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Day Tours
Rainbow Mountain Trek & Red Valley 1 Day
Walk through the high Andes to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley on a day trip from Cusco. Discover contrasting mineral colors and wide mountain views along a route through this distinctive Andean landscape.
- Full Day
- Duration
- Cusco
- Starting point
- Daily
- Availability
Overview
Walk through the high Andes to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley on a day trip from Cusco. Discover contrasting mineral colors and wide mountain views along a route through this distinctive Andean landscape.
Guided experienceEnglish speaking, experienced and professional guide
Personal attentionAsk our team about your travel plans.
Your itineraryExplore the route and arrangements for your journey below.
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
1DAY 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. very early, so that we can be one of the first groups to arrive at Rainbow Mountain. This will allow us to enjoy the place and take photos without too many people around. 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.
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.
Meal: Breafastand Lunch
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?
- 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)
- Tickets to the Rainbow Mountain.
- Snacks wáter, some fruits
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Blanket: Blankets will be provided so you can sleep during the trip to the destination.
What’s Not Included?
- Horses, which can be rented at the trailhead (100 soles roundtrip)
- Trekking Poles – $15 USD
- Tips for the driver, guide
Frequently asked questions
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & RED VALLEY?
Step one: to book the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW. * Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking. Gender Passport number Full name D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy) Nationality Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco. To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit. Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
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.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all! Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
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 IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?
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.
Plan your journey
Published prices and conditions
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 travel information
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.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & RED VALLEY?
Step one: to book the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.
-
Gender
-
Passport number
-
Full name
-
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
-
Nationality
Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.
- Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
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.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
- Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
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 IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?
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
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