The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Full-Day Tour from Cusco promises an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Peruvian Andes. Visitors will embark on a scenic journey, starting with a bus ride to the trailhead. After a hearty breakfast, they’ll hike for 1.5 hours to reach the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, standing tall at 5,200 meters. But the experience doesn’t end there – the tour also offers the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Red Valley, a true feast for the senses. With a knowledgeable guide, necessary equipment, and delectable meals, this tour ensures a memorable day in one of Peru’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. What awaits those who venture forth?
Key Points
- Full-day tour from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, with 2-hour bus ride, 1.5-hour hike to 5,200-meter Rainbow Mountain, and optional visit to Red Valley.
- Priced at €25.59 per person, including hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch, with equipment like trekking poles and first aid provided.
- Tour not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, respiratory problems, or those over 70, due to high altitude and challenging terrain.
- Overall high customer satisfaction, with 4.8/5 rating based on 100 reviews, highlighting excellent value, knowledgeable guides, and exceptional assistance during the hike.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with online platform, "reserve now & pay later" option, and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and the adjacent Red Valley. Priced from €25.59 per person, the 12-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
After an early morning departure, travelers embark on a 2-hour bus ride to Cusipata District, followed by a 1-hour journey to the trailhead. The 1.5-hour hike up to Rainbow Mountain, standing at 5,200 meters, affords breathtaking views of the multicolored landscape.
Visitors can also opt to explore the nearby Red Valley for an additional fee. The tour includes a professional guide, first aid kit, trekking poles, and the entrance tickets to both sites.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with an early morning pickup from accommodations between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. After a 2-hour bus ride, travelers enjoy a 30-minute breakfast buffet in the Cusipata district. The journey then continues with a 1-hour bus ride to the trailhead, followed by a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters. Visitors have free time to take photos and optionally visit the nearby Red Valley for an additional fee. The return hike is followed by a lunch buffet in Cusipata before the group heads back to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 p.m.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 4:30 a.m. | Pickup from accommodation |
| 2 hours | Bus ride to Cusipata District |
| 30 minutes | Breakfast buffet |
| 1 hour | Bus ride to trailhead |
| 1.5 hours | Hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m) |
| Free time | Photos and optional Red Valley visit |
| Lunch | Buffet in Cusipata |
| 4:30 p.m. | Return to Cusco |
Inclusions
The tour includes a professional guide fluent in both English and Spanish, who accompanies travelers throughout the day.
Breakfast and lunch buffets are provided, ensuring visitors are well-fed during the excursion.
Tourist transport and hotel pickup are included for convenience.
In case of any medical emergencies, a first aid kit and medical oxygen are available.
Trekking poles and cold drinks are provided to make the hike more comfortable.
The entrance tickets to both Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley are covered in the tour price.
For those who prefer a less strenuous trek, horse rental is available at an additional cost.
Preparation and Restrictions
Warm clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, snacks, hiking shoes, and rain gear are recommended items for this tour.
The high altitude of the hike, reaching over 5,200 meters, makes warm layers essential. Sunglasses and a sun hat will protect against the intense UV rays. A camera is a must to capture the stunning views of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Snacks will provide energy during the trek.
Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are crucial for the rocky terrain. Rain gear is advisable, as the weather can be unpredictable.
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, respiratory problems, or those over 70 years old due to the physical demands.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
What do the customer reviews reveal about this Rainbow Mountain tour? Overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 100 reviews.
Guests are especially pleased with the transportation, which scores 4.7 out of 5, and the overall value for money, rated 4.8 out of 5.
Reviewers commend the tour’s excellent communication, punctuality, knowledgeable guides, and high-quality meals.
Many highlight how the guides went above and beyond to assist them during the challenging hike to the mountain’s summit.
The exceptional customer feedback underscores this tour as a must-do activity for those visiting Cusco and the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Pricing and Duration
This full-day tour from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley comes at a competitive price, starting from just €25.59 per person.
Lasting 12 hours, the tour offers excellent value for money. It includes pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center, a buffet breakfast and lunch, transportation, and the services of a professional guide.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the tour operator provides the option to reserve now and pay later.
With an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 100 reviews, this tour is a popular and affordable way to explore the stunning landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can conveniently reserve their spot on this full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley through the online booking platform.
With the "reserve now & pay later" option, they can secure their tour without any upfront payment. Should plans change, a full refund is available if cancellation occurs up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour also offers flexible pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center. The booking process is straightforward, and the cancellation policy provides peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their travel itinerary.
Getting to the Trailhead
The tour begins with a 2-hour bus ride from Cusco to the Cusipata District, where travelers enjoy a 30-minute breakfast buffet. They then board a bus for a 1-hour drive to the trailhead. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of 5 kilometers.
| Elevation | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 5,200 m | Moderate | 1.5 hours |
Along the way, guides provide support and ensure the safety of the group. Hikers can choose to rent a horse for the trek, which is available for an additional fee. The return journey follows the same route, with lunch served in Cusipata before the group heads back to Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, typically from May to October. During this period, the weather is mild, and the mountain’s colorful stripes are most vibrant, offering optimal conditions for trekking and photography.
Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear, or Is It Provided?
The tour provides trekking poles, but travelers can bring their own hiking gear if they prefer. This allows them to use familiar and comfortable equipment during the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain is considered moderately difficult, covering around 1.5 hours and a 5,200-meter elevation. It requires a good level of fitness, though the tour provides trekking poles and horse rental options for those who need assistance.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Trail?
There are limited restroom facilities along the Rainbow Mountain trail. Hikers will find basic pit toilet-style restrooms at the trailhead and the Rainbow Mountain site, but no other options during the 1.5-hour hike up to the viewpoint.
Can I Store My Luggage Somewhere While on the Tour?
Yes, the tour provider offers a luggage storage service. Participants can leave their extra belongings at the tour office or their hotel before the tour departs, ensuring their hands are free during the hike.
Recap
The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes. Visitors can witness the breathtaking landscapes, hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, and explore the stunning Red Valley. With a knowledgeable guide, meals, and proper equipment provided, this full-day adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of this region.
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