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Lima & Cusco 7 Days – Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley & Humantay
Lima, Cusco · Tours in Peru

Lima & Cusco 7 Days – Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley &
Humantay

This 7-day itinerary is the Andean adventure par…

Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Group
Máx. 12
person
Difficulty
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
16,522 ft / 5,036 m
Language
English
About the Tour

The ultimate Andean adventure: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain with the Red Valley, and Humantay Lake in 7 days.

Lima, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Humantay Lake

This 7-day itinerary is the Andean adventure par excellence. Starting in Lima with the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina oasis, the journey takes you to Cusco for three of the most spectacular natural experiences in the Andes.

The defining feature of this tour is the unique combination of Rainbow Mountain with the Red Valley — a 25-minute extension from the summit that few travelers know about, featuring surreal formations of intense red clay against a turquoise backdrop. The circuit ends at the stunning Humantay Lake, with turquoise waters at the foot of the Salkantay glacier.

Places You Will Visit on This Tour
01
Cusco
The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.
02
Lima
Lima is located on the central coast of Peru, along the Pacific Ocean, and is the main international gateway to the country.
Step by step

Itinerary – Lima & Cusco 7 Days

📍
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Private airport transfer to hotel. Overnight in Lima.
🏖️
Day 2
Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Full Day
Pick-up 4:30 a.m. Ballestas Islands boat tour. Huacachina oasis: buggy ride and sandboarding. Return ~10:00 p.m. Overnight Lima.
⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: ~10:00 p.m.
✈️
Day 3
Flight Lima–Cusco – Acclimatization
Airport transfer and flight to Cusco. Hotel check-in. Free afternoon for acclimatization. Overnight Cusco.
🏔️
Day 4
Machu Picchu Full Day
Pick-up ~5:00 a.m. Train at 7:45 a.m. from Ollantaytambo. Guided tour: Circuit 2, Guardian’s House, Agricultural Terraces, Temple of the Three Windows. Bus down. Return train (4:22 p.m. or 5:25 p.m.). Overnight Cusco.
⏱ Pick-up: ~5:00 a.m. – Return: evening.
🌈
Day 5
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley
Pick-up 3:50–4:20 a.m. Buffet breakfast Cusipata. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (16,522 ft / 5,036 m). Free time at the summit. Extension to Red Valley (+25 min): unique red clay and turquoise formations. Buffet lunch Cusipata. Return ~5:00–5:30 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 3:50–4:20 a.m. – Return: ~5:00 p.m.
💧
Day 6
Humantay Lake Full Day
Pick-up 4:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast Mollepata. Hike to Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m): 1 hr 40 min ascent at your own pace. Turquoise waters beneath the Salkantay glacier. Buffet lunch Mollepata. Return Cusco ~6:00–6:30 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 4:00 a.m. – Return: ~6:00 p.m.
🏁
Day 7
Airport Transfer – End of Services
Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Cusco airport. Free time to explore the historic center. End of services.

Included

  • Private airport – hotel transfers (Lima and Cusco).
  • 2 nights Lima, 4 nights Cusco.
  • Hotel breakfasts every day.
  • Tourist transport Lima – Paracas – Ica – Lima.
  • Buggy ride and sandboarding at Huacachina.
  • 2 buffet breakfasts (Cusipata and Mollepata).
  • 2 buffet lunches (Cusipata and Mollepata).
  • Tourist train Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu round trip.
  • Consettur bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
  • Transfer Ollantaytambo–Cusco (both ways).
  • Entrance: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley.
  • Entrance: Humantay Lake.
  • Professional guide on all tours.
  • Personalized assistance.

Not Included

  • International flights or domestic flight Lima–Cusco.
  • Meals not mentioned, water, and tips.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Duration
7 days / 6 nights (2 Lima, 4 Cusco).
Max altitude
16,522 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley, day 5).
Difficulty
Moderate. Two high-altitude hikes (days 5 & 6) with acclimatization on day 3.
Tour type
Adventure Tours
Best season
April to October (dry season).
Max group size
12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

The Red Valley is a 25-minute extension from the Rainbow Mountain summit. It’s a unique geological formation of intense red clay contrasting with turquoise tones — far less visited than the main mountain and absolutely surreal.

They’re moderate. Day 5 (Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley) covers more total distance due to the valley extension. Day 6 (Humantay) is more demanding in elevation gain. Horse rental is available on both routes.

Yes, with advance booking. Tickets are limited and nominal. We recommend booking 2–3 months ahead during peak season.

Not included. Day 3 is for acclimatization. Day 7 has free time before the airport to explore Cusco’s historic center on your own.

April through October. Clear skies are ideal for Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Humantay Lake. The tour operates year-round.
Recommendations

Get ready for 7 adventure-packed days

🔴
Red Valley (Day 5)
The Red Valley extension adds ~25 min of easy walking from the Rainbow Mountain summit. It’s less crowded and photographically stunning — don’t skip it. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged.
💧
Acclimatization on Day 3
Rest, drink coca tea, and avoid alcohol. Days 5 and 6 are physically demanding — proper acclimatization on day 3 makes all the difference.
🥾
Hiking Gear
Trekking boots or trail shoes with good grip for days 5 and 6. Trekking poles are optional but highly recommended. Pack energy snacks for the long hiking days.
🧥
Layer Up
Light clothes for Lima; thermal layers plus a waterproof jacket for Cusco and the altiplano. Wind can be fierce at the Rainbow Mountain summit even on sunny days.
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