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Local operator · Cusipata trail

Rainbow Mountain with an optional Red Valley

A straightforward group day from Cusco with breakfast, lunch, a trekking pole and the Rainbow Mountain entry ticket in the booking. Pick it if you want the fee sorted and the freedom to decide on the Red Valley once you see how you feel.

Rainbow Mountain Tour, Optional Red Valley

About this experience

Pickup is around 4:00 am, then about two hours to Cusipata for breakfast and an hour on a dirt road past canyons with views of Ausangate. The Rainbow Mountain entry ticket is already paid, and you get one trekking pole, oxygen and a first-aid kit. You are back in Cusco around 4:30 pm.

The listing describes a 30-minute hike from the trailhead to the summit at 5,020 m. That is a lot shorter than the 1.5 hours or more given by other tours on the Cusipata side, so ask the operator where the van parks and allow more time if you walk slowly. Horses and motorbikes are available at the trailhead if you would rather not walk.

The Red Valley is offered to experienced hikers, and the guide decides the route by the group's pace. Its fee is not covered. The listing also bans drones and large bags, and mentions Wi-Fi you can rent at the parking area for emergencies. Bring cash in soles for snacks, toilets and a horse.

  • Rainbow Mountain entry ticket included
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch in Cusipata
  • Views of Ausangate on the dirt road in
  • Optional Red Valley for experienced hikers
  • Horses and motorbikes available at the trailhead

How the day runs

  1. Around 4:00 amHotel pickup

    The van collects you from your hotel in Cusco.

  2. About 2 hBreakfast in Cusipata

    Breakfast in the village before the mountain road.

  3. About 1 hDirt road to the trailhead

    Past canyons with views of the Ausangate glacier.

  4. About 30 minHike to 5,020 m

    The listing's time from the trailhead to the summit. Horses and motorbikes are on offer.

  5. Free timeStripes and Red Valley

    Photos at the top. Strong hikers can add the Red Valley; the guide sets the route.

  6. Around 4:30 pmLunch and back

    A buffet lunch in Cusipata, then the drive to Cusco.

What's included

Included

  • Bilingual guide, driver and tourist van
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • One trekking pole, first aid and oxygen
  • Rainbow Mountain entry ticket

Not included

  • Snacks, restroom fees and personal expenses (cash in soles)
  • Horse rental, optional, arranged on the day
  • Red Valley fee (optional)

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the entry ticket paid before you go
  • You want to decide on the Red Valley on the day
  • You are fine with a standard group
  • You are under 70 and healthy

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

A highly recommended excursion, with all the facilities to get up to Vinicunca

Laura · Spain
★★★★★

Excellent excursion, very well organized, departure on time!

Marine · France
★★★★★

Our guide David, and our driver were excellent. They took great care of us

Julia · United States

Tips before you book

  • Leave the drone and the big backpack at the hotel: the listing bans both.
  • Bring small notes in soles for toilets, snacks and a horse.
  • Do not plan the Red Valley in advance. See how you feel at the top.
  • The listing's 30-minute walk may be optimistic for you. Ask the guide where you start.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the entry ticket included on this Rainbow Mountain tour?

Yes. The listing includes the Rainbow Mountain entry ticket. The Red Valley fee, horses, toilets and snacks are extra.

How long is the walk?

The listing says 30 minutes from the trailhead to the summit at 5,020 m. Other Cusipata tours give 1.5 hours or more, so confirm where the walk starts and go at your own pace.

Can anyone do the Red Valley?

The listing offers it to experienced hikers, with the guide setting the route by pace. If you are struggling at the top, skip it.

What time is pickup?

Around 4:00 am from your hotel, with the return to Cusco around 4:30 pm.

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Book Tour with optional Red Valley

A straightforward group day with breakfast, lunch, a trekking pole and the entrance fee in the booking.

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A straightforward group day with breakfast, lunch, a trekking pole and the entrance fee in the booking.

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