Near Cusco lies one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes: the Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca. Right next to it is the Red Valley, a spectacular landscape of reddish hues that will make you feel like you’re walking on Mars. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from the city, this is the perfect hike: a challenge that will allow you to enjoy unique, stunning, and colorful scenery.
If you’re visiting Cusco, this day trip is a must! Our day tour to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, will take you through remote high-altitude lands and traditional communities in the Vilcanota mountain range, where you can connect with nature and discover the authentic beauty of the Andes. During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to contemplate the majesty of the sacred Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), the highest peak in the region and one of the most emblematic mountains of the Peruvian Andes.
Best time
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Our epic adventure begins at 4:00 a.m. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the South Valley of Cusco in our private transport. Despite the early hour, you’ll have the opportunity to rest a little longer along the way, thanks to the comfortable blankets we’ll provide.
After a 1.5-hour drive, we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast to give you the energy you need to begin the hike. Then, we’ll continue our route through Cusipata. Along the way, we’ll pass through picturesque Andean villages, fertile valleys, Inca agricultural terraces, and beautiful, rugged mountains. You’ll be able to admire herds of llamas and alpacas that will entertain you as you enjoy the scenery from the window.
After an hour, we’ll arrive at the starting point of the hike in Llacto (4,630 m). From there, we’ll follow a winding, mostly flat trail through the Andean highlands. As we ascend, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Ausangate (6,385 m).
This remote region is home to many villages, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe how they care for their flocks and horses. You’ll marvel at the traditional clothing they wear, crafted from alpaca wool, one of the finest textiles in the world.
The most challenging part is the final stretch, which includes a steep climb and a series of stairs. This is the last push to reach the summit! After an hour and a half of hiking, we’ll arrive at the stunning Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,036 m). Take your time to admire the astonishing beauty of this impressive rock formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You’ll explore the surrounding area and enjoy the beautiful scenery while your guide explains the theories about the origin of this dreamlike mountain.
After enjoying this jewel in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek to the fascinating Red Valley (5,050 m). This is a place that will make you feel like you’re on another planet, and it’s visited by very few tourists. You’ll be amazed not only by its breathtaking beauty but also by the immense tranquility that surrounds you. Just a 25-minute walk from Rainbow Mountain, you’ll reach the viewpoint offering the best views of the valley.
Then, we’ll begin a one-hour descent back to the starting point of the hike, passing by herds of alpacas. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some vicuñas, a beautiful wild animal that has coexisted with the inhabitants of Peru since pre-Incan times.
Finally, we’ll board our transport to the restaurant for a buffet lunch. Afterward, we’ll board our private transport for the return trip to Cusco. We’ll drop you off at your accommodation so you can rest.





















We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. In this section, you will find quick answers to the most common questions about our Rainbow Mountain with Red Valley 1 day all in one place.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help you prepare for your adventure and answer any questions you may have about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Feel free to Contact Us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
All informational meetings are held at your hotel at 6:00 PM on the evening before your tour begins. If you are unable to attend, you will need to arrange an alternative meeting time at the Peru Trek office.
The meeting lasts approximately 30–45 minutes. During the meeting, you will also receive a small canvas bag for storing any belongings that you will not need to carry in your daypack during the trek.
The trekking balance must be paid in full by 6:30 PM two days prior to departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, you must be at our office by 6:30 PM on Monday.
We appreciate cash payments, either in US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw cash from various ATMs on Avenida El Sol (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). Note: We recommend using ATMs (Banco de la Nación, withdrawals in soles are commission-free). You can also pay by credit card or PayPal online, but a 5% service fee will apply, charged by Visa and PayPal. We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks.
Of course! During your trip, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge.
You can safely store any equipment you won’t need during the tour at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Please don’t leave valuables with your suitcases; store them in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt listing all items). For added peace of mind, store items like credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope.
Note: If you plan to leave your luggage at our office, please do so at least one day in advance. We will not be able to receive it on the day the tour begins, as our office closes at 8:00 a.m.
The Trek Ausangate company can pick you up at your hotel, as long as it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pick-up time will be coordinated with your guide during the briefing. Pick-up time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, so it has many narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnb accommodations may be located on streets without vehicle access or on long, steep inclines, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of people with diverse backgrounds. Physical abilities and ages may vary. By agreeing to participate in a group tour, you also accept that some people may walk faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone can follow the tour at their own pace. A group may wish to modify the tour; however, the guide will decide, after consulting with all participants, whether such modifications are feasible.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Eve' LVerified
La plus belle randonnée de ma vie J’ai passé un séjour magnifique et inoubliable ! Les guides sont d’une gentillesse incroyable, les paysages époustouflants et la nourriture délicieuse ! Les cheveux sont très bien dressés, les débutants peuvent pratiquer mais il faut être prêt à faire plusieurs heures de cheval dans la journée ! Il fait cependant très froid la nuit donc il faut des vêtements vraiment très chauds car les températures peuvent être négatives, même si la journée il fait bon. Je recommande !Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
quentin rVerified
Just go ! We were looking for adventures, beautifull landscapes, wild nature and horse riding. We had much more, probably one of the best hiking of my Life. The staff was helpfull, friendly and so kind ! You are hesitating ? Do notPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Dianne AVerified
Top 5 Trip in a Lifetime of Travel Our family did a private tour with Peru Trek that included 4 nights on the Inca Trail, plus two days prior of acclimating hikes in Cusco and a day in Machu Picchu. Everything was WONDERFUL!! Food, glamping, guide, information along the trail, safety. Peru Trek made this one of our top trips in a lifetime of travel!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Justin LVerified
Highly recommended The whole tour was just amazing. The guides were very knowledgeable and supportive. My friend had some altitude sickness but the guides handled it very well. Views were spectacular as well. Highly recommended.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Ahmad AVerified
Great, reliable Local company! We did the Ausangate trek with Perutrek and had an excellent experience from start to finish. Communication was smooth the entire time. They were very responsive and easy to deal with, and they also offered the best price compared to other companies we looked at. The trek itself was amazing. Transportation was comfortable, and our guide Cecelio was one of the best we have had in Peru. He was very knowledgeable, supportive, and always looking out for the group. When I started feeling altitude sickness, they handled it really well by providing oxygen and arranging an emergency horse, which was included. The food was another highlight. The chef prepared some of the best meals we have had on any trek. Overall, I would 100% recommend Perutrek. They are local, professional, and very reliable.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
SulaimanVerified
“Whispers of the Andes — A Journey with Peru Trek "There are trips you take, and then there are journeys that touch your soul — Peru Trek gave me the latter. From the first step on the mountain trails to the quiet dawn over the Andes, everything felt like poetry written by nature itself. Our guide was more than just a professional; he was a storyteller, a friend, and a calm spirit who made every path feel safe and meaningful. Each sunrise felt like a blessing, and each shared laugh along the trail turned into a lasting memory. Peru Trek isn’t just about trekking — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of Peru through every step, every view, and every smile. I left with tired feet but a full heart, grateful for an experience that felt timeless and beautifully human. 🌄💫"Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jelle KVerified
Amazing 3 day Ausangate hike We had such an amazing experience with Cecilio on our 3 day Ausangate hike! It turned out to be a private tour for the two of us, all taken care off by Cecilio as the guide and his chef and horseman. They do everything to make you feel comfortable and to have the best experience. Cecilio speaks fluent English and is very easy going and professional at the same time. He adjust to your pace and often walks behind so you can set your own pace. He knows how to balance his involvement and give you privacy. We learned so much about the landscape, the culture and local way of life. The hike itself was incredible with the most beautiful scenery. The conditions were extreme with freezing nights, snow, hail, rain, but also plenty of sunshine. We barely saw other people on our hikes wich contributes to the adventure. The rainbow mountain was very busy with all the group tours. If these people only knew the true beauty of the region is actually right around the corner! For us this 3 day tour was the ideal length. It's a great alternative for the Huaraz region which is very remote or even Patagonia. And if you decide to go, you won't regret going with Cecilio and his Peru Trek crew!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Dominique GVerified
Nous recommandons chaleureusement cette agence agence Nous avons vécu une très belle expérience lors de notre trek de Lares qui nous a menés au Machu pichu.Pendant 4 jours nous avons randonné léger nos bagages étant portés par des mules,les repas étaient variés et de qualité.Pour une situation de bivouac,c'était remarquable.Cecilio, a été un guide sympathique et à l'écoute, attentionné au rythme de chacun.nous avons beaucoup appris sur la culture Quechua grâce à lui.Tout a été minutieusement organisé et correspond parfaitement à ce qui est annoncé sur le site.Le chauffeur a également toujours été a l'heure. Cécilio nous a également organisé un séjour en Amazonie qui s'est très bien passé.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Cooper SVerified
Definitely Worthwhile! I just finished the 4-day Inka Trail hike with Peru Treks, and it was an incredible journey. Our guide, Herbert, was exceptional—knowledgeable, kind, and always looking out for the group. The cook and porters were the true heroes of the trek. Their dedication, hard work, and warmth made all the difference—delicious meals, smooth campsites, and constant support throughout.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jai SVerified
Great 4 day trek! I recently completed the 4-day Inca Trail hike with Peru Treks, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Herbert, was outstanding—knowledgeable, encouraging, and passionate about the trail and its history. Huge thanks as well to our amazing cook and five porters, whose hard work, kindness, and care made the trip comfortable and memorable. The meals were excellent, the campsites well prepared, and the support unmatched. Peru Treks runs a professional and heart-driven operation.