Vinicunca's mineral stripes are even more striking in person. We leave early to beat the crowds, walk at a gentle pace with a local guide who checks on you all the way, and add the Red Valley viewpoint most tours skip. Breakfast and lunch included — you just bring a warm jacket.
Trip highlights
- Vinicunca at 5,036 m
- Red Valley viewpoint
- Views of Ausangate glacier
- Alpacas and herding families
- Early start, fewer crowds
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → Vinicunca 5,036 m → Red Valley → Cusco
Walking time
4–5 h
Distance
10 km
Climb
+450 m
Descent
−450 m
Highest point
5,036 m
Pre-dawn pick-up and breakfast in a farming village as the sun rises over the Andes. Then a slow, steady walk past alpacas and herding families, breathing deep, until the ridge opens and the mountain's stripes of red, gold and turquoise appear. Stand on top at 5,036 m with Ausangate's glaciers behind you. On the way down, the Red Valley glows like another planet. Lunch, a nap in the van, and you're back in Cusco by evening.
Departure dates
November 2026
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and return in Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Entrance fee
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not included
- Horse rental (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 3 of 5 — Active
Short but high. About 2 hours up and 1.5 down at 4,600–5,036 m. Be in Cusco at least 2 days before so your body has adapted.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 3.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open all year. April–October gives the brightest colours; snow can cover the stripes on some rainy-season days.
- Jan
- Rainy season: muddy trails and cloud on the passes, but lush valleys and quiet campsites.
- Feb
- Wettest month, yet open — the Inca Trail closes, so this route is the way to walk to Machu Picchu. Good rain gear is a must.
- Mar
- Rain eases toward the end of the month. Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Apr
- Rains fade, everything is green. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear views of the glaciers — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny, cold nights at the high camp. Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather and the clearest mountain views.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and lively on the trail. Book early for Machu Picchu tickets.
- Sep
- Still dry, warmer nights and fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sunny mornings, some afternoon rain.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
The walk is short (about 2 hours up) but you reach 5,036 m, so the altitude makes it feel harder. Go slowly; horses are available to rent at the start.
What time do we leave Cusco?
Around 4:30 am, so you reach the mountain early, before most groups. We're back in Cusco around 6 pm.
Can we add the Red Valley?
Yes — ask when booking and we add the short walk to the Red Valley viewpoint.
How late can I book the Rainbow Mountain hike?
Up to 3 days before departure. It needs no Inca Trail permit, so it leaves every day of the year.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.