Tour Rainbow mountain with red valley Tour 1 Day
The Vilcabamba mountain range where the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND THE RED VALLEY is located, is a huge ar
The Vilcabamba mountain range where the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND THE RED VALLEY is located, is a huge area southeast of Cusco, it is a very important section of the Andes Mountains,
This is one of the mountain ranges in Peru that has the highest concentration of snow-capped mountains, this creates beautiful high Andean landscapes with vast snow-capped mountains and large glaciers, which in their melting make beautiful lagoons, lakes, and beautiful valleys appear.
Nowadays, with the passage of time, many of these peaks are completely covered in snow, and show a special natural pigment in the rock that, together with some minerals and the special color of the soil in this place, create beautiful mountains.
They are very striking due to the colors they show, together with the local people who are mainly breeders of Alpacas and Llamas will make this tour an unforgettable experience, breathe deeply and experience the 5036 meters of “Vinicunca” (The Rainbow Mountain).
We begin the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour with pickup from your Hotel around 3:30 to 4:00 a.m. Then we will travel 2 hours by bus to Cusipata where you will have a delicious breakfast.
Then we continue one more hour to Phullawasipata (4626 mts. /15177 ft.) this is the beginning of the trail where we will begin the walk, first we walk 1 hour and 1/2 to two uphill where you will find a beautiful landscape. great mountain and local people with their typical clothing going about their daily life, you will find groups of Alpacas, Llamas and sometimes wild Vicuñas, also a small lagoon created by the melting of the glaciers,
Once you reach the summit (Vinicunca 5036 mts. / 16522 Fts.) you will have some free time to rest and take photographs, then we will begin to return along a different path, the “Red Valley”, which we call because of the color red from the mountain floor, they look very good, and you will only find a few people,
This is a totally different experience, it will be another 2 hours of walking downhill to reach Phulawasipata again where our transportation will be waiting for us to take us to have a comforting lunch,
then we will bring you back to Cusco again around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. (we leave you one block from the main square due to traffic).
Optional:
Recommendations
When it comes to planning an unforgettable adventure in Cusco, Peru, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many travel agencies vying for your attention, it’s essential to select one that stands out and offers a truly exceptional experience. That’s where “Peru Rainbow Mountain” Travel Agency comes into play. Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose us for your Cusco adventure:
The Red Valley of Pitumarca in Cusco. It is located in the vicinity of the renowned “Mountain of the 7 Colors”, attracting numerous tourists with its impressive landscape of mountains dyed in reddish tones, despite being 5,020 meters above sea level (equivalent to 16,469 feet of altitude ). Getting to this place involves a 2-hour drive from the city of Cusco, followed by an additional 2-hour walk. It is considered one of the most promising tourist destinations in the Cusco region.
It is a natural phenomenon where a mountain range acquires reddish tones due to the abundance of minerals in the area. This spectacular landscape attracts around 500 visitors daily.
To get to this corner, you must walk approximately 2 hours, crossing majestic Andean mountains with impressive landscapes. The hike may be challenging for some visitors, but for others, it is part of the adventure. One of the highlights of this tour is the “red river”, whose waters exhibit a natural reddish color.
Many tourists include a visit to the Red Valley of Pitumarca in their itinerary along with the Mountain of the 7 Colors, which is located a short distance away. Both destinations are located at the foot of the famous snow-capped Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco.
The Red Valley is located about 7 kilometers from the Pitumarca district , in the province of Canchis, south of Cusco. Geographically, it is on the slopes of the snowy Ausangate, at an altitude of 5,020 meters above sea level (equivalent to 16,469 feet).
The trip begins in Cusco, where you must take public transportation that takes you to the town of Pitumarca (a trip of approximately 2 hours). Then, it’s a short taxi ride to K’ayrawiri , the starting point for the 2-hour hike to the Red Valley. The most recommended option is to participate in a complete tour that includes all these services.
Due to its high altitude and its proximity to the snowy Ausangate, the climate in the Red Valley is cold. During visiting hours, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the temperature ranges between 7°C (44.6°F) and 12°C (53.6°F). At night, it can drop to 0 degrees Celsius (32°F), and rain is more frequent in January, February and March.
The last part of the trip to the Red Valley of Pitumarca is done on foot, starting in the community of K’ayrawiri . The walk covers around 7 kilometers and offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and the opportunity to observe llamas and alpacas, characteristic animals of the region. After 2 or 3 hours of walking, you reach the Red Valley, a reddish mountain formation that is perfect for taking photographs.
The Red Valley of Pitumarca offers one of the most amazing landscapes in Cusco. During the dry season, especially in May, June and July, you can enjoy the combination of the white of the snow with the red of the mountains. On the other hand, during the rainy season, mainly in January, February and March, the rise of the “red river” can be seen, whose waters acquire a color similar to that of the mountains. Both landscapes are ideal for taking photographs.
The visit to the Red Valley of Pitumarca is safe. The trails are wide and easy to navigate. The main challenges are the cold and the altitude, which can cause discomfort such as altitude sickness, characterized by headaches, nausea and fatigue. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to counteract these symptoms.
The most common way to visit the Red Valley of Pitumarca is through a one-day tour, which costs approximately $30 per person. This service includes transportation, tour guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch and equipment for the hike. Some tours also incorporate a visit to the Mountain of 7 Colors, and prices may vary depending on the tourism agency chosen.
The tour to the Red Valley of Pitumarca is recommended for people over 12 years old who enjoy outdoor walks. Older adults should consult their doctor before embarking on the trip, and visits are not recommended for people with heart problems.
Tours that include both the Red Valley and the Mountain of 7 Colors begin with a 2-hour walk to Vinicunca , one of the most tourist destinations in Cusco. Then, continue with an additional 2-hour hike to the Red Valley of Pitumarca . Although it is a demanding tour, it offers a unique experience.
In addition to the stunning landscapes, the trip to the Red Valley provides the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the local inhabitants, who offer horses to visitors who prefer not to walk in exchange for a fee, thus contributing to their livelihood.
Tips: For the tour to the Red Valley of Pitumarca , it is advisable to acclimatize to the climate of Cusco one or two days before. In this way, you will be able to better cope with the cold and the altitude of the mountains. A smart option is to schedule your visit to the Red Valley for the second or third day of your stay in Cusco.
If you enjoy outdoor hiking in the high mountains, you should also consider exploring the Mountain of the 7 Colors ( Vinicunca ) and the Humantay Lagoon, both offer stunning landscapes and require 2-3 hour hikes.