About this experience
Experience Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in a more complete and authentic way. This 2-day trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through remote Andean landscapes, colorful mountains, turquoise lakes, glacier views, and peaceful trails with fewer crowds.
You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and connect with local Andean communities along the route. It’s the perfect short adventure for travelers who want stunning scenery, culture, and a real high-Andean trekking experience.
Highlights
- Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca
- Explore the stunning Red Valley
- Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range
- Hike near Ausangate, Cusco’s most sacred mountain
- See turquoise lakes, glaciers, red valleys, llamas, and alpacas
- Enjoy a less-crowded alternative route
- Connect with local Andean communities
At a glance
- Duration: 48 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Local guides to help you plan
Rainbow Mountain Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco with practical guidance on altitude, tour options, costs, access, packing, and the demanding full-day schedule.
Machu Picchu Mountain Guide
Plan Machu Picchu Mountain with the correct Ruta 1-A ticket, clear Circuit 1 comparisons, arrival rules, packing restrictions, and live-status checks.
Cusco by Night Guide
Plan a relaxed, safer night in Cusco with practical advice on venues, rides, airport arrivals, changing schedules, and a confirmed trip home.
What is included
- High-quality camping tents
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping pillow and Backpack rain cover
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Private transport and transfers during the tour
- Muleteer team and pack animals
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (pair)
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
- Ausangate trek, Rainbow mountain and red valley entrance fee
- Personal hygiene items such as soap and a small towel
- Camping Equipment (tents, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tables, and chairs)
- Morning tea and daily happy hour
- Satellite phone, oxygen supply, and first aid kit available at all times
Not included
- Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 2)
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities (Optional)
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco. The pickup time is between 03:30 and 04:00 am.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Spanish — Audio
- Spanish — Guide
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Salkantay Trekking
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
The pickup time is between 03:30 and 04:00 am.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
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