Ultimate Guide to the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions, and for good reason. You’ve probably seen countless photos of its vibrant, multicolored slopes online. But you might still wonder: Is it really worth the visit? Let me answer that for you—yes, it is. The real difference lies in how you choose to visit it.
When we were backpacking through South America, Rainbow Mountain was high on our bucket list. We knew it was a busy spot, but we wanted to experience it for ourselves and form our own opinion.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the different ways to visit Rainbow Mountain, share less-crowded alternatives, and answer commonly asked questions. The goal? To help you decide whether it’s right for your trip and how to make the most of it if you go.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
- Which tour to take: choose in advance online or in person. We booked ours in person the day before the tour.
- When to visit: May to September (dry season)
- Distance from Cusco: 3 hours from Cusco
- Hiking distance: 1.5 hours each way
- Altitude: 5,000 meters (16,500 feet)
- How to avoid crowds: choose lesser known trails, such as Red Valley, Ausangate Trek, Palccoyo Mountain or Pallay Punchu
About Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca) and Red Valley in Peru only recently became major tourist attractions. Although local communities have known about them for generations, it wasn’t until 2015 that photos of their surreal, multi-colored landscapes began circulating online.
The original name of the mountain in the Quechua language is “Vinicunca“, which literally means “necklace of colours”.
Previously, Rainbow Mountain was covered in snow year-round. However, as climate change caused glacial retreat, the mountain’s vibrant layers (caused by mineral deposits) became visible. In contrast, Red Valley, though located nearby, remains less crowded. As the name suggests, it is characterized by deep red soil set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes.
Since gaining attention, Rainbow Mountain has attracted thousands of visitors each year, making it one of Peru’s most visited natural sites. Still, it’s important to note that this is a high-altitude hike and requires proper acclimatization.
Importantly, the surrounding local communities played a key role in its rise as a destination. They introduced guided treks, horse rentals, and homestays, gradually transforming what was once a remote Andean trail into one of the country’s top attractions, second only to Machu Picchu. The good thing though is also that the proceeds from the entrance fee go directly to the local communities.
Insider Tip: Make sure you acclimatize properly for a couple of days in Cusco, before attempting the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
How to Take a Tour from Cusco or Go Solo
Visiting Rainbow Mountain with a Tour
- Pros: transportation included, often includes meals and guide, so generally hassle-free
- Cons: fixed schedule, larger groups and early start
You can book a Rainbow Mountain tour online in advance, but it’s usually more expensive. I recommend to book in person, once you’re in Cusco. Just walk around the historic center where dozens of agencies offer daily trips. You can screen them in advance online, to choose those with the best reviews. That’s what we’ve done.
We booked our tour the day before for much less than what we saw online. We found the prices quite reasonable, starting around 70–100 soles (~$20–30 USD). Usually these tours include transport, breakfast, and lunch. Some include entrance fees, some don’t, so always check. If you’re staying at a hostel, ask the staff for recommendations – or even better, talk to other travelers. Word of mouth is often the most reliable source to find a good tour.
To be honest, our guide didn’t add much. It just handled logistics, so don’t expect a deep dive into local history or geology. Still, the tour made things super easy, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to go.
Going Solo Without a Tour to Rainbow Mountain
- Pros: flexible schedule, fewer crowds if you avoid peak tourist times in the morning
- Cons: requires some planning and may cost more if traveling alone
Visiting Rainbow Mountain without a tour is totally possible if you’re good to plan a bit more. From Cusco, take a colectivo (shared van) to Cusipata or Checacupe (1.5–2 hours), then hire a taxi to the trailhead (another 1–1.5 hours).
You’ll pay the entrance fee (10 soles) directly at the checkpoint near the trailhead. If you want to visit Red Valley, that’s usually another 10 soles, also paid in cash on-site.
The total costs of going solo to Rainbow Mountain will average 140–200 soles ($35–50 USD). But, you can bring the price down and make it a cheaper trip, if you’re splitting taxi costs with others. For instance, if you’re staying at a hostel, it should be relatively easy to find other people wanting to share the trip costs.
When to Visit the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, you’re more likely to get clear skies, dry trails, and vibrant colors. But, it’s also the most popular time, so expect more crowds.
The rainy season runs from November to March, and while it’s quieter, poor visibility can ruin the view. Sometimes the trail becomes also inaccessible and the mountain might be covered in snow.
6 Tips to Prepare for the Altitude at Rainbow Mountain
After hiking some high-altitude treks, such as Salkantay, Huayhuash and Cerro Toco, I can assure you that proper acclimatization is necessary before a high altitude hike. Remember that Rainbow Mountain lies at 5,036 m / 16,522 ft, so altitude sickness is a real risk. Below I list 6 tips on how to prepare for hiking the Rainbow Mountain.
- Acclimate in Cusco: Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) before hiking. Let your body adjust gradually. No need to rush it.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, but avoid alcohol and heavy meals before your hike. In fact, dehydration makes symptoms worse.
- Take it Slow: During the hike, go at a steady pace, take breaks, and don’t push yourself too hard. You’ll notice that you’re getting out of breath much faster.
- Try Coca Leaves or Tea: Locals swear by coca tea or chewing coca leaves, which can help with mild altitude symptoms (available everywhere in Cusco).
- Consider Altitude Pills: Talk to a doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) or natural supplements, if you’re prone to altitude sickness.
- Know the Symptoms: Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If symptoms get worse, descend immediately.
Alternatives to the Rainbow Mountain (to avoid crowds)
It’s well known that Rainbow Mountain gets crowded quickly. With tourist buses filling the parking lot early in the morning, reaching the summit often means sharing the stunning views with hundreds of other visitors. If this isn’t your idea of a peaceful getaway, don’t worry, there are several alternatives to the typical 1-day Rainbow Mountain tour that offer a more tranquil experience.
Red Valley
Located just beyond Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley offers a dramatic red landscape that is often overlooked by most tourists. If you’re already visiting Rainbow Mountain, it’s worth taking the extra 30–45 minutes to hike into Red Valley for a quieter experience. It features the same striking colors and mountainous backdrop but with far fewer people.
Note: there is an extra fee you’ll need to pay at the entrance of the Red Valley.
Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is a challenging 5–6 day trek that circles Mount Ausangate, one of the highest peaks in the Andes. The trek takes you past Rainbow Mountain, offering incredible views without the crowds. Additionally, along the way, you’ll get to see glaciers, alpine lakes, and herds of alpacas. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this trek is perfect. Keep in mind, it’s a multi-day trek, so you’ll need to be physically fit and have the time for it.
Palccoyo Mountain
Palccoyo is a quieter alternative to Rainbow Mountain, famous for its three colorful hills and striking rock formations. Unlike Rainbow Mountain, it offers a gentler hike that takes about 1–2 hours and is suitable for most fitness levels. The trail is far less crowded, while still offering the rainbow-like colors. If you’re short on time or want an easier trek, Palccoyo is a great choice.
Pallay Punchu
Pallay Punchu (or Pallay Poncho) is a lesser-known alternative to Rainbow Mountain located about 3.5 hours south of Cusco. Its multicolored rock formations resemble the patterns of a traditional Andean poncho, therefore the name. The hike to the viewpoint takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, reaching an altitude of nearly 4,900 meters. So, again, proper acclimatization is essential. But, it’s a great option for those looking to explore off the beaten path trails.
Insider Tip: If hiking at high-altitudes is not your thing, consider doing some other tours from Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley.
Our Experience of Hiking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
The scenery while driving up the valley is magnificent. Lamas, alpacas and horses can be seen everywhere! The short trek starts at 4,900 m (15,091 ft) and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the highest point of 5,036 m (16,522 ft).
We personally did not find the hike challenging, as we spent enough time at high altitudes, especially during the Salkantay trek. But, if you’re coming straight from Cusco give yourself enough time to acclimatize. Many people on the path were struggling and had to return to the bus because of headache and fatigue.
If needed, there is also an option to rent a mule or horse for the way up. Keep in mind though that you’ll be dropped at the bottom of the final hill. So, you’ll still need to hike the last section.
Since we had some time to spare, we decided to visit the Red Valley as well. It is just a couple of meters away from the Rainbow Mountain. The valley is famous for its vivid red colour, as the name indicates. For a moment I felt like on Mars! Be advised, that in order to enter the valley, you need to pay an additional entrance fee (around 10/20 Sol).
FAQ Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Is it worth getting a tour to visit the Rainbow Mountain?
Personally, the main (and maybe only) benefit of the tour is the transportation. They drive you to the trailhead and give you a limited amount of time to spend at the top. Also, since you arrive together with other tour buses, you end up battling for a spot to take pictures. In the end, that ruins a bit the experience in my opinion. If you have the time, we recommend organizing private transportation for you and your friends. An alternative is to visit the Rainbow Mountain as part of the Ausangate Trek.
Are the colours that vivid also in real life?
The picture on this blog is unedited and yes it was that vivid. We visited Rainbow Mountain on a very bright and sunny day, which definitely helped with the colours. However, as many internet sources show, the mountain gets really overcrowded during the day.
How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain is moderately difficult, not as much for the terrain as for the high altitude (over 5,000 m or 16,500 ft). The hike is about 6-7 km round trip. But, if you’re concerned about the physical demand, you can also rent a horse for most of the trail (~60–100 soles). You’ll still need to hike the last hill though.
Do I need to acclimate before visiting Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, you absolutely need to acclimate before visiting Rainbow Mountain. At over 5,000 meters (16,500 ft) above sea level, the altitude is extreme, even for experienced hikers. Without proper acclimatization, you’re at high risk of altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
What is the Red Valley?
It is a valley just a couple of meters away from the Rainbow Mountain. In case you have some time, you can enter the Red Valley after paying a small fee. It is much less visited than the Rainbow Mountain, so you can enjoy the place all to yourself.
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