Leaving from either Cusco or the Sacred Valley, we start today's adventure with a 3 hour journey driving south to the Vilcanota Mountain range and our alternative trek to the Rainbow Mountains. This is a great pre-trek warm up but we recommend that you have acclimatised for at least two days prior to hiking. It is also important to note that the weather in this mountain range can be changeable and is usually very cold due to the altitude, please refer to our packing list for appropriate clothing.

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Our drive will accommodate ‘leg stretch stops’ and photo opportunities as we travel through some beautiful scenery and picturesque colonial towns. A deliciously healthy boxed breakfast is provided for the journey.

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We will begin our ascent at 4787masl, walking for around 2 hours adjusting to the altitude as we climb. Once at the top of the valley we are rewarded with stunning views of Apu Ausangate, Cusco’s highest snow-capped mountain (6375m/20915ft), revered by the local population as the Guardian of Cusco, a powerful Mountain Deity.

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There’s no rush as we savour the views, photographing this amazing landscape and marvelling at the peaceful vastness and spectacular range of geological colours. Off the beaten track, our experience will not be shared with many other people. A scrumptious boxed lunch and a hot drink is provided while we explore.

 

We then ascend to the Rock Forest, eerie and isolated rocky outcrops well worth the extra climb for another great perspective of this breath-taking, unforgettable landscape.

In the afternoon we begin our descent back down to our private transport returning to our accommodation in Cusco with a fabulous sense of achievement and having witnessed some of nature’s best art forms.

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Meals: L.

Start point - 4787masl

Highest point - 4945masl

Distance – 3.6km