Travel through an undiscovered land, with wild landscapes, deserts, snowy peaks, herds of alpacas, and reach the last destination- The “Rainbow Mountain” hidden in the Andes.
Throughout your journey you will pass through a green valley with the breathtaking view of the imposing snow capped Ausangate in the distance. You are going to experience first hand how people live in the mountains and even have the opportunity to talk to them. As you get closer to the “Rainbow Mountain” you will begin to see the first signs of the colored minerals that form the painted hills. Your guide will explain what constitutes the existence of the “rainbow mountain”, and finally with a last effort you will hike to a high point that gives you a 360 degree view of the beauty of the landscape that makes up this sacred land.
THE GREAT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
AT 05:00am. Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for leading us to the south of Cusco city by the route that goes to the Lake Titicaca, through our way we are going to see farming areas of corn, potatoes, quinua and some other products cultivate by the andean people, you we’ll see the great Urubamba river that stars on the Vilcanota mountain range, before that we are going to arrive to the villa of Cusipata (3,310mt.), we take the detour on a dirt route toward the small community of Chillihuani,(3844 mt.), place where we can have our breakfast, after that we continue for about 50 minutes more, in our way there will be herds of llamas and alpacas grazing, once we reach Llactoc area (4645 mt.) The trail head, our guide will give us some time to get ready before we walk on a gentle way up path to the place called Mirador (about 2hrs.) from here we walk some 30 minutes on a stipe way up to reach the rainbow mountain or Vinicunca,
Along with your guide we explore the beauty of area which was formed by the oxidation of the different minerals that make up the area, when we reach the summit of the mountain (5036 mt.) near to Vinicunca, we are going to have a great view of the area and the main glacier Ausangate (6384 mt.) the sacred mountain, protector of Cusco city, according to the local people, we are going to have a free time to enjoy this outstanding area.
Afterwards we return by the same way where or driver wait for us to take us to our restaurant to enjoy of our lunch.
We are going to be back in Cusco around 5:00pm.
Note: On the trail head there will be the change to hire a horse (S/80.00 per person, round trip), not included in the price.
Going to the Rainbow mountain riding a horse take usually 1hr. aproximately but just until the place Mirador, from there still we have to walk for 30 minutes, on a stipe way up.
Important:
To enjoy and explore of this tour we recommend to stay at least 2 days in Cusco, to get a good adjusting to the altitude to avoid any problems with it and doing some of this tours as the City tour, the Sacred Valley of the Incas or Moray and Maras.
Read our Terms & conditions (link).
INCLUDES
- Pre-departure briefing
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 12 people).
- Transportation (van or bus) with professional authorized driver
- Meals (1 B, 1 L)
- Entrance to visit the rainbow mountain.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
NOT INCLUDED
- Horse service (you can rent it at S/80 at the trail head)
- Travel insurance.
- Tips to our staff (guide & driver).
Important: read our Terms & conditions (link)
WHAT TO BRING
The geography where the Rainbow Mountain is located, conditions its weather. Despite of the time of the year, there are always seasonal variations: it can be sunny and still cold or rainy but dry and kind of mild. Tourists must be ready and equipped to enjoy their trip under safe conditions. The following packing list gathers items that you will need in your visit.
Clothing
- Wear clothes in layers: It is hard to guess what the weather will be like, that’s why layering is really helpful. Make sure you are using wickable clothes, cotton ones keep much moisture on them.
- Use short or long-sleeved t-shirts for your first layer.
- Pack lightweight jackets of fleece or microfleece for the second layer.
- Wear a waterproof jacket for the third layer.
- Carry gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
- Wear hiking boots or trekking shoes.
- Use thick socks
- Pack a hat in case is going to be sunny day.
Additional Accessories
- Lip balm.
- Sunglases
- Sun cream.
- Baby wipes.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Trekking poles.
- Batteries or flashcards for your camera.
Snacks & Drinks
- Energetic bars.
- Dried fruit.
- Bottle of water (1-2 Lt).
- Candies
Beware that there will possibly be no signal for cell phones up in the mountain. Personal identifications are always required.