Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike front page

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike

Overview

Marvel the vibrant natural colors of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain hike. An oportunity to interact with Quechua people, who proudly preserve their beautiful traditional culture as you trek through the stunning Andean valley. Enjoy beautiful snow-capped peaks and glaciers, as well as large herds of alpacas, horses, and birds of prey, all against the backdrop of an incredible multi-colored mountain range. The Vinicunca region, offers a unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Peru, making it a must-see destination on your trip.

rainbow mountain llama

Prices & Inclusions

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide’s discretion.

Rainbow mountain Map

rainbow mountain tour map

Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)

  • Starting at:
    • $210
Book Now 2+ travelers can book directly

How to Book

  1. Send Your Inquiry Share your preferred dates, number of participants, and accommodation details.
    Solo travelers or guests with questions are welcome to contact us before booking.
  2. Confirm Availability We will coordinate availability, ceremony logistics, and the best schedule for your experience.
  3. Reservation Deposit A deposit is required to secure and confirm your reservation.
  4. Booking Confirmation Once your reservation is confirmed, we will send all final details including pick-up time, recommendations, and important information for your ceremony.

If you already have planned dates and are 2 or more travelers, you can book directly using the Book Now button.

Included:

Not Included:

  • A lightweight, waterproof day pack.
  • Sturdy hiking boots.
  • Warm clothes and hiking pants, not jeans.
  • Layers of clothes for variable temperatures.
  • Camera with charged batteries.
  • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses.
  • Thermals, wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Water proof clothing and or a rain poncho.
  • Water bottles (reusable, not disposable).
  • Personal medical kit.
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips.
  • Walking sticks (rentable).
  • Favorite snacks.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Copy of passport and student ID card if applicable

Itinerary

Cusco → Rainbow mountain → Red Valley → Cusco

Full Day: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Your incredible trekking adventure through Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley begins with pickup from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. You’ll enjoy a 3-hour drive through the South Valley (4,638 m/15,216 ft), where the early morning darkness gives you the opportunity to rest or even take a short nap before beginning this exciting day.

Upon arriving at your breakfast spot, you’ll be greeted by the lively herds of alpacas and llamas that inhabit the area. Savor a delicious and hearty breakfast before returning to the truck for the final stretch to the trailhead. We begin our hike following a beautiful stream, with stunning views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. This will be an excellent opportunity to interact with the local people, who still maintain their traditional Quechua culture. You’ll learn about their traditional clothing and the meaning of the different hats the men wear. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide to teach you a few words in Quechua!

After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, we will finally reach our destination: When you’re in Red Valley, it’s otherworldly, with spectacular views stretching as far as the eye can see. Red Valley is a unique natural attraction. It seems otherworldly, like a scene from a movie where you’d imagine the background was created with 3D special effects. Standing there, you can appreciate the colors red, green, and white all the way to the horizon, cut horizontally by the blue sky andRainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After marveling at the unique beauty of this colorful landscape, you’ll have time to explore the area and the stone forest. You can take photos or simply admire the view and enjoy the vibrant beauty of the mountains. To conclude the adventure, we’ll return along the same trail to the starting point.

We’ll begin the return trip to Cusco, which will take 3 hours, and drop you off at your hotel, arriving at approximately 5:00 PM.

  • There is an option to rent a horse from the locals right at the start of the hike.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Box Lunch).

Reviews from our travelers

Trusted by Thousands of Happy Travelers

At Pumadventures, our focus is on creating great travel experiences, and our travelers’ recommendations reflect the care we put into every journey.

★★★★★
5.0
out of 5 - 100 reviews
Reviews on Tripadvisor
Puma adventures making the impossible possible!

“To have custom care on a visit to Peru with sacred sites and shamans that were very knowledgeable, kind, and caring. They took time to find a place that I could go because I am compromised with breathing issues. They were able to make my dreams come true with ease and grace. Beautiful family, beautiful company highly recommend it. They took time to listen and care something. You can’t find often a beautiful place to stay. Their care of making breakfast in the morning and making sure we have hot water throughout the evening was very nice and thoughtful.”


Doreen G Feb 2026 • Friends
More Than a Tour

“The tour guides made this trip! There was far more to this adventure than the sites, though the sites were powerful. Along with Puma, Rebi and Neliba shared their experiences and led ceremonies snd rituals from the heart. The energies were often palpable. The accommodations were exceptional. Some participants had the energy to find time to enjoy the evenings in social gatherings. If you are highly affected by the energies and experiences you may wish to spend time assimilating.”


John C. Sep 2025
Life Changing

“Last year through Sacred Journeys, we met Puma and his family of medicine teachers. Since then we've been studying with his school and decided to go back this fall. We arranged our own tour with two of our good friend (they had an Andean wedding).The love, the intention, the teachings are incredible. I can't recommend strongly enough going on a trip with Puma Adventures. Life-changing!”


Rodney B Oct 2025
Puma Adventures

“Returning home after my incredible tour of Peru with Puma Adventures, my first thought was that I’d do it all over again! The itinerary was beautifully planned — a perfect blend of history, culture, and spiritual experiences. Our guides were passionate, knowledgeable, and truly brought Peru’s rich heritage to life. Everything ran smoothly and at a pace that let me take it all in. Thanks to Puma Adventures, I experienced Peru in a way I’ll never forget!”


Wynne R. Oct 2025
Exceeded our expectations in every way!

“Our trip with PumaAdventures exceeded our expectations in every way. Puma and his excellent team took us on an amazing journey of ancestral knowledge, sacred sites, local customs, and spiritual guidance, in a deep and meaningful way that we would have never accomplished on our own. He and his team are professional, organized, and efficient, but also kind, compassionate, generous, openhearted and living lives of teaching and service. This trip was an extraordinary journey - mentally, physically, and spiritually. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Do it for yourself!”


Lynn F. Oct 2025
Reviews on Trustpilot
The Puma Adventures family is awesome

“We just completed our 6th pilgrimage over 8 years with the Puma Adventure family in February 2026. Again it was an outstanding experience over our 12 day retreat and 3 days up at apu Ausangate. It was a big group we brought this time but the Puma team were prepared for everything and it went flawlessly. Our primary guides of Alfredo, Miguel, and Magally did an amazing job picking us up everyday at the retreat centre and guiding our crew through all the beautiful sites of the Sacred Valley and up into the mountains. Always supported by the kind friendly drivers and the support team of Rebellino, Puma and Jimmy. Always a joy to partner with this beautiful family and know that we are in goods hands as were journey through Peru.”


Darcy Kopas. Mar 30, 2026
Gracias!

“Gracias Alfredo for taking the time to listen and to share your wisdom with me. Gracias Rebelino for the wisdom shared by the Apu. Gracias Puma, Miguel, Magali y Flabio! In deep gratitude for the care, love, support and service you provided us during our Peru pilgrimage. An experience that will forever have a special place in my heart.”


Emma Robalino-Rivas. Apr 1, 2026
Pumadventures adds a personal touch and truly tends to its guests in every way.

“This was my second trip to visit Peru with Pumadventures and I highly recommend this fantastic group of people. The travel adventure is a perfect mix of experiencing the magical sites Peru has to offer, the guides are very knowledgeable, and each daily excursion offers exquisite and authentic shopping (supporting small business), as well as glorious meals. Shaman Puma and his family also offer a humbling and truly touching insight into their traditions and how to live in ceremony every day. This trip and visit to Peru will change your life!”


Melanie. Nov 3, 2025
A truly magical journey with Puma and…

“A truly magical journey with Puma and his family, full of ancient wisdom love and generosity. All the trips we took were thoughtfully organized and Alfredo and Magadaly were shared their vast knowledge of their lineage with love. I also felt extremely supported and held during our plant ceremonies! Gracias for an amazing wonderful experience! Hasta pronto! Elba”


Elba HeviayVaca. Aug 20, 2025
Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's awesomeness!

“Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's love and wisdom was the most important thing to me. Also being in the sacred land of Peru, sitting with medicine, meeting the other healers such as Mama Irene and don Sebastian. Listening to the music of Tito de la Rosa. Being with the amazing Shift Network team that include the guides Odon, Nelida and Rebelino, etc. Listening to Ali Maya, Lindsay Wise, Dr. Dan and Dr. Chris. All of this was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! Also meeting the other like-minded participants who I've made relationships with. And last but not least, learning about myself!!”


Steve A Dec 22, 2022
Outstanding!!! Pumadventures is the most professional…

“Pumadventures is the most professional tour operating business I’ve ever experienced. Around 100 peoples needs needed to be met and they went above and beyond to look after our needs. They had enough guides to lead smaller groups and these guides were very knowledgeable especially Odon, the leader of my small group. PA is a really close family group and they all made us feel welcomed, safe and they really looked after our well being.”


June Stetar. Dec 23, 2022
Reviews on Google

“We did a fantastic private day tour with Pumaadventure. We choose the Sacred Valley Tour and had Nelida as tourguide and Jimmy as driver. We had an absolute amazing day together. This tour operador does an great job and we would recommend it to the fullest.”


A.R. Kuhn March 15, 2024

“Pure care, beauty, kindness, thoughtfulness & the most spectacular settings. I am infinitely grateful for the Pumadventures crew! ❤❤❤”


Darci Faulkner April 2, 2024

“Wonderful place for brunch with friends. Great service with live piano.”


Kevin Wayne May 12, 2024

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