Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike

The Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley hike offers a breathtaking one-day adventure through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. Beginning with an early morning pickup, participants embark on a scenic drive to Cusipata for a hearty breakfast before tackling a challenging 2-hour hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. The journey continues with a 30-minute walk through the picturesque Red Valley, allowing ample time for photos and exploration. With essential provisions and awe-inspiring views, this tour is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. But what makes this hike truly special is the chance to take in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Andes.

Key Points

• One-day tour to explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley near Cusco, Peru, starting at $60 per person with transportation, guide, meals, and necessary equipment.
• 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain viewpoint followed by a 30-minute walk through the scenic Red Valley, with ample time for photos and exploration.
• Tour not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or respiratory problems, and requires good physical condition.
• Includes round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch, with provisions like walking sticks, first-aid kit, and oxygen tanks for a comfortable experience.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available for flexible booking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike is a one-day tour that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural landscapes near Cusco, Peru.

Priced from $60.00 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and both breakfast and lunch.

Participants can expect a 2-hour hike to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, followed by a 30-minute walk through the picturesque Red Valley.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a flexible and affordable way to experience these natural wonders.

While not suitable for certain groups, the tour offers a well-rounded itinerary and necessary equipment for a memorable outdoor adventure.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with an early hotel pick-up in Cusco’s Centro Historico or nearby areas between 4:00 am and 5:00 am.

Next, you’ll drive to Cusipata for breakfast before embarking on the hike. The journey to Rainbow Mountain takes about 2 hours, followed by a 30-minute walk through the stunning Red Valley.

At the viewpoint, you’ll have ample time to take photos and explore the breathtaking landscapes.

After the exploration, you’ll return to Cusipata for lunch before heading back to Cusco, estimated to arrive around 5:30 pm.

Inclusions and Equipment

Included in the tour are round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide (Spanish and English), and both breakfast and lunch.

To ensure your comfort and safety, the tour also provides the following equipment:

1. Walking sticks to assist during the hike
2. A first-aid kit in case of any emergencies
3. Oxygen tanks for those who may need it due to the high altitude

These inclusions are designed to enhance your overall experience and make your journey to the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley smooth and enjoyable.

With these provisions, you can focus on taking in the breathtaking landscapes and capturing memorable moments during your hike.

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

This tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals due to the challenging nature of the hike.

It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those with respiratory problems. Participants should be in good physical condition to complete the 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain and the 30-minute walk through the Red Valley.

Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, hat, snacks, and water are essential. Bringing your passport or ID, as well as some cash, is also recommended.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour. It’s crucial to ensure the supplier has your correct contact information in case of any last-minute changes.

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Cancellation and Booking Policies

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to receive a full refund if your plans change.

This flexible policy ensures you can book your spot with confidence, knowing you can get a full refund if needed. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later makes it easy to secure your place on the tour without an immediate financial commitment.

To summarize the booking and cancellation policies:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
2. Reserve your spot now and pay later
3. Check availability for last-minute bookings before confirming

Transportation and Pickup Details

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco’s Centro Historico or nearby areas, scheduled between 4:00 am and 5:00 am.

From there, the group will drive to Cusipata for breakfast before embarking on the hike. The journey to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley takes approximately 2 hours, followed by a 30-minute walk through the Red Valley.

After exploring the stunning scenery and taking photographs, the group will return to Cusipata for lunch before heading back to Cusco, where they’re expected to arrive around 5:30 pm.

Round-trip transportation is included in the tour package.

Meal Provisions

After the drive to Cusipata, the group enjoys a provided breakfast to fuel them for the hike ahead.

The breakfast typically includes:

1. A selection of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, to warm the body before the trek.
2. A variety of traditional Peruvian breakfast items, like fresh bread, eggs, and a selection of local fruits.
3. Hearty porridge or oatmeal to provide long-lasting energy for the challenging hike.

Following the meal, the group sets off on the two-hour trek to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, with their guide leading the way and providing support as needed.

Important Considerations

Prospective hikers should consider the moderate difficulty of this trek. The hike to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly those with mobility issues, respiratory problems, or pregnant women.

Ensure you have the proper footwear and layered clothing to handle the changing mountain weather. Bringing snacks, water, and cash for any additional purchases is recommended.

Be prepared for the early morning departure and the estimated 5:30 pm return to Cusco. It’s essential to provide the correct contact information, as the tour operator may need to reach you for any last-minute updates or changes.

Following these considerations will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on this stunning hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fit Do I Need to Be for This Hike?

This hike requires a moderate level of fitness. The trek to Rainbow Mountain lasts 2 hours and involves some steep inclines. Participants should be able to hike for extended periods without significant mobility constraints.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. According to the participant restrictions, only the specified you can join the hike. Bringing a pet would not be permitted on this tour.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities Along the Hike?

Yes, there are ample photo opportunities along the hike. The tour includes time at the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint and the Red Valley, allowing participants to capture the stunning landscapes and vibrant colors of the region.

Is There an Option to Rent Hiking Gear?

The tour package includes walking sticks, but hikers can’t rent additional gear. Participants are advised to bring proper hiking shoes, layers, and other necessary equipment like hats and water to ensure a comfortable and safe experience on the hike.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is typically between April and November when the weather is dry and sunny. Crowds tend to be smaller during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November.

Recap

The Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley hike offers an unforgettable one-day adventure through breathtaking Peruvian landscapes. This challenging yet rewarding tour provides a scenic drive, hearty breakfast, and guided hikes to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain and picturesque Red Valley. With essential provisions and stunning views, this tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: