We depart early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small town of Tinqui to begin our trek through the Rainbow Mountains of Peru. We will see the impressive Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages along the way and have time to take some photos. When we arrive in Tinqui, we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our cook.

Then, our riders will organize all the group’s equipment and packs on the horses and our trek will begin, we will start our tour through the agricultural communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will hike for about 3 hours and then we will have 1 hour to have lunch, after lunch we continue for 2 hours to reach Upis 4,100 m. / 13,448 ft. There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner and camp for the night.

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 enjoy 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.

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 enjoying 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 experience, 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.

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 perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains.

Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique, 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 enjoying 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 experiences of your life.