The Rainbow Mountain, with its naturally segmented striations, or stripes of various colors, is located in the Cordillera of Vilcanota, remote part of the Ausangate mountain range and south of the city of Cusco.

The Rainbow Mountain has only recently gained international attention among travelers and hikers who like to enjoy the high mountains.

We have specially designed this trek to Ausangate Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca in response to requests from our clients interested in photographic expeditions. The entire experience has been carefully crafted with ecological and social responsibility in mind, respecting the highland communities and their environment.

Our itinerary will take you deep into the remote and untouched wilderness of the Ausangate Glacier, long renowned for its stunning high-altitude landscapes, turquoise lakes, and herds of alpacas. We will begin our trek toward Upis and then venture further into the mountains and lakes, reaching the best locations to put your photography skills into practice—capturing breathtaking moments of light and color through your lens.

This rugged and awe-inspiring trek to Ausangate Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca requires three days of acclimatization at high altitude, either in Cusco or another elevated location. If you are an experienced hiker, this is the ultimate adventure you have been looking for.

The Ausangate Mountain Range and its skies offer one of the best locations for astrophotography, as the Milky Way and constellations shift with the seasons, creating ever-changing compositions for photographers. One of the greatest advantages of this location is the absence of air pollution, allowing for crystal-clear images of the night sky.

Highlights:

• Ausangate Rainbow Mountain
• Astrophotography
• Ausangate Glacier
• Spectacular Glaciar Lakes
• Alive Culture
• Landscaping

Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis

We will pick you up from your hotel early (5:00 a.m) and will drive southeast to Tinki. We will stop in the village of Ocongate, where you experience the local culture. The trip to Tinki takes approximately 3:30 hours. From Tinki your trek begins, winding through the Vilcanota Valley before gradually ascending into high pastures. Here you get your first view of the Vilcanota mountain range, including Ausangate and Colque Cruz Peak. You will cross the Mapacho river before continuing through local community villages toward the base of the Ausangate Glacier. You will camp near the Upis hot springs (4,400 m.a.s.l). Once you are at the camp site it will be a good moment to get out your camera to capture a spectacular sunset over the Ausangate snow cape (6,372 m.a.s.l). Afterward, you can enjoy the hot springs.

Day 2: Upis – Pukaqocha

After breakfast, we continue our hike, ascending for three hours until we reach Larapa Pass (4,850 m.a.s.l.). The views of the Ausangate Glacier from this pass are truly breathtaking, and you will want to have your camera ready to capture the moment. After a short stop to take in this unique panorama, we begin our descent into the valley, home to a wide variety of bird species.

We will set up camp next to Yanacocha Lagoon, just beneath the glacier’s crevasses, after six to seven hours of hiking (between 4,800 and 4,600 m.a.s.l.) along a well-trodden gravel trail. On the way down, we will pass by the emerald-green waters of Puqa Q’ocha Lagoon (4,556 m.a.s.l.). Back in the valley, we will camp by the stunning blue lagoon of Hatun Puqa Q’ocha.

Once at the campsite, we will find the best spot to capture the magnificent sunset and the breathtaking landscape of this extraordinary place.

Day 3: Pukaqocha – Yanaorqo Lagoon

After an early breakfast, we continue our hike into the valley. Today is an important and highly anticipated day of the trek. We will ascend to 5,200 m.a.s.l., where you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the majestic Ausangate Glacier.

We still have a few more hours of hiking before lunch. Afterward, we will continue walking while enjoying the spectacular scenery, encountering herds of llamas and sheep along the way. After three hours, we will arrive at our campsite by Yanaorqo Lagoon.

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain –Vinicunca – Cusco

We will have an early breakfast and begin an approximately 2-hour hike to Vinicunca Pass, home to the famous Rainbow Mountain of Ausangate. At this point, our breathing will become increasingly labored as we gain altitude. Once we reach the top of the pass, there may be some icy gusts of wind, so be sure to dress warmly.

Your trekking efforts will be rewarded when you finally see the incredible Vinicunca, with its vibrant layers of multicolored rock sediments: turquoise, orange, brown, and red. At the same time, you will have majestic views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. This hike to Vinicunca is undoubtedly Peru’s most famous new tourist attraction.

After reaching and enjoying an unforgettable moment photographing this fascinating mountain, we will begin ascending the hill to our final stop for lunch and finally arrive in Cusco.

Includes:

• All transportations
• Professional bilingual guide and photographer
• All entrance fees
• All meals during the route
• Ozonized water (we will provide it in all the tour, but you must carry your own canteen)
• Camping equipments
• Emergency horse
• Horses and riders (to transport equipment, food and a traveler’s luggage weighing 12 kilograms).
• Fisrt aid kit and oxygen
• Snacks

Not Included:

• Breakfast first day
• Sleeping bag (-15)
• You can take additional horse for U$$ 100.00
• Other requirements
• Tips for staff
• Services not mentioned

To enjoy our tour, don’t forget to bring:

• Passport or ISIC card OBLIGATORY
• Waterproof and warm clothing
• Photographic camera
• Lens 16mm F1.8 or F2.8
• Lens 50/80mm F1.8 or F2.8
• Lens 24-70mm F2.8
• Lens 400mm (recommended) or other similar.
• Tripod (recommended)
• Sun block SPF 45 – 90
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack (canteen, snacks, etc.)
• Raincoats or rain ponchos (all year)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Walking poles
• Flash light and batteries (minimum 6 spears)
• Sleeping bags (-15 degrees)
• Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, dry fruits (obligatory).