Embark on a challenging 3-day trek through the majestic Andes, culminating in a visit to the breathtaking Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. This incredible journey takes you through stunning highland landscapes, past traditional Andean farms, and over high mountain passes. The adventure begins near the charming town of Pacchanta and concludes at the vibrant Rainbow Mountain itself.
Scenic Drive and Trek to Upis
1
Your adventure begins with an early 5:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. You’ll travel by private van for approximately 2 hours to Tinqui, where you can stretch your legs and observe local life, possibly visiting the market. The journey continues for another hour on an unpaved road to Upis Pampa, where you’ll enjoy breakfast. Afterward, begin a roughly 3-hour hike to Upis Campsite. The trail features a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, offering sensational views of the spectacular Mount Ausangate and encounters with local farmers. Upon arrival at Upis Campsite, lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you have the option to hike for 2 hours round-trip to Upis Lake, providing closer views of Ausangate for stunning photos, or relax and bathe in the nearby hot springs. Dinner will be served back at the campsite, followed by an overnight stay in comfortable cabins, where you can witness the sunset reflecting on Mount Ausangate.
High Mountain Passes and Andean Wildlife
1
Awaken at 5:00 AM with coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin, followed by a delicious breakfast. The morning hike takes you up to Arapa Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,989 m.a.s.l. (16,368 feet), offering incredible panoramic views of colorful mountains. Continue trekking to Puca Cocha for lunch. Along the way, keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, and the majestic snow-capped Ausangate on your left. Your bilingual guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and landscapes, with a chance to spot condors, chinchillas, and vicuñas. After lunch, ascend to Pucacocha Pass, which provides stunning views of Ausangate Mountain with three lakes below. Descend to Ananta Campsite, where you’ll spend the night in cozy mountain huts. Tents will be set up for changing and relaxing before enjoying a dinner prepared by your professional chef.
Sunrise at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
1
Today is the highly anticipated day! You’ll be woken up at 3:45 AM with coca tea delivered to your tent. Begin the initial uphill trek to Ananta Pass (approximately 15,090 ft / 4,500 m). From here, you’ll catch your first distant glimpse of the incredible Rainbow Mountain. The trail then descends to circle a lake, followed by a ‘Peruvian flat’ section before the final ascent to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). At the summit, marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to soak in the vibrant colors and enjoy this unique natural wonder. After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have the option to visit the striking Red Valley. Finally, trek downhill for about 1 hour to the bus station, where you’ll bid farewell to your horsemen. A comfortable 3-hour drive will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM.
A valid passport is required for this trek. Acclimatization to the altitude in Cusco is highly recommended prior to starting the tour. Please note that the sleeping bag and walking sticks are not included in the price and can be rented.
This is a challenging high-altitude trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness and prior acclimatization to the altitude in Cusco. Participants should be comfortable with multi-day hiking over varied terrain and significant elevation changes. It is recommended to consult your doctor before booking.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome to join our group tours. While a maximum group size isn’t specified, our tours typically foster a friendly and supportive environment. If you prefer a private experience, please inquire about private tour options.
The dry season, from April to October, is generally considered the best time for this trek, offering clearer skies and more stable weather conditions. However, temperatures can still be cold at night, especially at high altitudes. The wet season (November to March) can bring rain and snow, making trails more challenging.
You’ll be provided with a duffel bag for your personal belongings that porters will carry, limited to 15 lbs (7 kg) per person. You will need a separate small daypack for essentials you want to access during the day, such as water, snacks, camera, and rain gear. Your main luggage can be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
While there isn’t a strict age limit, due to the high altitude and strenuous nature of the trek, it is generally recommended for participants aged 18 to 60 with previous trekking experience. Younger participants might require parental consent, and older participants should have excellent health and fitness. Please consult with the operator if you have specific concerns.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
See moreYou may also like
Related trips you may be interested in
Suggested packages
Adventure
3 days
Embark on an exciting 3-day adventure that combines the best archaeological attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a condensed version of the renowned Inca Trail, culminating at the breathtaking…
