Vinicunca Mountain & Red Valley

2 Days / 1 Night

The red valley in Cusco & the rainbow mountain tour

We offer a 2-day program to Vinicunca, the amazing Red Valley and the Rainbow Mountain. On the first day, we travel from Cusco enjoying stops in places such as the village of Pitumarca and the archaeological site of Machupitumarca. That night we sleep under the stars. An early morning start as we enjoy the day exploring the impressive scenery and learn about local culture.

For many years,the Rainbow Mountain was covered by snow and ice.It was only due to global warming and the melting of snow that it recently got discovered and became a dream destination for travellers. Once a relatively unknown trek near Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most famous trails around Cusco. Join an environmentally friendly local company as you experience the magic and beauty of this trail, while also ensuring it remains magnificent. While many companies do this trek in just one grueling day, you will be given the chance to take it slow and truly enjoy the experience. Discover why it’s called Rainbow Mountain as you marvel at its incredible colors, only found in one other mountain in the world in China. This challenging yet rewarding hike is completely unique and will leave you in awe of Mother Nature and with an appreciation for local life in the Andes.

2 Days / 1 Night

Price from 300 USD$ per person

DISTANCE

15 km / 9,32 miles

MAX ALTITUDE

5,020 m / 16,469 ft

PHISICAL LEVEL

Moderate

GROUP SIZE

Up to 12

Overview

Mountain & Red Valley Trek – Overview:

Day 1: Cusco – Pikillaqta-Checacupe-Pitumarca-Machu Pitumarca Ruins-Qairahuiri
Day 2: Qairahuiri-Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain-Red Valley-Cusco

Useful Information

Starting altitude: 4,5000 m / 14,763 ft
Maximum altitude: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9,32 miles

Itinerary

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek – Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Pikillaqta – Checacupe – Pitumarca – Machupitumarca Ruins – Qairahuiri

At 7:00am we will collect you from your hotel in Cusco by a private vehicle, then we will drive south on the main road to Puno, turning off at the attractive small town of Checacupe with its beautiful bridges and continuing to Pitumarca. After a welcome glass of corn chicha in the main square of this indigenous town, we will visit the ruins of Machupitumarca. This impressive pre-Inca archaeological site is well looked after and has undergone considerable restoration but so far it remains off the tourist track and is a place of tranquility, interest and beauty. Like many of the sites it is positioned above the modern town and is surrounded by stunning mountains and agricultural fields. After the visit, our lunch will be served in a pleasant spot with beautiful views.

We will continue from Machupitumarca along a smooth, unpaved road with dramatic rock formations towering above, dropping into deep canyons. At the end of the road, at (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), the tents will be set up for the night as the sun sets behind the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, with just herds of alpacas and llamas to keep you company. After a delicious, hot dinner it will be time to drop into our tents.

Day 2: Qairahuiri – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Today at 05:00am wake-up call to find the ground and even the inside of the tent frozen! This will be a good incentive to get dressed quickly and tuck into a hearty, cooked breakfast. The sun comes up at around 6am and it will be time to start the “2½ hours” uphill walk to the Rainbow Mountain. The slope will be gradual on firm ground through pastures, passing small settlements and herds of alpacas. Accompanied by our guide who greets the locals in Quechua and tells us stories about the area, it will be a spectacular walk with views of Ausangate and the other snow peaks.The walking will be not hard but many people will find the altitude challenging as they reach over 5,020 meters /16,469 feet.

Nothing can prepare us for the spectacular sight of Vinicunca with its beautiful colours spreading across the horizon. At 5,100 meters /16,732 feet. We will have a 360 degrees view of the Ausangate snow-caps on one side and the multi-coloured Vinicunca on the other side it is pure magic! After the amazing view of the landscapes on the top we are going to down to the Red Valley Where you can see large and spectacular red mountains and also many llamas and alpacas and you will be amazed by nature, then we take a 3 hour descent approx to Japura community where we are going to have our delicious lunch before our bus journey back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 6:00pm.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / snacks
Starting Altitude: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
Highest Altitude: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
Walking Distance: Uphill: 3.5 km / 2.17 miles
Walking Distance Downhill: 11.5 km / 7,14 miles
Approximate walking time: 2½ hours up; 3 to 4 hours down

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 Qairahuiri
Return transportation from Japura 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.

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Additional Details

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What Our Clients say in TripAdvisor

Jillian E

2023-10-18

Incredible Experience! I can’t recommend Mountain Gods enough! This team took such great care of our group and gave us the best trip. They included so many special excursions along the Salkantay Trail and to Rainbow Mountain, each day was packed with so many beautiful views, fun learning experiences, and the most incredible food. Visiting Machu Picchu was a highlight, made so much more special with Ronnie’s expertise and storytelling. Thank you so much to Ronnie, Sara, and Elizabeth for an unforgettable trip! I would chose Mountain Gods Peru again in a heartbeat if I'm lucky enough to make another trip to Peru.

Amanda C

2023-10-12

Look no further!!! I was absolutely blown away by my experience with Mountain Gods Peru! Ronnie, Elizabeth, and the team are top notch. They were excellent guides and shared extensive knowledge about Incan culture and history. The food was amazing and the crew always made sure we were comfortable. They handled all the logistics which made this trip so enjoyable. We did the Salkantay Trek but I am already thinking about my next trip back. I cannot recommend them enough. Look no further and book with Mountain Gods Peru!!

Veronica B

2023-10-08

Mountain Gods Peru is the best there is! I have enjoyed multiple trips to Peru and each journey is made so much better because of the team at Mountain Gods Peru. There is no better tour company! They always go above and beyond and they make me feel like part of the family.

Chelsey C

2023-09-23

The Whole Crew Is Family I honestly can’t say enough good things about Ronnie, Elizabeth, and the rest of the crew. They are the kindest, most nurturing people I know. Not only do they take great care of you, they are also a font of knowledge about Peru, it’s history, and it’s culture. I can’t recommend them enough!

Rajalakshmi M

2023-09-23

Beautiful Experience Thank you post - To the amazing team from @mountaingods who made the Ausangate trek via Sibinacocha to Rainbow Mountains possible. Trek lead - Ronnie - you told us stories andorganized an amazing trek, we got the best of the support staff and beautiful campsites and good gear. Adjusted the campsites everyday such that the climbs happened in the morning when I was my fittest. Trusting me to complete the trek even after when I was just on fluids for a whole day.. The food was awesome and sumptuous - with Peruvians heritage even though we are vegetarians.Sadly -lcould not do justice to it. Thank you and sorry - Caramello - wish we could exchange more than the 3to 4 Spanish phrases. Hernandez brothers alwaysensured we were well taken care of. Mountains Gods Peru - You gave us an unforgettable 7 days.

April M

2023-09-19

Amazing Guide Service Salkantay Trail and Rainbow Mountain I completed the Salkantay Trail and Rainbow Mountain trek with Mountain Gods Peru and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this guide service. Ronald is a wealth of knowledge and made me feel safe and comfortable during the entire trek. It was physically and mentally challenging and Ronald and his team were there every step of the way to encourage me to continue. Excellent service and the food was AMAZING!

Michelle B

2023-09-17

Mountain Gods Peru-The Best I’ve been to the top of Kilimanjaro and to Everest Base camp and this was the best of all. We did Salkantay pass to Machu Picchu and added on a hike to Rainbow mountains. Ronnie and Sylvia were awesome. Ronnie has so much knowledgable, I learned so much about the flora and fauna of Peru. I definitely have to give a shout out to Sylvia. She was always there with a smile and words of encouragement and of course to take the perfect picture. Their food was so good, which is needed at higher elevations because it can be hard to find an appetite. Presentation rivals fine restaurants. It was amazing what the cooks did on the trail. What separates Mountain Gods Peru from other tours I’ve taken-hot water bottles on cold nights. Totally unexpected but much appreciated. Also, sleeping bag liners and camp pillows. I was shocked at these comforts. It was the first I had heard of a company having these niceties. I can’t express how much I appreciated this. Also, the tents were top notch and in great shape. Extra tarps were in place to keep us dry. They thought of everything. Highly recommend Mountain Gods Peru

Kristie C

2023-09-06

Beyond expectations! Love the experience I had with the tour guide Ronny and his team. They are extremely accommodating and caring. One of the most beautiful and cultural experiences I’ve ever had. I recommend them to all my friends and family who have asked about my trip.

Rkaur

2023-08-19

A Trekking Adventure Beyond Compare with Mountain Gods Peru! I recently embarked on the journey of a lifetime with Mountain Gods Peru, undertaking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and I am still buzzing with excitement as I sit down to write this review. From start to finish, my experience with Mountain Gods Peru was nothing short of exceptional, and I am thrilled to share my adventure with fellow travellers seeking an unforgettable journey. The pre-trip information provided was comprehensive and left no room for uncertainty. I was thoroughly prepared and knew exactly what to expect, thanks to their detailed itinerary and packing recommendations. The trek itself was a symphony of breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and cultural encounters that I will treasure forever. Our knowledgeable guide, dear Ronnie, whose passion for the region's history and natural beauty was infectious, enhanced the entire experience. His expertise ensured that not only did we reach Machu Picchu, but we did so while appreciating every step of the journey. The Salkantay Trek is not for the faint of heart, but with the support of Mountain Gods Peru's skilled team, I felt confident and invigorated throughout. The accommodations provided along the trek was surprisingly comfortable given the remote locations. Campsites with stunning vistas, each overnight stay felt like a reward after a day of rewarding exertion. The meals, prepared by the team's talented chef, Carmelo were a delightful surprise. Despite the challenging conditions, we were treated to delicious, nourishing meals that showcased local ingredients and flavors. Safety was paramount throughout the journey and the emergency horse's presence was reasuring. The team demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. They encouraged sustainable practices and ensured that we left no trace behind, preserving the beauty of the Andean landscapes for generations to come. But beyond the logistics and accommodations, what truly set Mountain Gods Peru apart was their genuine care for their clients. They fostered a sense of camaraderie among our trekking group, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that made the challenges feel surmountable and the triumphs even sweeter. It's rare to find a company that combines professionalism with such a personal touch, and for that, I am immensely grateful. My Salkantay Trek with Mountain Gods Peru was an absolute triumph. The memories I made, the friendships I forged, and the sheer sense of accomplishment I felt upon reaching Machu Picchu are immeasurable. If you're seeking an adventure that marries stunning landscapes with unparalleled service, look no further than Mountain Gods Peru. They turned my dream of trekking to Machu Picchu into an extraordinary reality, and I can't recommend them enough. Thank you, Mountain Gods Peru, for an adventure of a lifetime!

bal m

2023-08-17

Incredible tour, amazing guide and team. Would do it again in a heartbeat! An incredible experience! Ronnie is an amazing guide with so much knowledge and passion for the mountains. His attention to detail and humour carried me and the group through the toughest bits and also made the entire trip so enjoyable. Ronnie and his team do a superb job at looking after everyone and spend time individually with each person to share knowledge and enrich the experience! I can’t recommend enough. Perfectly paced and designed trip giving you a rounded expertise of the culture and beauty of the mountains!

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Vinicunca Mountain & Red Valley

The red valley in Cusco & the rainbow mountain tour