Full Day Tour to the Rainbow Mountain

Early, around 04:00 AM – 04:40 AM, we will pick you up from the hotel in Cusco to make the trip to Qollasuyo, the southern part of the ancient land of the Quechua people (Cusco). This area played a huge role in the history of the Tawantinsuyo (Ancient Incas).

Firstly, we will pass through the CUSIPATA District where we will stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. From there, we continue for an hour and a half until passing PITUMARCA where we will be able to admire The Colonial Bridge (Puente colonial). We will then pass through some small villages until we get to the HANCHIPATA – LAMA CHIMPANA- community, a transit station where we will have a brief meeting before starting the walk-up.

We will begin our walk at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range. This will be followed by an ascent of approximately 1 hour to the highest point of the Rainbow Mountain. During this journey, we will have the opportunity to see the different types of South American camelids (relatives of the camel). Upon reaching the red hill, we will have time to soak in and take pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Finally, we will continue our journey with a 1-hour descent into the flat terrain and back to where the walk began, HANCHIPATA. Here, the driver will be waiting for us to return passing through PITUMARCA to the District of CUSIPATA where we can enjoy 1 hour of lunch. Following lunch, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approx. 4:30 PM.

NOTE 1: If you are staying at a location different than that which you selected as your pickup location, the responsibility is explicitly yours to be at the main entrance of the hotel or hostel selected as your pick up location for the entire duration of the pickup time range on the date of your tour.

NOTE 2: After Vinicunca, there is an optional additional trek into the Red Valley. The duration of the walk is approximately 30 minutes, and you will also be required to pay an entrance fee to the area of 20 soles ($7 approx).

RECOMMENDATION: We strongly recommend staying in Cusco for 2 days before the expedition in order to acclimatize. Remember that although the walk is approx. 3 hours if you are not well acclimatized you may have difficulties during the journey.