WHAT IS THE HUMANTAY LAGOON? Cusco without a doubt does not cease to surprise us since it contains the most curious and unusual landscapes, sometimes we can even say almost interplanetary landscapes such as the mountain of colors, place that you can know about them here, which is the Rainbow Mountain
The humantay lagoon is formed as a thaw product of a large snow-capped mountain that in turn is part of a mountain range called the vilcabamba mountain range. What makes the humantay lagoon characteristic is the natural color that it possesses, since it does not have much marine flora in its waters, it has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eyes, forming a unique landscape when travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with its cameras that want so much to capture landscapes experiences and moments all this and more make it an ideal place that you must visit if you travel to Cusco Peru. However, the geographical environment of this lagoon is also unique since it serves as the first camp on the Salkantay tour. HOW TO GET TO THE HUMANTAY LAKE
Very early in the morning we will embark on a trip of 2 and a half hours from the city of Cusco to the town of Mollepata, this time is enough to enjoy the Andean landscape and the warm valleys that bring so much harmony with it. In this town we will be able to enjoy breakfast, since you will once again board the bus to travel to the Soraypampa community. Soraypampa is the town from which we will start in the direction of the humantay lagoon, the only thing to do is follow a one-way road, it should be said that there is no concern about getting lost since the end of this road is the Humantay lagoon. The Humantay lagoon witnessed various events carried out by its own visitors, such as requests for hands, payments to the land, ceremonies with Andean teachers, coin tossing to conceive a wish, and romantic postcards that are easily virilized on social networks thanks to the unique landscape of this place. For the return to Cusco we will take the same route there, but not before enjoying a lunch with Novo Andean food as well as the organic products of the area.
Ausangate Trek 5 days, will take you Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain by local people and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings and this tradition continues today. AUSANGATE TREK ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
We depart Cusco early the morning for our three hours ride in private transport to the small village of Tinqui 3800 meters. As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic highway. Now we can arrive here much more quickly that in previous years. We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Tinqui the first 3 hours on the trail are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Vilcanota Cordillera, with great views of Ausangate. We will trek for two more hours until we reach the hot springs at Upis 4400 meters which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here.
DAY 2: Upis - Lake Ausangate Q’ocha
During our morning's trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass 4850 meters. From here, we continue 3 hours and half down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apuchata 4900 meters with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. We will camp here for the second night.
DAY 3: Lake Ausangate Q’ocha - Qampa
From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass 5,200 meters the highest spot of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley where we'll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley. We will spent the third night.
DAY 4: Q’ampa - Pacchanta
After passing through the small community of Q'ampa we will head North west to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa pass 5000 meters. We will see several different coloured lakes and lunch beside Q'oma Q'ocha. We hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We will set up camp near Pacchanta and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village.
DAY 5: Pacchanta - Cusco
It's 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private car back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00. MORE INFORMATION OF AUSANGATE TREK
What you need to take
Original passport
Insurance card optional.
Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm jack
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable trousers
Rain pants
Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
Water bottle
Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Camera and extra batteries.
Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency.
You can rent in our office:
Walking sticks ($ 20.00 per person) for the entire hike.
Sleeping bag ($ 25.00 per person) for the entire hike.
CHOQUEQUIRAO ROUTE
Description
Choquequirao trek classic 4 days, is one of the little crowded routes of Cusco but no less attractive than Machu Picchu, since Choquequirao is considered the Sister Citadel of Machu Picchu.
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK ITINERARY Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Playa Rosalina - Santa Rosa
We will pick up you from your Hotel at 5.00 am in our private transport and drive towards Cachora (4 hours approx.) the starting point of the trek where we meet our horsemen and horses. Then we start our hike climbing for 2 hours approx. to Capuliyoc where may we enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. We continue after Capuliyoc, descending for two more hours to Chiquisca and our delicious lunch made by our chef. After lunch we keep going down the mountain until we reach Playa Rosalina campsite. After crossing the Apurimac River we start the climb to Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope (2 hours approx.) where those who wish may try Cambray the “typical drink” here, made locally from a sugar cane extract. Day 2: Santa Rosa - Archaeological Site of Choquequirao
We will wake up for breakfast and so we can have an early departure from Santa Rosa. Afterwards, we continue our hike slowly climbing for 2 hours approx to Marampata.
Then we continue to enjoy this day we will dedicate ourselves exclusively to enjoying all the magic of history and splendor of Choquequirao, we will enjoy a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex, including a visit to the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin). There will be time to know explore the site with its 8 sectors, its barns, houses and temples. You will see the three stages of the excavation of this late Inca-town: the excavated buildings and constructions; the ruins currently in the process of excavation and finally the unexplored areas and terraces with the secrets they may hold of this last refuge of the dying Inca empire. And throughout the day we will keep an eye to the sky for a glimpse of the majestic flight of condors. With luck on the high steep slopes of Chocuequirao, they can pass very close to you. We will enjoy our lunch and then we will return to our Maranpata campsite for rest. Day 3: Choquequirao - Playa Rosalina - Chiquisca
This morning we enjoy our delicious breakfast and start our 1 ½ hour walk back towards Maranpata and a descent to Playa Rosalina for lunch and a some relaxation time. After lunch we climb for 2 hours to Chiquisca campsite where dinner will be waiting for us.
In Chiquisca you can have a shower and eat some exotic local fruits from this area. Day 4: Chiquiska - Cachora - Cusco
We leave camp after breakfast to start the two to three hours climb to Abra Capuliyoc. We will leave Chiquisca campsite early because the sun can be very strong after 10 am, so we plan to to arrive at Capuliyoc by then. Then it is an easy two hours more back to Cachora where we have our lunch. In the afternoon, we met our private transport which will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time around 5.00pm. MORE INFORMATION OF CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK What you need to take
Original passport and Student card (ISIC) green card
Insurance card is essential
Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Sleeping bag
Warm jack
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable trousers
Rain pants
Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
Water bottle
Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Camera and films
Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand)
Optional items to take
Short pants
Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us.$15 usd the all trip.
Sleeping bags $20 usd the all trip.
Plaster and bandage.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND AUSANGATE
Description
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), are stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain by local people and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings and this tradition continues today.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO ‐ TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS HOT SPRINGS
We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
DAY 2: UPIS ‐ ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA
After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.
DAY 3: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE PASS – MINASNIYUQ PASS – SURINE COCHA
Today, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure. J. The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas. After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate. Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge. After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). The remainder of the day´s journey is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
DAY 4: SURINE COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – QUESIUNO VILLAGE – CUSCO
After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China. After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there. Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM. What you need to take
A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. * This is a particularly cold trek, you should make sure you have a lot of very warm clothes.
Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
Camera, batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
Small towel or sarong
Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
Cash - sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
Binoculars (if you have them)
HUMANTAY LAKE
Description
This tour is an option thinking of people who like hiking and nature and do not have many days, on the route we will appreciate beautiful landscapes, crops of different products such as corn, avocado, squash and others that are produced in this Limatambo valley. The Humantay lagoon is located at 4180 meters above sea level with a turquoise coloration, and the Humantay or Apu Humantay peaks to be connected with nature.
CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE
We pick you up from your hotel or hostel between 4:00 to 4:20 in our private transport to go to Mollepata located north of Cusco, we will arrive in 2 hours approximately to this small town. We arrived at Mollepata and enjoyed the delicious breakfast to start our adventure towards Humantay lake. We will continue in our private transport for approximately 1 more hour until Soraypampa which is located at 3900 m.s.n.m. Our guide will give you some recommendations to start the trek to Humantay Lake located at 4200 m.s.n.m. Which is very close to the mountain Salkantay. We start the hike to Humantay Lake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; Enjoying the beautiful views of the snowy mountains Salkantay and Humantay. When we reach Laguna Humantay we will enjoy the beautiful turquoise lagoon. There you will take the best photos. Later you will enjoy a small snack watching the beautiful landscapes, continue the walk back to Soraypampa. In Soraypampa, (optional) people will receive the bike and bicycle equipment and the necessary indications by our guide, so that they begin with the adventure of return until Mollepata. Enjoy the adventure on bikes descending from 4000 m.s.n.m. At 2600 m.s.n.m. For about 2 hours until you reach the town of Mollepata. In the afternoon we will arriving to Mollepata and enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch we return to Cusco in our private transport. We will arrived in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.; We drop you at your hotel. What you need to take
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
A down jacket is especially recommended for this trek since it runs at high altitude and temperatures may easily drop below freezing in the evening and at nights.
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
Handkerchiefs.
Toilet paper.
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Early in the morning (about 3:30 am,) we will be at your hotel or hostel to pick you up. Please make sure you are ready and waiting in the lobby for our guide or driver who is going to look for you. After youaboard our private transportation, we will drive to Pitumarka where we will have the chance to stop for some picture, relax a little and stretch our legs, there is a small shop where you can buy some snacks or water before start our Rainbow Mountain day hike. After stopping at Pitumarka we will continue until Quesuno. there we will organize everything before starting our Vinicunca hike. Then we will enjoy a delicious local breakfast and start our adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There is 13 km of trekking. Uphill followed by 6 km over flat land that will take us to our goal called Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Mountain which is located at 5100 meter about sea level where we will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys Ausangate. We will show you a good place to stop and enjoy the flight of the condor and see walk wild Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas . After this we will turn back on the same trail, This time it will be easier because most of the trail is easy sailing---downhill! Once we get back to Quesuno, we will have a lunch then we will take our transportation back to Cusco where we will drop you off at you hotel or hostel.
We pick you up from your hotel or hostel between 4:00 to 4:20 in our private transport to go to Mollepata located north of Cusco, we will arrive in 2 hours approximately to this small town. We arrived at Mollepata and enjoyed the delicious breakfast to start our adventure towards Humantay lake. We will continue in our private transport for approximately 1 more hour until Soraypampa which is located at 3900 m.s.n.m. Our guide will give you some recommendations to start the trek to Humantay Lake located at 4200 m.s.n.m. Which is very close to the mountain Salkantay. We start the hike to Humantay Lake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; Enjoying the beautiful views of the snowy mountains Salkantay and Humantay. When we reach Laguna Humantay we will enjoy the beautiful turquoise lagoon. There you will take the best photos. Later you will enjoy a small snack watching the beautiful landscapes, continue the walk back to Soraypampa. In Soraypampa, (optional) people will receive the bike and bicycle equipment and the necessary indications by our guide, so that they begin with the adventure of return until Mollepata. Enjoy the adventure on bikes descending from 4000 m.s.n.m. At 2600 m.s.n.m. For about 2 hours until you reach the town of Mollepata. In the afternoon we will arriving to Mollepata and enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch we return to Cusco in our private transport. We will arrived in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.; We drop you at your hotel.
In Peru an adventure destination is Cusco, which guards the route to the Apu
Salkantay, an attraction that moves with the beauty of the landscape and keeps years of history in archaeological zones.
As part of the route to the Salkantay mountain, you can access hiking or mountain biking, as well as other camping activities. With a mystical air, the lagoon is visited by shamans and tourists from around the world to leave offerings to the Pachamama, deity who represents mother earth in the Inca culture. Through the laying of stones, an offering is offered to the Pachamama thanking her for having successfully reached the lagoon, as well as asking her to accompany us on our journey. HUMANTAY LAKE TREK INFORMATION.
The Humantay Lagoon is a place that impacts with its immensity, footprints and colors in the landscape, which makes it one of the must-see tourist destinations in the bowels of Peru.
Humantay Lake is a tour of natural beauty in the Salkantay region in Cusco. The lagoon is believed to preserve the sacred waters of the Apu Humantay that irrigate the fields in the area. The Humantay lagoon is highly respected by the inhabitants of the region due to its location and its great importance due to its importance for the subsistence economy of the locals.
The full-day tour of Lake Humantay is ideal for lovers of nature and ecotourism. During the tour we will be able to observe the exotic flora and fauna and appreciate the impressive snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay. The tour begins and ends in the city of Cusco
INFORMATION OF THE HIKING TO THE COLOR MOUNTAIN
Rainbow Mountain trek - This picturesque summit used to be an attractive 4-day drive to snowy Ausangate. Over the years, this mountain gained popularity on its own. Today, the most widespread way to visit this summit is through a tour. There are 1-day and 2-day services. Most include transportation, food, entrance fees and professional guide. In the city of Cuzco there are many tourism agencies offering these services.
Traveling on your own? - It is also possible to visit the ‘Cerro Colorado’ on your own. For this, the visitor must take a bus to Sicuani from the city of Cuzco (2 hours and 40 minutes away). Once there, a bus is taken to the town of Quesiuno. Then a walk begins (you can also hire a horse transport) to the Rainbow Mountain. The price of the entrance ticket is 10 soles.
Difficulty of the mountain - The 3 or 4 hour walk (depending on the tourist's physical condition) is not dangerous and requires moderate-high physical effort. There are considerable sections of slopes up and down. However, one of the biggest difficulties is cold weather and icy wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. A previous acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco is recommended.
Recommendations - Spend a day or two acclimatizing in the city of Cusco. Take warm clothes to do the walk. If you do not consider yourself in good physical condition for the trek, rent a horse to one of the inhabitants of the place. On that day, don't forget a hat or cap, sunscreen, jacket, pants, ideal shoes for trekking and a rain poncho
Depending on the route you choose, the distance between Cusco and the Mountain of Colors will vary as follows:
Through the Cusipata route:
Cusco - Phulawasipata: 102 km (paved road and float trail).
Phulawasipata - Mountain of Colors (road): 3 km.
Through the Pitumarca route:
Cusco - Pampachiri: 139 km (paved road and float trail).
Pampachiri - Mountain of Colors (road): 4.8 km.
Difficulty of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain
The 7-color mountain hike has a medium-moderate difficulty.
Most of the route is slightly steep with few steep slopes that do not pose any difficulty. However, it is not the road that hinders the ascent. But the fact of finding you at more than 5,000 meters that can sometimes affect the normal breathing of some visitors. Well, the higher the amount of oxygen is less.
Therefore, it is recommended that you are in good health and are in good physical condition. And if possible, your excursion to Vinicunca should be done after having acclimatized to the climate of Cuzco.
Best time to go to the Rainbow Mountain
Your visit to the hill of seven colors does not have to become an Odyssey. Otherwise, your visit to this natural wonder should be one of the best experiences of your life. Therefore, we recommend choosing the months of the dry season (May to November) that are characterized by frigid nights, sunny days and clear skies.
And for your safety, we do not recommend the rainy season months (December - March). Well, it is these months, you are more likely to encounter cloudy skies, rainy days, even storms and showers.
In some years, even in the dry season, snow falls on Vinicunca. Therefore, to avoid any setback. Before traveling, don't forget to make a weather consultation about how the weather will be in Vinicunca.
Appreciate the capricious natural colors of the mountain of colors that resemble the colors of the rainbow.
Observe the incredible natural landscapes that surround the hill of colors, such as the snowy peaks of the Ausangate snowy mountain.
Take walks around Vinicunca to other nearby natural attractions such as the Red Valley.
Participate in cultural interaction activities with the inhabitants of the area, who are dedicated to the grazing of South American camelids.
Enjoy an excellent and incredible day, breathing fresh air, walking more than 5000 meters above sea level, connecting with mother nature and reflecting on the fragile natural balance.
What to take to the Rainbow Mountain?
Since you are leaving the city towards the heart of the mountains of the Peruvian Andes. Ideally, take with you:
Identification document.
Cash for your personal expenses and to pay the entrance fee to Vinicunca (10 soles, foreign tourist; and 5 soles, national tourist).
Sun block, sunglasses, wide-brimmed raincoat and raincoats (in the rainy season).
Coat, gloves, windbreakers, trekking pants and trekking shoes.
Camera with extra battery.
Water, snacks and some fruits.
Personal medications, if required or under medication.
If you require it, you can also consider the option of renting horses. The cost of the horse is 50 soles (one way) and 80 soles (round trip).
Tips and Recommendations
To enjoy a comfortable and safe trip, consider these tips:
Travel between the dry season, between the months of April to November.
Try to be in good health and be in good physical condition.
Bring your trekking equipment: wide-brimmed hat, small backpack, trekking shoes, warm clothes, sunscreen, trekking poles, rain poncho, water and food.
Buy water and food in the city of Cusco or in Cusipata or Pitumarca, the only places where you will find a store.
Do not travel with children under 12 years.
Finally, before hiking to Vinicunca, do not forget to acclimatize to the climate of the Cusco region. In this way you will avoid altitude sickness (soroche).
DAY 1: CUSCO ‐ TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS HOT SPRINGS
We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
DAY 2: UPIS ‐ ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA
After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.
DAY 3: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE PASS – MINASNIYUQ PASS – SURINE COCHA
Today, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure. J. The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas. After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate. Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge. After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). The remainder of the day´s journey is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
DAY 4: SURINE COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – QUESIUNO VILLAGE – CUSCO
After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China. After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there. Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN INFORMATION
For a little over a year, the public was enabled a new path in the Cusco region in Peru, which has gained a lot of popularity quickly.
More precisely, in the vicinity of Ausangate Mountain, the fifth highest mountain in Peru, and one of the most important Apus (god) for the Incas. But for now, we will leave Ausangate aside, and focus on this new path, the path to Vinicuna Mountain ... better known as the Rainbow Mountain. Yes, that famous mountain whose photos are circulating on all social networks causing a great fascination. And how could it be otherwise, and to be able to tell you as it should, up to there I went Before, let me clarify that the Rainbow Mountain is not the same as the Hill of the 7 Colors, which is located in Argentina. Due to its similarity, many travelers have renamed it from Rainbow Mountain to Hill or Mountain of the 7 colors. That in itself, its original name has been lost, and almost no one names her as Vinicunca. Some locals even call it "Cerro Colorado."
What is it?
Rainbow Mountain, is a beautiful mountain of the Peruvian Andes whose characteristic is the amount of colors on its surface due to minerals and different types of rock.
Its beauty is on the surface, therefore, it is not allowed to walk on it, for a conservation issue.
To appreciate it in all its splendor, you climb the mountain that faces the Rainbow Mountain.
From where, in addition to seeing the Vinicunca, you can also see breathtaking views of the Ausangate snow, and the entire valley to its surroundings.
INFORMATION OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
On rainbow mountain hike, you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,385 m / 20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
Early in the morning (about 3:30 am,) we will be at your hotel or hostel to pick you up. Please make sure you are ready and waiting in the lobby for our guide or driver who is going to look for you. After youaboard our private transportation, we will drive to Pitumarka where we will have the chance to stop for some picture, relax a little and stretch our legs, there is a small shop where you can buy some snacks or water before start our Rainbow Mountain day hike.After stopping at Pitumarka we will continue until Quesuno. there we will organize everything before starting our Vinicunca hike. Then we will enjoy a delicious local breakfast and start our adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There is 13 km of trekking. Uphill followed by 6 km over flat land that will take us to our goal called Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Mountain which is located at 5100 meter about sea level where we will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys Ausangate. We will show you a good place to stop and enjoy the flight of the condor and see walk wild Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas .After this we will turn back on the same trail, This time it will be easier because most of the trail is easy sailing—downhill! Once we get back to Quesuno, we will have a lunch then we will take our transportation back to Cusco where we will drop you off at you hotel or hostel.
About 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, Peru, there is a rainbow mountain.
It is the mountain of the Seven Colors, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow.
The pilgrimage in the Peruvian Andes in search of the Snow Star The mountain is located in the Vilcanota Range at 5,200 meters above sea level, in the Pitumarca district.
Its slopes and summits are dyed by stripes of intense shades of fuchsia, turquoise, lavender and gold.
The visual show offered by Vinicunca has attracted visitors since the beginning of 2016, according to Haydee Pacheco, a tourism official at the Municipality of Pitumarca.
In just over two years, travelers who take pictures with the summit went from a few tens to about 1,000 a day, say Peruvian media, despite the cold and altitude of the place. Thanks to its popularity, also driven by social networks, the hill became a common destination in the rankings of tourist attractions in the world.
For example, in August 2017, it appeared on the list of 100 places to visit before dying recommended by travel experts on the Business Insider website.
The tourist boom is quite recent, but the history of the mountain and its colors began millions of years ago.
Minerals The rainbow aspect of Vinicunca is due to "a complex geological history of marine, lake and river sediments," according to a report by the Office of Cultural Landscape of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
10 rock formations of unsurpassed beauty These sediments, transported by the water that previously covered the area, date between the tertiary and quaternary periods, that is, from about 65 to two million years ago. Over time, the sediments were forming layers (with different grain sizes) that today look like the stripes that attract tourists so much.
The movement of tectonic plates in the area raised these sediments until they became mountains.
5 tourist destinations threatened by excess visitors (and two are in Latin America) Then they acquired their striking colors because of the oxidation of their minerals, exerted by the humidity of the area, and their erosion, explains César Muñoz, a member of the Geological Society of Peru (SGP),
Muñoz and the study of the Office of Cultural Landscape detail the composition of each strip according to its color.
Pink or fuchsia: mixture of red clay, fangolites (mud) and sand. Off-white: sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone. Purple or lavender: marl (mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) and silicates. Red: argillites and clays. Green: clays rich in magnesium ferro (mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide. Yellowish, mustard or golden brown: limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulphide minerals (combined with sulfur).
The Mountain of the 7 Colors, is one of the most beautiful attractions that exists in the Inca Trail near the Apu Ausangate, it is said to be a place that offers a new opportunity for everyone who visits it, this belief has its beginning in the saying "If you want to see the Rainbow you have to face the storm" which teaches us that there is always a prize after the effort. The legends that are told 'round of the colors that form this Mountain are really amazing, these stories will continue with us from generation to generation since they are part of our culture and identity. This fantastic place is part of the tourist attractions of the City of Cusco, a trip through the Mountain of Colors or Vinicunca which has an exceptional beauty that seems to have taken all the colors of nature. An extraordinary landscape, a pleasure for the eyes. This beautiful also houses an impressive flora and fauna. So apart from seeing the Rainbow you will appreciate this fantastic nature.
You will appreciate the wonderful views of Ausangate, one of the highest mountains in Peru and the colorful South Valley of Cusco with its extensive lagoons, Andean villages, rivers and streams.
Each person looks for a Rainbow after a somewhat complicated journey, and more if you find it in the Land of the Incas a place full of secrets not yet discovered.
A visit to the 7 Colors Mountain is a wonderful experience that you can live with friends or family.
Early in the morning (about 3:30 am,) we will be at your hotel or hostel to pick you up. Please make sure you are ready and waiting in the lobby for our guide or driver who is going to look for you. After youaboard our private transportation, we will drive to Pitumarka where we will have the chance to stop for some picture, relax a little and stretch our legs, there is a small shop where you can buy some snacks or water before start our Rainbow Mountain day hike. After stopping at Pitumarka we will continue until Quesuno. there we will organize everything before starting our Vinicunca hike. Then we will enjoy a delicious local breakfast and start our adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There is 13 km of trekking. Uphill followed by 6 km over flat land that will take us to our goal called Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Mountain which is located at 5100 meter about sea level where we will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys Ausangate. We will show you a good place to stop and enjoy the flight of the condor and see walk wild Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas . After this we will turn back on the same trail, This time it will be easier because most of the trail is easy sailing---downhill! Once we get back to Quesuno, we will have a lunch then we will take our transportation back to Cusco where we will drop you off at you hotel or hostel.
On Rainbow Mountain Hike, you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,385 m / 20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
Machu Picchu,This stunning site situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley is the best-preserved relic of Inca civilisation and South America’s most popular attraction with an estimated 3,000 people visiting on a typical day.
