The Greatest Vinicunca full day – Rainbow Mountain

A great day in this highest and incredible colorful mountain that looks surreal uncover one of the latest discovering of the savant Mother Nature: The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca named for their peculiar colors which resemble a rainbow impregnated to the mountains, enjoy this full day trip towards the understanding of this intriguing mountain; you will also see the magnificent landscapes and appreciate some typical communities along the road.

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
• Best Season: March to November (it is possible to operate the trek the rest of the year but the rains are heavier, and even in the dry season there is the possibility of snowfall).
• Relevant features: Stunning natural landscapes, ideal for nature lovers and for those passionate about photography, outdoor hikes and adventure.

Itinerary:  

Vinicunca full day

Our day starts very early in the morning and after you had breakfast at your hotel (or you may require them a box breakfast and you can have it along the way).

In order to enjoy the whole experience to the fullest, our expert guide will greet you and accompany you through our 3 hours ride with wonderful views of the Peruvian Andes and reaching the picturesque village of Checacupe (3440 mts/11286.1 ft) which distinguishes for its beautiful colonial church and bridge that still maintains Inca foundations.

We will also pass through the towns of Pitumarca (3570 mts/11712.6 ft) and Hanchipacha (4660 mts/15288.7 ft) and make a short stop here to buy some last-minute supplies or have your hotel box-breakfast.

Afterwards, we will head towards Pampachiri community (4530 mts/14862.2 ft) for a short 30 mins ride. Here our expert guide will give us some tips for our 3 hours hike. If you require it in advance, we will provide you with a pair of standard walking sticks to support you during the hike, with the help of your guide you will learn the correct technique to use them making sure your knees are well cared for.

Then, we will be crossing the mountains and experiencing climate changes as we go uphill, during our hike we will also be accompanied by the endemic flora and fauna seeing some vizcachas, eagles, llamas and alpacas.

We will appreciate, of course, some of the most wonderful views of the mountains surrounding the road and be able to visualize the exact places where the mountains begin to change their colors as we move towards our main destination. For your security we have an emergency horse just in case you feel the need to use it, please feel free to require it to your guide.

Upon our arrival, we will finally view the famous Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca (5200 mts/ 17060.4 ft) which offers a delightful spectacle of mixed mountain colors distinguishing pigmentations of pink, white, brown, purple, red, green and yellow. The Rainbow Mountain was discovered few years ago due to melting of global warming, its incredible coloration is due to the wealth of minerals that houses its soil, generated by the Earth erosion for millions of years, leaving these mineral layers uncovered for the amazement and enjoyment of the inhabitants and visitors.

We will take pleasure in taking stunning photos with beautiful backgrounds, hear our knowledgeable guide’s explanation and wander around until it is time to return hiking back for about 2 or 2.5 hours depending on your physical condition, the hike will be downhill and quicker.

Once we arrive at Pampachiri we will take a short ride until reaching our lunch spot where exquisite gourmet meals await us in a secluded area. Lastly and after our delicious lunch, we will return back to Cusco in our private transportation arriving by 18:30 pm approx.

Vinicunca program Schedule:

(Please note that the below timings are for referential purposes only and may vary depending on your physical condition, pace and unforeseen circumstances)

05:00 am – Pick up and departure.
07:00 am – Arrive at Checacupe Town.
07:15 am – Arrive at Pitumarca Town.
07:30 am – Arrive at Hanchipacha and make a shortstop.
08:00 am – Departure to Pampachiri community.
08:30 am – Arrive at Pampachiri community and start the trek.
11:45 am – Arrive at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and have snacks.
12:30 pm – Return to Pampachiri community.
14:00 pm – Arrive at Pampachiri community and depart to Hanchipacha.
14:30 pm – Arrive at Hanchipacha and have your exclusive picnic lunch.
15:30 pm – Return back to Cusco.
18:30 pm – Arrive at your Cusco hotel.

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

A private, hand-crafted and fully personalized Luxury trek from start to finish.
Professional english-speaking guides with knowledge of all diverse attractions along the route.
All entrance fees and permits required.
All meals cooked on the spot by our well-trained chef with fresh ingredients.
Luxury picnic lunch served: bottled water, hot beverages, soft drinks, gourmet 3 course meal (including starter, main course and dessert), a glass of wine and champagne.
It is possible to accommodate all type of food restrictions or preferences, just please inform in advance to your travel specialist.
Healthy and consistent snacks: 01 seasonal fruit, energetic bar of selected andean grains, Peruvian chocolate bar and crackers.
All overland private transportation for customers.
Separated private transportation for our staff members and camping equipment.
Fully trained porters hailing from local communities.
01 emergency horse.
Dining tent and chairs: Eureka Copper Canyon (from 1 to 12 customers), Kingcamp KC 2808 chairs.
Porcelain or ceramic crockery, glassware and unique stone or wood plates.
First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not included:

Walking sticks (if you request them in advance, we can provide you a pair of standard walking sticks per customer).
Extra transportation required along the trek due to unforeseen circumstances.
Hotel accommodations.
Meals not mentioned.
Personal expenses.
Personal riding horse (USD 40 approx. per horse).
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Gratuities.