This active experience is for those who want to fill their day with breathtaking views. Rainbow Mountain, otherwise known as Vinicunca, is a bucket-list must for anyone visiting Peru. Make the most out of your visit and witness the impressive Red Valley as well.
Your adventure starts with a very early morning pickup from your hotel (at 06:00 am) where after a 2.5-hour drive, you will arrive in Pampachiri (4,350 m/14,272 ft), the starting point of your trek. Be welcomed by the friendly locals and share some fruit we brought along with the community. After learning a bit about their traditional way of life, you will slowly climb up through the valley where you will get to see alpacas, lamas, and even the rare vicuna grazing. Keep an eye on the surrounding landscape as you watch the colors change from green to red. After a hike of approx. 2 hours, the sandy terrain will give way to the Rainbow Mountain.
All your efforts will be rewarded by the magnificent views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain range from the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After taking in the vibrant colors, you will continue to the impressive Red Valley (approx. half an hour). The iron-rich soil gives the Red Valley an incredible red color that covers almost the whole area. Take some Instagram-worthy photos of the awesome scenery before starting the descent along the same path (approx. 1.5 hours) to where your driver will be waiting to take you to a nearby village to enjoy lunch at a restaurant.
After enjoying the stunning area, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco (approx. arrival time is at 17:00 hrs.).
The recommended season for this experience is from April to October
Total distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Estimated walking time: 2,5 Hours
Max. altitude: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft.
Due to the height that this trek takes place at, acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is required.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco (the transfer takes about 3 hours 15 minutes - approx. 139km/86 miles)