1
Amazing trip
Great trip to see rainbow mountains and he red valley. The tour guides were both amazing
Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals
+3 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Price from
- $39 / person
- Location
- Cusco, Peru
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 2,436 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Rainbow Mountain Travels
Description
Beat the crowds with early access to Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley on this full-day guided tour from Cusco. Admire the vibrant colors of this Andean gem, and, for those seeking even more, opt for the scenic hike to Red Valley - an otherworldly expanse of crimson peaks and dramatic vistas. Along the way, enjoy warm hospitality with a hearty Andean breakfast and a satisfying buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine. Our experienced local guides are by your side every step of the way, equipped with oxygen tanks and safety gear to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as it is unforgettable. Why Travelers Love This Experience: Be one of the first to summit Rainbow Mountain—crowd-free and serene Capture breathtaking views from panoramic lookout points Enjoy a hearty local breakfast and a delicious buffet lunch Hike with confidence thanks to expert guides, oxygen support, and safety equipment
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 3:30 AM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 9
- Adult (ages 10–70)
- $39
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Cusco
Your day trip begins bright and early, with hotel pickups between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. in Cusco. By setting off before sunrise, you'll arrive at Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) ahead of the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery in peace - perfect for photos and a more serene experience. The first leg of the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes as we drive to Cusipata, where your high-altitude adventure begins.
Cusipata
Our first stop is in the town of Cusipata, where you'll enjoy a warm, traditional Andean breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. This 30-minute pause is the perfect opportunity to relax, acclimate, and savor local flavors before the adventure continues. After breakfast, we drive for about 1 hour through scenic highland landscapes and the village of Pitumarca, arriving at Hanchipata–Llama Chimpana, the starting point of the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
Vinicunca Mountain
Set off on your trek at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range, starting a 1-hour and 45-minute ascent to the summit of Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, you may spot various South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas. Upon reaching the red hill, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the vibrant landscape.
After reaching Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca), adventurers have the option to continue with a 1 hour hike to the breathtaking Red Valley. Far less crowded than Rainbow Mountain, this hidden gem offers otherworldly red and copper landscapes that look like they've been painted by nature itself. No worries about the altitude? We've got you covered. Oxygen tanks and essential safety equipment are always on hand, and our experienced guides are trained to assist at every step!
Cusco
After completing the hike, enjoy a scenic 1 hour descent back to the trailhead, where your driver will be waiting. From there, we return to the District of Cusipata to reward your efforts with a well-deserved, one-hour buffet lunch. Savor a variety of traditional Andean dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. After lunch, we begin the drive back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 3:30 p.m. - plenty of time to relax and relive the highlights of your Rainbow Mountain journey. Drop off will be at Avenida El Sol, in front of Qorikancha temple, around 4:30 pm
What's included
Included
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
Blanket, first aid kit and oxygen mask
Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
Drop-off at Avenida El Sol, in front of Qorikancha temple
Hearty Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
Entrance to the Vinicunca & Cusipata (other providers will charge you)
Private and comfortable transportation
Not included
Optional Red Valley entrance fee (30 soles, cash)
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is available from hotels in Cusco's historic center (excluding private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals, etc.). For hotels located in downtown areas with inaccessible narrow streets or private apartments, we'll arrange the nearest meeting point. Please send us an email if your hotel is not on the list and we're happy to assist!
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
2,436 reviews
How it compares in Cusco
- No. 11 by number of reviews among 4,438 tours in Cusco
- Starting price $39 is 51% below the typical $80 for tours of similar length in Cusco
Excurgo comparison of 4,438 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals lasts about 12 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $39 per person for this Cusco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 3:30 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup is available from hotels in Cusco's historic center (excluding private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals, etc.). For hotels located in downtown areas with inaccessible narrow streets or private apartments, we'll arrange the nearest meeting point. Please send us an email if your hotel is not on the list and we're happy to assist! Pickup points include Andean Home, Capac Hotel II.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 2,436 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Rainbow Mountain Travels.
Reviews(2,436)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A
Would recommend
Great guide, buffets were really good as well
D
Take it slow - worth the effort.
Great trip with Edgar to climb Rainbow Mountain, very early start and pickup at 3am but worth while.as we got there before it got really busy. Don't underestimate the impact of the atitude, it affects people differently so just take it slowly and acclimatise in Cusco for as long as you're able a minimum of 2-3 days ideally. We didnt manage the Red Valley extension due to sheer exhaustion, drink plenty of water and bring energy snacks too as you're body uses up way more energy at that elevation. Layers are a must but we were lucky and it was really warm and sunny for September. Edgar was an amazing guide and supporting us on tbe way up and down down was almost as hard! Views are stunning and all worth the effort.
C
Very professional guides, tour handling
The day trip to Rainbow Mountain organized by Rainbow Mountain Travels went very well. I was picked up at the Eco Bunnu Inn at the specified time, and the land trip to the mountain was hassle-free. Alex and Felix were thoughtful guides who always checked in on us, asking us how we felt at high altitude. Their instructions were always clear, so no one in our group had any trouble during the trek. They also generously shared the oild which helped with handling the altitude. It was a very tiring trek, but the reward of reaching the viewing area with the magnificent view was well worth all the effort. The buffet spread for breakfast and lunch was nice too. Thanks to Rainbow Mountain Travels! - Oliver
E
Great trip. Well worth.
Great time. Shirley and David were great. The whole place was great and well worth the trip. Delighted to have to gone.
R
Reached the summit at age 75
I used a horse when climbing, and it was just right in terms of physical exertion.
R
Wonderfully experienced.
The staff was very helpful. Justin, Alexander end Edwin were very knowledgeable and helpfull. Would go with them again.
F
Thanks Julian
Absolutely brilliant. We did a private tour, 2 couples + guide, and our guide, Julian Pacco, was awesome, l cannot say enough about him. He told us so much info, showed us where to take the best photos, and is an all round nice person. Our slow walk from Rainbow Mountain past the Red Valley back down to the parking place was unbelievable. I initially wanted the ATV Tour, but we would have missed so much lm glad we walked.
F
Good tour and good guide
Good time to pick up so we avoided people wave for photographing. Clear instruction in English to ensure we could understand the whole timeline. Caring guide. :)
1
Blue skies rainbow mountains
I had an amazing time on the rainbow mountains tour, the food for breakfast and lunch was amazing, they picked us up straight from our accommodation and guided us up the mountain whilst taking breaks when nessesary. I learnt so much about the mountain and the history as well as having a great time laughing with the guides at both rainbow mountain and red valley. Honestly couldn’t recommend this tour enough!
Operator response
Hi Flynna, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time on our Rainbow Mountain tour and enjoyed the food, the scenery, and learning about the mountain and its history. It’s great to know that our guides made you feel comfortable and that you had such a fun experience along the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Peru for another adventure soon!
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from$39
4.9(2,436) Free cancellation