Overview
Rainbow mountain 2 days trek, also known as Vinicunca is a undiscovered land full of wildly desert landscapes, snow capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpacas, and pristine beauty.
Throughout your journey you will pass through a vibrant green valley with the impressive Ausangate mountain towering in the distance. You will experience first-hand how locals live in the mountains and even see them hard at work. As you get closer to the Rainbow Mountain you will begin to see the first signs of the colored minerals that formed the painted hills.
Your guide will explain what makes up the existence of the Rainbow mountain 2 days trek, and finally with one last push you will hike up to a vantage point that gives you a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscape that makes up the sacred land. You have made it to the ultimate destination- The painted hills hidden deep in the Andes. Enjoy the rainbow mountain 2 days trek.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
Useful Information
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – 2-Days Trek
Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is one of the most famous attractions in Peru. Its name is due to the natural colors of its minerals. One option to visit it is a 2-day hike, which allows you to acclimatize better and enjoy the landscape with less rush.
Trekking Details (2 Days – 1 Night)
Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Base Camp
- Departure: Early from Cusco by transport (3-4 hours of travel).
- Stop in Cusipata: Breakfast and adaptation to the altitude.
- Hike: From the starting point to the base camp (approx. 3 hours of walking).
- Camp altitude: Between 4,300 – 4,500 m.a.s.l.
- Accommodation: Overnight in tents with dinner included.
Day 2: Base Camp – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
- Early departure (4-5 AM).
- Hiking: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 m.a.s.l.
- Time at the top: 30-40 minutes for photos and rest.
- Descent: Return to base camp and then by transport to Cusco.
- Arrival in Cusco: Around 4-5 PM.
Recommendations
- Prior acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek.
- Appropriate clothing: Thermal jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water and bring coca leaves for altitude sickness.
- Physical condition: This is a moderate to high difficulty hike due to the altitude.
This 2-day trek is ideal for those looking for a more immersive experience without the rush of single-day excursions.
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Quesiuno – Llamachimpana.
Rainbow Mountain 2 days trek, We will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and make our trip through the southern valley. Towards Quesiuno – Pitumarca (4,326 m) is 3 hours long. Once we arrive at the place, we will organize all the luggage in the horses and we will begin our hike uphill.
Following a lovely stream, you will immediately be surprised by the herd of alpacas and llamas. We will also have beautiful views and ausangate mountains, we will walk through the villages and interact with local residents. We have the opportunity to see chinchillas and vicuñas. The vicuñas are the only animals not domesticated in Peru.
After a walk of 3 to 4 hours, we will arrive at our camp Ccarabiri, near the town of Llamachimpana. Our chef will make us a fantastic lunch when we arrive. After lunch (weather permitting), we will go to the village and have the opportunity to interact with residents.
They will tell us about their local customs and would love to share their history with the hikers. They will tell us about the potato fields that surround the area. Then we return to the camp where we will have happy hour and dinner. When night falls, we will have a night of serene sleep under the stars.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- HIKING DISTANCE: 7 km / 4.35 mi
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 4-5 hours of hiking
Day 2: Llamachimpana – Vinicunca – Cusco
We wake up to a cup of hot coca tea and the gorgeous sunrise. Our chef will prepare an amazing breakfast to start the day. Our destination today is the Rainbow Mountain. This is a two hour uphill hike. On the way up, we will have consistent views of stunning red mountains.
The Ausangate glacier and Surine Mountain. Finally, we reach our destination, what we came to see….the mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, we will have time to explore the area. We will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment.
We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours.
Our chef will be waiting for us at the bottom with a hearty lunch. Following lunch, we will embark on the 03 hours drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 05.00.p.m
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, snacks.
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- HIKING DISTANCE: 4 km / 4.35 mi
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-3 hours of hiking
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Pre-departure briefing
- Experienced guide speaking English and Spanish
- A professional cook just for our group
- Radio, for communication
- Medical kit – First aid kit
- One duffel bag per person
- Extra oxygen
- We also include a large tent with table and chairs for you to enjoy your meal without worries, and all cooking equipment, carried by our horses.
- Mats
- We also include a portable toilet
- Entrance ticket to Ausangate Trek
- Entrance ticket to the Rainbow Mountain
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trek.
- Horses and the muleteers’ horses carry your 8kg/16lb personal items.
- Private round trip transportation
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Meals: vegetarian and vegan
- Water to drink along the way every day
- Wake-up tea, every morning
- Tea Time or Happy Hour, In the afternoon
- Snacks along the way.
- Personal accommodation in private camps
- 4-person, 4-season tents, intended for 2 travelers
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Extra expenses
- Tips
- Others not mentioned
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items and hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Camera and film with extra batteries
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Backpack
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Price & Add-Ons
Group: U$: 350
Private: U$: 450
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Rentals
- Hiking poles – U$: 10 (pair)
- Day Pack – U$: 20
Book Now
Acomodation
Map(Rainbow Mountain 2 Days)
Reviews
Excelente organización. Todo genial. Súper recomendable. Los guías unos genios, bilingües a la perfeccion.
January 1, 1970
Me encantó haber contactado esta agencia, Javier el encargado fue muy atento, servicial y nos brindó una informacion muy detallada acerca de nuestro trekking a Salkantay, todo el servicio fue... read more
May 8, 2018
Buen servicio, te brinda toda la información necesaria. El tour fue a las Salineras y la Laguna Humantay. Gracias !!!
January 1, 1970
Positive Impact Travel
By joining this trip, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Goal of Sustainable and responsible Development for future generations. The earnings that Pacha Expeditions receives, for each of our tours, a percentage is destined to support various Andean communities. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Our projects are backed by local authorities and with internationally recognized standards and are audited by third parties, which implies positive impacts on the beneficiaries.
