The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca in Peru, are stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (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 2 to 6 days but That has changed with this brand new itinerary. We have designed this hike so that it can be done as a day trip!
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca trek you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and 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.
We will pick you up at 6:00am from your Cusco hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive to the trailhead (4,450 m / 14,600 ft) is 3 hours long. Once we reach the to cusipata village after 2 hours driving, we will have a fueling american breakfast. then we drive one hour more to the trail head.
We then start off on our hike, following a lovely trail immediately surprised by literally herds of alpacas and llamas, also will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain also We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents.
We encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing local birds 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 2 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to see….the Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. Enough time to take pictures and soak in the environment. At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 1:30 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return. We will embark on the 1 hour drive back to cusipata town to have our luch then 2 hours back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 4 to 5 PM.
Meals: American Breakfast / lunch or (Box lunch is an option)
Lowest Elevation: 4,450m / 14,600 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Distance to walk: 8km / 4.97 miles
Approximate walking time: 2 to hours up; 1.30 hours down
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Prices – Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Price per person US$ 100 Includes: Transportation round trip, Guide, Breakfast & box Lunch, Entrance fee(Group size: 04 – 10 ppl)