The "From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour With Optional Red Valley" offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Trekkers can witness the breathtaking spectacle of Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant hues and have the option to explore the stunning Red Valley. With early morning pickup, a scenic drive, and a challenging hike, this 13-hour tour promises an immersive experience of Peru’s diverse landscapes. Fueled by a hearty breakfast and a buffet lunch, participants can discover the region’s natural wonders under the guidance of professional tour leaders. Whether it’s the alluring Rainbow Mountain or the captivating Red Valley, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those who dare to embark on this journey.
Key Points

- Full-day excursion from Cusco to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, including round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and an optional hike to the nearby Red Valley.
- Tour duration of approximately 13 hours, with pickup between 4:30-5:00 am and return to Cusco around 4:30 pm.
- Offers professional English-speaking guides, first-aid equipment, and flexible cancellation policy for free changes up to 24 hours in advance.
- Challenging but rewarding hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit, offering breathtaking views of the multicolored mountain.
- Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for individuals with altitude sickness, back problems, or babies under 1 year old.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information
- Customer Feedback
- Pickup and Journey
- Hiking Experience
- Return and Lunch
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Weather Like at Rainbow Mountain?
- Can I Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?
- Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rainbow Mountain Tour with Optional Red Valley offers an immersive exploration of one of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders.
Priced from COP646 per person, this 13-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and the services of professional English-speaking guides.
Guests can opt for the primary tour or add on a hike to the stunning Red Valley for an additional fee.
The tour operates with a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Convenient pickup locations and a reserve-now-pay-later payment option make this tour an accessible and hassle-free experience for adventurous travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary and Experience

The tour kicks off with convenient pickup locations between 4:30 to 5:00 am, allowing guests to board the bus from one of five easily accessible spots around Cusco.
After a 1.5-hour drive with a 30-minute breakfast stop, the group begins the 1 hour and 45 minute ascent to the Rainbow Mountain summit.
The return journey takes 1 hour back to the starting point. Guests also have the option to hike an additional 1 hour to the Red Valley for an extra fee.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a hearty breakfast, and a delectable buffet lunch. Plus, professional English-speaking guides, first-aid equipment, and necessary entrance fees are all provided. However, personal gear, tips, and certain individuals are excluded from the tour.
| Includes | Excludes |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transportation | Personal gear |
| Breakfast and buffet lunch | Tips |
| Professional guides and first-aid | Not suitable for those with altitude sickness, babies under 1, people over 95, or those with back problems |
| Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley |
Important Information
What should visitors bring along for the Rainbow Mountain tour?
Travelers are advised to bring a daypack with essentials like a passport or ID card, and comfortable walking sandals.
Plus, it’s important to note that alcohol and drugs aren’t permitted on the vehicle.
The tour operators offer flexibility, allowing customers to change their tour date within 24 hours without penalty by simply emailing the new date.
This is a convenient option for those who may need to adjust their plans.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Rainbow Mountain Tour has received an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
Travelers praised the high-quality breakfast, which they considered the best among similar excursions. They also commended the tour guides for their timely and supportive assistance. Reviewers appreciated the tour’s timing to avoid crowds.
However, some customers noted a need for clearer communication regarding the optional Red Valley hike. Plus, they suggested providing more informative guidance about the Rainbow Mountain itself.
Pickup and Journey
The tour begins with a pickup from 4:30 to 5:00 am at five convenient locations around Cusco, including Plaza Kusipata, Templo del San Blas, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Plazoleta de San Blas, and Plaza Limacpampa Chico.
After the pickup, the journey starts with a 1.5-hour bus ride to Qollasuyo, with a 30-minute breakfast stop along the way.
The breakfast consists of a variety of options, such as:
- Fruit juice
- Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea
- Fruit salad
- Bread and pancakes
Upon arrival at the starting point, the hiking portion of the tour begins, leading to the Rainbow Mountain summit and the optional Red Valley.
Hiking Experience

The hiking portion of the tour begins with a 1-hour and 45-minute ascent to the Rainbow Mountain summit.
The trail is steep and challenging, but the stunning views of the multicolored mountain make the effort worthwhile. Participants can take their time and enjoy the breathtaking landscape as they climb.
Once at the top, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the summit and take in the panoramic vistas.
The descent back to the starting point takes approximately 1 hour.
For those interested, an additional 1-hour hike to the nearby Red Valley can be added for an extra fee, allowing visitors to discover another remarkable geological wonder in the region.
Return and Lunch
After the hiking portion, the tour group returns to Cusipata for a buffet lunch.
The lunch provides a welcome respite and an opportunity to refuel before the journey back to Cusco. The buffet offers a diverse selection of local Peruvian dishes, catering to various dietary preferences.
The lunch experience is praised as a highlight of the tour, complementing the stunning views and challenging hike.
Upon finishing the meal, the group boards the bus for the 1.5-hour journey back to Cusco, arriving at the final drop-off points around 4:30 pm.
The return trip allows time for reflection on the day’s adventures.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata
- Diverse selection of local Peruvian dishes
- Praised as a highlight of the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like at Rainbow Mountain?
The weather at Rainbow Mountain can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from freezing to mild. Visitors should prepare for cold, windy conditions and bring warm layers, as the high altitude makes the environment quite harsh.
Can I Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include dedicated time for shopping souvenirs. However, there may be a chance to purchase local handicrafts from vendors near the starting point or at the lunch stop, if you have time.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
There is no minimum group size for this tour. Travelers can book individually or as part of a group. The tour operates with a flexible schedule to accommodate varying group sizes.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, people over 95 years, or those with back problems. However, there is no minimum group size requirement for participation.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but the operator offers flexibility to change the tour date within 24 hours without penalty. Certain age and health restrictions apply, so guests should check the details before booking.
From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour With Optional Red Valley
Recap
This tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable adventure, taking visitors on a scenic drive, a challenging hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, and an optional exploration of the Red Valley. With professional guides, a hearty breakfast, and a buffet lunch, it’s a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.
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