We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., then drive for approximately 3 hours in our private van to Tinki (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a small village where we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. You’ll be offered hot drinks such as coffee, coca tea, and hot chocolate, along with pancakes, omelets, bread, eggs, butter, and other local delights.

After breakfast, we will begin a scenic 4-hour hike to our first campsite at Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region and a sacred peak for the local communities.

Upon arrival at Upis, you’ll have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs, surrounded by breathtaking views of Apu Ausangate. After this well-deserved break, our chef and horseman will be waiting for us with a hearty dinner. Finally, you’ll retire to your tent, equipped with comfortable air mattresses, and rest peacefully while dreaming of the next day’s adventure to Rainbow Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Campsite Altitude: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Weather: Cold
Hiking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Maximum Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft

Physical Level

2, Moderate

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a gentle uphill hike of about 2 hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From the top, we’ll descend while taking in breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft), as well as three stunningly colored lakes—Pukaqocha, Hatun Pukaqocha, and Qomerqocha—which display vibrant shades of red, green, and turquoise. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as alpacas, vizcachas, and llamas.

After enjoying lunch surrounded by this spectacular scenery, we’ll continue our trek with a gradual uphill climb toward our campsite at Hananta (4,740 m / 15,551 ft). This section offers some of the most unforgettable views of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate.

Upon arrival at camp, we’ll be welcomed with a hearty and well-deserved dinner featuring a variety of freshly prepared dishes and hot drinks to warm and recharge after a rewarding day of trekking.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
Campsite Altitude: 4,740 m / 15,551 ft
Weather: Cold
Hiking Time: Around 8–9 hours
Highest Elevation: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft

Physical Level

2, Moderate

On this day, we will wake up earlier than usual to continue our adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. We will have an early breakfast so that we can be among the first to reach Rainbow Mountain, as many visitors arrive later in the day from Cusco. Our hike begins with about 1 hour of ascent to the pass (5,000 m / 16,400 ft), from where you’ll be treated to a landscape that feels like something out of a dream.

From Hananta, it takes about 3 hours to reach Rainbow Mountain. Once we arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,528 ft), your guide will explain this amazing natural masterpiece. Remember, this type of formation can only be seen in two places in the world: Peru and China. You’ll learn about its formation process, the natural minerals that give rise to its vibrant colors, and everything related to this world wonder.

After taking in the surreal beauty of this landscape, we’ll begin our descent to the location where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. A delicious, varied, and hearty lunch will be waiting to recharge the energy spent on this incredible hike. After lunch, our private transportation will take us back to Cusco. After 3 hours of travel, we will arrive in Cusco around 6:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
Campsite Altitude: Cusco hotel
Weather: Cold
Hiking Time: Around 7–8 hours
Highest Elevation: 5,038 m / 16,528 ft

Physical Level

2, Moderate