RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: LONG TOUR
4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS
The ausangate trek is considered the crown jewel of the andes. this isn't a trek for all, but those who want to get off the beaten path will find this an experience of a lifetime. turquoise lakes, glacial peaks, the colorful striated vinicunca mountains and snow-capped mountains.The Rainbow Trek is a new route located in the high Andes and traverses the incredibly colorful Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountains. This beautiful multi-day hike is tucked away in a well-hidden section of the Vilcanota Mountain range. Surrounded by glacial mountains, this route treks in the shadow of the highest mountain in the Cusco Region, Ausangate (6300m/21,000ft). This is a true off the beaten path wilderness trek – above the tree line with incredible views of the Andes and glacial peaks.
The Rainbow Mountains or Vinicunca Mountains are composed of stratified layers of sandstone. These fine-grained rock layers contain large amounts of iron and other minerals which give the mountains the pigments for the various colored stripes. Along your journey you will see turquoise lakes, glacial mountains, llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, and maybe even a wild vicuña. Come and be one of the first adventurers to make this trek with us.
Adventure Rating
Solitude Rating
★★★★★
Quiet, remote, off the beaten track
Best Time to Visit
Best from March to November
Cost Per Person (USD)
6-10 trekkers: $600
3-5 trekkers: $650
2 trekkers: $700
Is This Trek Customizable?
Yes!
Private, custom, add-ons all available.
Sites
Off the beaten path!
Pristine wilderness
Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountains
Turquoise lakes
Glacial peaks
Ausangate Mountain
Terrain
Glacial
Snow-capped peaks
Turquoise lakes
Multiple high passes
Rocky
Acclimatization
3 day acclimatization and multi-day trekking experience recommended
Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Distance
50 km (31.2 miles)
Altitude
3300 m (10,827 ft) to 5050 m (16,568 ft)
Departure
Daily departures with 2 or more people
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER
The Rainbow trek is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
INCLUDED
Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day
Private transport to starting point of the trek
Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs
Duffel bag for your belongies
Four season tent (2 people in large and comfortable tents)
Extra-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
English speaking professional guide
Full meals (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)
Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Emergency horse (1-2 per group depending on group size)
Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
Dining and cooking tents with tables and stools
Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)
Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
Boiled/purified water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco