Local operator · Fulawasipata trailhead, Cusipata side
The same Cusipata side of the mountain as the classic day, in a group capped at 15 with the entrance fee already paid. Pick it if you want a guide who keeps an eye on everyone's pace and one less thing to pay in cash.
The listing caps the group at 15 and puts the Rainbow Mountain entrance in the booking, which are the two reasons to pick this over the classic day trip. Pickup is early, between 3:00 and 3:30 am, from one of a long list of hotel points in Cusco. After about 1.5 hours on the bus you stop for breakfast, then ride about 75 minutes more to the Fulawasipata trailhead.
The guided ascent takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Guests describe guides who walk at the back, check on people and keep the group together, which is what you want at 5,000 m. On the way down you can take the Red Valley loop, about one extra hour, with its own fee paid in cash. The descent takes about an hour, and lunch is a buffet in Cusipata.
It is still a long, cold, high day. The listing excludes children under 10 and adults over 65, and it recommends two days in Cusco before you go. Bring your passport or ID too: it is on the packing list. The drop-off is in front of Qorikancha on Avenida El Sol, around 3:00 to 3:30 pm, earlier than most.
The bus collects you from one of the listed pickup points around Cusco.
Breakfast on the road, then about 75 minutes more to the Fulawasipata trailhead.
The climb to the viewpoint, at the group's pace. Saddle horses are for rent if you need one.
A loop past the rust-red ridge next door, with its own cash fee. Skip it if you are tired.
Back down to the bus and on to a buffet lunch in Cusipata.
Drop-off on Avenida El Sol in front of Qorikancha.
★★★★★The entire excursion was very well organized, and everything went smoothly throughout the day.
★★★★★Carlos made sure that we were all at pace and in good condition while trekking.
★★★★★Alex was an excellent guide, we got all the information in advance and he took very good care of us.
Read next:
Yes, the Rainbow Mountain entrance is in the booking. The optional Red Valley entrance and any horse are paid separately in cash.
The listing caps it at 15 people.
The listing excludes children under 10 and adults over 65, along with pregnant travellers and anyone with heart problems or mobility impairments.
The listing gives a drop-off on Avenida El Sol in front of Qorikancha at about 3:00 to 3:30 pm.
Ready to book
A group capped at 15, the entrance fee already paid and a guide who keeps the pace steady. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day TripThe classic day from Cusco: breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, about 1.5 hours up on foot, Red Valley optional.★ 4.8 · 12 hours
Rainbow Mountain Tour, Optional Red ValleyA straightforward group day with the entry ticket in the booking and the Red Valley as an option for strong hikers.★ 4.7 · 12 hours
Full-Day Tour via PitumarcaTen people at most, the Pitumarca road, the entry fee and drinks included, and a WhatsApp briefing the day before.★ 4.4 · 13 hours