2-Day Trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with Exclusive Mountain Camp..., Cusco

About this activity

*Small Group Experience* (max 8 trekkers) This 2-day trek will take you and a small-group to Rainbow Mountain Peru, also known as Vinicunca, which is a undiscovered land full of wildly desert landscapes, snow capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty. Enjoy freshly prepared meals by our chef on the trail, and views that you can't get anywhere else. Our special route will take you front and center of the massive Ausangate glacier with pristine lakes below. This is a must do!

The mountains of Peru will leave you with an unforgettable experience, as you are lead into the Peruvian Andes by your local guide. During this trip you will enjoy an amazing night amongst some of the brightest stars you will ever see and a milky way so colorful it will leave you stunned. Our new route which includes a part of the Ausangate Circuit will truly take you off the beaten track; an adventure that will take your breath away constantly.

Order of tours can vary based on availability

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 7 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: FlashpackerConnect LLC

Ages: Adults (10–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Horseman/Pack horses to carry all of the gear and personal belongings (up to 6kg per person)
Included: Large Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent
Included: Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Included: All gear and camping supplies
Included: First Aid kit including oxygen tank
Included: Duffel bags for your personal belongings
Included: Snacks
Included: Sleeping pad and bag
Included: Fluent English/ Spanish speaking FlashpackerConnect guide
Included: Boiled water and snacks
Included: Portable toilet
Included: All meals/drinks prepared by private cook (All food on the trek, which incorporates traditional Peruvian cuisine as well as modern fusion cuisine -we can accommodate specific dietary needs)

Not included

Not included: Dinner on the last day
Not included: Horseback riding available upon request, at an additional cost
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1 · Cusco - Qesuno - Anata

Nevado Ausangate

6 hours

Distance: 14km/ 8.7 miles

Elevation: 4200m-5000m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

On the first day of your Rainbow mountain adventure we will pick you up at your hotel at 4:00am and drive 3 hours to the trailhead. While packing up our gear our chef will be preparing a hot breakfast to get you fueled up for the hike ahead of you. Our guides will go over the itinerary for the day and safety tips to ensure you are fully prepared for the next two days. The trek begins in a large green valley.

You will see hundreds of alpacas, local farmers, and the beautiful 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 16,000 feet, the pass sits just above Puccacocha lake, and the massive Ausangate mountain is directly in front of you, while a beautiful active glacier crashes into the lake below.

After a successful climb we will stop around noon for lunch and to recharge your body for the remainder of the hike. Our destination for the night is Anata, where we will enjoy a beautiful evening surrounded by jaw dropping landscape in the still of the Andes. As the sun sets we set up the dining tent with chairs for your group to relax and enjoy conversation while dinner is being prepared. This night you will see an unforgettable night sky full of constellations, shooting stars, and keep yourself warm with a tea.

Camping

Day 2 · Anata - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

Vinicunca Mountain

7 hours

Distance: 18km/ 11 miles

Elevation: 5000m-5200m-4200m

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Today is what you've been waiting for. Your chance to see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain; and the best part, you're almost there. We'll wake you up bright and early (time dependent on weather- usually between 4am and 5am) with a tea delivered to your tent, and serve you a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for your final climb to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Upon arrival you can take all the time you want soaking in the amazing 360 degree vistas of the surrounding lands and explore the mountain itself. Take some time to yourself and really enjoy the beauty of nature around you- it truly is a magical place. The hike down will only take about three hours and here we will celebrate a successful journey, and enjoy lunch before departing back to Cusco (3 hours).

Arrival time back in Cusco will depend on how long you want to spend on Rainbow Mountain, but we typically get back around 5pm -6pm and drop you off at your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

Pick up is between 4am and 4:30am, please be waiting in your hotel lobby.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Garcilaso II
Inka Club Hostel
San Agustin International Hotel
Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
Hotel Arqueologo - Casa Peralta - Exclusive Selection
Tecte Guest House
Hotel Marqueses
Andean Wings Hotels and Travel
Hotel Ruinas
Yabar Hotel Plaza
Amaru Hostal
Cooper Hotel Boutique

and 61 more pickup points

Using your ticket

Not recommended for participants with back problems
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant women
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

ITEMS TO BRING:

Day Pack with Rain Cover
Camping pillow
Trekking shoes or boots (we recommend Goretex)
Extra walking shoes (to wear in the evenings)
Extra socks- wool is best
Hiking pants and shirts- layers
Warm clothes (evenings and mornings are COLD!)*
Thermal base layer
Fleece and sweater
Down jacket
Hand warmers (optional)
Stocking hat, gloves, scarf (you can find local alpaca goods in Cusco!)
Buff/ handkerchief
Rain jacket and Rain pants (pants optional) or poncho
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Torch/ headlamp
Sunhat and sunglasses
Sun cream
Lip Balm
Reusable water bottle or bladder
Personal snacks (beyond what we provide-optional)
Personal medications
Camera/ extra battery
Motion sickness tablets (for van ride)
Cash
Leisure book (to enjoy in the evenings/ afternoon after trekking)
Plastic bag to store wet items

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Minimum age is 10 years