Rainbow Mountain Trek and Red Valley
A full-day trek from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,200 m / 17,060 ft), starting at Fulawasipata at the foot of Ausangate. See its red, pink, turquoise and yellow bands and llamas and alpacas on the trail, with breakfast and buffet lunch included.
About this Expedition
Pristine Biodiversity
Immersion in primary forest trails and macaw or tapir clay licks with privileged viewing.
Native Guides
Bilingual guides from the native communities of Manu and Tambopata, with spotting scopes and binoculars.
Logistics and Lodges
Private transport and boats, a cook on the trip and nights in rainforest lodges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Early Morning: Cusco – Cusipata – Fulawasipata
Start early to see Rainbow Mountain at its best. We pick you up at your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and drive south of Cusco toward the Qollasuyu region.
After about 1.5 hours on the road, we stop for about 20 minutes in the district of Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft) for breakfast at a local restaurant. Then we drive about one more hour to Fulawasipata (4,660 m / 15,290 ft), where your guide briefs you on the route.
Morning: Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
From Fulawasipata, at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain, we start hiking. The ascent to Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), takes about 2 hours. Along the way you will see sheep, horses and South American camelids such as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas.
At the red hill (colina roja) you have time to rest, take in the landscape and photograph the red, pink, turquoise and yellow bands of Vinicunca. The hike is rated easy to moderate.
Afternoon: Descent, Lunch and Return to Cusco
We head back on the return route: about one hour downhill to level ground, then uphill again to Fulawasipata, where our transport is waiting. We drive back to the same restaurant for a buffet lunch and then continue to Cusco, arriving at about 5:30–6:00 p.m.
Included & Not Included Services
What this trip includes
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Transportation Cusco – Fulawasipata – Cusco
- Professional licensed tour guide (English and/or Spanish)
- Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket
- Meals: 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch
- Oxygen
Not included in the price
- Water
- Dinner and snacks
- Rain gear for the rainy season
- Red Valley entrance fee (ask for the current amount when booking)
What to Bring / Packing Tips
- 1-liter (34 oz) water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Extra layers for cold and wind
- Trekking poles
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Snacks such as dried fruit, chocolate, granola bars or nuts
- Daily departures.
- A backup horse goes with the group on the ascent in case of emergency.
- Private tours are available on request; contact us on WhatsApp at +51 972 727 516 for details and pricing.
Questions about this tour
What time is hotel pickup and when do we get back to Cusco?
We pick you up at your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and arrive back in Cusco at about 5:30–6:00 p.m.
How high is Rainbow Mountain and how long is the hike?
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is at 5,200 m (17,060 ft). The hike starts at Fulawasipata (4,660 m / 15,290 ft) and the ascent takes about 2 hours; the way back is about one hour downhill followed by a final uphill stretch.
Is the entrance fee included?
Yes, the Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket is included. The Red Valley entrance fee is not included; ask for the current amount when booking.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast in Cusipata and a buffet lunch after the hike are included. Water, snacks and dinner are not included.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
We carry oxygen, and a backup horse goes with the group on the ascent in case of emergency.
