Overview
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek – Best Option for 2 Days!
With our special 2-day guided walk from Cusco, you can see the spectacular splendor of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Our Rainbow Mountain journey, designed to give a more personal and isolated experience, enables you to escape the throng and completely immerse yourself in Vinicunca’s spectacular natural surroundings.
Over the course of two days, you will travel across the strange vistas of Peru’s Andes. As you travel through scenic valleys and glacier lagoons, take in panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain and other snow-capped summits. Along the route, you’ll pass through local communities and see herds of alpacas and llamas, making this trip absolutely unique.
You will not only see the geological marvels of Rainbow Mountain with our educated local guide, but you will also learn about local culture, Inca history, geology, flora, and animals. This excursion will provide you with a memorable experience as you explore one of nature’s most remarkable structures.
Get ready to be enamored by the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits you. Let us take you on an unforgettable trip packed with surprises and awe-inspiring discoveries on our 2-day Rainbow Mountain climb, or if you prefer, you can also see our one-day Rainbow.
Highlights of the Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Trek
On a magnificent trek, take in the majestic majesty of the Andes mountain range. Views of snow-capped mountains, gorgeous valleys, and herds of alpacas and llamas are breathtaking. There is immaculate natural splendor to witness at every turn.
Rainbow Mountain, also known locally as Vinicunca or the montaa de siete colores (seven-colored mountain), is a must-see site on every traveler’s bucket list. Arriving early in the morning enables you to experience this amazing view with fewer visitors.
You may avoid the requirement for an extremely early departure from Cusco as a day excursion by sleeping in a nice tent near Rainbow Mountain. This makes for a more relaxing and delightful encounter.
Don’t pass up the chance to see the magnificent Ausangate Mountain, which soars above all other peaks in the Cusco area. Its majesty and force are genuinely impressive.
Enter Rainbow Mountain via a lesser-known path for a one-of-a-kind experience. Be among the first to arrive at this spectacular location and experience the seldom-seen Red Valley, which mimics Mars’ surface.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure beneath the Andean sky as night descends. The stars shine brighter than anywhere else, lighting the Milky Way in vivid hues that will captivate you
Itinerary
Discover the spectacular splendor of the Rainbow Mountains.
Join us on a small group or individual hike to see the spectacular Ausangate glacier and Rainbow Mountain. With individualized service and alternatives for both expert and novice hikers, Rainbow Mountains 2 Day Trek will take you on an unforgettable excursion.
Day 1: Cusco, Pitumarca, Quesiuno, Pampa Alcataury, Anantapata and Surine Qocha
Our Rainbow Mountain 2-day journey in Peru will begin very early in the morning with a pick-up from your Cusco accommodation at 4 a.m. Then, in our own vehicle, we proceed to the Southern Valley in the direction of Puno. We’ll take an asphalt route over the altiplano and through the verdant Vilcanota Valley until we arrive at the lovely settlement of Checacupe.
After approximately 2 hours of driving, we will exit onto an unpaved road for about 1–1.5 hours, passing through the charming Andean hamlet of Pitumarca and going through some magnificent, gorgeous valleys and canyons until we reach the beginning location of the walk. In addition, as we go through the Pitumarca Valley, we will see some remarkable rock formations, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the odd shepherd or local person going about their daily duties.
When we arrive at the trailhead for our Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Trek (Pampa Alcataury), you will have time to collect your belongings and make final preparations before we go. Our chef will prepare a wonderful and healthy breakfast to provide you with the energy you need for the journey ahead. Before you begin the walk, your tour guide will go over the day’s agenda as well as any safety precautions to ensure you are properly prepared for the following few days.
2 days Rainbow Mountain
We’ll begin our remarkable and little-known trek in a lush valley in the center of the Andean highlands, with beautiful views of the majestic Ausangate peak rising far above. Along the route, you’ll witness hundreds of alpacas and llamas, local farmers, and the stunning Andes Mountains, and learn about the Andean culture’s strong connection with nature.
As we continue on the route, we will reach the first pass, known as Pucacocha (4950 m/ 16,240 ft). We’ll get spectacular views of the valley and an amazing vista of the Andes Mountains from here. In addition, we’ll take in the breathtaking views of Pucca Qocha Lake and the beautiful Ausangate Mountain just in front of you. You’ll also watch how the lagoon’s waters emerge from the holy glacier’s snow. It is without a doubt a presentation that will arouse all of your senses. Remember to charge your camera!
Top of Vinicunca
After taking some shots and taking a little rest at the Pucacocha Pass, we will descend for approximately 2 hours to Anantapata (4,750m / 15,583ft) for lunch. Following lunch, we’ll climb for 1.30 hours to the route’s highest point, Warmisaya Pass (5020m or 16,469 feet). From here, we’ll get a great view of the Apu Ausangate and the beautiful colors of Rainbow Mountain in the distance. A vista that seems to have come from a dream!
After taking in the sights from the pass, we’ll begin our 45-minute descent to our tent at the Surine Qocha Lagoon. Our team will meet you and guide you to your tent so you can rest and relax. Later, you’ll have a happy hour and supper before retiring for the night. Because this is a high-altitude campground, you should have had at least 2–3 days of acclimation at altitude before beginning this walk. It may also be rather cold, so bring layers of warm clothes and a -15 C (5 F) sleeping bag!
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- The lowest elevation is 4,380 meters (14,370 feet).
- The highest point is 5,020 meters (16,469 feet).
- Total walking distance: 14 kilometers (8.6 miles).
- Time spent walking: 8 to 9 hours
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
Day 2: Surine Qocha, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Red Valley, Cusco
Today is the most anticipated day, as we will soon find the stunning Rainbow Mountain and the breathtaking Red Valley! Our trekking staff will provide a hot coca leaf tea to your tent very early in the morning. After that, you’ll pack your bags and eat a delicious breakfast that our chef has prepared.
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll climb for 45 to 1 hour to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. You’ll have time to explore on your own and take in breathtaking views of not just the Rainbow Mountain but also the snow-capped Apu Ausangate and other high peaks and Andes Mountains that dominate the region. It’s a very spectacular location that you’ll be able to appreciate before the masses of people come. The benefit of our Rainbow Mountain 2-day excursion is that we will arrive earlier than other organizations, allowing you to have the whole 7-Color Mountain or Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain to yourself!
Vinicunca 2 days tour
After some resting and photographing the incredible Vinicunca, with its beautiful layers of rock sediment: turquoise, orange, brown, and red, along with admiring the jewel of the Peruvian Andes, we’ll continue our journey toward the magnificent Red Valley. As previously said, this is a lesser-known and less-traveled location, and you will be awestruck not just by the beauty but also by the tranquility. It just takes 30 minutes to walk to the Red Valley viewing point, from where we will get panoramic views of the valley.
Finally, we’ll take a 3-3.5-hour descent via historic Andean towns and llama pastures. If you’re fortunate, you could even see some vicuas, a lovely non-domesticated mammal that has lived alongside Peruvians since pre-Inca times. There will be lots of gorgeous landscapes to look at along the way.
After the excellent last meal, we’ll say our goodbyes to our local crew and board our private vehicle back to Cusco. We will leave you off at the entrance of your hotel in Cusco after the Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Trek. We should reach Cusco about 4-5 p.m.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- The lowest elevation is 4,250 meters (13,943 feet).
- The highest point is 5,020 meters (16,466 feet).
- Walking distance: 14 kilometers (8.6 miles)
- Time spent walking: 4 to 6 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Include
What Does the Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days Include?
The night before the hike, a pre-trek briefing will be held at your Cusco hotel to go over the schedule and answer any questions.
Professional English-speaking tour guide
In the morning of the first day, we will pick you up from your hotel.
Private transportation to the trek’s starting location
High-quality camping equipment in DOITE-KAILAS 3 (pleasant and large high-mountain tents designed for three people, but only utilized by two).
Under your sleeping bag, use an extra-thick foam mattress sleeping pad.
Duffle bags for personal items weighing up to 8kg/17.6lbs
Chef, kitchen tent, and cooking equipment
Tents for dining and cooking with tables and stools
Both days, I ate two breakfasts, two lunches, one supper, plus snacks on the path.
Dietary requirements: capable of catering to any dietary preference or need
Every morning and evening, hot water is provided for hand washing.
Horsemen with horses (to transport tents, food, and cooking equipment)
A horse to haul 8 kg of your personal belongings
Every morning or afternoon, boil or purify water to fill water bottles
A first-aid pack with an emergency oxygen tank
Private transportation back to your Cusco hotel
What is excluded?
Flights
Hotel before and after the hike
Dinner on the last day
Bags for sleeping
Trekking poles (the poles’ rubber bottoms must be undamaged)
Souvenirs and personal belongings
Travel interruption and evacuation insurance are needed.
Crew tips (guide, chef, wranglers)
Recommendations
What to Bring for a Two-Day Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Trek
Due to the high altitude and closeness to glaciers, this is an extremely frigid journey, with nightly temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). Make sure you have extra warm clothes with you!
We especially suggest that you bring:
A cozy down or fleece jacket
Zip-off hiking pants with thermal tights for added warmth
A raincoat or poncho that is waterproof
Extra socks and sturdy, well-worn-in, water-resistant trekking boots or hiking shoes, preferably with ankle support.
Sleeping bag made of down or synthetic feathers, appropriate for temperatures as low as -5°C.
During the Rainbow Mountain walk, mules or horses that may be many miles ahead of you on the path will carry your personal belongings. As a result, don’t forget to bring a daypack with you on the path to carry necessities (see below: what do I need to take on the trail?)
- A sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with a factor of 35+ is advised.
- Torches or headlamps
- Toiletries (paper towels, wet wipes, and a personal towel)
- Snacks and water
- Spare batteries for the camera; batteries deplete quicker at high altitudes.
Extras and Upgrades Available
Through our Optional Extras and upgrades, you may tailor your journey and make it more pleasant. During the reservation procedure, you have the following options: For further information, please contact your sales representative.
Rental equipment is available.
You have an extra horse to ride and a horseman to guide it.
Sleeping Bag suitable for -5°C
Walking steak (two sticks suggested for difficult walks)
Inflatable mattress Thermarest
Price
For this Rainbow Mountain trip of 2 days and 1 night, the price is $415 per person