The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. The Ausangate Mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (an or mountain spirit) by local Peruvians and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings and this tradition continues today.
Most trips that allow you to see the Rainbow Mountains require a trek of at least 6 days. We have designed this hike so that it can be done as a day trip!
On this trek, you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, and herds of llamas and alpacas. You will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,385 m / 20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. With uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
Itinerary:
We will pick you up early (3a.m.) from your Cusco hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc Bridge, we will have breakfast. We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents. We will stop for a box lunch along the trail.
Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicunas. Vicunas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a highlight of this portion of the hike.
After a total hike of approximately 3 1/2 hours, we finally reach our destination we came to see: The Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the initial shock of its beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak up the environment. At this point, it is time to go back down. We will hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 3 hours. Our bus will be waiting for us when we return.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 8pm.
Included in this trip:
Not included:
*Group size 2-10