Highlights

Highlights of the  Red Valley Adventure & Rainbow Mountain Trek:

Breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain: Admire the bright, colorful peaks of Vinicunca, a truly unique natural wonder.
Explore the Red Valley: Discover this desert-like, red-colored landscape that provides a perfect contrast to the colorful mountains.
Challenging hike with incredible rewards: A moderate to challenging hike (10 km) that takes you to an altitude of up to 5,036 m.
Cultural insights: Learn more about the local culture and history of the Peruvian Andes from bilingual tour guides.
Daily departures from Cusco: Convenient and flexible schedule with daily tours that fit your travel plans.
Unforgettable adventure: Ideal for anyone looking for an adventure tour in the majestic mountains of Peru with breathtaking views at every turn.

Trip Details

Trip Details: Red Valley & Rainbow Mountain Trek

Activities: Trekking Adventure through Peru’s iconic landscapes.
Difficulty: 4 of 5 (Challenging due to altitude and terrain).
Departure: Daily departures from Cusco.

Sites to Visit:

Cusipata: Starting point of the journey.

Ocefina Local Community: It is a high Andean community inhabited by direct descendants of the Quechua people, where traditions, customs, and ways of life inherited from the Inca era are still alive.
Red Valley: A stunning, desert-like area with vibrant red tones.

Huampu Lagoon: A beautiful glacial lagoon with greenish and turquoise waters, shaped by the different minerals found in the area, creating a unique and breathtaking natural landscape.

Alpaca Farms:This is the natural habitat of these animals, where we can see hundreds of them in their environment.
Rainbow Mountain: The main highlight, famous for its rainbow-colored peaks.

Hike Distance: 10 km (6.3 miles) round trip.
Altitude:

• Minimum: 3,200 m (10,500 ft) at Cusipata.
• Maximum: 5,036 m (16,500 ft) at Rainbow Mountain.

Recommended Age: 12 years and above (due to altitude and difficulty).
Altitude Acclimatization: Recommended to spend at least 1-2 days in Cusco to adjust to the high altitude.
Recommended Season: March to November (ideal weather conditions).
Tour Type: Adventure Tour for nature lovers and hikers looking for a challenge.

• 4:30 a.m. – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
• 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. – Drive to Cusipata Village (3200 m)
• 6:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. – Breakfast stop in Cusipata
• 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Continue drive, passing Quechua villages and scenic views of the Vilcanota range
• 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. picture from the view point of the amazing Red Valley
• 8:30 a.m. – Arrival at Huampu Lagoon trailhead (4830 m)
• 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Begin 2.5-hour hike (7 km) Exploring the Red Valley until the top of Rainbow Mountain (5036 m)
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Explore Rainbow Mountain enjoy views, and take photos
• 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Return hike (3 km-1.5 hours) to the pick up point
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Lunch
• 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Drive back to Cusco
• 5:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco, drop-off at your hotel

Travel Guide

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek Travel Guide

Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca) and the Red Valley are two of Peru’s most extraordinary natural attractions. Located in the Peruvian Andes, these areas offer a breathtaking contrast of colorful mountains, high-altitude landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you are an avid hiker, photographer, or adventure traveler, this trek offers you a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the mountains and valleys around Cusco.

What to expect on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour

Getting there – The journey begins in Cusco

Your Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, the historic capital of the Incas. Cusco (3,400 meters) is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the start of your journey to the high-altitude Vinicunca. It is important to spend at least one day in Cusco to acclimatize before embarking on this high-altitude hike to avoid altitude sickness.

The scenic drive: From Cusco to the village of Cusipata

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by private minibus

Route: The drive takes you through picturesque Quechua villages and rugged Andean landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Vicanota mountain range. Along the way, you will pass through traditional Andean communities where you can observe daily life in the highlands, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes.

Breakfast in the village of Cusipata

Once we arrive in the village of Cusipata (3,200 meters), we will stop for a hearty breakfast. Here you will have the opportunity to fortify yourself with local ingredients and prepare for the upcoming hike. The village is located on the edge of the Sacred Valley and offers a peaceful starting point for the adventure.

Arrival at the starting point of the hike – Huampu Lagoon

The next part of the journey involves a short drive to the starting point of the hike near Huampu Lagoon (4,830 meters), where the hike begins. The lagoon is a beautiful place in itself, with sparkling water surrounded by lush vegetation. From here, the hike takes you through incredible landscapes, including views of the Red Valley—a unique and strikingly colorful desert-like area.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain

Hiking time: approx. 2.5 hours (7 km)

Difficulty: moderate to challenging (due to the altitude)

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is not easy, but it is definitely worth the effort. As you ascend, you will hike through the picturesque landscape of the Andes, past grazing llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas (native South American camelids). The view of the Red Valley and the Ausangate Glacier (6,320 meters) provides a breathtaking backdrop as you climb higher and higher.

At the summit, you will be greeted by the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain (5,030 meters). The peaks of Rainbow Mountain are famous for their rainbow-like hues, created by mineral deposits over thousands of years. You will have time to explore the mountain, take photos, and enjoy the views before continuing on to the Red Valley.

Practical information

Altitude information

Cusco: 3,400 meters (11,150 feet)
Rainbow Mountain: 5,030 meters (16,500 feet)
Red Valley: 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)
Ausangate Glacier: 6,320 meters (20,700 feet)

Given the altitude of the hike, it is essential to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Spend at least one day in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid overexertion.

Best time to travel

Recommended season: March to November (dry season)

The dry season in Peru is ideal for trekking, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The months of April to October are considered the best for visibility and weather conditions in the mountains.

What to bring

• Clothing: As temperatures can vary greatly, it is important to dress in layers. Bring a warm jacket, rainwear, and a hat for sun protection.
• Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots with good soles.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be very intense at high altitudes.