We leave Cusco early, travelling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages on the route and have time to stop for some photos. When we arrive in Tinqui, we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. It is here that our muleteers will arrange all the group’s luggage and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through the farming communities and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hours and then stop for lunch. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to bathe in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.

After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and start our hike. We will climb up to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this viewpoint we will enjoy the contrast between the dry desert like hills and the stunning snow-capped views of Mount Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also features three beautiful lakes with shades of reds, greens and turquoise (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to the Ausangate glacier.

This day, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the colorful mountains and on today’s journey, we will pass through the village of Alccatauri. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are very enterprising and make their houses out of adobe mud.
The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and we will also have the chance to see vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.
After enjoying the pass and the beautiful views, we will descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the village of Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time in the village, in exchange for your generous hospitality, we will give you offerings of coca leaves. This is very valuable because this Peruvian staple food cannot be grown in this climate.
After this incomparable experience, we will take an additional 30-minute hike uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.
After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our uphill journey to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow the Llama trail to the Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft.). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The remainder of the day's tour is a one-hour hike downhill to our campsite, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The campsite is on the shores of the magnificent Surine Lake.

After breakfast, we gradually hike for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will take you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these amazing mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most impressive places in Peru and South America, these types of mountains are seen only in one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the hike until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. The drive will be 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.