no refund as we reserve everything for you and it’s too late for us to resell your seat.

WARNING – Informal Cusco Operators: At pickup, confirm your name is on the Rainbow Mountain Travels list before boarding. Some informal operators may try to move you to their tour and charge you later; booking direct with us guarantees official guides, great experience, and no surprise charges. Rainbow Mountain Travels is the best rated company for a reason!

CHECK AVAILABILITY

What is the best Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco?

A good Rainbow Mountain tour should clearly explain its departure time, group size, entrance fees, meals, transport, guide support and altitude-safety arrangements. Our standard Rainbow Mountain Travels tour departs early from Cusco, carries 6–18 travelers and includes Rainbow Mountain entrance, transport, breakfast, buffet lunch, professional guiding and oxygen support.

Does this Rainbow Mountain tour include Red Valley?

The itinerary gives travelers the option to visit Red Valley after Rainbow Mountain, but the Red Valley entrance is not included in the base tour price. The local entrance currently costs approximately S/30 per person.

How long is the Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco?

The experience lasts approximately 12 hours. Pickup begins around 3:00 am–3:30 am and the group normally returns to central Cusco at approximately 3:00 pm, depending on road, traffic and mountain conditions.

How high is Rainbow Mountain?

The main Vinicunca viewpoint sits at approximately 5,036 metres / 16,522 feet above sea level. The altitude is the main reason the hike feels challenging.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is moderate to challenging primarily because of the altitude rather than technical terrain. Walk slowly, take breaks and allow your guide to help manage your pace.

How many days should I spend in Cusco before Rainbow Mountain?

We recommend spending at least 48–72 hours in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the tour if possible. Acclimatization is particularly important for travelers arriving directly from sea level.

Can I rent a horse at Rainbow Mountain?

Yes. Horse assistance can normally be arranged locally on the day of the tour and typically costs around S/70–S/90. Availability is not guaranteed, horses cannot normally be reserved in advance, and there are sections where you will still need to walk.

Are toilets available during the tour?

Basic toilet facilities are available at the breakfast stop, trailhead and at several points along the route. Carry small change and tissues.

Can you pick me up from an Airbnb?

Our booking system includes pickup from a large selection of Cusco hotels and hostels. If you are staying in an Airbnb or another property that is not listed, select a nearby participating hotel or hostel as your meeting point.

What if I have not booked my Cusco accommodation yet?

Choose “I’ll decide later” when booking. Once you know where you are staying, contact us at least 24 hours before the tour so your pickup details can be updated.

What happens if I feel altitude sickness during the hike?

Tell your guide immediately. Our team carries oxygen and a first-aid kit, can adjust your pace and can assist with descent or transport if symptoms continue or become more serious.

Where does the Rainbow Mountain tour finish in Cusco?

The standard group tour finishes at Qoricancha in central Cusco, a few blocks from Plaza de Armas. Travelers who specifically want private hotel pickup and hotel drop-off should consider our private Rainbow Mountain tour.

Should I book Rainbow Mountain in advance?

Yes. Group size is limited to 6–18 travelers, so booking in advance is recommended if you need a particular travel date.

Can I visit Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season?

Yes. Tours continue to operate during December, January and February, but high-Andean weather can change quickly and clouds, rain or snow may occasionally reduce visibility.

Book Your Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour

See Rainbow Mountain early in the day with a local team focused on this high-altitude route.

The tour includes transport from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain entrance, breakfast, buffet lunch, professional guiding and oxygen support.

Groups of four or more can use RMTGROUP20OFF at checkout.

CHECK AVAILABILITY