Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Quesiuno – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM.
- 3-hour drive to the community of Quesiuno, passing traditional adobe houses, herds of llamas and alpacas, and stunning views of Ausangate Mountain (6,398 m), the highest peak in Cusco.
- Begin the hike through the Vilcanota range toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- Reach the summit and be rewarded with spectacular views of colorful mountains and the Ausangate glacier.
- Free time to explore and take photos.
- Descend to the lunch spot, then return to Cusco.
- Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Vinicunca – Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM and set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to the community of Quesiuno. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful Andean landscapes dotted with adobe houses and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing beneath the impressive Ausangate Mountain, the highest in the Cusco region.
From Quesiuno, we start our trek toward Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca), located in the Vilcanota range. This area is a paradise even for seasoned hikers, offering unforgettable memories with its magnificent panoramas, glaciers, crystal-clear rivers, and tranquil lakes. The trail leads through remote, pristine nature and once we reach the summit, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding red mountains and the snow-capped Ausangate glacier.
Here, you’ll have ample time to explore the area and take plenty of photos before we begin our descent to the lunch spot. After a well-earned meal, we make our way back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding a remarkable day immersed in the high Andes.
Included
- Private tourist transport
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish / English)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
Not included
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Dinner on the last day
- Breakfast on the first day
- Extra horse (can be rented locally if needed)
Recommendations
- Bring layered clothing suitable for both cold mornings and sunny afternoons.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry rain gear.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and insect repellent.
- Carry your valid passport or ID (required at checkpoints).
- Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and personal essentials.
- Listen to your guide’s instructions and respect the environment to help preserve these incredible landscapes.
