day 1
Hike to red valley
We will start with hotel pick-up between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., then we will travel for 2 hours to Cusipata where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Phullawasipata (4626 meters above sea level) where we will prepare to begin the hike. The first part will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of ascent, appreciating beautiful landscapes with many snow-capped mountains, locals in traditional attire, and breeders of llamas and alpacas, in addition to the beautiful high-Andean scenery of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Upon reaching the Rainbow Mountain at an altitude of 5036 meters above sea level, we will have free time to take our photographs. Then, we will begin the descent this time through the Red Valley.
The hike to the Red Valley is on a dirt path that is well-marked. The hike is not really dangerous but will require all your strength. As the path approaches the Red Valley viewpoint, it becomes steeper and more challenging. The hike will last about 2.5 to 3 hours until we reach Phullawasipata where our transportation will be waiting to take us to enjoy a well-deserved and delicious lunch.
Afterward, we will take our transportation back to Cusco.
Important Information to Know!
- The Red Valley viewpoint is much less crowded than the Rainbow Mountain, which has hundreds of people when you reach the top around 10 am.
- Book in small groups that leave early from Cusco to have more opportunities to visit the Red Valley of Peru.
- The route to the Red Valley is the same as the one leading to the Vinicunca Mountain.
- Make sure that the Red Valley is included in your Rainbow Mountain hike. It will really make your day!
- Ensure you are properly acclimatized to the altitude.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Travel information one day before.
- Pick up from the Hotel
- Professional English and Spanish tourist guide
- Private minivan transportation for the group.
- Buffet lunch (variety to choose from)
- American breakfast
- Ecological walking sticks
- First aid kit
- Oxygen balloon for the Walk
- Oxygen balloon in the Unit
- Emergency communication radio.
- Entrance to the Mountain
- Entrance to the red valley
NOT INCLUDED
PACKING LIST
- Original Passport
- Small Backpack (Water, Camera, snacks, etc.)
- Light clothing, and a jacket (since the weather is changeable and there is a lot of wind)
- Hat for sun and cold
- Sunscreen
- Extra money for purchases and additional expenses
- It is recommended to have travel insurance
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen, sunglasses
- Warm or thermal clothing
RECOMENDATIONS
BEFORE VISITING THE MOUNTAIN OF COLORS AND RED VALLEY
Before taking a tour to the mountain of colors you have to be there a few days before to acclimatize your body so that the changes are not so abrupt. In addition, this way you will be preventing possible symptoms of altitude sickness. The recommendation to acclimatize the body is at least a day in the city of Cusco, take some pills for altitude sickness or simply when you arrive at the hotel, rest a little before starting your visit.
F.A.Qs
What is the best season to go to the Mountains?
If you want to see snow-capped peaks and go during a calm time without so many people, May is a good time to plan your visit. If you are looking for warm temperatures and high altitude hikes, July and August are the best months.
Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
If you want to see the mountain completely clear, just as it appears in the photos on the internet. It is advisable to visit it in the dry season -between May and September-.
