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Rainbow Mountain Full Day
Vinicunca + Red Valley · Full-Day Trek from Cusco
Full day · Moderate · Max. 5,200 m · Up to 18
Overview
There are mountains, and then there is Rainbow Mountain. Rising dramatically from the Peruvian Andes at over 5,100 meters above sea level, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is one of the most visually breathtaking geological formations on Earth. Striped in vivid bands of red, yellow, green, turquoise, and purple, this extraordinary mountain looks like something painted by nature itself, and on this full-day trek you will stand right at the top of it.
But this tour does not stop at Rainbow Mountain. We also take you to the Red Valley (Valle Rojo), a hidden gem that most tours skip entirely. If Rainbow Mountain is impressive, the Red Valley is jaw-dropping: a sweeping crimson landscape that feels like another planet, and one of the most photogenic spots in all of Peru.
We collect you directly from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 AM and return you to Plaza Regocijo, in the heart of the city, at around 4:30 PM. Departures run daily, year-round, with online reservations accepted up to one day in advance.
Why you'll love this trek
- Stand on Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at over 5,100 m — one of the most surreal landscapes on earth.
- See the Red Valley too — a hidden gem most day tours skip entirely.
- A full day from Cusco with hotel pickup and return, breakfast and lunch included.
- Small groups and local guides who know the mountain's best light and quietest hours.
Itinerary
your day, hour by hour
From 4:30 to 5:00 AM. Our driver collects you directly from your hotel in Cusco, or from one of three convenient pick-up points: Plazoleta de San Blas, Plaza San Francisco, or Plaza de Armas (the Main Square). Please be ready 10 minutes before departure. The early start is essential to reach Rainbow Mountain in the best light and weather. From Cusco it is an approximately 2-hour scenic drive through the Andean highlands toward Cusipata.
Approx. 7:00 AM, about 1 hour. Arrive at the charming village of Cusipata, nestled in the Andean highlands, for a well-deserved breakfast before the trek begins. Take this time to fuel up, stretch your legs, and soak in the surrounding scenery. Optional local-market shopping is available. A short drive then takes you to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
Approx. 8:30 AM, about 4 hours. Your trek begins at 4,700 meters and ascends gradually to the summit at 5,100 meters, roughly 1 hour of hiking through one of the most dramatic high-altitude landscapes in the Andes. Along the way your expert bilingual guide shares insights about the local ecosystem, the Quechua culture of the surrounding communities, and the mineral deposits behind the mountain's legendary bands of color. At the summit you will have about 1 hour to take photos and take in vivid stripes of red, yellow, green, turquoise, and purple framed by snow-capped peaks. From the summit you can optionally continue to the Red Valley (Valle Rojo), a surreal crimson landscape most tours skip; the descent takes about 1 hour and the Red Valley entrance fee is S/ 20, paid at the trail. Horse riding is available for sections of the trail at an additional cost for those who prefer a more relaxed ascent.
Approx. 1:00 PM, about 1 hour. Return to Cusipata for a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, where you can refuel after the trek, browse the local market, and enjoy some free time before the journey back to Cusco.
Approx. 4:30 to 5:00 PM. A roughly 2 to 3-hour scenic drive returns you to Cusco. On the way we pass the airport and the main bus terminal at around 4:00 PM; if you have a flight or onward journey, we are happy to drop you off at either location. All other passengers are dropped off at Plaza Regocijo, in the historic heart of Cusco, a short walk from the Main Square and most hotels.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick-up. We collect you from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Prefer to meet us directly? You are welcome to join us at our pick-up point in Plaza Regocijo at around 5:10 AM.
- Round-trip transportation. Comfortable, modern vehicles take you from Cusco to the trailhead and back, so you can sit back and enjoy the stunning Andean scenery along the way.
- Andean breakfast. Start your day right with a hearty breakfast including fresh fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, fruit salad, and your choice of bread or pancakes with butter and jam, the perfect fuel before the hike.
- Buffet lunch. After the trek, enjoy a well-earned lunch featuring soups, traditional Peruvian dishes, salads, and vegetarian options, all prepared with fresh local ingredients.
- Small-group experience. We keep our groups between 12 and 18 people to ensure a more personalized, comfortable, and well-organized experience with greater guide interaction.
- Expert bilingual guides. Our professional guides speak both English and Spanish and are trained to share cultural, historical, and environmental insights about the region: knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive every step of the way.
- Safety equipment. We carry a fully stocked first-aid kit and an oxygen tank throughout the trek to assist with altitude-related issues or any minor injuries.
Not included
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee. 30 soles ($8 USD) for international visitors, or 20 soles for Peruvian citizens, paid directly at the checkpoint in cash (soles only).
- Red Valley entrance fee. 30 soles ($8 USD) for international visitors, or 15 soles for Peruvian citizens, paid directly at the entrance gate in cash (soles only).
- Walking sticks. Not included; available to rent locally.
- Horse riding along the trail. Available for an additional cost, arranged on-site with local handlers.
- Personal travel or medical insurance. Not included; we recommend arranging your own coverage.
- Tips for guides and staff. Appreciated but entirely optional.
- Additional snacks, drinks, or personal expenses. Not included.
- Please note that card payments are not accepted at any entrance point. We recommend bringing the exact amount in soles, as these fees contribute directly to the maintenance and conservation of both natural areas.
What to bring
A suggested packing checklist for this trip.
Essential
Clothing
Equipment
Recommended
Pricing
Our Rainbow Mountain tours run with groups of 14 to 16 people, with a maximum of 18 travelers per departure. Each group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), ensuring a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Good to know
Acclimatize first. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before any high-altitude trek. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and are first-aid trained.
- To cancel or make changes, please contact us at info@machupicchuonline.com.
- Rescheduling: need to change your date or switch to a different tour? No problem. You may reschedule or choose an alternative experience (such as Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, Sacred Valley, or 7 Lakes Ausangate) at no extra cost, as long as you notify us before 7:00 PM the day before your original tour date.
- Cancellations by Machu Picchu Online: in the unlikely event that we need to cancel your tour due to weather conditions, political disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full 100% refund of your payment, no questions asked.
- Full refund (100%): cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.
- Partial refund (50%): cancel within 24 hours but before 7:00 PM the day prior.
- No refund: cancellations made after 7:00 PM the day before the tour.
Frequently asked questions
How does the hotel or Airbnb pick-up service work?
Where and when does the tour end?
How difficult is the hike?
Are horses available during the tour?
How much does it cost to rent a horse?
Can I take photos with locals and their animals?
Are there meal options for dietary restrictions?
Is luggage storage available?
Can I reschedule or switch to a different tour?
What is the best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain?
What should I pack and wear?
Do you offer a discount for returning guests?
How do I book, and what payment methods do you accept?
Why book with Machu Picchu Online
100% local operator
Born and raised in Cusco, we run every tour ourselves.
Fair, direct prices
Real local rates with no reseller markup.
Licensed & certified
MINCETUR-registered, with official professional guides.
Human WhatsApp support
Real people, fast answers, in your language.
