Trek to Vinicunca

(The Rainbow Mountain)

Full Day Trek


The trek starts in a green and beautiful Andean valley crowned by the majestic glacier of the Ausangate: with its 6372 meters a.s.l (20 910 feet) Ausangate is the highest peak in south Peru. The valley is populated by small human groups, Andean shepherds and their animals – llamas and alpacas -, a treasure of images and culture that will follow us during the time of the trek going hand by hand with the astonishing beauty of the natural surroundings.
Only penetrating deeply into the valley and reaching altitudes almost extremes – 5000 meters (16400 feet) we will witness the first signs of the chromatic variety that characterize the area of the Rainbow Mountain. Once we have reached the goal –with the Rainbow Mountain facing our eyes- then we will also contemplate the incredible view (a 360˚ view) that from up there is possible to enjoy over the Andes and the powerful presence of the Ausangate glacier.


ITINERARY

A private car will pick you up from your hotel at 5:45 am to start a trip of approximately 3.5 hours. Once we reach the place where to leave the car we begin the trek that last between 3 and 4 hours according to the step we prefer to keep. By then we will have reach the Rainbow Mountain, our goal. We have with us an energetic boxed lunch (with extra snacks) that can be consumed whenever you feel like during the trek. Arrived to the Rainbow Mountain, we will take one hour to enjoy all possible views, take pictures and rest a little before starting the way back. Once we are back again to our car (about 5:00 pm) we will take immediately the road to Cusco, thinking to be there around 8:00 pm). Our car will leave you at your hotel.


WHAT IS INCLUDED


  • Transportation and all extra cost connected (road fee, etc.)

  • A specialized guide

  • An energetic boxed lunch + snacks

  • First aid kit and oxygen

NOTE: horses are available to help trekkers to do the way up to the Rainbow Mountain. It is possible to have a horse to an extra cost.


IMPORTANT NOTE

This trek is relatively difficult mainly because of the altitude that the trekker reaches: the trek starts at about 4300 meters (14110 feet) and arrives to 5000 meters (16400 feet). The distance covered is about 16 km (about 10 miles) and the way up to the Rainbow Mountain is very gradual in a wide Andean valley. For these reasons is important that the trekkers are physically fits to to trek and that they have consulted a doctor first. It is also important –before the trek- to have spent some days (3 minimum) in Cusco -or a place with similar altitude- to get a sufficient adaptation to the altitude.

ausangate cusco

Ausangate Glacier (6372 m.-20910 f.)