Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley: Full Day Hike with Cusco Pickup

Summary

Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco with option for Red Valley hike and local guide

You’ll start early from Cusco with hotel pickup and breakfast before hiking Rainbow Mountain alongside herds of llamas and alpacas. Your local guide shares stories about Ausangate as you climb toward Vinicunca’s striped slopes—and if you choose, you can continue into the raw beauty of Red Valley. Lunch in Cusipata wraps up a day you’ll probably remember every time you see red dust on your boots.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how cold the steering wheel felt when our driver picked us up in Cusco — it was still dark, like the city hadn’t quite woken up yet. We dozed a bit on the drive south, but I kept peeking out at the silhouettes of mountains getting sharper as dawn crept in. In Cusipata, we stumbled into a tiny dining room for breakfast — warm bread, eggs, and coca tea (which honestly helped more than I expected at that altitude). Our guide, Maribel, checked everyone’s gear and made sure we’d packed enough layers. She joked about how even locals get winded here sometimes.

The start of the Rainbow Mountain trailhead felt almost too quiet except for distant bleats from alpacas. The path was dusty and wide at first — my boots kicked up red powder that stuck to everything. It’s a steady climb, nothing too technical but you feel every step above 4,000 meters. Maribel pointed out Ausangate looming behind us (“the mountain is an Apu — kind of like a guardian,” she said) and explained why people leave little offerings along the way. At one point we passed a group of women in bright skirts herding llamas; they waved but didn’t slow down — probably used to tourists huffing past.

I’ll admit I had to stop more than once just to catch my breath (and pretend I was taking photos). When we finally reached Vinicunca — Rainbow Mountain itself — it didn’t look real at first: stripes of faded pinks, yellows, greens under this wild Andean sky. There were maybe twenty other hikers scattered around but it still felt open and weirdly quiet. If you want to do the Red Valley add-on (I did), you tell your guide before starting out; there’s a small extra fee for entry but no pressure either way. The Red Valley is harsher somehow — all rust-red hills and not much else except wind and silence. I can still picture that color.

Coming back down was easier on the lungs but harder on my knees (should’ve brought better socks). Lunch back in Cusipata tasted better than any buffet has a right to after that much walking — hot soup, rice, something with quinoa I couldn’t pronounce. We got dropped off near Plaza de Armas around late afternoon; sunburned, tired in that good way. Still not sure if it was the altitude or just how strange and beautiful those colors were together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley

• Pick up at hotel at 4:30 AM
• Drive 2 hours to Cusipata
• Enjoy buffet breakfast in Cusipata
• Drive to trailhead at 4,326m
• Hike 2 hours to Rainbow Mountain
• Explore Rainbow Mountain at 5,020m
• Optional hike to Red Valley
• Return hike to trailhead
• Drive back to Cusipata
• Enjoy buffet lunch and rest
• Return to Cusco, arrive around 4:30 PM
• Drop off at main square

Top questions

What time does the Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco start?

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 4:30 AM in central Cusco.

Is breakfast included on the Rainbow Mountain hike?

Yes, a buffet breakfast is included in Cusipata before starting the hike.

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain trek?

The hike is considered moderate but challenging due to high altitude (over 5,000 meters).

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

Yes, visiting Red Valley is optional—just tell your guide before starting; entry fee not included.

Are walking sticks provided during the tour?

Yes, walking sticks are included for all participants.

Is lunch provided after hiking Rainbow Mountain?

A buffet lunch is served in Cusipata after returning from the hike.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, professional guides speak English and Spanish.

Where does the tour end in Cusco?

You’ll be dropped off near Plaza de Armas/main square in central Cusco.

Is oxygen assistance available during the trek?

Oxygen assistance is included if needed during the hike.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from central Cusco, air-conditioned transport to and from Rainbow Mountain, buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, walking sticks for support along the trail, oxygen assistance if needed at altitude, plus guidance throughout by an experienced bilingual local guide before being dropped off near Plaza de Armas late afternoon.