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Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley Trek


2 Days & 1 Nights | Starting From: $ 400.00 per person

Quesiuno - Anantapata - Warmisaya - Surineqocha - Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca - Red Valley
Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley Trek

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley Trek

2 Days & 1 Nights

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Activity Type
Hiking, Camping & Nature
Max Altitude
5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Activity Level
Active / Moderate to challenging
Group Size
Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek – 2 Days, Best Option!

Hike to the Wonderful Mountain of Colors and Red Mars-like Landscape

Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days – Discover and enjoy Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley on this short 2-day guided trek from Cusco. Our Rainbow Mountain 2 day trek is designed to beat the crowds to the incredibly colorful Vinicunca or amazing Rainbow Mountain, and walk through the surreal Red Valley into the Peruvian Andes. Besides, the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour offer you a great experience of the gorgeous Andean landscape at its most pristine over 2 days, with incredible views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,372m/20,900ft) and other snowy peaks; and is perfect for those travelers who don’t like to walk with a lot of people.

This 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Trek in Peru will leave you with an unforgettable experience, as you are lead to the most beautiful natural formations on earth into the Peruvian Andes by our local guide, along with its amazing landscape, local villages, glacier lagoons, bunch of alpacas & llamas, and the snow-capped mountains that surround this place make the adventure unique and exciting.

Get ready to discover the geological formation of Rainbow Mountain that is a pure natural beauty, and the Red Valley by taking our Rainbow Mountain Hike 2 days and 1 night, and witness unimaginable scenes. During this trip, ​you’ll learn about local culture, geology, Inca history, flora, and fauna from your expert local guide.

Trip Details For Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek

  • Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, camping and off the beaten path trek through one of the gorgeous Andean landscapes at its most pristine, with time to explore Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
  • Physical Grading: ★★★★☆ Moderate to challenging, lengthy, high-altitude trek designed for travelers who have some experience in hiking – Hikers should be reasonably fit and healthy, and prepared for multiple hours of hiking adventure
  • Group Sizes: Our Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour 2 Days is organized in small groups, minimum 02 and a maximum of 08 persons. we provide you personalized service. Prices are per person small groups are based on two people who might share a room/tent. The itinerary is described and based on shared services. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips for couple travelers, friend travelers, and family groups, or even if you’re a SOLO traveler, you are welcome to our adventure..
  • Reservations: We recommend booking 3-4 months prior to ensure availability. If your dates are flexible we can take reservations on short notice, however our treks tend to book out as we keep our group sizes very small.

What's it like

Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek Highlights

  • Hike through absolutely stunning landscape in the middle of the Andes mountain range, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, incredible valleys, herds of alpacas and llamas, and pristine beauty everywhere you look
  • Visit the incredible Rainbow Mountain, also known locally as Vinicunca (its Quechua name) or the montaña de siete colores (seven-colored mountain), which’s on so many traveler’s bucket list. Go early in the morning to enjoy the site with little to no other tourist
  • Sleeping relatively close to Rainbow Mountain in a comfortable tent also avoids the need for a painfully early departure time pre-sunrise from Cusco as a day trip
  • Get some incredible views of Ausangate Mountain, which is the highest and most powerful mountain in the entire Cusco region
  • Enjoy entrance to the Rainbow Mountain through a way lesser-known side and be the first in arriving this place, and venture to the rarely-visited Red Valley that looks like to surface of Mars
  • Spend the night under the Andean sky and enjoy an amazing night amongst some of the brightest stars you will ever see and the stunning milky way so colorful it will leave you stunned.

Itinerary At a Glance

  • DAY
    1
    Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Pampa Alcataury – Anantapata – Surine Qocha

    This morning, trek through one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world, and take in beautiful mountain views including Ausangate Mountain in a distance as well as wildlife in its natural habitat. See Rainbow Mountain for the first time this afternoon and spend the night by Surineqocha Lagoon.

  • DAY
    2
    Surine Qocha – Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – Red Valley – Cusco

    Make your way to Rainbow Mountain this morning, following little-trodden trails and visit the amazing Vinicunca before most of the crowds descend on the peak. Then, enjoy incredible views onto the Red Valley. After, make your way down for lunch and then board our private transport to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

    Considerations for our 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Trek

    As you embark on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour, make sure you are fully prepared. Our treks are challenging and very rewarding at the same time. Hikers should be reasonably fit and healthy. Remember you are trekking at a high elevation (above 14,000ft) and you should be rested up to start this journey. We highly recommend spending at least two to three days in Cusco or similar elevation to acclimatize, and drink plenty of water the days prior to the hike. Please consult your doctor for proper advice on trekking in high altitude.

Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing: Our tour guide will provide you a thorough briefing at your accommodation in Cusco at 5:00 pm, the night before your Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek, and you can take this opportunity to ask final questions about the trek, your crew, or the areas we’ll be visiting, and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Pampa Alcataury – Anantapata – Surine Qocha

Our Rainbow Mountain 2 day trek in Peru will start very early in the morning with a pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4 am. Then, we head in our private transport to drive towards the Southern Valley in the direction of Puno. We will drive on an asphalt road across the altiplano and through the fertile Vilcanota Valley until the picturesque village of Checacupe.

After about 2 hours of driving, we will turn off for about 1-1.5 hours onto an unpaved road, where we’ll pass the quaint Andean town of Pitumarca, traveling through some lovely picturesque valleys and canyons until the starting point of the walk. In addition, while traveling we’ll observe some interesting rock formations, the herds of llamas and alpacas, and the occasional shepherd or local people moving about their daily activities throughout the Pitumarca Valley.

Once we reach to the trailhead of our Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek (Pampa Alcataury), you will have time to pack up your gear and make the final preparations before starting. Our chef will be preparing the delicious and nutritious breakfast to give you all the energy you need for the trek ahead. Before starting the walk, your tour guide will go over the itinerary for the day along with any safety tips to ensure you are fully prepared for the next couple days.

We’ll start this impressive and little-known walk in a green valley and in the middle of the Andean mountains with magnificent views from where you can appreciate the magnificent Ausangate mountain, towering high above. Along the way, you’ll see hundreds of alpacas and llamas, local farmers, the beautiful Andes Mountains, and discover the deep connection with nature that characterizes the Andean culture.

As we continue making our way on the trail, we will get to the first pass known as Pucacocha (4950 m/ 16, 240ft). Here, we’ll enjoy incredible views of the valley and an impressive panorama of the Andes Mountains. In addition, we’ll enjoy the spectacular views of the Pucca Qocha Lake and the majestic Ausangate Mountain right in front of you. You’ll also see how the waters of the lagoon originate in the snows of this sacred glacier. Without a doubt, it’s a show that will awaken all your senses. Don’t forget to charge your camera!

After some photos and short break at the Pucacocha Pass, we then descent for about 2 hours to Anantapata (4,750m / 15,583ft) where we will stop for lunch. Following lunch, we’ll ascend for 1.30 hours until we reach the highest point of the route called Warmisaya Pass (5020m / 16,469 ft). From this point, we will have a splendid view of the Apu Ausangate again and the spectacular colours of the Rainbow Mountain in the distance. A view that seems to have been taken from a dream!

After enjoying the views at the pass, we’ll start walking down for 45 minutes to our camp located next to the Surine Qocha Lagoon. Upon your arrival, our staff will greet you and show you their tents so you can rest and relax. Later, you’ll enjoy happy hour and dinner before a well-deserved night of rest. — As this is a high altitude campsite, it is important that you’ve had at least 2-3 days of acclimatization at altitude before starting this hike. It can also get very chilly, so we recommend layers of warm clothing and a -15˚C (5˚F) sleeping bag!

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
  • Lowest Elevation: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft.
  • Highest Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft.
  • Total Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
  • Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2: Surine Qocha – Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – Red Valley – Cusco

Today is the most awaited day, as we’ll soon discover the beautiful Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley! Our trekking team will wake you up very early with a hot coca leaf tea delivered in your tent. Then you’ll pack up your belongings and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll ascent for about 45-1 hours to the viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain. You’ll have time to explore on your own and dive into mind-blowing views not only of the Rainbow Mountain itself, but also of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate and the other snowy peaks and Andes Mountains that dominate the area. It’s a truly fantastic place that you’ll be able to enjoy before the crowds of tourists arrive. The advantage of our Rainbow Mountain 2 day trek is, we’ll arrive earlier than other companies so you get the 7-Color Mountain or Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain all to yourself!

After some time to rest and take photos of the amazing Vinicunca, with its colorful layers of rock sediment: turquoise, orange, brown, and red. In addition to enjoying the gem of the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley. As mentioned, this is a lesser known, lesser travelled area and you will be amazed not only by the beauty, but also by the tranquility. It only takes 30 minutes of walking to reach the Red Valley lookout point from where we will have views right across the valley.

Finally, we’ll make a 3-3.5 hours descent between ancient Andean communities and herds of llamas. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some vicuñas, a beautiful non-domesticated animal that has coexisted with the inhabitants of Peru since pre-Inca times. Along the way, there will be plenty of beautiful scenery to feast our eyes.

After the delicious final lunch, we’ll say goodbye to our local crew, and then head back to Cusco in our private transport. After Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek, we’ll drop you off to the doors of your hotel in the city of Cusco. We should arrive back in Cusco at approximately 4-5 pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
  • Lowest Elevation: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
  • Distance to walk: 14 km / 8.6 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Important Note: This Rainbow Mountain 2 Day Trek itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. At Peru Spirit Adventure, we will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

What’s Included For Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days?

  • Pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Cusco the night before the trek to go over the itinerary and answer any questions
  • English speaking professional guide
  • Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the first day
  • Private transport to the starting point of the trek
  • High quality camping equipment in DOITE -KAILAS 3 (High mountain tents, comfortable and spacious created for 03 people, which are used only by 02 people.
  • Extra-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
  • Duffle bags for your personal stuff up to 8kg/17.6lbs
  • Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and stools
  • Two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner and snacks on the trail both days
  • Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
  • Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
  • Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)
  • Horse to transport 8 kg of your personal gear
  • Boiled/purified water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
  • First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
  • Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco

What Is Not Included?

  • Flights
  • Hotel before/after the trek
  • Dinner on the last day
  • Sleeping bags
  • Trekking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
  • Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
  • Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)

What to Bring for Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek 2 Days

This is a particularly cold trek due to the high altitude and proximity to glaciers, and the nighttime temperature can reach as low as -15°C (5°F). You must make sure you bring enough warm layers with you!

We particularly recommend you to Bring:

  • A warm fleece or down jacket
  • Zip-off hiking trousers combined with thermal leggings for extra warmth
  • A waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Sturdy, well worn-in, water-resistant trekking boots or hiking shoes, preferable with ankle support; and, Extra socks!
  • Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag, suitable for – 5°C

During the Rainbow Mountain hike, your personal belongings will be carried by mules or horses which may be very far ahead of you on the trail. Therefore, don’t forget to bring a daypack as well in which to carry essentials that you’ll need with you on the trail (see below, what do I need to carry on the trail?)

  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, factor 35+ recommended
  • Headlamp or torch
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
  • Water & Snacks
  • Camera with spare batteries – batteries run down faster at high altitudes

Optional Extras & Upgrades

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process: Please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

  • Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it
  • Sleeping Bag suitable for – 5°C
  • Walking steak (two sticks are recommended for tough hikes)
  • Thermarest inflatable mattress

Price of the “Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley Trek”

SMALL GROUP SERVICE PRICE

The “Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek in Peru” can leave any day of the week, from May through October. It is the best time of year to plan your 2 day Rainbow Mountain hike. We don’t run this trek, between November through April because rainy season. Sustained, heavy rains can make the trail unsafe.

  • US$ 400.00 per person (personal pack horse included)

***This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag, in which you can put your things.

We need a minimum of 2 people to run the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour 2 Days. We guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people. The itinerary is described and based on shared services. Prices are per person in USD.

If you want to book a private trek, that would be upon request. We can customize this private trek just for you and your party, and you can leave any day that is suited for you!

Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

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Why Peru Spirit Adventures!

Peru Spirit Adventure is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, in the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire! Peru Spirit Adventure was founded by a Peruvian with over many years of guiding experience, and is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

We are an agency with a great spirit of adventure and passionate about travel, dedicated to offer the best tourist services, to take you to discover the vast riches, natural and archaeological of each corner of the country.

We provide high quality service as well as focusing on having small groups to enhance the travel experience and customize any tour or trek to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. This is what makes us stand out from other tour operators.

We create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. Our guides in Peru are hand selected by the owners of Peru Spirit Adventure. All guides for our tours and treks are native to Peru and speak fluent English to ensure excellent communication and a positive experience overall.

We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Peru Spirit Adventure is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded from Trip Advisor the Certificate of Excellence for the last three years. Please check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself!

We are direct operators of all the tours and treks we offer, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours to Peruvian Andes. Please email us to customize your trip in Peru.

Our tours & treks are operated in private service with a mínimum of 2 people to confirm the departure – Max 8 / Average 4 guests, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention.

We are a responsible and sustainable tour operator – Our mission is to provide exceptional tours, treks, and adventure trips. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are proud of our team without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clie

Our Promise

Personalized

Your personal travel advisor will build a tailored itinerary.

Private Tours

Experience all tours in private, unless otherwise indicated.

Local Knowledge

Knowledgeable, professional and passionate staff and guides.

In trip support

24/7 emergency assistance from English speaking staff.


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