One of the most spectacular moments of your 7-day Cusco adventure begins before dawn. At 4:30 a.m., our guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin the journey south of Cusco to Cusipata, specifically to the community of Tintinco, where you will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before starting the hike.
After breakfast, we will continue for approximately one hour to Phulawasipata (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the starting point of the hike. Before setting off, the guide will provide recommendations on the route and altitude so you can enjoy the experience with complete safety.
The approximately 2-hour (4 km) hike offers breathtaking Andean landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, vibrant valleys, and numerous llamas and alpacas. During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn more about their customs and way of life.
Around 10:00 a.m., we will arrive at the impressive Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca (5,065 m / 16,617 ft). Here you will have time to rest while the guide explains the geological origin of this spectacular landscape. From this point, you can also admire the majestic Ausangate (6,380 m / 20,931 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
Afterward, you will have approximately 30 minutes of free time to explore the area and capture incredible photographs of one of Peru’s most famous natural landscapes.
We will then begin the descent, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, until we return to the parking lot. From there we will travel back to Tintinco, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
Finally, we will begin our return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Plaza Regocijo.
Optional Activity: Red Valley
If you wish to complement the experience, you can take the hike to the impressive Red Valley Rojo, a little-visited landscape whose intense reddish tones create a scene that seems otherworldly. The hike to the viewpoint takes approximately 30 minutes.
Additional cost: US$25.00 per person (includes guide and entrance ticket).
Meals included: Buffet breakfast and lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available).
Overnight in Cusco.