Trekking to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Photograph the Sunrise
We introduce a new way to explore the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, distinct from the traditional tours offered by most travel agencies. With this alternative, you will have the opportunity to be among the first to arrive at the mountain, free from the rush of tight schedules and the crowds of tourists. You’ll enjoy a more tranquil setting and have time on your side to fully appreciate the breathtaking spectacle of the sunrise over Vinicunca. Take advantage of this opportunity to capture stunning photographs in a serene and uninterrupted environment.
Schedule and Duration
Departure Time:
The journey begins around 1:00 a.m., a time specifically chosen to allow you to enjoy the sunrise and dawn at Vinicunca. Don’t worry about sleep, as you’ll be able to rest on the bus during the trip.
Tour Duration:
The excursion lasts approximately until midday, although this may vary depending on your walking pace. The bus ride to the mountain’s parking area takes around 4 hours each way, and the hike to the summit of Vinicunca takes approximately 2 hours each way. Additionally, you may choose to reserve ATVs in advance to make the journey easier.
Meeting Point and Return
Pick-up:
The pick-up is arranged directly from your hotel. The bus driver will collect you at the scheduled time, so it’s essential that you provide us with your location details to ensure a timely pick-up.
Return:
Both the pick-up and return will be conducted from your hotel or, if you prefer, from a location of your choice.
Transportation
Type of Transportation:
Given the length of the journey, the type of vehicle varies depending on the group size. We use modern vehicles from well-known brands like Renault, Mercedes-Benz, or Staria to ensure comfort and reliability throughout the trip.
Transportation Amenities:
The seats in these vehicles are comfortable and reclinable, designed for long journeys. Additionally, they are equipped with ventilation systems to keep you warm in the morning and cool during the midday heat.
Route and Stops
Route:
We depart from Cusco heading south, covering approximately 110 km to reach the Rainbow Mountain, located between the villages of Kairawiri Alto and Bajo. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to observe archaeological sites and small Andean villages.
Strategic Stops:
Due to the early start of the tour, it’s not possible to make strategic stops in the morning. However, on the return to Cusco, you may request the guide to stop the bus at places of interest to take photographs, stretch your legs, or capture the best scenic views.
Tour Guide
Expert Guide:
From the beginning to the end of the tour, you will be accompanied by one of our professional guides, highly experienced in the route. Our guide is fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, ensuring clear communication at all times. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask. Additionally, the guide will carry an oxygen tank for emergencies, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the excursion.
Hiking to Vinicunca
Level of Difficulty:
To reach the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, it is essential to have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be in good health. The hike involves approximately 2 hours of ascent and 2 hours of descent, following a path with a gradual incline.
Physical Preparation:
We recommend acclimating in Cusco for at least two days before the tour to prevent altitude sickness and other related issues. During these days, engage in light exercises such as walking, stay well-hydrated, and maintain a proper diet to prepare your body for the hike.
Altitude and Description of the Sunrise at Vinicunca
Altitude of Vinicunca:
Vinicunca is located at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level in the Andes mountain range. During the hike, you will start at an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) and ascend to 5,200 meters at the summit.
Description of the Sunrise:
The sunrise at Vinicunca offers a truly unique experience. You will witness the first rays of the sun illuminating and enhancing the warm colors of the mountain, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. In addition to enjoying spectacular views, you’ll have a moment of peace away from the crowds. While the hike to the summit can be challenging, the achievement of reaching the top provides an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.
Early Morning Weather:
The weather at Vinicunca can be highly variable and may change unexpectedly. In the early morning, temperatures are typically very cold, dropping to around -7 degrees Celsius (19.4 degrees Fahrenheit). It is crucial to wear warm clothing to stay comfortable during the experience and to adapt to the extreme weather conditions.
Benefits of the Rainbow Mountain Sunrise Tour
Tranquil Atmosphere:
Departing early from Cusco allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy a much quieter environment. This facilitates a more relaxed and personalized experience, enabling you to appreciate the beauty of Vinicunca without the bustle of other tourists.
Ideal Lighting for Photography:
Photographing in the morning lets you capture the soft, golden light of the sun, enhancing the warm colors of the mountain and offering unique perspectives. The morning light creates optimal conditions for taking stunning photos.
Unique Experience:
The combination of sunrise and the early morning silence creates a truly memorable and unique experience.
Less Time Pressure:
Starting the tour early provides more time to explore and enjoy the landscapes of Vinicunca without the pressure of tight schedules. Additionally, you can have breakfast once you are awake or even at the mountain, allowing you to enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
Milky Way Photography:
If the sky is clear, you will have a good chance to capture the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena in the early morning before dawn.
Tour Reservations and Availability
Reservations:
All reservations should be made in advance, whether hours or days before the tour, to ensure that everything is properly arranged for your visit. Early planning allows us to provide you with a well-organized and seamless experience.
Tour Availability:
Our agency specializes in offering tours for small groups to the Rainbow Mountain and other points of interest. Generally, we require a minimum of two people to form a group. If you are traveling alone and there is no availability in existing groups, you may opt for a private tour or wait for new groups to form.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us; our staff is available at all times to assist you.
Sunrise Itinerary to Rainbow Mountain
You will be pick up from your hotel at 0100 hrs. to go by bus to the Southern Region of Cusco.
Super early in the morning, we will start our hike to see the sunrise at the rainbow mountain
An epic and unforgeable journey to the rainbow mountain to contemplate sunrise from the top of the rainbow mountain view point.
During our trip of 2 and half hour to the beginning of the trail 4 650 m, then let you off at the starting point for a rather double 1 and half hour hike up to the lookout point.
Once at the top, we will enjoy watching the sunrise over the rainbow mountain and you will have the opportunity to take some marvelous photographs including stunning scenery and the incredible colors of rainbow mountain
After contemplating the astonish sunrise we will hike back to the bus station where we will catch our bus back to the lunch spot.
Later, we will head back to Cusco and drop off at your hotel at 1.30pm.
There is an option to add red valley to this tour, if so let us know and we will add red valley.
Include:
- Professional English and Spanish guide
- Private transport
- Oxygen tank and first aid kit
- Lunchbox
Not include:
- Entrance fee to rainbow mountain 25 soles per person
- Horses to rent from local 60 soles each
Packing List
- Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece, woolly hat and gloves because it is cold and windy up in the mountains
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Sun glasses
- Rain gear
- Water to drink (a liter and half each)
- Snacks to eat like chocolates, quinoa bars.
- Extra money in cash
- Camera and films
