Rainbow Mountain – 4D/3N

Day Highlight: Conquering the high mountain pass with sweeping views across multi-tiered ecological microclimates.

After a great breakfast, we are ready to leave our camp and begin our hike, we will climb to Arapa Pass (4,850 m. / 15,908 ft.). From this point we will savor the contrast between the dry desert like hills and the impressive snowy views of Ausangate and Pucaccocha mountain, this area also has three beautiful lakes with shades of reds, greens and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha). Our second camp is near the Ausangate glacier on the rainbow mountain.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Conquering the high mountain pass with sweeping views across multi-tiered ecological microclimates.

Today, waking up with a cup of coca tea, this will be one of the most beautiful days of the trek and we will see the Rainbow Mountain in the distance. The day begins with a 1:30 minute uphill climb to the Ausangate pass. At this pass we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas. After savoring the pass, we descend for 1:30 minutes until we reach the village of Alccatauri. During our time in the village we will give offerings of coca leaves, this is extremely valuable because this precious Peruvian treasure cannot be cultivated in this climate.

After this incomparable journey, we will walk 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot in a rustic lodge. After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our journey uphill to the second pass. After 1 hour, we will follow the trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the colorful mountains. At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama. The rest of the day’s trek is a 1 hour downhill hike to our campsite, Surine Cocha.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Witnessing the mineral-striped mountain ridges and high valleys dotted with roaming herds of alpacas.

After breakfast, we will hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020m. / 16,469 ft.). Your guide will show you the best places to get the ideal pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains.

Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so singular, they are composed of various minerals, which produce different colors of stone striations, this is not only one of the most impressive places in Peru and South America, but this type of mountains are only seen in another country in the world, China. After taking pictures and savoring the view, we will continue hiking until we reach the village of Quesiuno. This is a 2:30 minute downhill hike and we will have lunch there.

Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch, then we will drive for 3:30 minutes back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding journeys of your life.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.