Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night

5.0 (44 reviews) 2 days

out of 5

44 reviews

5.0

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in a more complete and authentic way. This 2-day trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through remote Andean landscapes, colorful mountains, turquoise lakes, glacier views, and peaceful trails with fewer crowds.

You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and connect with local Andean communities along the route. It’s the perfect short adventure for travelers who want stunning scenery, culture, and a real high-Andean trekking experience.

Highlights

Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca
Explore the stunning Red Valley
Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range
Hike near Ausangate, Cusco’s most sacred mountain
See turquoise lakes, glaciers, red valleys, llamas, and alpacas
Enjoy a less-crowded alternative route
Connect with local Andean communities

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Audio guide: English, Spanish
Guide: English, Spanish
Written guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Salkantay Trekking

Ages: Adults (15–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: High-quality camping tents
Included: Pre-departure briefing
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Included: Experienced Mountain Guide
Included: Sleeping bag, Sleeping pillow and Backpack rain cover
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Private transport and transfers during the tour
Included: Muleteer team and pack animals
Included: Trekking poles with rubber tips (pair)
Included: Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
Included: Ausangate trek, Rainbow mountain and red valley entrance fee
Included: Personal hygiene items such as soap and a small towel
Included: Camping Equipment (tents, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tables, and chairs)
Included: Morning tea and daily happy hour
Included: Satellite phone, oxygen supply, and first aid kit available at all times

Not included

Not included: Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 2)
Not included: Clothing and personal hiking equipment
Not included: Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Not included: Gratuities (Optional)

Itinerary

Day 1 · Cusco - Pitumarca - Quesiuno - Puka Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya Pass - Surineqocha

Cusco

2 h 30 min

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a departure from Cusco to Quesiuno, where you’ll enjoy an energizing breakfast before starting your hike.
Pitumarca

3 hours

Trek through scenic Andean valleys with incredible views of the towering Ausangate, surrounded by alpacas and local communities.

You’ll ascend to Abra Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft) before continuing to Anantapata for lunch.
Stop 3

3 hours

In the afternoon, reach the highest point of the day at Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain.
Nevado Ausangate

10 hours

End the day with a descent to your campsite at Surineqocha, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night under the clear Andean sky.

Overnight at Surineqocha Campsite

Day 2 · Surineqocha - Rainbow Mountain, Vinincunca - Red Valley - Llacto - Cusco

Nevado Ausangate

one hour

Start your day early with coca tea and breakfast at camp.
Rainbow Mountain Peru

3 hours Admission included

Then, hike for approximately 2 hours to reach Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ausangate and the surrounding Andes.
Stop 3

1 h 30 min Admission included

Continue toward the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), a unique and less-visited landscape known for its striking red formations and dramatic scenery.
Stop 4

2 hours

Finally, descend to Llacto, where you’ll enjoy lunch before boarding your private transportation
Stop 5

Passing by

Private transportation will take you comfortably to the city of Cusco

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Estancia San Pedro Hotel
Kaaro House Cusco
Hotel Piedmont
Yuyay Apartaments Cusco
New Day Hotel
Sol Andino
Ayenda San Cristobal Premium
Luna De Oro Hotel
Cusco City Lodge
Runa's Inn Cusco
Casona Plaza Hotel Cusco
Anahuarque Hotel Boutique

and 226 more pickup points

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.

The pickup time is between 03:30 and 04:00 am.

Using your ticket

Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. Travelers must be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
It's recommended that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
You will have a briefing session, which will be held in our main office in Cusco at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Our travel specialists will send you a message from +51 974 727 031 via WhatsApp for easy and efficient communication. Contact us now, and let's get started planning your unforgettable adventure!

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required