The Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley Full day

1 day
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Duration1 Day
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelModerate

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca + Red Valley

Enjoy the natural colors of the rarely visited Rainbow Mountain, located in one of the mountain ranges of Peru that has the highest concentration of snow-capped peaks and near the highest peak in southern Peru, the Ausangate (6,377 meters) in the mountain ranges of Vilcanota. This creates beautiful high-Andean landscapes with extensive snow-capped mountains and beautiful lagoons. We will travel through some isolated communities, where you can interact with the locals that still keep alive the culture that are mostly alpaca breeders, which will make this tour a unique experience. You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes, all within an incredibly colorful mountain range.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Rainbow Mountain

By car to K'ayrawiri and Hike to Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca

We pick you up in your hotel around 3:30 to 4:00 a.m.

then we’ll travel 02 and ½ hours on a bus to Pitumarca, where you’ll have a delicious breakfast. After we continue to K’ayrawiri (4326 m/14192 . ft), this is the trailhead where we start the hiking.

First we walk 2 and a 1/2 to three hours until you will find a beautiful landscape, big mountains, and local people with their typical clothes making their daily lives. You will find big groups of alpacasllamas, and sometimes wild Vicuñas, as well as small lagoons created by the thaws of the glaciers. Once you arrive at the summit (5020 m/16469 ft.), you will have free time to rest and to take your pictures.

Then, we start to go back by a different way, the “Red Valley." We call it that for the red color of the mountain soil; they look pretty nice. This will be another three-hour walk downhill to arrive again in Japura, where you will have a comforting lunch, and then we will bring you back to Cusco again (arrival around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.).

red valley full day

What's Included?

    • Information from your guide the night before your departure.
    • Pick up from your hotel on your departure.
    • Private transportation with a nice views to Quesiuno ( trail head )
    • The first breakfast on the way
    • Box lunch and snacks
    • English speaking tour guide.
    • Horse men and their assistants.
    • Two emergency horses in case you get tired or you want to try to ride.
    • Entrance fee to access to the mountain area
    • Lunch in Pitumarca
    • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
    • Vegetarian/special diet options available
    • Some help for the local people and the kids.
    • Private transportation to back to Cusco
    • Taxes included

What's not Included?

    • Walking sticks
    • Water: please bring 2 liters per person
    • Voluntary Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide (Every DESTINY PERU staff receive a fair and decent payment immediately after they end the trip. Tips are optional but of great appreciation for them – according to your wish)
    • Additional Personal horse for riding 30.00 USD

Additional Services

    • Horseback available upon request – $30usd
    • BIKING to return in red valley

What to Bring?

  • Good day back pack.
  • Copy of your passport.
  • Good hiking gear like hiking boots, Scarf, Polar or thermal clothing , gloves, hat warm fleece and Wool socks.
  • Waterproof pants and Warm jacket
  • Long sleeved shirts and sweater
  • rain poncho
  • Sun hat
  • Sun protection cream
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Walking sticks.
  • EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.

PRICES


Important information

OPTIONAL

Little presents for kids of communities along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Availability

BE SURE NOT TO MISS THIS INCREDIBLE TREK! Permits are sold out 6 months in advance or more
Inca Trail tickets to Machu Picchu 2025

Classic INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU 2025

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Certifications

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Official Agency - Tour Operator

We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.

Recommended by

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Travel Associations

Sernamp & INKATRAIL
Mincetur & INKATRAIL
Turismo responsable & INKATRAIL
Safe Travels & INKATRAIL
Gercetur & INKATRAIL
Official Agency & Official Tour Operator