Cusco’s Most Spectacular Route
5.0 on Google (13) · 132 reviews on TripadvisorThe Red Valley lies just behind Rainbow Mountain: from the Vinicunca viewpoint, instead of going back the same way, you cross a pass and descend a slope where all the earth is an intense red from iron oxide, without a single stripe of another colour. It is a far wider landscape than Vinicunca, almost empty of people, and it is walked downhill. This tour combines both in a loop that avoids repeating the trail.
Departure from Cusco at 3:30, breakfast in Cusipata and an hour-and-a-half to two-hour hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, 5,200 metres. After the photos we continue about 30 minutes along the ridge to the upper Red Valley viewpoint and descend through it for an hour to a second point where the vehicle waits. Lunch in Cusipata and back in Cusco mid-afternoon. In total, three and a half to four hours of walking, with more descent than climb.
For anyone who wants Rainbow Mountain without retracing their steps and with an extra hour of scenery. The demand is the same altitude as Vinicunca plus an hour of walking, almost all downhill. Not for your first day in Cusco: allow two or three. If on the day someone reaches the Vinicunca viewpoint tired, the guide can split the group and take part of it down the short way: on a private tour that is decided on the spot.
| Rainbow Mountain | Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Hike | 1 h 30 – 2 h uphill and back on the same trail | 3 h 30 – 4 h on a loop, no repeated trail |
| Highest point | 5,200 m (17,060 ft) | 5,200 m (17,060 ft) |
| Community fees | One | Two |
| Crowds | Many at the viewpoint | Many at the viewpoint; almost nobody in the Red Valley |
| Private price | From 89 USD | From 95 USD |
What the Red Valley adds is an hour of almost empty scenery, downhill. If it is your first time and you are short on acclimatisation, Vinicunca alone is enough. Everything about the mountain is in the Rainbow Mountain guide.
If you have already done this route, the least known rainbow mountain in the region is Pallay Punchu, in the province of Canas.
April to October, with the clearest skies from May to September. From December to March it can snow at the summit and cover part of the stripes; the Red Valley, however, stays just as red.
There are two community fees, one at Vinicunca and one at the Red Valley, paid in cash and not included. Bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, two litres of water and poles if you use them; they are included. How to prepare for the altitude is in the acclimatisation guide.
Click each segment to see the detailed itinerary.
Pickup at 3:30 in the morning and a three-hour drive south. Breakfast in Cusipata before climbing to the trailhead.
An hour and a half to two hours of hiking to the Vinicunca viewpoint, 5,200 metres. Time for photos with Ausangate in the background.
Half an hour along the ridge to the Red Valley viewpoint and an hour descending its red slopes to the point where the vehicle waits. Second community fee.
Lunch in Cusipata and the drive back to Cusco, arriving mid-afternoon.
High-demand tour combining two destinations. Recommended for travelers with good fitness and proper acclimatization. Our team carries oxygen and is prepared for any eventuality.
| Ticket | Price | Where to pay |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) | About 10 soles | At the access point; charged by the community |
| Red Valley | Separate community fee | At the access point |
Approximate prices for a foreign adult. Paid in cash, in soles, and subject to change.
Quick answers to the most common questions about this tour.
Right behind Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), in the district of Pitumarca, province of Canchis, about three hours south of Cusco. On our tour you reach it by crossing the ridge from the Vinicunca viewpoint and walk down through it to where the vehicle waits.
A slope on the far side of Rainbow Mountain where all the earth is red from iron oxide. It is walked downhill from the Vinicunca ridge and receives far fewer visitors.
It adds an hour of walking, almost all downhill, and goes no higher. The real demand is still the altitude of the Vinicunca viewpoint.
A horse helps for the climb to Vinicunca; the Red Valley stretch is on foot, downhill.
Two, one per community: Vinicunca and the Red Valley. Both in cash, at the gate, and not included.
Because it is private, the guide can take part of the group down the short way and meet at the vehicle. It is decided at the viewpoint.
We design itineraries with generous pacing, so you can truly immerse yourself and connect with Cusco.
Private tours: no strangers, no crowded buses. Just you, your people and your guide.
We skip the tourist traps and show you living Andean culture and little-visited archaeological sites.
Want to stop for a photo or stay longer at a site? It is your private tour: you control the clock.
From safety protocols to altitude tips, our local team looks after every step of your journey.
Real reviews, verified by each platform. Read them in full, with each traveller's name and date.
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