Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Early Hike with Meals

Summary

Early morning trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with Red Valley hike and local meals

You’ll start before sunrise from Cusco, sharing coca tea with your group as you head toward Rainbow Mountain for crowd-free views and crisp mountain air. Guided by locals who know every turn, you’ll taste Andean breakfast flavors, pass grazing llamas on muddy trails, and push yourself just enough to reach both Vinicunca’s wild colors and the silence of Red Valley before returning for a hearty lunch.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ve got coca tea for the road,” was the first thing Wilmer, our guide, said as we climbed into the van at 3:15 a.m. in Cusco. It was pitch black and honestly, I questioned my life choices—who signs up for a day trip to Rainbow Mountain before sunrise? But there’s something about being bundled up in the dark with strangers who are also half-awake that makes you feel like you’re all in on some secret. The drive out to Cusipata was quiet except for Wilmer’s stories about growing up near Ausangate. He pointed out constellations through the window, saying locals still use them to predict weather. I remember my hands wrapped around a mug of steaming tea at our breakfast stop—simple eggs, bread, and that salty Andean cheese. I could smell wood smoke from someone’s stove outside. It felt grounding.

The actual hike started after another hour’s drive, right where the llamas were just starting to graze. I’d read a lot about Rainbow Mountain but didn’t expect how thin the air would feel—Wilmer kept checking on us, handing out candies for energy and reminding us to go slow. The path was muddy in spots (it had rained last night) and my boots squelched every few steps. At one point, an old woman passed us leading two alpacas with colored tassels; she grinned when I tried to say “good morning” in Quechua—probably butchered it. When we finally reached Vinicunca, it was still quiet except for wind and a couple of other hikers far off. The colors looked unreal but not fake—more like someone had dragged pastels across rough paper.

I almost skipped Red Valley because my legs were jelly already, but Wilmer nudged me: “You came all this way.” So yeah, we went on—the valley really does look like Mars or somewhere else entirely. There was this moment when everyone just stopped talking; even Wilmer got quiet. I think he knew we needed it. The silence felt thick somehow—not empty but full of something big and old. Coming down was easier (thank god), and by lunch back in Cusipata—a buffet with quinoa soup and chicken stew—I realized how hungry I’d gotten without noticing.

I still think about that view over Red Valley sometimes when I’m back home stuck in traffic or scrolling through photos late at night. It wasn’t perfect—my legs hurt for days—but it felt real in a way travel sometimes doesn’t.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Early hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley

• Hotel pickup in Cusco at 3:00 a.m.
• Drive 1.5 hours to Cusipata
• Enjoy traditional Andean breakfast
• Drive 1 hour to Hanchipata–Llama Chimpana trailhead
• Hike 1 hour 45 minutes to Rainbow Mountain summit
• Optional 1 hour hike to Red Valley
• Descend 1 hour to trailhead
• Buffet lunch in Cusipata
• Drive back to Cusco, arrive around 3:30 p.m.
• Drop off at Avenida El Sol near Qorikancha temple

Top questions

What time does the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley tour from Cusco start?

Hotel pickup is between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., so you set off before sunrise.

Is breakfast included on this day trip to Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, there’s a traditional Andean breakfast served in Cusipata before hiking begins.

How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The ascent takes about 1 hour 45 minutes at high altitude; guides provide oxygen support if needed.

Can I visit both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley on this tour?

Yes, after reaching Vinicunca you can choose to continue hiking about an hour to Red Valley.

What meals are included during the tour?

You get both breakfast in Cusipata before hiking and a buffet lunch after returning from the mountain.

Are entrance fees included for Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley?

Yes, entrance fees for Vinicunca & Cusipata are included—no extra charges later.

Where does the tour end in Cusco?

You’re dropped off at Avenida El Sol, right in front of Qorikancha temple around 4:30 p.m.

Is transportation provided throughout the trip?

Private comfortable transport is provided from hotel pickup until drop-off back in Cusco.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cusco well before dawn, all entry fees for both Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and Red Valley covered upfront (no surprises), plus an early Andean breakfast to fuel your hike and a generous buffet lunch after walking back down—all alongside an experienced bilingual local guide equipped with oxygen tanks and safety gear for peace of mind throughout your journey.