Short Itinerary
- Day 1 – Rainbow Mountain Summit:
Hotel pickup at 3:30 a.m.; private drive (~3 hrs: ~2 hrs paved + ~1 hr dirt) to the trailhead at Llacto; box breakfast on arrival; begin the ascent to Rainbow Mountain (~1 hr, pace-dependent) with sweeping Andean views and frequent sightings of llamas & alpacas; time at the summit for panoramic photos (~30–60 min), weather and group pace permitting. - Day 1 – Red Valley Hike & Return to Cusco:
Continue with a short hike (~30 min) to the Red Valley; return to the trailhead (~1 hr); drive (~1 hr) to Cusipata for lunch; final drive back to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 p.m. (traffic/road conditions may vary). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles. Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs. Difficulty: Moderate. Trailhead Elevation: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft. Highest Elevation: 5,034 m / 16,515 ft.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – CUSCO – CUSIPATA – LLACTO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – RED VALLEY – CUSCO
We will pick you up from your hotel reception in Cusco at 3:30 a.m. to begin your Rainbow Mountain adventure. The journey starts with a three-hour private drive—about two hours on a paved road followed by one hour on a dirt road—until we arrive at the trailhead.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a box breakfast to fuel up for the hike. Then, we’ll begin our trek to the summit of Rainbow Mountain. The ascent takes around one hour, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the vibrant Andean landscapes, while spotting llamas, alpacas, and local vendors offering coca tea, soft drinks, and snacks.
At the summit, you’ll have time to soak in the panoramic views and capture stunning photographs. We typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the top, depending on the weather and the group’s pace.
After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we continue with a short 30-minute hike to the breathtaking Red Valley, a special corner of the world. We then make our way back to the trailhead, which takes about one hour. From there, we drive roughly one hour to the town of Cusipata, where a delicious lunch awaits. After lunch, we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,034 m / 16,515 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
- What’s included in the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 Day?
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Llacto trailhead and back to Cusco
- English speaking, experienced and professional guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- Snacks wáter, some fruits
- Blanket: Since our departure from Cusco is scheduled for 3:30 a.m., the early morning temperatures can be quite cold. To ensure your comfort and warmth during the journey, we will provide you with a blanket.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Not Included
- Horses, which can be rented at the trailhead (100 soles roundtrip)
- Trekking Poles – $15 USD
- Tips for the driver, guide
Prices
The Rainbow Mountain Trek & Red Valley 1 Day is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
| Group Size | Price (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 150.00 |
| 3 people | 125.00 |
| 4 people | 100.00 |
| 5+ people | 80.00 |
Required Pre-payment: US$ 50.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing
Important Info
Arrival to Cusco
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 15 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
The Briefing
We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time. Will be ready any time for our clients.
How to Book the Rainbow Mountain Trek & Red Valley 1 Day
STEP 1: Complete our booking form by clicking the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or by using the following link: [BOOK NOW].
Please note: A copy of each participant’s passport is required at the time of booking.
STEP 2: A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. This initial payment corresponds to the percentage indicated of the total tour cost, per person. You can securely make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PayPal icons on our booking page.
What About the Balance?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, to ensure the date of the service. And the remaining payment will be paid immediately before one or two days of the start of the service in cusco. And ( if you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru you can pay in cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in cusco there are many ATMs, or you can do it by this same means.
Do I Need My Original Passport?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.
May I Change the Departure Date After the Tickets Have Been Bought?
Unfortunately, no. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes. Tickets are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable. We strongly advise you to confirm your travel dates before booking your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour.
Note: If you cancel your Day Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
What About Altitude Sickness on the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
To prepare for the Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.
Is the Trek Difficult? Do I Need to Be Fit?
The Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (5,030 m / 16,502 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.
What Is the Weather Like on the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Weather on the Rainbow Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.
What Happens If I Am Unable to Finish?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Tipping
Tipping after a trek, such as the Rainbow Mountain is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture to show gratitude for the efforts of the guide, porters, chefs, and other staff.
Packing List
What to Bring for a Day Hike
- A lightweight, waterproof day pack
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothes and hiking pants
- Layers of clothes for variable temperatures
- Camera with extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat in cold season
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof clothing
- Water bottles
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
- Walking sticks if needed (rentable)
- Favorite snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Passport
