Rainbow Mountain – 2D/1N
Tour Overview
This exciting tour will take us through the most impressive and amazing landscapes of the region. During this full day adventure trip, we will explore the wonderful Rainbow Mountains, where we will discover the incredible variety of tones and textures found in nature. Our tour begins early in the morning, where we will meet our expert and friendly guide who will accompany us at all times. From there, we will head towards the impressive mountains, where we will be able to enjoy panoramic views and incredible landscapes.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Alqatari - Ausangate - Ananta
We pick you up at your hotel at 04:00 a.m. and drive for approximately 3 hours to Qanchipacha, where we have our hot breakfast prepared by our professional chef. Then we continue driving 20 minutes more until the trailhead where we will pack our belongings and go over the itinerary. We will begin our exploration at high altitude in the morning passing local houses, lush pampas and hundreds of llamas and alpacas.
Our destination to get passes to Pucacocha from where we have a spectacular view of the Ausangate glacier (the highest peak in Cusco 6,370 Msnm. / 20,000 ft.). After enjoying the glacier and the colorful tarns (mountain lake or pond), we descend to our campsite and have a delicious lunch. As the sun sets, our staff set up the dining tent with chairs so you can relax and enjoy playing soccer at over 4700 meters / 15,200 feet, if you can while dinner is being prepared by our private cook. Tonight you will observe a memorable night sky full of southern constellations.
Day 2: Ananta - Warmi Saya - Rainbow Mountain - Alqatari - Cusco
Today is the most important day you have been waiting for. You will enjoy this incredible Rainbow Mountain. We will wake you up at 03:30 a.m. with coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, and take your hot breakfast as energy for your first ascent to the Warmi Saya pass at 5150 masl (16,8963 ft.). Then descend to the surrounding lake and hike along two lakes until you reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain).
Once you get there, you can take all the pictures you can, explore the mountain with your local guide and really enjoy the colorful mountains that surround you. It really is a spectacular place. You will then hike down, it will only take you about two hours and here you will celebrate a successful trip and enjoy your delicious lunch before returning to Cusco (03.5 hours). We will return to Cusco around 6 pm.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transportation (Cusco – Ananta and Alqatari – Cusco).
- Entrance fee to the rainbow mountain.
- Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person).
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
- Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
- Camping tent.
- Therma-rest air mattress.
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Last dinner.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking sticks.
- Additional horse to ride.
What to bring
- Walking boots (with ankle protectors).
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Comfortable shirts and pants.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
- Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
- Toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
- Toilet paper.
- Suggested extra contribution.
Pricing & Dates
FAQs
1️⃣ What makes this trek unique?
Walk alongside llamas and alpacas along ancient Inca trails, immerse in local communities, and experience authentic Andean culture.
Packing Guide
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
- Valid Inca Trail permit and travel documents (provided by your tour operator)
- Travel insurance information (recommended)
- Student ID (if you booked with a student discount)
Trekking Essentials
- Daypack (20–30L)
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3 liters capacity)
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional, but highly recommended)
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Warm thermal base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Hiking pants and moisture-wicking shirts
- Hat or beanie for cold mornings
- Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking
- Lightweight gloves
Personal Items
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid essentials (blister treatment, pain relief, bandages)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toilet paper or travel tissues
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