Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Overview
Ausangate is the fifth highest mountain in Peru. With its 6,384 meters high, for centuries it has received many names: “The roof of the Inca capital”, “Vinicunca” (Cerro de Colores), etc. Guardian of the Cusco region, located between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca, Canchis province, Cusco region, in the south of Peru. Ausangate is considered the most important mountain of the Andean cosmovision.
Itinerary
Day 1: Mountain of Colors (Vinicunca)
The tour begins very early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., then travel by bus for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the south until we reach the district of Cusipata (3,310 m a.s.l.), where we will enjoy a delicious semi-buffet breakfast.
We will continue our journey for about 2 more hours along a dirt road until we reach the Kayrahuiri checkpoint, where we’ll make a short stop to pay the entrance fee (30 soles for foreigners / 15 soles for Peruvians).
From this point, we’ll start our hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), which lasts approximately 50 minutes. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful Andean flora and fauna, including llamas and alpacas, as well as stunning snow-capped peaks and natural valleys.
Upon reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint (5,080 m a.s.l.), our local guide will provide a detailed explanation about the geography, ecosystem, and natural color formation of this incredible mountain. You will also have free time to take photos, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and admire the majestic Vinicunca mountain range (5,020 m a.s.l.).
After enjoying this magical place, we’ll begin the return hike along the same trail to Kayrahuiri, where our transport will be waiting. From there, we’ll return to Cusipata to enjoy a semi-buffet lunch.
Finally, we’ll drive back to the city of Cusco, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. The tour ends near the Plaza de Armas, concluding a day full of spectacular landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Included:
- Tourist transport.
- Official Tourism Guide (Spanish / English).
- Food: 1 breakfast + 1 lunch.
- Trekking poles
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen balloon in case of emergencies.
- Permanent assistance.
Not included:
- Mountain entrance ticket.
- Extra expenses
- Unmentioned foods.
Recommendations
- Small backpack (bottle of water, snacks and more).
- Extra cash (soles) to buy souvenirs (optional).
- trekking shoes or shoes.
- Light, warm clothing, gloves, scarf, jacket/jacket.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if your visit is between the months of October to March.
- personal medication.
- sunglasses.
- sun hat
- sun block.
- camera and camcorder.
- Camera and extra batteries.
