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Highlights
Trek for two days to the iconic Rainbow Mountain of Peru
Walk the Camino Del Apu Ausangate, a route through the Vilcanota’s Cordillera of Peru.
Enjoy the chance to experience the unique Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, up close.
Learn about the culture and history of this wonderful mountain region as you walk.
Make your trek a bit easier by letting the llamas and horses help carry your gear so you can focus on the journey.
Discover the Rainbow Mountain of Peru on this trekking tour! This is a breathtaking two-day trek in Peru’s Vilcanota’s Cordillera on a route called the “Camino Del Apu Ausangate.” This hike takes you to one of the most sacred mountains in the region. The “Apu” is one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. This trek shows you Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, in all its colourful beauty.
Your trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear and are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca, who are proud to share their land with you. Trek through pastures, over mountain ridges, and through gorgeous scenery that all leads to Vinicuna. After your hike, rest up in mountain lodges, or “tambos,” where friendly chefs will prepare local cuisine for you and you can savor the beauty and hospitality of Peru. The Rainbow Mountain is waiting for you!
Discover the Rainbow Mountain of Peru on this trekking tour! This is a breathtaking two-day trek in Peru’s Vilcanota’s Cordillera on a route called the “Camino Del Apu Ausangate.” This hike takes you to one of the most sacred mountains in the region. The “Apu” is one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. This trek shows you Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain, in all its colourful beauty.
Your trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear and are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca, who are proud to share their land with you. Trek through pastures, over mountain ridges, and through gorgeous scenery that all leads to Vinicuna. After your hike, rest up in mountain lodges, or “tambos,” where friendly chefs will prepare local cuisine for you and you can savor the beauty and hospitality of Peru. The Rainbow Mountain is waiting for you!
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Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco to Huampococha
Begin with a morning departure from Cusco, travelling by bus through the lush Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe, from where you’ll start to ascend Pitumarca. Through the spectacular canyon of Japura, arrive at the pastoral community of Osefina, where you will see the herding of llamas and alpacas.
Little by little, you will ascend through a picturesque valley where you can see some of the highest potato crops in the world. The landscapes change drastically as you leave behind the last houses until you reach the pass of Anta (16,000ft/4,900m). Catch the first views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Spend the night in the Huampococha Tambo, located near the lagoon of the same name, where the nests of the “Huallatas” (Andean geese) lay.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
Distance: 4 hours, 6.5km
Meals: Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2 Hike to Vinicunca and Return to Cusco
The first rays of the sun greet you at this magical location. After enjoying a hearty Andean breakfast, begin to hike through formations of red sandstone. As you hike you’ll witness geological wonders and admire the beauty of this unique landscape. Reach Mt. Vinicunca or “Rainbow Mountain,” renowned worldwide and one of the most spectacular vantage points of the entire Andes Mountains.
After time to rest, snap photos, and take in the amazing colors of the mountain, begin the descent through the valley to Japura. On the way, you’ll have your final lunch stop before taking transportation back to Cusco. Onto the next adventure!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6 hours, 10km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Vinicuna, the Rainbow Mountain Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour to Peru is run either as a private tour for your group only or you can choose to join an existing group of other hikers. Prices below are per person.2024 Prices:
- Group of 2: USD1580 per person
- Group of 3: USD1200 per person
- Group of 4+: USD970 per person
2025 Prices:
- Group of 2: USD1470 per person
- Group of 3: USD1070 per person
- Group of 4+: USD875 per person
Accommodation on the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek
This trek is based in lodges with spectacular views. The rooms in the lodges are double occupancy.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those wishing to have single rooms can pay a supplement of USD175.
What’s Included in the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Meals
1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 1 night is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes private transport for you to Chillca and back to Cusco. It does not include flights to and from Peru. While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail). Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas
- First aid kit and oxygen
Not included
- Flights or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Emergency transportation
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
- How can I prepare to hike at high elevation?
- When is the best time to travel to Peru for this tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
- Are meals included on the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Is the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek in English?
- Where does the Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain Trek end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You will need to be able to hike 4-6 hours in high elevation conditions for two consecutive days, and we recommend a preliminary 2-day acclimatization stage for your body prior to the trek if possible.
There are a few things you can do to make hiking at high elevation more comfortable: arrive at the tour starting point early for an initial acclimatization stage. The recommended length of this stage depends on the altitude you’re used to, but generally 2-3 days is recommended. Drink lots of water while hiking. If you start to experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion, let your guide know right away. They will be equipped to handle any signs of altitude sickness as required.
The best time to take this tour is between April and November when the weather is most favourable for hiking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) from where you will be picked up and taken to Chillca.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Chillca from where you’ll be transported back to Cusco.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Andean Lodges is a Cusco-based company, founded in 2006 in association with the people of the peasant communities of Chillca and Osefina. The company’s goal is to offer unique trekking and lodging experiences on the Apu Ausangate Route, with a focus on community-based rural tourism, and to promote the development of these communities.
