Rainbow Mountain Extension

 

 

Those that choose the extension to Rainbow Mountain will stay in Cusco one more day and will fly to Lima on Sunday. The program in Lima will be the same for those that take the extension and those that return to Lima on Saturday.

- Altitude hike with great scenery
- You will reach about 5,100 meters (16,700 feet). You will be acclimatized at the end of trip.

This extension is literally offered "at cost"
Cost:  $150 per person
Single Supplement: $50

EXTENSION INCLUDES:
Tour/hike on Rainbow Mountain, large bus transportation, guides, lunch, dinner at a fine restaurant in Cusco and overnight Costa del Sol Ramada hotel - double occupancy.

Early morning buffet breakfast at Costa del Sol Ramada hotel and we depart at about 5:00 AM.

We drive to Cusipata, continue to the town of Chirihuani and finally arriving at the trailhead in Fula Wasi Pata 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), the trailhead of the Red Valley – Vinicunca "Rainbow Mountain.

We hike uphill with gradually changing views of the stunning colors created by natural minerals that give the colors to the mountain. The multi-colored mountain, with sediment created from mineral deposits over millions of years has been uncovered recently due to climate change.

We reach the summit of Rainbow mountain, also known as 7 Color Mountain – Vinicunca, at about 5,100 meters (16,700 feet). We spend some time in the summit for pictures and enjoy the views of the red and multicolor mountains. In this valley you will see herds of alpacas, llamas and Andean birds as well as Andean people in traditional clothing. You will also have views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountains of the Vilcanota mountain range, the view dominated by Mount Ausangate 20,905' - the highest mountain in Cusco and considered by the highlanders as the sacred Apu "Mountain Spirit." On a clear day it is possible to see Mount Salcantay the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range as well as Mount Veronica - the highest mountain in the Urubamba Mountain Range. Our descent will take about one hour.

On our return to Cusco we will visit 2 sites in the Quispicanchi district:

Church of Andahuaylillas - Its construction dates from 1580, baroque style church dedicated to San Pedro Apóstol. The church is nicknamed "The Sistine Chapel of the Andes." because of its colorful murals, a coffered painted ceiling and an ornate gold-leaf altar

Pikillacta - Pre Inca city of the Wari people whose apogee dates between the 800 and 1100 years AC. It was the entrance door to the Sacred City of the Incas.

We will arrive in Cusco before 6:00 PM. Dinner and overnight in Cusco.

Overnight: Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco (Previously Picoaga Hotel).
Meals: B, L, D.
Drive: The drive through Peruvian countryside will be 3 to 3.5 hours each way
Hike: The hike will be +/- 1.5 hours to summit, plus time on the summit, descent +/- 1 hour.