Red Valley
The Red Valley and Vinicunca ATV tour is one of the most exciting adventure experiences in the Andes from Cusco. This excursion combines the adrenaline rush of riding an ATV with the beauty of two of the region’s most impressive landscapes, allowing you to cover great distances and quickly access remote locations.
The tour begins by riding ATVs through a landscape of Andean valleys and mountains, which is an adventure in itself. The journey takes you to the viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where you’ll be breathtaking at the spectrum of colors painted on the slopes. The journey then continues to the mysterious and rarely visited Red Valley, a place that, due to its iron oxide mineral composition, has a deep red color that contrasts dramatically with the blue of the Andean sky. The combination of these two natural wonders creates a landscape that feels surreal, as if you were on another planet.
introducion
Vinicunca on ATVs
For lovers of adventure and unusual landscapes, the Red Valley and Vinicunca ATV tour is the ultimate experience in the Peruvian Andes. This expedition not only brings you close to the iconic rainbow-colored mountains, but also immerses you in an adrenaline-filled adventure that will allow you to discover the hidden beauty of the region in a unique and exciting way. Prepare for an unforgettable day where the colors of the earth come to life before your eyes.
Dificultad y Preparación
- Difficulty: Moderate to high due to altitude and uneven terrain
- Preparation: It is essential to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
- Equipment: Thermal clothing, trekking boots, hiking poles, sunscreen and camping gear
FULL DAY
2-Day Itinerary to Vinicunca and Red Valley (on foot)
Day 1: Cusco – Checacupe – Chillca – Puka Qocha
The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a bus ride to the picturesque village of Checacupe, known for its colonial and Inca bridges. From there, the journey continues to the community of Chillca, which will be the starting point of your hike. Today’s trek is of moderate difficulty and will allow you to acclimatize while walking through landscapes of colorful valleys and mountains. You will arrive at the Puka Qocha camp at sunset, where you will have dinner and spend the night under a starry Andean sky.
- Hiking distance: 12 km (approx. 5 to 6 hours)
- Maximum altitude: 4,500 m.a.s.l.
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Day 2: Puka Qocha – Vinicunca – Red Valley – Cusco
You’ll wake up very early for a hearty breakfast. From the campsite, you’ll begin the final ascent to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). You’ll arrive at the viewpoint just in time to see the sunrise, when the light illuminates the mountain’s vibrant colors. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs without the crowds of day tours.
Afterward, you’ll begin a 1-hour hike to the Red Valley. This less-crowded area will surprise you with its intense red slopes, creating a spectacular contrast with the blue sky. Finally, you’ll descend to the bus that will take you back to Cusco, having completed an unforgettable adventure.
- Hiking distance: 8 km (approx. 4 hours)
- Maximum altitude: 5,036 m.a.s.l.
INCLUDES + ROUTE DETAILS
Transportation
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Transportation to the trek start.
Food
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
- Snacks (tea, hot water, cookies).
- Cook and assistants during the trek.
Safety
- First aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen.
Entrance fee (15-20 soles)
Tips
Before the Trek
- Acclimatization: Arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days early to get used to the altitude.
- Pre-training: Hiking, running, or light cardio to build endurance.
- Sleep well: Avoid staying up late or drinking alcohol the day before.
Equipment and Clothing
- Small backpack (30–40L): To carry water, snacks, a camera, a coat, and daily essentials.
- Large backpack (60–70L): If you don’t hire additional porters (mules usually carry some of the weight).
- Layered clothing:
o Quick-drying t-shirts.
o Fleece jackets or a mid-layered coat.
o Waterproof and windproof jacket.
o Thermal clothing for the evenings (it gets very cold in Soraypampa).
- Trekking footwear: Sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof boots.
- Sandals/light sneakers: For resting at camp.
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (the sun is strong at high altitudes).
- Gloves, hat, and scarf (it can be cold in the early morning).
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Sleeping bag with a temperature of -10°C (if not, rent one).
Food and Hydration
- Bring a reusable water bottle or camelback (minimum 1.5–2 L).
- Water purification tablets or a personal filter.
- Energy snacks: nuts, chocolate, cereal bars.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals during the trek.
Health and Safety Tips
- Walk at your own pace, without rushing (especially on the climb to Salkantay Pass, 4,650 m).
- Use coca leaves or sorojchi pills if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Protect yourself from the cold at night and from the sun during the day (sudden changes in weather).
- Bring a personal first aid kit: pain relievers, band-aids, and your own medications.
- Always follow the guide’s instructions.
Extras to Consider
- Cash in soles (for swims, extra snacks, tips, and the Cocalmayo hot springs).
- Swimsuit and a light towel if you plan to go to the hot springs.
- Camera with extra battery (there’s not always electricity to charge).
