1 dayRainbow Mountain Trek
Vinicunca's mineral stripes and the Red Valley in one unforgettable day.
from $64 USD
See trek details See Rainbow Mountain the way the day-trip crowds never do. We walk in through Andean villages, sleep at a camp near Llamachimpana, and climb Vinicunca at sunrise — then add the Red Valley and two high lagoons on the way down. Horses carry the camp, our chef cooks every meal, and you walk with only a day pack.
Trip highlights
- Vinicunca at sunrise, before the crowds
- Red Valley viewpoint
- Cochayoc and Yanacocha lagoons
- Night camping at ≈ 4,600 m under the stars
- Herding villages, vicuñas and alpacas
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 → Pitumarca → Quesoyuni → Llamachimpana camp
Walking time
3–4 h
Distance
4 km
Climb
+300 m
Descent
−30 m
Highest point
4,598 m
No 3 am alarm today. The van rolls south through the valley and stops in Pitumarca for a hearty lunch. At Quesoyuni (4,326 m) you step onto a quiet trail through herding villages where children wave and vicuñas watch from the slopes. Three or four slow hours later, camp appears near Llamachimpana — tents already up, the horses unloaded, hot tea waiting. Dinner in the dining tent, then the sharpest stars you have ever seen.
Meals: Lunch, dinnerOvernight: Camp near Llamachimpana (≈ 4,600 m)
Departure dates
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available Few spaces left Sold out No departure
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Round-trip transport Cusco – Quesoyuni
- Professional bilingual guide
- 1 night camping with tent and mattress
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner by our chef
- Horses and wranglers to carry the gear
- Pre-departure briefing
Not included
- Entrance fee (≈ 25 soles)
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available to rent)
- Other meals and drinks
- 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 4 of 5 — Challenging
Challenging because of the altitude. Day 1 is short (4 km, 3–4 h) but you sleep at about 4,600 m; day 2 is about 10 km (5–6 h) up to 5,050 m and down past the lagoons. Arrive in Cusco 2–3 days early.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 4.
- 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 · Choquequirao Trek · Rainbow Mountain Trek
- 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 brings clear skies and the brightest colours but freezing nights; in the rainy season snow can sometimes cover the stripes.
Best (dry season)Good (shoulder)Rainy, still openClosed
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- 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
Why do the 2-day Rainbow Mountain trek instead of the day trip?
You sleep at camp near Llamachimpana, so on day 2 you reach Vinicunca at sunrise — hours before the day-trip buses arrive. No 3 am start, more time to adapt to the altitude, and you add the Red Valley and two lagoons on a quiet trail.
How hard is the 2-day Rainbow Mountain trek?
Challenging, mainly because of altitude: camp is at about 4,600 m and Rainbow Mountain at about 5,050 m. Day 1 is a short 4 km walk (3–4 h); day 2 is about 10 km (5–6 h). Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco first.
Is it cold at camp?
Yes — nights near 4,600 m drop below freezing, especially May–August. You sleep in a tent with a mattress; bring warm layers and rent a thermal sleeping bag from us if you don't have one.
Who carries the camping gear?
Horses and our wranglers carry the tents, kitchen and food. You walk with only a day pack, and our chef has dinner ready at camp.
Is the entrance fee included?
The community entrance fee (about 25 soles) is paid on the day and is not included.
How late can I book the Rainbow Mountain 2-day trek?
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.
