Rainbow Mountain Trek Tour
Cusco - Cusipata - Vinincunca


Duration
Full Day
Max. Altitude
17.060 ft - 5.200 m.
Activities
Trekking, Photography, Traditional Towns, Alpaca Farm, History.
Difficulty
Challenging
Transport
Van, Horse (optional).
Tour Description
The Rainbow Mountain of Cusco Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Winicunca, is stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate mountain area. This trip that allows you to see the Rainbow Mountain requires a trek of at least 4 hours (2 hours each way up and down the mountain).
On this trek you will see original villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of alpacas, llamas and sometimes vicuñas. You will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Mountain (6,385 m / 20,945 ft.), one of the highest mountain in Cusco region.
Enjoy amazing views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and more.
Itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Vinincunca
From 11.505 ft to 17.060 ft – (3,500 m. to 5,200 m.)
We will pick you up in Cusco between 04:30 to 05:00 a.m., from whatever hotel you are staying at Cusco. It is about a three hours driving in our private van, during which we will pass through traditional villages and see some amazing views of the Andes.
When we reach the trail head for this hike, we will stop and enjoy a lovely breakfast, after breakfast, we will begin the hike at 4,635 m/15,200 ft elevation. From here, it will be a three hour, uphill hike to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, you will enjoy amazing views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and traditional llamas and alpacas grazing along the valley.
Once we arrive at the top of Rainbow Mountain, you will have enough time to absorb the majesty of the red mountains that surround this area. You will also see amazing views of the valleys and Ausangate Glacier Peak in front of you. Ausangate is the tallest mountain of the Cusco region (just under 21,000 ft elevation), After taking a few amazing pictures we will begin our descent with a two hour, downhill hike.
Finally, we will start our return trip back in our private van to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel approximately at 5:30 p.m.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Private transport (Round trip).
- Breakfast
- 1 Buffet lunch (eat as much as you like!)
- Snacks.
- Hot drinks.
- Entrance ticket.
- Assitance 24 hrs.
- First Aid kit and Oxygen bottle.
Not included:
- Horses
- Tips, Extra expenses.
- Walking sticks.
- Small back pack and confortable shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (December – April).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sun block (sun protection cream).
- Snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.
- Camera, plenty of film and batteries.
- Walking Sticks.
- Sunglasses.
- Extra Money (soles).
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this Day tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 12 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.