Day Treks

SUMMARY

This tour is recommended for all travelers who want to disconnect from the city for a day. It includes a walk among the wonders of the Andes, crystalline lagoons, as well as the varied flora and fauna. To be rewarded with a panoramic view from the heights of the Waqrapukara Fortress. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
• Maximum altitude: Waqrapukara Fortress (4,140 masl).
• Distance of the trek: 18 km.
• Hiking time: 6 hours.
• Difficulty level: Medium - High.
• Type of tour: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 15 people per group.
• Location: Acomayo.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata - Pitumarca - Fortress of Waqrapukara - Campi - Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Cusipata. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast at this point.
• We continue by transportation to Qenterqocha - Pitumarca Lagoon. Duration: 1:30 hours.
• Beginning of the hike from this point to the Waqrapukara Fortress. Duration: 3 hours.
• Guided visit to the Waqrapukara Fortress.
• Return hike to the community of Campi. Duration: 3 hours.
• Return in our transport to Cusco. Duration: 4 hours.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata - Pitumarca - Waqrapukara Fortress - Campi - Cusco

We will start our trip very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time. This in order to be able to fulfill all our itinerary. We will travel in our transport to Cusipata town (3,310 meters above sea level). On the way we will observe the natural Andean landscapes that the south of Cusco offers us. Upon arrival we will have an energizing breakfast that will allow us to be prepared for the trek. We will continue with the trip until we reach the Pitumarca village, located in the province of Acomayo (3,219 masl).

At this point we will find the Qentercocha Lagoon, our guide will give us some indications and from here we will start our hike. We will hike for 3 hours by a natural path that in many parts will be flat and in others certainly steep. We will observe immense almost golden grasslands, which contrast with the green vegetation of the Andes, wetlands and rock formations that are in the surroundings, which look like giant guardians that would have been petrified with the passage of time. If we are lucky we may see vicuñas along the way.

When we are in the last stretch of our hike, we will be able to appreciate from afar, the Waqrapukara Fortress (4,300 meters above sea level), an incredible construction, in contrast with the sky and the valley that surrounds it. Once in this archaeological jewel, we will make a guided tour, we will see the surrounding terraces and continue climbing until we reach the top, where we can observe the large rock formations that resemble horns. At this point it seems like you are very close to heaven and you will receive all the mystical energy that emanates from this enigmatic place. Then we will enjoy our box lunch.

The return hike, which will last 3 hours, will also be another memorable part of the trip, as we will take another route to enjoy more of this experience. On the way we will get the best panoramic images of the Apurimac Canyon. We will also see tombs of great antiquity, cave paintings and a lot of wildlife, you can see viscachas, Andean foxes and if you have some luck, condors. At the end of this hike we will arrive to Campi village. At this point our transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco. The trip will last approximately 4 hours.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

HIGHLIGHTS

Waqrapukara, mysterious fortress

It is said that this archeological center would have functioned as a sanctuary and fortress. In pre-Inca times, it would have belonged to the Qanchi ethnic group and later to the Incas who rebuilt and expanded the area. In the place there are terraces, passages, enclosures with double jamb doors and triple jamb. It is recognized as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation.

The stone giants

On the way you can see rock formations that are anchored to the mountains. They really look like gigantic guardians that would be guarding this entire canyon and especially the entrance to the fortress. In other cases, these structures look like small castles that resemble scenes from science fiction movie.

Wildlife 

In this trip we can find a variety of animals that inhabit this part of the Andes. We will be able to observe llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, foxes, wild birds, viscachas and if possible deer and condors. These species live in the area, due to the presence of lagoons, wetlands, immense grasslands and the nature of the place.

OPTIONAL - 2 DAYS

We leave you these options that you can add to the Waqrapukara Tour:

PRIVATE SERVICE:

• You can take the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days, which includes a camping. Choosing this option, you will enjoy the sunrise very close to this fortress, the images in the morning hours are incredible!
• You can choose the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days - 7 Colors Mountain.
• You can choose the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days - Palccoyo.

For more information about these options, please contact us. We will be happy to customize your trip.

INCLUDED:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Pitumarca - Campi - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 Box Lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick for the hike.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to Waqrapukara Fortress.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What should we bring for our trip?

In our hike to Waqrapukara Fortress, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with a rain cover.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks (water, dried fruits, etc.).
• Personal medications.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: warm jacket, polo shirt and thermal pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations for you to consider before your trip to the Horned Fortress - Waqrapukara:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You should spend at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the Cusco City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and hike for approximately 6 hours. For this reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• Although this trip can be done in the two most important seasons of the year, it is best to go between the months of March and October.
• You must be in good physical condition to be able to do this tour, since you will have to hike for approximately 6 hours.
• This trip is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Prices to Waqrapukara

Private Service: Prices vary according to your group size, Enjoy this exciting experience on a private service, explore at your own pace, accompanied by your exclusive tour guide.

SUMMARY

Discover the magical scenery offered by the Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo, a good alternative, where you can find three mountains that are dyed by nature with the shades of the rainbow. The hike to this place has it all, snow-capped mountains, stone forests, picturesque landscapes and wildlife. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
• Maximum altitude: 7 Colors Mountain of Palccoyo (4,900 masl).
• Distance of the hike: 4 km.
• Hiking time: 2 hours.
• Difficulty level: Easy.
• Type of tour: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 18 people per group.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata - 7 Colors Mountain of Palccoyo- Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Cusipata town. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast in Cusipata.
• Transfer to the starting point of the trek. Duration: 2 hours.
• Beginning of the trek from this point to the 7 Colors Mountain of Palccoyo. Duration: 1 hour.
• Return from the 7 Colors Mountain of Palccoyo to the starting point of the trek. Duration: 1 hour.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Cusipata.
• Lunch in Cusipata.
• Return to Cusco in tourist transport.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

FULL ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata – Rainbow  Mountain of Palccoyo- Cusco

We will start the trip very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time, to go in our transport to the South Valley of Cusco. In this journey of almost two hours we will be able to enjoy the first views of the Andean landscapes and the small villages along the way. We will arrive to Cusipata town (3,310 meters above sea level), to have an energizing breakfast that will allow us to have the strength to make the trek.

We will continue the trip in our transport for two more hours until we reach the area where the trek begins (4,700 masl). We will begin our adventure by taking a natural path, and as we advance the first colors appear. Although the trail is short, we will be accompanied by the attraction of the mountains and the charming llamas and alpacas that are always on the trail feeding.

After a hike of almost an hour, through flat areas, we will arrive at the goal of our trip,  Palcoyo the Other Rainbow Mountain (4,900 masl). We will see three mountains that have the intensity of rainbow hues, but what makes it stand out among all the nature is the surrounding valley that has a reddish color, accompanied by large grasslands that can be green or yellow, depending on the time of year. A scenery that will leave you speechless. On our return hike we will also find another attraction, a Forest of Stones that will allow us to observe in a panoramic way all these natural sceneries and at the same time take very nice pictures.

After having enjoyed all these wonders, we will continue with our return hike which will last less than an hour to the place of our transportation to return to Cusipata town. Here we will enjoy a delicious lunch and take a short rest. Then we will board our transport to return to Cusco.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

OPTIONAL-HISTORIC BRIDGES

We leave you this option that you can add to the tour of the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo:

PRIVATE SERVICE:

• On the outbound route you can make a stop in the Checacupe town to visit 3 historical bridges of great antiquity: Inca Bridge, Colonial Bridge and Republican Bridge.
  For more information about this alternative, please contact us. We will be happy to customize your trip:

Note: To visit these bridges you must pay the entrance ticket.

HIGHLIGHTS

Stone forest

Surrounded by rocks of great dimension, this is perhaps one of the most unusual sceneries that can be seen in the tour. They have various shapes and sizes, they look like something out of a science fiction movie. Throughout the Peruvian territory we can find many of these forests.

Palcoyo the Other Rainbow Mountain 

This chain of colorful mountains has gone through a complex process of mineralization over thousands of years to become the beautiful scenery that can be seen today. Its natural colors include: purple, red, pink, mustard, green and more.

Fauna

The most curious and adorable companions of this trip are the alpacas and llamas. You will be able to see many of them along the way, even in large groups, which will allow you to appreciate the variety of colors in their fur.

INCLUDED:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Palccoyo - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick for the hike.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What should we bring for our trip?

In our trek to the Palcoyo Mountain, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with rain protection.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks.
• Personal medications.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: Jacket, thermal underwear, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations to consider before your trip to the Rainbow  Mountain of Palccoyo:

• This is a good alternative to the traditional Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. The hike is shorter and the difficulty is lower.
• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You must be at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.
• Being a simpler hike it is accessible for people of all ages.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and walk for approximately two hours. For that reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• This trip is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Prices to Palcoyo Raimbow Mountain 

Private Service: Prices vary according to your group size, Enjoy this exciting experience on a private service, explore at your own pace, accompanied by your exclusive tour guide.

SUMMARY

This unique hike will take you through the most beautiful Andean landscapes of Cusco. You will be very close to the snow-capped Ausangate (elevation 6384 masl/20,944  ft), surrounded by these 7 multicolored lakes, which you will discover one by one along the way. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
• Maximum altitude: Patacocha Lagoon (4,860 masl).
• Distance of the hike: 10 km.
• Hiking time: 5 hours.
• Difficulty level: Medium.
• Type of tour: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 18 people per group.
• Location: Quispicanchi.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Pacchanta - Circuit 7 lagoons - Pacchanta Hot Springs - Cusco

• 04:30 am pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Pacchanta town. Duration: 3:30 hours.
• Breakfast at this point.
• Hike through the circuit of the 7 lagoons: 5 hours (round trip).
• Lunch in Pacchanta.
• Rest in the hot springs of Pacchanta (optional).
• 17:30 hrs return to Cusco in tourist transport.

Note: The times indicated are referential.

FULL ITINERARY

Cusco - Pacchanta - 7 Lagoons Circuit - Pacchanta Hot Springs - Cusco

We will start our trip very early picking you up from your hotel at 4:30 am. This to be able to fulfill all our itinerary. We will go in our tourist transport to Pacchanta town (4,200 meters above sea level), located in the southern area of Cusco. The van journey will last 3:30 hours. And in the way we will make two short stops in Oropesa and Tinke villages, so you can do some shopping of typical products of these areas and you can use the toilets.

Once we arrive at Pacchanta village, we will take a short break and enjoy a delicious breakfast offered by the villagers of the area. Then, the guide will give us some more indications to start our hike. We will be given the water necessary to be hydrated and walking sticks. In this way we will be ready to start our hike to the 7 lakes of Ausangate.

We will begin our adventure on a nature trail. During the route the surrounding landscapes are enchanting by the presence of snow-capped mountains like the Ausangate (6,384 masl), colorful vegetation and wildlife. After walking for approximately 2 hours, we will arrive at our first destination, the Pucacocha lagoon, with an intense reddish natural color. Not far from it, we will find the Patacocha and Alkacocha lagoons, with similar tonalities to the first one.

We will have to walk another 20 minutes more to find the fourth lagoon, Qomercocha, with a predominant green color and flashes of blue. You will be able to take spectacular pictures from its viewpoint. The fifth and sixth lagoons are China Otorongococha and Orco Otorongococha, both have crystal clear water, allowing us to see natural formations in the background that resemble the fur of the otorongo, the largest feline in South America.

The seventh lagoon of our tour will be the Azulcocha lagoon, with an intense blue color that reflects the sky. After having finished with this tour we return to the starting point of the hike in Pacchanta village. Here we will enjoy a comforting lunch. Afterwards, if you wish to have a luxurious rest, you will be able to submerge in the thermal waters of the area. This is optional. Then we will return to Cusco.

Note:

To avoid trekking fatigue. There is the option of renting horses.
The times indicated are only for reference

HIGHLIGHTS

The protagonists of our trip will be these beautiful lagoons that are found in the foothills of the snowcapped mountain Ausangate. All of them have Quechua names, the ending "cocha" or "qocha" means lagoon.

Pucacocha (4,500 masl)

It is the first of the lagoons that we will see on our tour, the edge of this mirror of water is red, that is why the name is "puca" and we can see how this color degrades towards the center becoming a clear stubborn tone. At some times of the year this lagoon is usually seen in shades of brown for that reason it is sometimes called the "Chocolate Lagoon".

Patacocha (4,860 masl)

It is very close to the first, it has a similar coloration and this point will be the highest point that we will reach, but it is worth it, to enjoy these impressive views. When you move away from this place, you can see how its intense color contrasts with the color of the mountains.

Alkacocha (4,750 masl)

This is the third lagoon that is also very close to the previous ones. From it you can also see the Ausangate snowcapped mountain. It allows you to see a landscape where color contrasts are the protagonists.

Qomercocha (4,666 masl)

This lagoon is located at a longer walking distance from the first three, it is one of the closest to Ausangate and you can sometimes even see migratory birds swimming in it. The intense color in contrast to the grasslands and the snowy mountains, makes this landscape incredible. It has a viewpoint from where you can take spectacular photos.

China Otorongococha (4,620 masl)

The meaning of "china" in Quechua is female, therefore this lagoon represents a part of the Andean duality. It is small and its waters are crystal clear, but it reveals natural formations at the bottom that resemble the stripes of the otorongo, the largest feline in South America.

Orco Otorongococha (4,620 masl)

The meaning of "orco" in Quechua is male, this is the other part of the Andean duality. This lagoon is larger and also one of the deepest. Its waters are very crystalline and the Lapis Lazuli stone can be seen at the bottom, which gives it a greater blue color. The natural stripes at the bottom of the lagoon together with the ichu (Andean grass) that surrounds it, represent much of the fur of the otorongo.

Azulcocha (4,610 masl)

This is the last of the lagoons that we will visit, it is one of the largest and clearly reflects the colors of the sky. We will walk very close to it, feeling much of the energy that these water mirrors reserve.

INCLUDED:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco – Pacchanta – Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide. (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance to the 7 Lagunas del Ausangate.
• Entrance to the Pacchanta Hot Springs.
• Horse rental (Their use is optional).
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What should we bring for our trip?

In our hike to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with rain cover.
• Cell phone/photo camera.
• Portable Charger.
• Personal snacks (water, nuts, etc.).
• Personal medications.

For cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: jacket, T shirt and thermal pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For the Sun:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

For the Hot Springs:

• A swimsuit/swimwear.
• Towel.
• Sandals.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations for you before your trip to the 7 Lagunas del Ausangate:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You must be at least two days in the Cusco city. You can previously make other tours such as the Cusco City tour, Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and we will hike for approximately 5 hours. For this reason, we recommend that one day before the tour you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or going out to party.
• The hike to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate has areas that are flat, but also slightly steep climbs. For this reason, there is the option of renting horses to avoid fatigue.
• You must be in good physical condition to be able to do this tour, since you will have to walk for approximately 5 hours.
• This trip is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Prices to 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour

Private Service: Prices vary according to your group size, Enjoy this exciting experience on a private service, explore at your own pace, accompanied by your exclusive tour guide.

SUMMARY 

The trekking to Humantay Lake, includes a challenging hike in the middle of nature, in the company of the highest snow-capped peaks of Cusco and beautiful landscapes, having as a final reward the visit to this turquoise jewel in the Andes. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

Departures: Every day.
Duration: One day (5:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Maximum altitude: Laguna Humantay (4,200 masl).
Distance of the hike: 5 km.
Hiking time: 4:00 hours (round trip).
Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of trip: Hiking/Trekking.
Group size: Less than 18 people per group. 
Location: Anta.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Mollepata. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast at this point.
• We continue to Soraypampa Camp. Duration: 1 hour.
• Beginning of the hike from Soraypampa to the Humantay Lake. Duration: 2 hours.
• Visit to the Humantay Lake.
• Return hike to Soraypampa. Duration: 2 hours.
• We continue by transport to Mollepata.
• Lunch at Mollepata town
• Return to Cusco by tourist transport.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference.

FULL ITINERARY

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Cusco

We will start our trip very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time. This in order to be able to fulfill all our itinerary. We will travel in our tourist transport to the northwest of Cusco for 2 hours. We will arrive to Mollepata town (2,800 meters above sea level), where we can already feel the energy of the Andes. At this point we will have a delicious breakfast, which will allow us to be ready for the hike.

We will continue in our transport for another hour until we arrive at Soraypampa Camp (3,900 masl). In this area we will begin our hike to the Humantay Lake, with a duration of two hours. On the route, we will be able to see streams, small waterfalls and in the background the imposing Nevado Salkantay (6,270 masl). Revered by the locals as an Andean deity. On our way we will see some alpacas and llamas that graze in the area.

Following the route will arrive to a point where we will begin our ascent. For this reason, we must climb slowly, following the directions of our guide to avoid fatigue. At the end of this path we will find the great reward of this adventure. Surrounded by mountains covered by a soft velvet of vegetation and bathed by the waters of a snow-capped mountain, we find the Humantay Lake. Its turquoise color is completely real.

Once here, our guide will tell us more about this natural jewel and then we will be able to walk around the lake. At the highest points we will have incredible views and get unique panoramic photos. We will also take some time to relax, breathe fresh air and enjoy the energy that emanates from these soothing waters. Remembering that for many this is a sacred place.

Our return hike will last two hours. We will head back to the starting point Soraypampa Camp. Then, in our transport we will continue to Mollepata where a delicious typical lunch will be waiting for us. and after a short rest, we will return to Cusco.

Note:

• To avoid trekking fatigue. There is the option of renting horses.
• The times indicated are for reference only.

HIGHLIGHTS 

The Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains.

Both are considered Andean deities. Legends say that Salkantay is the father of Humantay. The truth is that both snow-capped peaks are gigantic and imposing, being part of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. The intense white color that characterizes them, together with the clouds that normally settle on the top, make unforgettable images.

Apachetas

On the way and in the same lagoon you will find this pile of stones, known as "Apacheta" which has a sacred meaning. On the one hand, its purpose is to ask the Pachamama to take care of the travelers on their way, on the other hand, it is a sign of respect and gratitude. You will see many of them on this day hike to Humantay lake.

Humantay Lake

Although, it has many complementary names because of how famous it is, the truth is that it is considered a sacred area. While in the more technical part, the origin of its colors is due to the fact that its waters selectively absorb sunlight, leaving the blue and green colors to our sight. Supporting this mission are the algae and minerals inside the lake.

Included:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Mollepata - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick for the hike.

Not Included:

• Entrance fee to the Humantay Lake: 20.00 soles for foreigners and 10.00 soles for Peruvians.
• Horse rental (Its use is optional). Average cost: 80.00 soles.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

Additional Information

What should we bring for our trip?

In our trekking to Humantay Lake, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with rain protection.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks (water, dried fruits, etc.).
• Personal medication.
• Mosquito repellent.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: warm jacket, polo shirt and pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For the sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

Recommendation

Here are some recommendations to consider before your trip to the Humantay Lake:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You must be at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the Cusco City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and walk for approximately 4 hours. For this reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• The hike to  Humantay Lake day trip has areas that are flat, but also steep climbs. For this reason, there is the option of renting horses to avoid fatigue.
• You must be in good physical condition to be able to do this tour, as you will have to walk for approximately 4 hours.
• This tour is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Swimming is prohibited in the Humantay Lake.

Prices for Humantay Lake

Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group and the type of service you choose. Here we offer you 2 options:

Private Service: If you are looking for a more private and flexible experience, enjoy an exclusive guide, your own transportation, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this is the best service option prepared for you.

  Group Service: Starting from Cusco city, this option is ideal for meeting other travelers, making friends, and enjoying a well-planned tour with the best value for money. It includes a professional bilingual guide. The schedules are carefully organized to make the most of your time and ensure a visit to this amazing rainbow mountain.

SUMMARY

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is one of the impossible tours to miss in Cusco, with this full day tour you will be able to know the beauty of this wonder and all the landscapes that are on the way. Therefore, we recommend you to enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
• Maximum altitude: 7 Colores Mountain (5,100 masl/ 16,732 ft).
• Distance of the hike: 7 km.
• Hiking time: 4 hours.
• Difficulty level: Medium.
• Type of tour: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 18 people per group.
• Location: Canchis and Quispicanchi.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata - LLacto - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer to Cusipata town. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast in Cusipata.
• Transfer to the town of Llacto. Duration: 1 hour.
• Beginning of the trek from Llacto to the 7 Colors Mountain. Duration: 2 hours.
• Return from the 7 Colors Mountain to Llacto. Duration: 2 hours.
• Transfer in tourist transport from Llacto to Cusipata.
• Lunch in Cusipata.
• Return to Cusco in tourist transport.
• Note: The times indicated are only for reference.

Imagen

FULL ITINERARY

We will start with the tour very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time, to go in our tourist transport to the South Valley of Cusco. In this journey of almost two hours we will enjoy the first views of the Andean landscapes and the small villages along the way. We will arrive at the Cusipata town (3,310 meters above sea level) to have an energizing breakfast that will allow us to have the strength to make the trek.

We will continue the trip in our transport for another hour until we reach the Llacto village(4,630 masl). This is the starting point of our trek and therefore of our adventure. We will hike for two hours to the vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,200 masl). This trail is surrounded by immense mountains, colorful vegetation and snow-capped peaks, such as the Apu Ausangate (6,384 masl). In addition, on the way you will meet the local people who preserve their traditions and wear multicolored clothes. Something that will not be missing in this tour are the fluffy alpacas and llamas that are always curiously watching the visitors.

When we arrive at the slopes of the 7 Colors Mountain, you will begin to notice the intensity of the natural tones that are accentuated in this area, indicating that we are already very close to our destination. Once at the top, you will feel that the hike has been worth it. In this place you will have time to enjoy this natural wonder surrounded by landscapes that highlight its beauty and that will allow you to take unique photographs.

After having lived this experience of observing this visual spectacle, we will hike back for two hours to LLacto village. We will continue in our transportation to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, and take a short rest. Then we will board our transport to return to Cusco.

Note:

To avoid trekking fatigue. There is the option of renting horses.
The times indicated are for reference only.

OPTIONAL-RED VALLEY
We leave you this option that you can add to the tour of the 7 Colors Mountain hike.

PRIVATE SERVICE:

RED VALLEY VIEWPOINT

This is one of the visual attractions that has become very popular in recent years. Being a set of mountains and small streams that have an intense natural reddish coloration contrasting with the immense green or yellow grasslands depending on the season. It is visited by few people, which will allow you to enjoy more of this place.

In order to get to know this area, you take another route back from the Vinicunca Mountain, making a hike of less than 40 minutes. After visiting the Red Valley (5,020 meters above sea level), you continue with the return way  that corresponds to the usual tour.

For more information about these options, please contact us. We will be happy to customize your trip:

HIGHLIGHTS

Multicolored landscapes

On our hike we will be able to appreciate the variety of scenery that the Cusco Andes offer us. We will find gigantic snow-capped mountains, mountains adorned with colorful vegetation, streams, creeks and more.

The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

This wonder is the protagonist of the tour. Although many claim that you can see up to 10 colors in this mountain, the truth is that you can appreciate this striking natural coloration very similar to that of a rainbow reflected on the earth.

Fauna

The most curious and adorable companions of this trip are the alpacas and llamas. You will be able to see many of them along the way, even in large groups, which will allow you to appreciate the variety of colors in their fur.

INCLUDED:

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Llacto - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to the 7 Colors Mountain.
• Horse rental (its use is optional). Average cost: 80.00 soles.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

What should we bring for our trip?

In our trekking to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with rain protection.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks (water, dried fruits, etc.).
• Personal medications.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: Warm jacket, T-shirt and pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are, some recommendations to consider before your tour to the Rainbow Mountain:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You must be at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and hike for approximately 4 hours. For that reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• The hike to the mountain has a medium difficulty. For this reason, there is the option of renting horses to avoid fatigue, the locals provide this service.
• This tour is recommended for people over 8 years old and under 60 years old.
• This tour is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Prices for the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group and the type of service you choose. Here we offer you 2 options:

Private Service: If you are looking for a more private and flexible experience, enjoy an exclusive guide, your own transportation, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this is the best service option prepared for you.

Group service: Starting from Cusco city, this option is ideal for meeting other travelers, making friends, and enjoying a well-planned tour with the best value for money. It includes a professional bilingual guide. The schedules are carefully organized to make the most of your time and ensure a visit to this amazing rainbow mountain.