About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, and discover one of Cusco’s most impressive natural landscapes. During this private experience, you’ll travel through the Vilcanota Mountains, admire valleys in different shades, see snow-capped peaks, and spot traditional alpacas that are part of the Andean landscape.
The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Red Valley, known for its reddish slopes that create a unique setting. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the culture and way of life of the region’s traditional communities.
Accompanied by a professional tour guide, you’ll learn more about the history, natural characteristics, and cultural importance of Rainbow Mountain. The hike is moderately challenging and takes place in a high-altitude region, reaching approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level. For this reason, it is essential to be properly
acclimatized before taking part in this activity.
At a glance
- Duration: 14 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 14 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The hike begins at approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level and requires good physical fitness.
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.
What is included
- First-aid kit.
- Buffet breakfast.
- Starlink satellite internet connection onboard.
- Professional, qualified driver for long-distance journeys.
- Blanket available in the vehicle for cold weather.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco to the tour.
- One bottle of water.
- One trekking pole.
- Buffet lunch.
- Certified professional tour guide specialized in trekking and private service.
- Comfortable transportation.
Not included
- Tips, at each traveler’s discretion.
- Meals or beverages not mentioned.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain is not included.
- Entrance ticket to Red Valley is not included.
- Horse rental (optional), subject to availability.
Itinerary and highlights
We’ll pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco. It will take about 2.5 hours to get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. 30 minutes before arriving at the starting point of the trek, we’ll have breakfast at a cozy restaurant between the mountains.
Before starting the trek, our guides will give some useful tips so you can walk safely to the top of the mountain. The hike will start at 4,800 meters above sea level, which is why we need to take it calmly and slowly. Once at the top of the mountain, you’ll realize that all that hard work has paid off! Our guides will explain the origin of the mountain and will give you some free time so you can fully appreciate this natural wonder.
We will also visit the Red Valley, a stunning attraction along the paths of the Rainbow Mountain. Many travelers have compared it to the landscape of Mars, nonetheless you will be charmed by this natural beauty.
After a whole day full of adventure, now it’s time for a well-deserved lunch. It should take about 1.5 hours to hike back to the parking lot. We’ve selected a restaurant where you’ll be able to sample the best of the Peruvian cuisine. Once we’ve finished with all the activities, we’ll return to Cusco. Drop-off will be at your accommodation.
Meeting and pickup information
- • We offer pick up services from several locations within the center of Cusco. • If your accommodations aren't on the list or fall outside the transfer route, we'll suggest a nearby meeting point. • You’ll receive your confirmed pickup time after completing your reservation via WhatsApp. • This is a private service, with no other travelers joining your group.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The hike begins at approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level and requires good physical fitness.
- We recommend that travelers be properly acclimatized to the altitude before taking part in this experience.
- Travelers should be in good physical condition to complete the hike.
- We recommend consulting a doctor before traveling if you have any medical condition that could affect your participation in the activity.
- Not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
• If your accommodations aren't on the list or fall outside the transfer route, we'll suggest a nearby meeting point.
• You’ll receive your confirmed pickup time after completing your reservation via WhatsApp.
• This is a private service, with no other travelers joining your group.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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