Book Now
NATURE & ADVENTURE

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

Full Day Cusco - Ausangate 5,100m / 16,732ft

Trip Summary

The Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are natural tourist attractions located in the Cusco region. Specifically, Rainbow Mountain is situated south of Cusco in the Vilcabamba mountain range, at an altitude of over 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level.

📍 Tour Location: Route to Ausangate snow-capped mountain, Cusipata district, Quispicanchi province
🥾 Type of Tour: Hiking & Adventure
💪 Ideal For: Those with a sense of adventure and good physical condition
🌡️ Temperature: Cold — below 0°C (32°F) at night
⛰️ Difficulty: Challenging
📸 Travel Tip: Enjoy the mountain's amazing colors before the crowds arrive — perfect for stunning photos
🙋‍♂️ Why Choose Us: Years of experience and fully trained professionals
📅 Book in Advance: Some locations require permits — booking early helps us process them

Itinerary

Full Day

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

We'll pick you up between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. After a 2.5-hour drive, we'll arrive at the trailhead Phulawasipata (4,200m / 14,300ft), where you'll enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by our chef. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes around 2 hours uphill. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful views, spot llamas and alpacas, and learn about the area's geography from your guide.

Early pickup 4:00-4:30 AM · 2.5-hour drive · Hot breakfast at trailhead
Summit Experience

Rainbow Mountain Summit (5,100m / 16,732ft)

At the summit, you'll have about 1 hour to take photos and admire the breathtaking scenery, including views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,384m / 20,944ft). The mountain's amazing colors — reds, yellows, greens, and purples — are a result of mineral deposits and create a truly unique landscape you won't find anywhere else in the world.

1 hour at summit · Ausangate Glacier views · Rainbow mineral colors · Photo opportunity
Hidden Gem

Red Valley – Scenic Route

Afterward, we'll take a scenic route through the Red Valley — a hidden gem many hikers love even more than Rainbow Mountain! The Red Valley features striking red rock formations and dramatic landscapes that contrast beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped peaks. This less-crowded area offers a peaceful and stunning alternative to the main attraction.

Striking red rock formations · Less crowded · Dramatic landscapes · Hidden gem
Return to Cusco

Lunch & Journey Back

At the end of the hike, a delicious lunch awaits you before we return to Cusco, arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. After a day of breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, you'll be dropped off at your hotel or accommodation in Cusco.

Delicious lunch · Return to Cusco 5:30-6:00 PM · Hotel drop-off
BOOK NOW

Inclusions

  • Pickup from your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
  • Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
  • Round-trip tourist transportation
  • Hot breakfast at the trailhead (Phulawasipata)
  • Delicious lunch after the hike
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen
  • Small group experience

Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the duration of the Rainbow Mountain tour? +
The tour lasts approximately 12-14 hours, with pickup between 4:00-4:30 AM and return to Cusco between 5:30-6:00 PM.
? How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain? +
The hike is challenging due to the high altitude (5,100m). The uphill trek takes about 2 hours. Good physical condition and proper acclimatization are essential.
? Do I need to acclimatize before the tour? +
Yes, we strongly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Cusco before attempting the hike to avoid altitude sickness.
? What is the Red Valley? +
The Red Valley is a scenic area near Rainbow Mountain featuring striking red rock formations. Many hikers love it even more than Rainbow Mountain itself.
? What should I bring for the tour? +
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, water, snacks, coca leaves or candy, and extra cash.
? Is the tour available year-round? +
Yes, the tour operates year-round. The best months are from April to October (dry season). During the rainy season (November to March), the trail can be muddy.
? Is hotel pickup included? +
Yes, we provide pickup from hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels located within the historic center of Cusco.
? Can I rent a horse for the hike? +
Yes, you can rent a horse from the starting point to get closer to the summit (additional cost, paid directly to local arrieros).