Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

A Symphony of Colors at 16,000 ft

Embark on a breathtaking high-altitude expedition to the crown jewel of the Vilcanota mountain range. This full-day trek challenges your spirit and rewards you with some of the most surreal and magnificent landscapes on the planet, heavily guarded by the towering, snow-capped Ausangate Glacier.

We elevate this demanding journey by ensuring your comfort and energy levels are optimal. Instead of a standard hike, our expedition features top-tier guides to monitor your acclimatization, hearty and restorative meals at a highly-regarded local restaurant, and an exclusive detour. While the crowds descend the same path they climbed, we take you off the beaten track through the striking, Mars-like landscape of the Red Valley—an awe-inspiring experience that many of our guests consider the true highlight of the trip.

Expedition Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

The Glacier & The Colors

Max Altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft

1. Dawn Departure & Alpine Breakfast

Your expedition begins between 5:00 and 5:30 AM with a pickup directly from your hotel in Cusco. We embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive through traditional Andean villages. Before reaching the trailhead, we will stop at an excellent local restaurant where you will be welcomed with a hot, hearty breakfast to fuel your ascent.

2. The Ascent to Vinicunca

With hiking poles ready and warm gear on, we begin the roughly 2-hour uphill trek. The trail is wide and accommodating, making it suitable for those with a fear of heights. Along the way, your expert guide will pause for acclimatization breaks, explaining the geography of the area as you spot free-roaming alpacas and llamas against the backdrop of the imposing Ausangate Glacier.

3. The Summit of Seven Colors

Between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, you will conquer the summit. Here, you have approximately an hour to absorb the mind-blowing 360-degree views. Your guide will delve into the Incan history and the fascinating geological reasons behind the mountain's vibrant mineral stripes before you capture your treasured summit photographs.

4. The Red Valley Descent

To elevate your experience, we do things differently. Instead of returning on the crowded main path, we take an exclusive detour to the Red Valley lookout. Often described as the "icing on the cake," this isolated, striking red landscape feels like stepping onto Mars. We will spend about 2.5 hours trekking mostly downhill through this breathtaking environment back to the starting point.

5. Restorative Lunch & Return

Back at the base, we will head to a highly-regarded local restaurant for a well-deserved, restorative meal featuring cold drinks, hot soup, and a satisfying main course. Revitalized, we will board our transport for the journey back to Cusco, dropping you safely at your hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.

Inclusions & Prices