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This four-day trek is a high-altitude journey through the Vilcanota mountain range, an area known for its tall peaks and remote landscapes. The route is designed for those looking to experience the Andes away from more populated trails. The tour combines strenuous hiking with the opportunity to see natural sites that are not on typical tourist paths.
The trip begins with a drive from Cusco into the high plains, passing through small Andean villages. The trek itself starts in the community of Chillca. From there, the hike progresses through valleys and over mountain passes. You will camp in remote locations each night, with views of snow-capped mountains like Ausangate. The environment is home to native wildlife such as llamas and alpacas.
The main destinations of this trek are the large Sibinacocha Lake and the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The itinerary involves crossing several high passes, including Palomani and Warmisaya, which are over 5,000 meters. The final day is dedicated to visiting the Rainbow Mountain before the return drive to Cusco.
TRIP AT A GLANCE
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HIGHLIGHTS:
When to visit, Rainbow mountain + Sibinacocha 4days :
Best time: March-November
Regular time: DECEMBER-JANUARY (according the weather)
Rainbow mountain + Sibinacocha 4days Summary :
DAY 1. CUSCO/CHILLCA/SIBINACOCHA LAGOON(4,873M,15,988Ft)
DAY 2. PALOMANI/ANANTAPATA VINICUNCA(5,200m/17,056ft)/QESIUNO
DAY 3. WARMISAYA/K’AYRAWIRE
DAY 4. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN/QESIUNO/CUSCO
You will be picked up from your hotel at 6:00 AM to transfer to Chillca (head of the trail). We depart from Cusco in our private vehicle. On our journey, we bypass Urcos, where we can see a beautiful lagoon with the matching name, carry on to Checacupe, a farming and cattle-raising district. We continue to Pitumarca (3570m, 11712.6ft), and at long last cross Chillca, a small hamlet that overlooks Mount Ausangate and the Vilcanota mountain range. After a 3-hour drive, we arrive in Chillca. Here we will be met by Quechua-speaking Inca descendants and the emergency local horses, then have an appetizing first lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike with a minor climb up the Ajacocha, seeing llamas and alpacas, and Torreqaqa (view point), a new route off the beaten path, until we arrive at the Sibinacocha lagoon (4,873m, 15,988ft), where we settle down and have dinner. Our camp will be set in an area with views of Ausangate and other snow-capped mountains. Sibinacocha possesses a wide biodiversity. We are likely to spot Andean Coots, “Huallatas” or Andean Geese as well as Andean Ducks from our camp. Camping. SNACKS, LUNCH & DINNER ACCOM: CAMPING (WITH BASIC FACILITIES) – 01
We leave at around 7:00 am and continue on towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra Palomani (5000m/16400ft), which we will reach after about 4 hours. We then descend towards the Ausangate lagoon, a group of small turquoise lagoons next to which we have lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike for an additional 2 to 3 hours until we reach Anantapata (4790m, 15715.22ft), where we set our camp in a valley overlooked by the Puca Punta peaks. Camping. BREAKFAST. LUNCH & DINNER ACCOM: CAMPING (WITH BASIC FACILITIES) – 01
We pack up camp and make a move toward K’ayrawire, or “frog lagoon”. In this section, we discover soil of volcanic origin, its color turning to dark red and black, as well as moraines. We will go over WARMISAYA pass (5050m/16564ft) to then turn up at a valley with colorful mountains and three lagoons, where we will see llamas and alpacas. We will cross the valley to move in the direction of our next mountain pass (5100m/16728ft). From this position, an extra hour of hiking leads us to K’ayrawire, our next campsite. Camping. BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ACCOM: CAMPING (WITH BASIC FACILITIES) – 01
Today, we leave early to march along the mountain and peaks for 3 hours until we reach the Rainbow Mountain. We then proceed to move across a pampa where we are likely to spot hundreds of llamas, alpacas, and hopefully vicuñas, and then carry on towards Qesiuno, where we will eat for the last time on our journey. In this isolated spot, enclosed by snow-capped peaks such as Ausangate Mountain and populated by small rustic communities, we meet our private vehicle that will take us back to Cusco, where we expect to arrive after twilight. BREAKFAST & LUNCH
When to Visit The ideal time to undertake this trek is during the Andean dry season, from April to October. During these months, you are more likely to have sunny days and clear views of the mountains. The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are also good, with fewer crowds.
Recommendations
Climate The climate is typical of the high Andes: highly variable. Days can be sunny and warm when walking, but temperatures drop significantly as soon as the sun sets. Nights are very cold. Be prepared for strong sun, wind, rain, and even snow, sometimes all in one day.
Local People The trek route passes through remote areas inhabited by Quechua-speaking communities who live a traditional pastoral lifestyle, herding llamas and alpacas. They are often shy but friendly. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes.
How to Prepare for the Tour Physical preparation is key. Focus on cardiovascular fitness through activities like hiking, running, or cycling for several weeks prior to your trip. It is also beneficial to do a few long day hikes to prepare your body for extended periods of walking.
Recommended Age Due to the physical demands and extreme altitude, this trek is recommended for experienced hikers who are 16 years of age or older. A high level of physical fitness is required regardless of age.
How to Acclimatize Proper acclimatization is the most important factor for a successful trek. Arrive in Cusco (3,400m / 11,152ft) at least two, and preferably three, days before starting the trek. During this time, rest, drink plenty of water and coca tea, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol. You can take short walks around the city to help your body adjust.
What is the difficulty of this trek? This is a difficult trek due to the high altitude, with multiple mountain passes over 5,000 meters, and long hiking days. You must be in good physical condition and well-acclimatized.
Do I need to acclimatize before the trek? Yes. Acclimatization is essential for your safety and enjoyment. We strongly recommend spending at least two to three full days in Cusco (or another location above 3,000 meters) before starting the trek.
What is the highest altitude we will reach? The highest point on the trek is a mountain pass on Day 3, at an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,728 feet).
What kind of accommodation is provided? Accommodation is in mountain tents for three nights. Basic facilities, including a dining tent and a toilet tent, are provided at each campsite.
Are meals included in the tour? Yes, meals are included from lunch on the first day until lunch on the last day. The menu includes a combination of Peruvian and international food. Please advise of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Is drinking water supplied? You must bring your own water for the first day of the trek until lunchtime. After that, our staff will provide boiled, cooled water at each mealtime for you to refill your bottles.
What is the best time of year for this trek? The best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period generally offers more stable weather and clearer skies.
Are the toilet facilities basic? Yes, a portable toilet tent is set up at each campsite. There are no permanent bathroom facilities on the route.
What happens in case of a medical emergency? Our guides are trained in first aid and carry a first-aid kit and an oxygen tank for altitude-related issues. In case of a serious emergency, a horse is available for evacuation to the nearest road, where transport to a medical facility will be arranged.
How cold does it get at night? Temperatures at the high-altitude campsites can drop well below freezing, to approximately -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). It is crucial to have a warm sleeping bag and appropriate thermal clothing.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!