Often overlooked for the more-famous Inca Trail, the Ausangate trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks for adventurous travelers around Cusco.
This multi-day, multi-night trek takes you through snow-capped mountains and remote Andean villages, and past natural hot springs and turquoise lakes. Moreover, this trek leads you to the renowned Vinicunca, also known as the “Rainbow Mountain” or Cerro Colorado.
The Rainbow Mountain is a growing tourist attraction in Peru. While almost unheard of a few years back, Vinicunca can easily be counted amongst the most spectacular natural phenomena in Peru, so the hike to get there is well worth the struggle. For those who don’t want to hike the entire Ausangate trail to get see Vinicunca, it is possible to hike the Rainbow Mountain in a single day. While shorter than the Ausangate trek, this hike is still exhausting and takes about five hours to reach the top, with a few additional hours to complete the descent.
What makes trekking to Vinicunca so difficult is not the terrain, though it does get steep at times. What makes trekking to Vinicunca difficult is the altitude. The summit of this hike peaks at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). For managing altitude while hiking it is recommended to take deep breaths and small sips of water rather than large gulps. Moreover, you will likely need to take short breaks every twenty minutes. The key is not to rush. Everyone experiences altitude differently, so it is important to respect your body’s limits.
The trail to Vinicunca begins in a small pastoral village. As you start the ascent, herds of camilids, most notably alpaca and llama, dot the expansive landscape. On the way up you’ll be rewarded with dramatic mountain views, but the real prize lies at the summit. Once you make it to the top, you’ll discover why Vinicunca is truly one of the most spectacular places to visit in Peru.
From the viewing point at the top of the trail you will be afforded the breathtaking sight of yellows, blues and reds that appear to have been painted on the mountain range in front of you. These stunning colors are a result of layered mineral deposits that have built up over the course of millions of years. On cloudy days the colors may appear dark, but on sunny days the hills light up in the vibrant rainbow that gave the mountain its nickname.
At Enigma, we offer tours of the Ausangate trail and Vinicunca through our adventure department with expert guides who are proficient in many different languages, not just English and Spanish. Our tours include a 5-day/4-night circuit for individuals or groups, as well as a 6-day/5-night circuit available for individuals. On our tours, ensuring that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience is always our topmost priority, so we are happy to lend our expertise to make your travel dreams a reality.
