Hiking
Classic · VinicuncaUS$ 29
Red Valley + VinicuncaUS$ 29
Quad · ATV
Vinicunca quadUS$ 70
Red Valley + quadUS$ 75
Classic · VinicuncaUS$ 29
Red Valley + VinicuncaUS$ 29
Vinicunca quadUS$ 70
Red Valley + quadUS$ 75
What actually matters at 5,090m: layers, grip, sun protection, water and cash — plus the things you can safely leave at the hotel.
In short: Bring layers for below-freezing dawns, shoes with grip, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, at least 1.5 litres of water and cash in Peruvian soles. Trekking poles are provided on the hiking plans.
You will leave Cusco in the dark at around 4:30 in the morning, stand at the trailhead at 4,650m before sunrise when it is often below freezing, and walk uphill in strong sun two hours later. The single most useful thing you can bring is layers you can take off and put back on without stopping the group. After that: shoes with grip, sun protection that works at extreme UV, water, and cash in soles for the things that are paid on the mountain.
Thermal base, fleece or light down, windproof shell. You will use all three within four hours.
Walking shoes or boots. The trail is uneven and often muddy or icy in patches, especially early.
High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. UV at 5,000m burns even when the air is cold.
Entrance, Red Valley fee, a horse if you need one, snacks on the trail. No cards anywhere up there.
At least 1.5 litres per person. Altitude dries you out faster than the effort suggests.
Travelling on the ATV tour? The same list applies, minus the walking boots — but bring gloves, the wind on the quad is cold.
Travellers regularly arrive at the trailhead in a single thick coat and nothing underneath, then overheat twenty minutes into the climb and have nowhere to put it. Three thinner layers beat one thick one every time. A buff or scarf is the most underrated item on this list: it covers your face against the wind at the top and against the dust on the road.
Drink more water than feels necessary, eat a light breakfast rather than a heavy one, and consider coca tea or coca leaves, which are offered along the way. Any medication is a question for your doctor before you travel — see our altitude guide.
Batteries drain fast at 5,000m. Carry a spare in an inside pocket where your body heat keeps it warm, and let your camera adjust gradually when you go from a warm vehicle into the cold, to avoid condensation on the lens.
Reserve online in under two minutes — instant confirmation, secure checkout.
Complete your Peru adventure with these expert-guided full day experiences.
"Life is short and the world is vast — the sooner you start exploring it, the better."
