Vinicunca The Rainbow Mountain or 7Colors Mountains; located in South América: Peru, in the Cusco southern región, that will satisfy to the most demanding trekkers and will get unforgettable memories as sumptuous panoramas of high mountain, formidable glaciers and crystalline rivers, lakes, peaceful pastoral scenes of the herds of spangled and alpacas kept on by Andeans and multi-coloured clothing, This new route off the beaten path in a day trip, is a true adventure, through a nature preserved and wild, where the only meetings gonna be by Vinicunca the “The Rainbow mountain”, Pucapunta (red mountain) and small communities of Quechua-speaking-Inca descendants. The route achieves a circuit of scale; passing by collars located between 4710 and 5200 masl, then turn over to the starting point of the circuit. Exploring on this remote path, you will see few or seldom any trekkers, so you have this southern extension all to yourself. However, Vinicunca one day is able to offer travellers a hiking alternative that is second to none.
Trip Overview
- CODE: ISA ÑAN -49
- Type: Adventure, Ecological, Cultural, Natural
- Sites to Visit: Urcos, Pitumarca, Pumamarka, Qesoyuno, Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain,
- Months of Operation: April to November
- Private Departures: Any day
- (B)=Breakfast/(L)=Lunch/(D)=Dinner
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – VINICUNCA (L)
We will pick you up early 4.30am from your hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive to the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours long. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc Bridge, we will have a fueling continental breakfast.We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by literally herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents. We will stop for a deluxe box lunch along the trail. Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicunas. Vicunas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a highlight of this portion of the hike.After a total hike of approximately 5 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to see….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.
At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us. We will embark on the 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 6 and 7 PM.
- Lowest Elevation: 4,326 m / 14,189 ft
- Highest Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
- Distance to walk: 15 km / 9 ¼ miles
- Approximate walking time: 5 to 6 hours up; 4 to 5 hours down
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
INCLUDED/ NOT INCLUDED
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- Complete information given before the start of the tour
- Transportation to the trail-head
- Meals according to the program
- Vegetarian or allergy-related menu at no extra charge
- water-bottles and Snacks
- Professional English / Spanish guide
- Assistant guides for groups over 9
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Transportation return to Cusco
PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- First Day breakfast and Dinner
- Walking stick (can be rented reserved in advance)
- Extra pack-horses (can be reserved in advance)
- tips
RECOMMENDATIONS
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
PERSONAL
- Long sleeved shirts
- Walking pants
- Polar or thermal clothing
- Sweater and Warm jacket
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof pants and jacket
- Wool gloves
- Scarf
- Wool socks
- Hat or cap for the sun
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
- Memory Cards
- Toiletries and personal medications
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- lip balm
- Hiking poles
