2 Day Hike In Rainbow Mountain And Red Valley

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley on a captivating 2-day hike. This well-organized trek immerses adventurers in Andean culture, offering stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, serene lagoons, and friendly encounters with llamas and alpacas. Experienced guides ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, while thoughtful inclusions like meals and optional horse assistance elevate the experience. With a 100% recommendation rate, this adventure promises a perfect blend of challenge and beauty for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable exploration of the Cusco region. The journey begins here, as you step into a world of vibrant colors and hidden wonders.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• A 2-day guided hike through the stunning landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in Cusco, Peru, with opportunities to interact with llamas and alpacas.
• The tour includes an early 4:00 am pickup, breakfast, safety briefing, and a challenging trek with optional horse assistance, culminating in panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain.
• Highlights on Day 1 include traversing green and reddish valleys to reach Puka Pass and the Pukaqocha lagoon, while Day 2 focuses on the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
• The tour is highly recommended, with a 100% rating from 30 previous travelers, and includes experienced guides, dinner, and pre-departure briefing.
• Advance acclimatization in Cusco is recommended, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, although service animals are allowed.

Tour Overview

Offering a 2-day hike through the stunning landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in Cusco, Peru, this tour provides travelers with the opportunity to explore remote geological wonders and breathtaking views of Apu Ausangate.

With a 100% recommendation rate from 30 reviews, the tour immerses participants in the region’s natural beauty.

Highlights include camping under the stars, interacting with llamas and alpacas, and witnessing the vibrant colors of the Red Valley.

The tour’s experienced guides, optional horse assistance, and pre-departure briefing ensure a well-organized and memorable adventure for travelers seeking an authentic Andean experience.

Itinerary Details

The hike’s first day begins with an early pickup at 4:00 am, followed by a drive to Quesiuno where the trek starts with a breakfast and safety briefing.

Trekkers will then traverse green and reddish valleys to reach the Puka Pass, where they’ll get their first sight of the majestic Ausangate Mountain and the Pukaqocha lagoon.

After a lunch break at the Warmisaya Pass, the group will continue the trek for about 6 hours.

On the second day, trekkers will wake up to hot coca tea and embark on a one-hour walk to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.

They’ll then climb to the Red Valley observatories and meet local communities before returning to their transport around 4:00 pm.

Day 1 Highlights

On the first day, trekkers embark on an early 4:00 am pickup to begin their journey to Quesiuno.

After a hearty breakfast and safety briefing, they’ll traverse green and reddish valleys before reaching the Puka Pass. The first stunning sight of Ausangate Mountain and Pukaqocha lagoon awaits.

Lunch is served at the Warmisaya Pass, followed by a 6-hour trek through the breathtaking landscape.

Throughout the day, trekkers have the opportunity to interact with llamas and alpacas, seeing the remote and serene environment.

Day 2 Highlights

Trekkers awake to the soothing aroma of hot coca tea, which jumpstarts their second day. After a quick breakfast, they embark on a one-hour walk to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.

From this vantage point, they’re rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain and the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain.

The group then climbs to the Red Valley observatories, where they’ve the opportunity to interact with local communities.

As the trek comes to an end, trekkers are transported back, arriving at their drop-off point around 4:00 pm, with the total trek time amounting to 5 hours.

Inclusions and Amenities

Typically, the 2-day hike in Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley includes dinner, a pre-departure briefing, and an experienced mountain guide to lead the way. Plus, the tour offers optional horse assistance for those who need it, and recommends travelers obtain travel insurance. Gratuities are also optional.

Inclusions	Additional Options
Dinner	Horse Assistance
Pre-Departure Briefing	Travel Insurance
Experienced Mountain Guide	Gratuities

The tour starts with a pickup from hotels 30 minutes before the 4:30 am departure time, and confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour begins with a pickup from hotels 30 minutes before the 4:30 am departure time.

Guests will be transported to the starting point at Quesiuno, where the hike commences with a hearty breakfast and safety briefing.

This early start ensures travelers make the most of the day, as the trek through the stunning landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley can take up to 6 hours each day.

Pickup and drop-off are included, providing a seamless experience for participants.

It’s essential to arrive on time, as the group will depart promptly to maximize the time spent exploring these breathtaking natural wonders.

Additional Considerations

Strong physical fitness is required for this challenging 2-day hike.

It’s recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days prior to the trek to adjust to the high altitude.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Confirmation is subject to availability and will be provided within 48 hours of booking.

Cancellation is non-refundable.

Gratuities for the experienced mountain guide are optional.

Travelers should ensure they’ve the appropriate travel insurance to cover any unexpected events during the hike.

Reviews and Ratings

How have previous travelers rated this 2-day hike in Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley?

Based on 30 reviews, this tour has an outstanding 5.0 out of 5.0 rating, with 100% of travelers recommending it.

Positive feedback highlights:

• Knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides
• High-quality meals and food
• Breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain and the Rainbow Valley
• Opportunity to interact with local communities and llamas/alpacas
• Overall excellent value for the price

With no negative reviews, this 2-day adventure in Cusco appears to be a must-do trek for anyone seeking a remote, geological, and cultural experience in Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Pack for the Trek?

For this trek, one should pack warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, snacks, plenty of water, sun protection, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own snacks and water, but the tour includes meals. It’s recommended to check with the tour company about any restrictions or requirements for outside food and drinks to ensure a smooth experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Group Size?

The tour doesn’t have any restrictions on group size. Travelers can join as individuals or in small groups. The maximum group size is typically 12 people to ensure a personalized experience during the hike.

How Difficult Is the Trek for Beginner Hikers?

The trek is challenging for beginner hikers as it requires strong physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes. However, the tour offers optional horse assistance and an experienced guide to support less experienced trekkers.

Are There Any Age or Health Requirements?

The tour has no strict age or health requirements, but it’s recommended for physically fit individuals. Travelers should acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek to manage the high altitude conditions.

Recap

The 2-day trek through Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley offers an unparalleled adventure, showcasing Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and immersing participants in Andean culture. With experienced guides, comfortable amenities, and a stunning 100% recommendation rate, this hike is a must-try for nature enthusiasts seeking a perfect balance of challenge and beauty.