Overview
Mountain & Red Valley Trek – Overview:
- Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Alqatarwi – Ananta Pata – Surine Cocha
- Day 2: Surine Cocha – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting altitude: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft
- Maximum altitude: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
- Walking Distance: 22 km / 13,6702 miles
Itinerary
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Alqatarwi – Ananta Pata – Surine Cocha
The day begins bright and early with Mountain Gods Peru, with our team ready to pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4 a.m. From there, we embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to the trailhead at Pampa Alcataury.
As we gear up for the trek, our skilled chef prepares a scrumptious breakfast to fuel your adventure. Meanwhile, your guide briefs you on the day’s plan and shares essential safety tips.
Our journey commences from the verdant valley floor, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Ausangate. Along the way, you’ll encounter llama farms and remote Andean villages, immersing yourself in the simple yet captivating lifestyle of the locals.
We tackle a challenging 2-hour uphill climb to reach the first pass of the trek, Puccacocha (4,930 m/16,170 ft). At this vantage point, perched above the azure Puccacocha Lake, you’ll marvel at the majestic Ausangate Mountain and its active glacier cascading into the crystalline waters below.
After soaking in the panoramas, we traverse a gentle 2-hour trail to Anantapata, where a delectable lunch awaits. Prepare to be amazed by the culinary delights our chef conjures in the mountain’s embrace, replenishing your energy for the remainder of the day’s hike.
Following lunch and a brief rest, we press on for another 3-hour trek until we reach the pinnacle of our adventure, warmisaya Pass (5,025 m/16,486 ft). Keep your cameras handy, as this vantage point offers a stunning glimpse of the distant Vinicunca ‘Rainbow’ Mountain.
A brief 40-minute descent leads us to our campsite for the night at Lake Surine Cocha. Here, our dedicated support team will have already set up camp, allowing you to settle in and indulge in a lavish dinner amidst this unique Andean landscape. Nighttime temperatures can drop considerably, so ensure you have adequate layers and a snug sleeping bag. However, the payoff is an unforgettable night sky adorned with constellations and shooting stars, accompanied by steaming cups of cocoa tea or coffee courtesy of our team, ensuring you enjoy a well-deserved rest in your cozy tent.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / snacks
- Starting Altitude: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft
- Highest Altitude: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Surine Cocha – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
You’ll be gently roused from your slumber with a light tap on your tent door, accompanied by a piping hot cup of coca tea or coffee. Fully invigorated by a nourishing breakfast, we embark on our journey towards the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain and the equally captivating Red Valley.
Our day commences with a brief yet invigorating 45-minute climb to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. Here, you’ll have ample time to wander, capture stunning photos of Rainbow Mountain Peru, and bask in the breathtaking scenery, which includes not only Rainbow Mountain but also the imposing Ausangate and other majestic Andean peaks that adorn the landscape.
Next, we venture forth on our hike to the mesmerizing Red Valley. This lesser-known gem promises not only striking beauty but also a serene atmosphere, as it sees fewer visitors. A leisurely 25-minute trail leads us to the Red Valley viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas across the valley that are sure to leave you spellbound.
This valley truly is the cherry on top, with many of our hikers claiming it surpasses even the beauty of Rainbow Mountain! Descending mostly downhill for about 2½ hours from Rainbow Mountain, you’ll reach the end of the trail, where a delightful meal awaits, expertly prepared by our chef. Indulge in refreshing cold drinks, tantalizing appetizers, comforting soup, and a satisfying main course.
Following lunch, we’ll embark on another 2½-hour drive back to Cusco, where we’ll ensure you’re safely dropped off at your hotel around 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / snacks
- Starting Altitude: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
- Highest Altitude: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 3 hours
Inclusions
Includes in the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek:
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in cusco to your Hotel
- Assistant Tour guide for groups of 9+
- Pre-trek Briefing 1 or 2 days before your Rainbow Mountain Tour.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Alcataury
- Return transportation from llaqto to your hotel Cusco.
- A 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping Mattress
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent and portable toilet
- Professional Chef
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Afternoon Snacks and. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Hot water for washing
- Boiled and cold water to refill your water bottles.
- Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- First aid kit.
Does Not Include in the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on Day 2
- Tips for the crew(Guide,Chef, wranglers)
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What you need to take for the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek
- Original Passport
- STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket,pants / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Red Valley & Rainbow Mountain Trek – Prices
Group Service:
- 2 people US$400 per person
- 3 people US$350 per person
- 4+ people US$300 per person
Private Service Price:
- US$480 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$10
- Sleeping Bag US$20
- Single Tent Supplement US$20
Special Additionals:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal ítems (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/15.43 pounds, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
