Rainbow Mountain Trek Peru
6 Days
South America
Tour Overview
- Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca in its indigenous name, is in the heart of the longest mountain range on the planet.
- Discover the place where the rainbow fell from the sky to merge with the Andean landscape.
- Experience the feeling of being in a place that has a soul, energy and a magic that makes it unique.
- Roundtrip Airport
- Transfers throughout the program.
- Transfers to the excursions.
- 6nts Accommodation including Breakfast.
- Excursions as outlined in the program.
- Private transport from Hito Cajon to Uyuni.
- Catamaran sailing in La Paz.
- Meals s per the itinerary.
- Permanent assistance in each destination.
- Raincoats and boots in Uyuni in rainy season.
- International or domestic airfare.
- Services and non-mentioned meals / drinks in the itinerary.
- Early check-in, late check-out, and hotel extra
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and hotel staff.
An early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a brief visit to the colonial Church of the Immaculate, we begin the ascent of the Pitumarca Valley, and along spectacular Japura Gorge, which leads to Chillca, where we’ll be greeted by the community. From there it is a short, easy walk to the first lodge, or tambo. Once at the lodge you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the native music provided by the local musicians of Chillca.
Overnight at Chillca Lodge
After breakfast, led by our guide, we begin the ascent to Yanacocha Lake. Following our picnic lunch, we’ll return to the Lodge over the Vista Trail, which features some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota Range. We arrive at the lodge in time for a hot shower and a delicious Andean dinner.
Overnight in Huampococha
Our hike begins at 8:30 am in the wide valley of Upis, where breathtaking glaciated mountains loom above, offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfall that drops from Mt. Santa Catalina. This trail is mostly used by the area’s wandering llamas. Once we reach small Paloma Lake, the countryside is dotted with llama and alpacas. After hiking along a second lake and crossing a long series of glacial moraines we arrive for the night at Machuracay Lodge, located at the foot of Mt. Apu Ausangate, Cusco’s sacred mountain.
Overnight in Huampococha
After a challenging ascent of Palomani Pass, elevation of 17,000 ft./ 5,200 m., we descend to Lake Ausangate Cocha. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciated south face of the sacred Apu, as we continue toward red sandstone formations below snowcapped “Nevado Del Inca”. Overnight at Anantapata Lodge.
Overnight in Huampococha
This spectacular leg of the trail finds us hiking during mountains adorned by remarkable red, ochre, and blue soil strata, like Mt. Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Views of marvelous geological wonders abound. Be on the lookout for bands of graceful vicuñas, frequently spotted in this isolated area. We spend that night at Huampococha Lodge, in the heart of impressive rock formations, near a lake where flocks of Andean geese, or Huallatas, nest and feed.
Overnight in Huampococha
After our final climb over the Anta Pass, we gradually make our descent. On this leg, the first native fields and homes come into view. The landscape changes quickly as red sandstone formations are followed by a Karst limestone stone forest, an ideal habitat for cute vizcachas (members of the chinchilla family). As we reach the end of the valley, the private bus will be waiting for our return trip to Cusco.
End of our services