Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 2 Days/ 1 Nights
Group Size: 2-10 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging hike, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 31 km
Overview
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders.
The mountains of Peru will leave you with an unforgettable experience, as you are lead into the Peruvian Andes by Inca Vision Tours. During this trip you will enjoy an amazing night among some of the brightest stars you will ever see and a milky way so colorful it will leave you stunned. Also, you will able to see locals who are still keeping their traditional Quechua culture alive! You will see herds of llamas, alpacas and sheep with their shepherds and a selection of wildlife including soaring condors, falcons, eagles and, if you’re lucky, Vicuñas. When you reach the Rainbow Mountain you will be amazed by the natural colors of the colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area. It is so different from everything else you will see in Peru! Rainbow Mountain truly is unique!. Remember, this special route which links part of the snowing Ausangate trek will truly take you off the beaten track. An adventure that will take your breath away constantly, combining wild desert landscapes, glaciated peaks, rushing rivers and challenging mountain passes. We get you away from the crowds where everything seems untouched and undiscovered.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, this trek is for you¡
Day 1 Cuzco – Alqatawri- Ausangate-Anata
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at approx. 4:30 am in Cuzco and drive 3 hours to the trailhead (Queseuno?) while you pack up your gear our chef will be preparing a hot breakfast.
You will start hiking along a large green valley. Arguably, you will see hundreds of alpacas, local farmers, and the beautiful snowing Ausangate Mountain looming in the distance- this is only a teaser for what is to come on your journey. As you continue making your way on the trail you will begin to conquer the first pass of the trek- Puccacocha pass. At around 5000m (16,400ft), the pass sits just above Puccacocha Lake, and the massive Ausangate Mountain is directly in front of you. After a successful climb you will stop and enjoy a 360 degree view while the active glacier crashes into the lake below. From here, you continue on to Anata and you will approach very soon to your campsite (at 4700m (15,000ft)! .Tonight while you enjoy your dinner, you will see an unforgettable sky full of constellations, shooting stars, and keep yourself warm with coca tea.
Hiking Distance: 14 Km /8.7 miles (5 to 6 hours)
Day 2 Anata-Rainbow Mountain-Cuzco
After a hearty breakfast, you will get ready for your final climb to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Upon arrival you will take your time and will soak in the amazing views of the surrounding lands and explore the mountain itself. Take some time to really enjoy the beauty around you- it truly is a magical place. The best part is, we arrive earlier than other companies so you get the mountain all to yourself. From here, you will have the option to visit the Red Mountain Valley and explore another out-worldly landscape before hiking down the mountain to our departure point. Here, we will celebrate a successful journey, and enjoy lunch before departing back to Cusco (3 hours), arriving around 4 or 5pm with drop you off at your hotel.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, landslides, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
Hiking Distance: 17 km/ 10.5 miles (7 to 8 hours)
Important consideration
As you embark on a trip of a lifetime, make sure you are fully prepared. Our treks are challenging and very rewarding at the same time. Hikers should be reasonably fit and healthy. Remember you are trekking at a high elevation (above 4500 meters) and you should be rested up to start this journey. We highly recommend spending at least two to three days in Cuzco or similar elevation to acclimatize, and drink plenty of water the days prior to the hike. Please consult your doctor for proper advice on trekking in high altitude.
- Relish in a morning visit to the absolutely secluded valley nestled at the base of Apu Ausangate Mountain “The tallest mountain in Cuzco region” (Day 1).
- Hike close to Snowing Ausangate Mountain that is the mountain’s tallest peak right before your eyes (Day 1).
- You will see herds of llamas, alpacas and sheep with their shepherds and a selection of wildlife including soaring condors, falcons, eagles and, if you’re lucky, vicuñas as well (Day 1 and Day2). And during the night the Andean constellation and Milky Way.
- You will explore the natural colors of the colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area (Rainbow Mountain). ( Day 2)
- This trek is ideal for adventure seekers, couples, friends, nature lovers, and intrepid people.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the Company.
- Private Accommodation: 1 night camping on the Rainbow/ Ausangate Mountain trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, Portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick and add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:30 am, and brought to the trail head. Our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant to prepare all of your delicious meals along the journey to replenish your energy.
- Cargo Mules: On days 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs).
- 1 Saddle horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available on the first day of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
- Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 2 Snacks, 1 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to access private land.
- Entry ticket for Rainbow Mountain.
- First-aid kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from Physicians. Our guides will bring emergency oxygen bottle as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. ($15).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like ($10 pair).
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
Rainbow Mountain trek is available all year around since the geographic terrain of the route enable to do this tour/ expedition. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
Check your availability for Annual Festivities, Events & Rainbow Mountain trek.
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 2 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & 1 hiking pants
- Nice shirts and pants for Inca Quarry day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 2 set of socks.
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Personal first aid kit
- Camera/ cellphone/ Powerbank
- IPhone/IPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service: $ 315 USD per person (2 people minimum)
- $ 315 USD per person (2 people minimum)
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $15 USD
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5% (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.