The Rainbow Mountain tour is one of the must-do day trips here in Peru. If you are in Cusco and have some extra time, you definitely has to see the Rainbow Mountain and the Red valley. This high Andean landscape is full of different colors. Every view here is different, if you look to the left you see white tops with snow and at the right you see a valley full of red mountains like a red dessert. If you already impressed by these landscapes just wait until you reach the Rainbow Mountain and it will blow your mind. Important thing is that you are fit and well used to the altitude of Cusco, as this is a hard hike. Do not doubt to do this hike, as the reward is enormous. One of the most beautiful pictures of your whole holiday. For the best pictures make sure you will leave on a sunny day. The hike is not long (8 km round trip) but it is all above 5100 m. Due to this altitude it is challenging but for sure, one of the best day hikes in Peru! For the fittest, you can continue from the Rainbow Mountain through the red valley to the top. From there you will have an amazing panorama of kilometers red dessert with mountaintops of different colors.
If you do not want to hike, you can also do this trip by horse for an additional cost of 60-80 sol. Local farmers are offering their horses at the trail so you can negotiate with them.
