Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley (Full day)
Shared Service $80
Full Day
Discover the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, an extraordinary natural wonder known for its vibrant, multi-colored layers. This trek through the stunning Andes offers unforgettable views and a unique experience in the Peruvian highlands.
• Andean Landscapes: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks and valleys.
• Wildlife Spotting: Encounter native wildlife, including llamas and alpacas, along the trek.
• Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the culture of the Andean communities living near the mountain.
• Unique Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking photos of one of the world’s most unique landscapes.
• 24 hours emergency contact ensures support no matter what time.
We will pick you up at 5:00 – 5:30am from any hotel in Cusco. It will be
a 2½ hour drive to the trailhead - we will arrive at around 7am. Cusco’s
elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft and the trailhead, which is called
Phulawasipata, is at 4200m/ 14,300ft. Cusco’s weather is usually quite
cold and the trailhead is even colder, so early in the morning. Be sure
to bring a warm jacket, scarf, hat and gloves. After breakfast we’ll
hike about 2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain range. At a slower
pace it could be 2¾ hours, or if you are really fit, quick and
acclimatized well, some people can do in 1½ hours. The hike up includes
some short breaks where the guide will explain some important
information about the mountains and the geography of the area. Perhaps
you’ll have chance to catch sight of some of the locals, including
llamas and alpacas that frequent this area. The trail itself is quite
wide and so is helpful for those with vertigo or fear of heights. The
trek is best during dry season as the trails are not paved, so it can be
a bit dusty, and in rainy season it can be slippery since it may be wet,
but with good waterproof hiking shoes and hiking poles, it will be just
fine.
Upon your arrival to the top of Rainbow Mountain, around 10-11:00am, you
will have about 1 hour to explore the amazing views of the surrounding
areas - valleys, mountains and to view the highest glacial mountain in
Cusco - Ausangate, whose summit is at an elevation of 6,384m / 20,944ft,
making it one of the tallest mountains in Peru. After giving you a bit
of time to take some treasured photos, your guide will give you some
interesting facts about this fascinating place - like why the colors?! –
and he will also share some detail about the Inkan history. A few last
photos of this amazing mountain and we will begin our descent. We do
this a little differently than other groups. Instead of hiking the same
route as the others, we will hike to a lookout point to see the Red
Valley and hike it. This valley is the icing on the cake - many of our
hikers say that it is even nicer than Rainbow Mountain! It is about 2½
hours - mostly downhill - from Rainbow Mountain to the end of the trail,
which is near where we started the hike. Here you will enjoy a fresh
meal, prepared by your chef, which includes cold drinks, appetizers,
soup and a main course. After lunch, it will be another 2½-hour drive to
Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel at around 5:30 –
6:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Wear warm clothing.
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Cap.
• In the rainy season, bring a rain poncho.
• Hiking shoes.
• Water.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Book your tour Today!
