Physical Level

Easy

Trip Style

Max Altitude

Group Size

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley on a unique adventure in Cusco. We’ll start early, picking you up from your hotel at 3:00 a.m. and taking you in our private transport to the charming village of Cusipata, located at an altitude of 3200 meters (10,500 feet). We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, gathering energy for the exciting hike ahead.

Along the way to the Huampu Lagoon, at 4830 meters (15,850 feet), you’ll pass through authentic Quechua villages and take in spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range. From there, we’ll begin a hike of approximately 2.5 hours (7 km) to reach the summit of the famous Rainbow Mountain, standing at 5030 meters (16,500 feet). This journey will amaze you with the majestic landscape and the unique opportunity to see the stunning Red Valley, accompanied by the flight of condors if luck is on our side.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll be captivated by panoramic views of the four surrounding valleys and the towering Ausangate Glacier Peak, which rises to 6320 meters (21,000 feet). You’ll have time to explore, take unforgettable photos, and absorb the serenity of this Andean corner. We’ll finish with a 1.5-hour return hike to our transport, followed by a comforting lunch before heading back to Cusco, taking with you unforgettable memories and photos of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights

Scenic Drive: Enjoy a beautiful journey through Quechua villages with stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Cusipata Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast in the picturesque village of Cusipata (3200 m).
Huampu Lagoon Trailhead: Begin your hike from the high-altitude Huampu Lagoon (4830 m), surrounded by incredible landscapes.
Rainbow Mountain Summit: Reach the summit at 5030 m, where vibrant colors and unique rock formations create a breathtaking sight.
Red Valley: Walk through the surreal Red Valley, capturing photos of the striking red mountains.
Panoramic Views: Take in sweeping views of four different valleys and the majestic Ausangate Glacier Peak (6320 m, 21,000 ft).
Chance to See Condors: Spot the iconic Andean condor soaring above the valleys, a rare and memorable experience.
Delicious Lunch: Enjoy a well-deserved lunch after the hike, before returning to Cusco.

Trip Details

Activities: Trekking Adventure
Difficulty Levels: 4 of 5
Departures Day: Daily Departures
Sites to Visit: Cusipata, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley
Hike Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Minimum Altitude: 3200 m (10,500 ft)
Maximum Altitude: 5030 m (16,500 ft)
Recommended Age: 12 Years and above
Altitude Acclimatization: Yes, recommended
Recommended Season: March to November
Tour Type: Adventure Tour

Trip Summary

3:00 a.m. – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
4:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. – Drive to Cusipata Village (3200 m)
6:00 a.m. – 6:40 a.m. – Breakfast stop in Cusipata
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Continue drive, passing Quechua villages and scenic views of the Vilcanota range WITH ATV
8:00 a.m. – Arrival at Huampu Lagoon trailhead (4830 m)
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Begin 2.5-hour hike (7 km) to the top of Rainbow Mountain (5030 m)
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, enjoy views, and take photos
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Return hike (1.5 hours) to the starting point
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Drive back to Cusco
3:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco, drop-off at your hotel

Itinerary

DAY 1:

CUSCO - RED VALLEY - RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

We will pick you up in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., from the hotel you are staying in Cusco. It is about a two-hour drive in our private van until the Cusipata Village (3200 m).

We will stop and enjoy a lovely breakfast, then continue in our van, passing through Quechua villages and seeing some amazing views of the Vicanota range. When we reach the trailhead at the Huampu Lagoon (4830 m), we start hiking for around 2.5 hours (roughly 7 km) until reaching the top of Rainbow Mountain (5030 m).

You will walk through the astonishing Red Valley with amazing views, and, if you’re lucky, the Condor. We will have time to explore the area, take pictures, and absorb the majesty of the red mountains that surround this area.

You will also see amazing views of the 4 different valleys and the Ausangate Glacier Peak (6320 m, 21,000 ft elevation) in front of you. After capturing beautiful and treasured photos, we start the return with a 1.5-hour hike to get our transportation, followed by lunch, and then back to Cusco.

Group Service for Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour

The group service for the Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour provides a shared experience with other travelers on a fixed schedule.

Group Service Pricing

Service Type	Price per Person (USD)
Group Tour	$60

Group Service Description and Characteristics

In group service, participants join a mixed group of up to 15 travelers for the full-day excursion. The service includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, professional bilingual guide, breakfast, box lunch, entrance fee to Waqrapukara, and basic first aid. Characteristics emphasize affordability and social interaction, with a structured itinerary covering the scenic drive, short hike, and site exploration, ideal for solo adventurers or those seeking a communal outing in the Andes.

Private Service for Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour

Private service for the Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour delivers a tailored all-inclusive experience for your party. Prices cover exclusive transportation, guide, meals, and entrances, with upgrades listed separately.

Private Service Pricing by Group Size

Number of People	Price per Person (USD)
1	$310
2	$180
3	$145
4	$120
5	$110
6	$100
7	$95
8	$90
9	$85
10 or more	$80

Advantages of Private Waqrapukara Tour Service

Choosing private service allows full customization of the itinerary, adjusting departure times and pace to suit your group during the drive and hike.

Exclusive access to a dedicated guide enhances learning about Waqrapukara’s history, with personalized insights in a quiet setting away from larger groups.

The all-inclusive private option ensures comfort with private transport and meals, making it suitable for families or those preferring privacy on the moderate trail.

Upgrade Services for Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour

Horseback Riding ($25 USD per person): Provides assistance for the uphill hike section. Important for travelers with mobility concerns or to reduce physical strain on the 2.5 km ascent, ensuring everyone enjoys the views without exhaustion.
Walking Poles Rental ($5 USD per pair): Offers stability on uneven terrain. Crucial for balance during the moderate trek, helping prevent slips and supporting joints on rocky paths.
Premium Lunch Upgrade ($15 USD per person): Enhances the box lunch with local gourmet options. Valuable for a more satisfying meal experience, boosting energy after exploration in the Andean landscape.
Extra Oxygen Support ($10 USD per person): Supplies additional oxygen for high-altitude adjustment. Essential for those sensitive to elevation at 3,000 meters, minimizing risks of altitude sickness during the day.
Private Language Guide ($25 USD per person): Adds a guide fluent in a specific language beyond English/Spanish. Key for non-English speakers to fully understand historical details and improve the educational aspect of the tour.

Discounts Available for Waqrapukara 1 Day Tour

Agencies often provide a 5% discount for groups of 6 or more, lowering costs for larger parties booking together.

Early booking discounts of 10% apply when reserving 30 days in advance, encouraging timely planning for the tour.

Off-season reductions of 5% are common from November to March, making the rainy period more affordable for flexible travelers.

Inclusions

Professional Guide
Pick-up from your hotel
Private Transportation
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Walking stick
First aid kit
Oxygen bottle

Guide gratuity.
Entrance fees.
Drinks soda, beer, water.

What to Bring

1.5 Liters of Water (per person, at least) – Staying hydrated is essential due to the altitude.
Personal Snacks (optional) – Bring energy bars, nuts, or fruits for extra energy during the hike.
Water-Resistant Trekking Shoes – Trails can be uneven and, at times, muddy, especially after rain.
Warm Clothing – Include thermal wear, a fleece jacket, a hat, gloves, and thick socks. Temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes.
Waterproof Clothing (such as a poncho) – Rain can be unpredictable in the mountains, so having something waterproof is essential to stay dry.
Synthetic or Cotton Clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts) – Avoid heavy materials, as they may feel uncomfortable during the hike.
Sun Hat and Sunglasses – UV radiation is stronger at high altitudes, so sun protection is crucial.
High SPF Sunscreen – Apply it before you start and bring some extra to reapply along the way.
Basic Medications – Carry pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, and any necessary personal medication.
Walking Sticks (optional) – Useful for added stability, especially on steeper sections.
Personal Items – Include wet wipes, tissues, and any other hygiene items you may need.
Portable Charger or Power Bank – To keep your phone or camera charged, as the views are stunning and you’ll want plenty of photos.
Camera – The views are breathtaking; make sure to bring a camera or a good phone to capture the moment.
Cash – Bring some cash in case you want to purchase additional drinks, snacks, or local crafts along the way.

Why to Choose

Why choose “Imperial Travel Peru”?

“Imperial Travel Peru” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “Imperial Travel Peru,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “Imperial Travel Peru,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “Imperial Travel Peru” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Imperial Travel Peru” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“Imperial Travel Peru” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.