Rainbow Mountain Tour in Peru

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Montaña de Colores – Cusco

Early pick up at your hotel (between 4:30AM / 5:00AM) heading south for a 2-hour trip to the town of Cusipata. Here we will make a stop to enjoy a nutritious and energetic breakfast, and then continue east until we reach the trailhead (approx 1 hour). Here you may rent horses if you wish (additional cost, request and pay directly).

The walk is about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace, enjoying the beautiful landscape and not overexerting ourselves due to the high altitude. The last 30 minutes we ascend a bit steeper than the initial part until reaching a height of 5200 msnm. From here we can see the beautiful colors of Rainbow Mountain and also, if its clear, the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco –Ausangate.

Ausangate is considered the most important protective and sacred Apu (mountain spirit) with a height of 6800 msnm. Vinicunca’s beautiful colors are due to a complex geological history of marine sediments. These sediments, transported by water that previously flowed through the area, caused the movement of tectonic plates until they became mountains. They acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of minerals, by the humidity in the area, and their erosion.

After resting and enjoying the view we begin the descent back to our vehicle and to the town of Cusipata. Here we’ll enjoy lunch and later return to Cusco. We’ll arrive at approximately 4pm.

Included

• Professional tour guided
• Bus transportation
• Breakfast and lunch
• Vinincunca´s entrance fee

No Included

• Meals where not otherwise stated
• Tips

What you need to take

• Walking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho (depends on weather conditions).
• Wind breaker (depends on weather conditions).
• Sun hat, sun block, sun glasses.
• Water and snacks.
• Camera with extra batteries