Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco Hotel Pick-Up → Cusipata → Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Hike → Return To Cusco
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel or Airbnb Pick-Up Service
We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed after your reservation, once we receive the name and address of your accommodation. Please be ready at the hotel reception or main entrance at the confirmed time. Your guide and tourist transportation will arrive at the scheduled pick-up time, so punctuality is important. If your accommodation is located near the Machu Picchu Team office, you may choose to meet us directly at our office at 4:45 AM instead of requesting hotel pick-up.
Round-Trip Tourist Transportation
Enjoy comfortable and safe round-trip transportation from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead and back. We use well-maintained tourist vehicles operated by experienced professional drivers to provide a smooth and reliable journey. During the trip, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes along the route. Transportation is included from your hotel or the agreed meeting point in Cusco, with return to the city at the end of the tour.
Hearty Andean Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious and energizing Andean breakfast before beginning the hike. Enjoy fresh fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, fruit salad, and your choice of bread or pancakes served with butter and jam. This complete breakfast is designed to provide the energy you need for the journey ahead while allowing you to enjoy a warm and relaxing start to your Rainbow Mountain adventure.
Authentic Buffet Lunch
After completing your hike, enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu typically includes warm soups, traditional Peruvian dishes, rice, pasta, fresh salads, vegetables, and a variety of side dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary options are available upon request. This generous buffet is the perfect way to recover your energy, relax, and enjoy the flavors of Peru after your Rainbow Mountain adventure.
Expert Bilingual Guides
Explore Rainbow Mountain with an experienced professional guide who speaks both English and Spanish. Our guides are trained not only to coordinate every part of the tour safely and efficiently, but also to share valuable information about the region’s culture, history, traditions, geography, and natural environment. Throughout the journey, your guide will provide clear instructions, answer your questions, assist you during the hike, and help you adapt to the altitude and trail conditions. Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, our guides are committed to making your Rainbow Mountain experience safe, informative, and enjoyable.
Small-Group Experience
We prioritize personalized service by organizing groups of approximately 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants. This limited group size allows our guide to provide more individual attention, answer questions, and support each traveler throughout the hike. Traveling in a smaller group also creates a friendlier atmosphere, improves coordination, and makes the overall Rainbow Mountain experience more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable.
Drop-off in Cusco: Machu Picchu Team Office (Plaza Regocijo), Airport, or Bus Terminal
At the end of the tour, we’ll drop you off at the Machu Picchu Team office, located in Plaza Regocijo, just one block from the Plaza de Armas. The tour concludes between approximately 4:30 and 5:00 PM. If you prefer, we can also drop you off at the entrance of the Cusco Airport or the main Bus Terminal. Just let us know in advance so we can coordinate your drop-off location.
Free Luggage Storage
When you book the Rainbow Mountain Tour with Machu Picchu Team, you can leave your luggage safely at our main office, located just one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, at no additional cost. The tour finishes at the Machu Picchu Team office, so you can conveniently collect your belongings as soon as you return from the excursion.
Safety and Emergency Support
Your safety is our priority throughout the Rainbow Mountain hike. Our guide carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and a portable oxygen tank to provide immediate assistance in case of altitude-related discomfort, minor injuries, or other unexpected situations along the trail. Our guides are trained to monitor participants, recognize common symptoms of altitude sickness, and respond appropriately when support is required. They will also provide advice on maintaining a comfortable pace, staying hydrated, and adapting safely to the high-altitude conditions.
Not Included
Rainbow Mountain Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly at the local checkpoint. Please bring cash in Peruvian soles, as card payments are not accepted.
- International visitors: 30 soles per person
- Peruvian citizens: 20 soles per person
Red Valley Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to the Red Valley is also not included and must be purchased directly at the entrance gate.
- International visitors: 30 soles per person
- Peruvian citizens: 10 soles per person
We recommend bringing the exact amount in cash to make the entrance process quicker and easier. These locally collected fees help support the maintenance, conservation, and protection of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
What to Pack
What to Pack
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND RED VALLEY TOUR
The Rainbow Mountain tour takes place high in the Andes, where weather can change quickly and the hike can be physically demanding. Dressing properly will help you stay warm, comfortable, and safe, so you can fully enjoy the experience. Here are some essential tips:
What to Wear
- Dress in layers to easily adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable, flexible, quick-drying hiking pants.
- Use sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support and grip.
- Bring a warm, waterproof jacket to protect against wind, rain, and cold.
- Wear a hat or beanie, gloves, and a neck buff or scarf for added warmth.
- Avoid jeans, sandals, and flip-flops, as they offer little protection and can make the hike uncomfortable.
What to Carry in Your Backpack
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- High-energy snacks, such as nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit.
- Sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses, as the sun is strong at high altitude.
- A rain poncho or other waterproof protection.
- An extra layer of warm clothing in case temperatures drop.
- Personal medication, if required.
- A camera or phone to capture the views.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees and personal expenses.
Prices
Pricing
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & RED VALLEY GROUP TOUR PRICES | 2026–2027 SEASONS
We offer two rates for this full-day group tour: a standard price for new customers and a special promotional rate for travelers who have previously booked any tour with Machu Picchu Team. Returning customers can book the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour for only USD 23 or 85 soles per person, subject to verification of their previous reservation.
STANDARD PRICE: $27 USD per person
PROMOTIONAL PRICE: $23 USD per person
Group Size:
Our Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour usually operates with groups of 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants. Groups are formed by travelers from different countries who book the same departure date. Each group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish. The limited group size allows for better organization, closer assistance, and a safer and more enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
We offer guaranteed daily departures to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley throughout the year. You can book for any available date, even at short notice, subject to availability. As a direct local tour operator, Machu Picchu Team organizes its own departures, transportation, guides, and logistics. This allows us to operate the tour every day and provide a reliable, well-coordinated service.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & RED VALLEY TOUR FROM CUSCO
Online Booking: Booking online is quick, simple, and secure:
- Click the BOOK NOW button.
- Select your preferred tour date. We offer daily departures.
- Enter your personal information, including your full name, nationality, hotel in Cusco, and WhatsApp number.
- Pay securely using a debit or credit card. A 3.99% online payment fee applies.
- Once your payment is completed, you will receive an automatic confirmation email with your payment receipt and tour confirmation. We will then send you a second email with your pick-up details and important information for the tour.
- Online reservations are accepted until 9:00 PM on the day before the tour, subject to availability.
Booking at Our Office in Cusco
You can also book directly at our main office. Our staff will explain the itinerary, inclusions, entrance fees, and other important tour details. at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
Payment methods:
- Cash in Peruvian soles, US dollars, or euros
- Debit or credit card, with a 3.99% card processing fee
Information Required to Book
Please provide the following details:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Hotel or accommodation name in Cusco
- WhatsApp number with country code, or a Peruvian mobile number
- Your contact number and accommodation details are essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
Changes and Rescheduling:
You may reschedule your tour or change it to another available day tour, such as Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, the Sacred Valley, or the Seven Lagoons, at no additional cost until 7:00 PM on the day before your scheduled tour. To request a change, contact us at info@machupicchuteam.com. or via WhatsApp at +51 974 217 700
Customer Cancellation Policy:
- 100% refund: Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour
- 50% refund: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour but before 7:00 PM on the previous day
- No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 PM on the day before the tour, or in case of a no-show
Cancellation by Machu Picchu Team
If Machu Picchu Team must cancel the tour due to weather conditions, political situations, road closures, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will offer a rescheduling option, an alternative tour, or a refund according to the services that could not be provided.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR FROM CUSCO WITH RED VALLEY IN 1 DAY
Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain difficult?
Not really. It’s quite an accessible hike. The trail gradually climbs from 4,700 to 5,100 meters over about 4 kilometers each way. All you really need is a good attitude and to be properly acclimatized to the altitude; for that, we recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before doing the tour.
Can I rent a horse to reach Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, you can rent a horse for the hike. Local horsemen offer this service for approximately 90 to 100 soles, which includes the horse and a guide who leads it, so all you need to do is stay seated. If you’d like to rent a horse, bring cash in soles, as it’s rented directly at the entrance to the mountain. Your tour guide can help you arrange this if you’re interested.
Can I pay in dollars or by card for the entrance to Rainbow Mountain?
No. Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are paid only in cash and in Peruvian soles. No other currencies, cards, or digital payments of any kind are accepted.
Do I have to pay to take photos with the llamas at Rainbow Mountain?
Once you arrive at Rainbow Mountain, you’ll see several locals with their llamas, dressed in colorful traditional clothing. Many visitors like to take photos with them, but this isn’t free: a voluntary tip is expected in exchange for the photo. The payment is entirely optional, and taking photos with the locals or their llamas is never mandatory.
How much time do you spend at Rainbow Mountain?
You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at the summit. This is enough time to take photos, listen to your guide’s explanations, and enjoy the views, especially considering it tends to be quite windy up there. After this, the group either continues on to the Red Valley or heads back to the vehicle to return to Cusco.
What if I decide to rent a horse partway through the hike?
If you start out walking and later decide you’d like to rent a horse, it’s still possible. However, you’ll need to wait for horses that are on their way back down after dropping off other travelers at the summit. The price in this case is usually also around 80 to 90 soles. For this reason, if you’re considering renting a horse, it’s best to do so at the start of the hike.
What happens if I get altitude sickness partway through the hike?
If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness during the hike, your guide will assist you right away and, if needed, help you return to the vehicle. If necessary, a horse can be arranged to make the return easier and to get you back to the vehicle for better care. In case of a genuine emergency, you will be evacuated to a health center. Guides also carry a first-aid kit and an oxygen tank to assist with any situation that may arise.
What happens if Rainbow Mountain is covered in snow?
If we learn that the mountain is covered in snow before departure, the tour will most likely be cancelled and you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.
What’s the best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, from April to November, when the skies are clearer and the mountain’s colors are usually more vivid. The rainy season, from December to March, can bring more cloud cover and muddy trails, but tours run year-round.
Travel Guide
Gallery
Photo Gallery
WHY TRAVEL WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM?
100% Direct Tour Operator
We are a 100% direct tour operator. When you book with us, you take the tour directly with our company, with no intermediaries or third-party commissions involved. This means more personalized service, better quality control at every stage of the tour, and the assurance that you’re dealing directly with the people running the experience.
The Best Prices in the Market
We offer competitive, fair prices in line with local market standards, without inflating rates the way many other companies advertising their services online tend to do. Our goal is to give you a transparent, accessible price without compromising on quality.
Complete Cusco-to-Cusco Service
Our service covers the entire journey from Cusco to Cusco: we pick you up directly from your hotel and, once the tour is over, drop you off right at the door of our office, located in the heart of Cusco, for your comfort and convenience.
Airport or Bus Terminal Drop-Off
If your itinerary includes a connection to another destination, we also offer the option of dropping you off directly at the Cusco airport or bus terminal, whichever you need, so you can continue your trip without any hassle.
Experienced, Bilingual Guides
The guide who will accompany you on the hike to Rainbow Mountain is a seasoned trekking professional with an advanced level of English, ensuring clear, smooth communication throughout the tour, along with detailed explanations about the destination.
Buffet-Style Meals
The meals we provide, both breakfast and lunch, are served buffet-style, so you can choose and enjoy the food exactly to your liking, with a variety of options to suit your preferences.
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