Rainbow Mountain day trips can feel like a blur, but this one is built around choice. I like the clear menu of options, including hiking or an ATV/motorcycle-style ride, so you can match the day to your body and energy. I also like the logistics that keep you fed—breakfast and lunch are included—so you’re not scrambling at altitude. One thing to consider: you’ll still be dealing with a long day, and entrance fees for the viewpoints are extra.

The route is simple and repeatable, which is great when you’re short on time in Cusco. I like that the group you’re with depends on your option, so the hiking and non-hiking choices don’t mix in the same pace. The trade-off is that if you choose the non-hiking option, you’ll walk a bit at the end anyway, just not much.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Four options let you hike Rainbow Mountain, add Red Valley, take an ATV ride, or do a shorter ride with a small walk
• Cusipata breakfast and lunch are included, which matters on a mountain day
• Guided time at Rainbow Mountain plus a separate walk gives you both context and time to take photos
• Handmade hiking sticks are provided, helpful if your knees get cranky
• Each option is a separate group, so your pace stays more consistent
• Cash for entrance tickets is required, since the viewpoint fees are not included

How the Cusco Pickup and Route Actually Works

Your day starts with an early pickup from central Cusco. From there you travel by tourist van for about 1.5 hours to a first stop for breakfast. Then you continue for another 1.5 hours toward the trailhead or the ATV/motorcycle base, based on the option you select.

This matters because Rainbow Mountain isn’t a quick wander. The long drive gets you out of Cusco’s streets and into the mountain approach, and it also helps you build a steadier rhythm before you start walking or riding. If you’re prone to getting flustered, the fixed timing makes the day feel easier.

A practical note: seven pickup location options are offered, and the tour ends at Plaza Mayor de Cuzco near most hotels. That’s a win because you don’t have to hunt for transport at the end of the day.

Picking Your Option: Hike vs ATV vs Motorcycle-Style Rides

This tour stands or falls on the options, and they’re clearly defined by distance and walking time. Each option is its own group from pickup, so you’re less likely to get stuck waiting for someone who chose a different pace.

Here’s the breakdown in real terms:

• Option 01: Rainbow Mountain Hiking

One-way 2.3 km easy hike. This is the straightforward, active choice.

• Option 02: Rainbow Mountain + Optional Red Valley Hiking

One-way 6 km hike. This is the longer hike day, with more time on your feet.

• Option 03: ATV to Rainbow Mountain

45 minutes riding + 5 minutes easy hike. This is for people who want most of the effort to be riding, not climbing.

• Option 04: ATV – Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

45 minutes total riding + 1.5 km hike. This blends both sights and keeps walking manageable.

The highlights mention motorcycle-style options with no driving, no hiking for some choices. What that means for you is that you’re not tasked with “learning to ride” at altitude, and you’re not stuck doing a full hike if you’re not feeling it.

If you’re deciding between options, be honest about your altitude tolerance. Even the shorter walks happen in high-country conditions, so the “easy” hike is still on a mountain schedule.

Cusipata Breakfast: Fuel Before the Mountain Starts

Before Rainbow Mountain, you stop in the Cusipata District for breakfast for about 45 minutes. This is the moment to eat like you’ll need energy later, because you will.

I like that the tour includes breakfast and later lunch—this is a big deal when you’re tempted to skip food to save time or avoid crowds. If you’ve ever tried to buy snacks at the worst possible moment, you know how quickly things get pricey and stressful.

Bring cash for extras, because while food is included, you may want drinks, small add-ons, or other on-site purchases. The tour also provides snacks in the form of structure, not just food—your day is paced so you’re not constantly waiting around hungry.

The Lead-In Hike or Ride: The First Big Segment

After breakfast, you ride another 1.5 hours to the MC Peru Expeditions Hiking Point & Motorcycle Point. Then your day splits depending on option.

For the hiking options, there’s about 1 hour of hiking before Rainbow Mountain itself. For the ATV/motorcycle-style options, you’ll be riding to the mountain area, which reduces your time on foot and changes how the day feels—more wind-in-your-face energy, less “step, breathe, repeat.”

Either way, this first segment is where you start to feel the altitude and the cold. If it’s early enough, it can be chilly even when Cusco feels warmer. Pack layers you can handle without turning this into a wardrobe change.

Rainbow Mountain: Guided Viewing Plus Your Own Walk

Rainbow Mountain is the main event, and the tour doesn’t treat it as a quick stop. You get a guided tour for about 45 minutes, and then you also have time to explore on your own with about 45 minutes for walking and photos.

That structure is smart for two reasons. First, the guide time helps you understand what you’re seeing and how to photograph it without guessing. Second, the extra walk lets you slow down, reposition, and catch the best angles when the light shifts.

You’ll also have a chance to take photos, with the schedule giving you time rather than forcing a rush. If you’re serious about pictures, this “guided then free” approach is easier than tours that only do one quick look.

One more practical detail: the tour includes handmade hiking sticks. They’re useful if you’re choosing the hiking option, especially for the return sections where knees complain first.

Red Valley Add-On: More Distance, More Variety

Red Valley is an optional add-on, and how you experience it depends on your option.

If you choose the combined hiking option, you’re looking at a one-way 6 km hike that includes more time on the trail. If you choose the ATV version, you add Red Valley with 45 minutes total riding and a smaller 1.5 km walk.

This is where you should think about “effort vs reward.” Red Valley adds variety, but it also adds time. If you’re short on stamina, the ATV combo is a good compromise because it keeps your walking portion smaller while still letting you meet both sights.

When you’re planning, consider your photo goals too. If you want more frames and more perspectives, Red Valley can be worth the added time. If your priority is simply Rainbow Mountain and you want the least walking possible, stick to the Rainbow Mountain-only choices.

Food on This Tour: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, and Realistic Timing

Lunch is included and served as a buffet, with about 1 hour in Cusipata District. You’ll also return toward Cusco afterward, so lunch works like a reset—eat, warm up, and prepare for the ride back.

From the reviews, the food comes up as a strong point: people highlight that it’s tasty and clean. I’d treat that as a reason to relax about meals and focus on the sights, not your stomach. A mountain day is already a physical challenge; you don’t need a second problem.

If you’re someone who gets lightheaded when you stop eating, this tour’s meal structure helps. You don’t have to guess where your next snack will come from.

Price and Value: What $22 Covers, and What Costs Extra

The advertised price is $22 per person, and that includes a lot of day-trip basics: hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a professional guide in English and Spanish, hiking sticks, breakfast, and buffet lunch.

Here’s what’s not included: entrance to Rainbow Mountain (30 PEN) and optional entrance to Red Valley (30 PEN). The tour info says each is about $9 USD, so add roughly $18 USD if you do both viewpoints.

So what’s the real cost? If you choose Rainbow Mountain only, you’re likely adding around $9 USD for the entrance. If you do Rainbow Mountain plus Red Valley, you’re likely adding around $18 USD total in entrance fees. That puts the all-in range (before optional extras) closer to the mid-$30s.

Optional extras also exist. The info mentions an optional horse on site for 100 PEN (about $30 USD). It’s not included, so only consider it if you want to reduce walking further and you’re comfortable with the extra cost.

In terms of value, I think this tour is priced fairly for what you get: transport from Cusco, guiding, and two meals. The biggest “surprise” usually isn’t the price; it’s the entrance fees due at the viewpoint. If you show up with cash, that surprise disappears.

What to Bring (and What to Skip) for a Smoother Day

The tour lists a clear packing approach, and you’ll be happier if you follow it.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Comfortable clothes
• Cash

Don’t bring:

• Luggage or large bags

That no-large-bags rule is worth taking seriously because mountain days are usually chaotic enough. Smaller personal items mean fewer delays and less stress when you’re moving between van, trail, and viewpoints.

Also, think about your phone and camera in cold air. If you’re taking photos, keep your camera accessible so you don’t waste time pulling it out later when the best light is gone.

Comfort and Safety: Who This Tour Fits Best

This is not a casual stroll, even on the shorter options. The tour info says it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or those over 70.

That’s a good filter. At altitude, breathing and energy can change fast, and the day includes either hiking or riding in high elevation conditions. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to ask yourself one question: do you handle altitude comfortably at home, or do you often feel winded?

The tour includes emergency support: a first-aid kit and an oxygen tank for emergencies. That’s the kind of detail that gives peace of mind, especially on days where conditions can shift.

And yes, it’s a 12-hour day. The length isn’t only about walking—it’s also travel time and time on the viewpoints. Plan your next day accordingly so you’re not doing errands right after.

The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

A few practical details can make your experience feel smoother.

First, you’ll have a chance to skip the ticket line. That reduces waiting time at the entrance, which is helpful when you’re already on a schedule.

Second, the tour groups are separated by your option. That means you’re not constantly adjusting your pace to a mixed group, which helps on both hiking and non-hiking choices.

Third, keep cash for extras. Reviews specifically call out bringing cash for extras, and the tour lists optional items like entrance fees and horse rides.

Finally, consider the guide experience. One guide mentioned in feedback is Carlos, praised for passion and positive energy. You can’t choose your guide in advance from the info you have, but it tells you the team tends to care about making the day make sense, not just moving you between stops.

Should You Book This Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a day trip that’s structured, guided, and built around choice. The combination of early pickup, meals included, guided time at Rainbow Mountain, and options ranging from longer hikes to ATV-style rides makes it flexible for different fitness levels.

Skip it if you’re looking for a short, low-effort outing. Even the ATV options include a hike portion, and the day is still long. Also, if any of the listed health constraints apply to you, it’s best to choose a different plan.

My rule of thumb: if you can handle a high-altitude day with careful pacing, this is a good value way to see Rainbow Mountain and possibly Red Valley without turning your trip into a logistical project.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour from Cusco?

The tour duration is 12 hours.

Where does the tour pick you up, and where does it end?

Pickup is available from multiple city-center locations in Cusco. The tour ends at Plaza Mayor de Cuzco.

What’s included in the price?

It includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a professional guide (English & Spanish), handmade hiking sticks, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

Are the entrance tickets for Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley included?

No. Entrance to Rainbow Mountain costs 30 PEN (about $9 USD). Red Valley entrance costs 30 PEN (about $9 USD). Both are listed as not included.

What options are available during the tour?

You can choose between hiking Rainbow Mountain, hiking Rainbow Mountain plus optional Red Valley, taking an ATV to Rainbow Mountain, or doing Rainbow Mountain plus Red Valley with an ATV-style option.

How much hiking is there on each option?

Rainbow Mountain-only hiking is 2.3 km one-way. The combined hiking option is 6 km one-way. The ATV-to-Rainbow option includes about 5 minutes of easy hiking. The ATV + Red Valley option includes about 1.5 km of hiking.

Is there time for photos at Rainbow Mountain?

Yes. You’ll have guided time at Rainbow Mountain plus an additional walk/exploration period of about 45 minutes.

What should I bring and do I need cash?

Bring comfortable shoes, camera, comfortable clothes, and cash. Cash is useful because entrance fees and optional extras are not included.

Who should not join this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or people over 70.