Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley

Outty Ranking 93 4.9 · 4,062 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $2390+ Club
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Outty Ranking

93/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 4,062 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley worth booking?

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $23 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 4,062 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
93 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (4,062)
Duration
12 hours
From
$23 per person

It is an impressive day of hiking in the Cordillera Vilcanota, "which is very close to the highest and sacred mountain in the South of Peru called the Ausangate (6,377mts). This "Apu" bearer of life is the Guardian of one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world. Thus, our walk will be accompanied by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas. This hike offers a selection of wildlife and very impressive landscapes. This will probably be one of the best things you will see in your visit to Peru. The Red Valley is a stunning landscape located near the Rainbow Mountain in Peru. It stands out for its intense reddish hues, a result of the high iron content in the soil, and offers a unique visual experience surrounded by mountains and Andean nature. It is an ideal destination for trekking and photography enthusiasts.

What you get

    About this experience

    It is an impressive day of hiking in the Cordillera Vilcanota, "which is very close to the highest and sacred mountain in the South of Peru called the Ausangate (6,377mts). This "Apu" bearer of life is the Guardian of one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world. Thus, our walk will be accompanied by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas. This hike offers a selection of wildlife and very impressive landscapes. This will probably be one of the best things you will see in your visit to Peru. The Red Valley is a stunning landscape located near the Rainbow Mountain in Peru. It stands out for its intense reddish hues, a result of the high iron content in the soil, and offers a unique visual experience surrounded by mountains and Andean nature. It is an ideal destination for trekking and photography enthusiasts.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick up from the Hotel city center
    • oxygen assistance
    • Lunch
    • walk sticks
    • Breakfast
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Professional tour guide (ENG/ESP)

    Not included

    • Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
    • Entrance to Red Valley

    What you'll see and do

    1. Cusco

      We will pick you up at your respective hotel at 4:30 AM, and then begin our incredible adventure driving 2 hours in our mobility through the South Valley until we reach the town of Cusipata.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Vinicunca Mountain

      In Cusipata, we will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast. Once we all finish, we will continue our travel to the trailhead (4,326m / 14,189ft.) where the last reaches will be given to finally begin a walk of approx. 2 hours for a moderate climb. At approximately 10:30am, we will arrive at our destination called Vinicunca or the Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft.). Here you will have enough time to enjoy this unique landscape than geography. If you wish to visit the Red Valley, please note that it is optional. If you wish to visit it, you must inform the guide before starting the hike. There is not extra cost to do this hike but entrance fee to Red Valley is not included. After our visit to the mountain of colors we will return to the starting point, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to the town of Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and after a short break we will undertake the return trip to Cusco arriving at approximately 4:30 pm.

      240 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Cusco

      When you return, the mobility will leave you around the main square.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Chullos Travel Peru

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

    Photos

    Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 2Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 3Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 4Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 5Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 6Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4,071 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    4,071 verified traveler reviews for Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3,807
    4 star
    185
    3 star
    41
    2 star
    18
    1 star
    20
    Sort
    Linda_D · October 2026

    Breathtaking Views and Outstanding Guide & Driver — An Unforgettable Experience!

    Herber Forever, our tour guide, and Mr. Zerillo, our driver, were both absolutely fantastic! They truly made this experience unforgettable. Herber brought such positive energy throughout the entire tour, keeping everyone’s spirits up even during the challenging parts of the hike. He was incredibly accommodating, attentive, and helpful from start to finish, constantly running up and down the mountain to check on everyone in our group and make sure we were doing okay. He even helped take our pictures. Hiking at such high altitude can be physically demanding, but Herber made the experience feel manageable by allowing us to take breaks, catch our breath, enjoy the breathtaking views, and most importantly, ensuring everyone felt safe and comfortable. We never felt rushed, and his encouragement made such a difference. Mr. Zerillo was also an excellent driver. He navigated the rough roads carefully, avoiding potholes as much as possible and making the van ride comfortable and peaceful. After such a challenging hike, we really appreciated being able to relax and rest during the drive. The trip itself was breathtaking, both literally and metaphorically! The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and well worth the effort. That said, be sure to prepare yourself physically and mentally before booking, as the high elevation makes this a challenging experience. You can take a horse approximately two-thirds of the way up Rainbow Mountain, but you will still need to hike at high altitude to explore Red Valley. We would highly recommend booking this tour! The incredible views combined with Herber’s outstanding guidance and Mr. Zerillo’s excellent driving made it a truly memorable experience. If you’re considering this trip, it is absolutely worth doing!

    via Viator

    matthewmX6188TI · October 2026

    Heber forever

    Really great tour, tour guide was amazing, gave information about the mountains and surrounding area. Very good value for money, incredible views, well paced hike.

    via Tripadvisor

    lucypL1267GJ · October 2026

    Good day trip from Cusco

    Well organised day trip with breakfast and lunch. Our guide Franchesco was very approachable and open to answering our questions.

    via Tripadvisor

    Relax24311884631 · October 2026

    Great experience

    Alex was a fun, caring and experienced guide, who gave as many tips to have the the best experience. The hiking part was very chill and we could walk our own pace, that felt really good.

    via Tripadvisor

    anapA4764XO · October 2026

    Amazing experience with Wally!

    Wally is the best guide! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience unforgettable. Highly recommend this tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $23 to $25
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1,422
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Chullos Travel Peru, who run 20 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Chullos Travel Peru runs

    Why this scores 93

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley cost?

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    Prices start at $23 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 4,062 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley?

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    Around 1,422 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

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    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley?

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    Included: Pick up from the Hotel city center; oxygen assistance; Lunch; walk sticks; and Breakfast. Not included: Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca); and Entrance to Red Valley. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 187 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley?

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    Across 4,062 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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