SUMMARY: Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of Colors or the Mountain of 7 Colors or Rainbow Mountain is surrounded by unique landscapes, this time we will modify the itinerary to take advantage of the wonders found on the Route such as the Colonial Temple of Andahuaylillas that It keeps inside the maximum expression of religious colonial art, also called the Sistine of America for its beautiful decoration that is admired to this day, we will also enjoy the town of Urcos and we will see the beautiful lagoon and other beautiful and interesting places that must be take advantage of the route in the visit to the mountain of colors.
| Duration | Full Day, 13 Hours |
| Interests | Adventure, Nature, Culture. |
| Climate | Cold – Frigid |
| Climate weather | Rain – Wind |
| Temperature: | 6 °C To 0 °C Humidity: 55% RELATIVE |
| Geographic: | Valleys, Mountains, Glaciers and Towns. |
| Maximum altitude: | 5,039 m / 16,533 ft |
| Physical Demand Level: | High |
| Travel restrictions: | Good Physical Condition and Helth |
| Transportation: | Bus, Trekking, Horseback Riding. |
| Area visited: | A.C.R Ausangate and Cusco´S South Valley |
CUSCO - VINICUNCA - URCOS - ANDAHUAYLILLAS
Early, we leave at 4:00 AM and head south-east of the city of Cusco, after 1 hour and 30 min. We will make a stop at the restaurant to have breakfast and then continue for 1 hour and 30 minutes until we reach the starting point of the walk that leads us to the viewpoint of the mountain of colors, the walk lasts an average of 2 hours until we reach the viewpoint from the mountain of colours, you need to be 40 minutes or the time that is pertinent to be able to visit the different viewpoints and take advantage of the best photographic shots, from this place you can also admire the landscape of the Ausangate mountain glacier and the various orographic formations that surround it. Returning we will have lunch in Urcos town and then we will visit the Colonial church of Andahuaylillas. On the route, it is optional to visit the town of Oropeza to know the best bread in the region and later return to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
GEOGRAPHY: The Vinicunca Mountain area is located in the Andes mountain range, specifically in the eastern Andes of southern Peru within the Vilcanota mountain range, which is made up of valleys, deep valleys and high plains. It is located within the administrative territory of the Cusco region between the districts of Cusipata in the province of Quispicanchis and the district of Pitumarca in the province of Canchis. The city of Urcos is the capital of the province of Quispicanchis, this beautiful place is accompanied by a beautiful lagoon that hides many mysteries. The Colonial Temple of Andahuayllilas is located within the district of the same name that is one hour from the city of Cusco.
HISTORY: The Andean civilization has settled since ancient times, forming their own culture and identity, through time, they adapted their needs to a hostile and difficult environment such as the Andes mountain range and they knew how to develop knowledge that even today are part of our admiration, due to its historical content many times they keep secrets that little by little we will discover in each of our experiences, the history in a good percentage is related to the Incas, since they were the result of a an amalgamation of ancient civilizations that developed many years ago, with colonization and the arrival of the Catholic religion, many customs were acquired and many remain, forming a perfect cultural secrecy in all its aspects, which summarizes the current importance of all the elements that it comes to shape our history, religion and our ethnic diversity.
IDIOSYNCRACY: Generally, the inhabitants of the Andes in rural areas are extremely friendly and reserved people. The language spoken is Quechua, which has been transmitted from generation to generation since ancient times, and Spanish is spoken more in cities and large towns, even many of them they maintain their traditions and customs. In the cities, regional nationalism is practiced, the Catholic religion is carried out with traditional practices of the Andean religion, making it a cultural-religious syncretism, there are a long line of traditional festivities throughout the year and many times they pause normal activities that one is going to do.
ECONOMY: Agricultural activity in many remote areas is the only livelihood, but in the last decade the surrounding area of the Ausangate Mountain has been positively impacted by tourism activity, in rural areas many peasant communities still practice very old agricultural techniques to be able to master the verticality of our geography.
CLIMATE: In general, the Andes has a particularity: it forms a natural barrier that constitutes the factor that most determines its climate. Scholars vertically analyze the orography of our territory and classify it according to altitude, higher altitude, lower temperature, less height higher temperature, specifically the area to know that is close to 5 thousand meters above sea level, presents chances of rain from noon and the temperature varies between 5 to 0 degrees Celsius according to the time of year .
TRANSPORTATION: There are a good number of paved roads and unpaved roads "trails" which we will use to get to specify our excursions, for the classic visit to Vinicunca we will use the paved road that connects Cusco with Puno and the diversion by dirt road until we reach the beginning of the tour. Also taking into account that there are rural roads that are still used by peasant communities and a large part of them made up the ancient and famous Inca road network or "Ccapac Ñan".
SERVICES: In remote places there is some difficulty with the telephone signal. In the area of the Mountain of Colors there are places where you could suddenly find a mobile phone network signal. There is no electricity, the exchange rate from dollars to soles is done with a considerable margin against the dollar, efforts are being made to bring soles in cash, and the community in charge of the administration of Vinicunca is implementing restrooms. There are small shops where you could find snacks, handicrafts and rehydration. In the Valle Zones, as well as in Urcos and Andahuaylillas, the improvement of all services is already noticeable.
HEALTH AND SECURITY. Your safety is very important to us, we have a large database which is part of our emergency care procedure and protocols, the Red Valley is the most isolated part, so it lacks security-related services, on the other hand, in the Montaña de Colores, Vinicunca, first aid posts are being implemented but the closest hospital has been Cusco, although there are health posts on the route, Cusco is considered one of the safest regions in Peru, and remote areas in many cases They are being watched by the self-defense committee and peasant patrols that maintain order in the absence of the Police.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
| EQUIPMENT | TREKKING |
| HEAD |  |
| cold cap | |
| sun hat | |
| sunglasses | |
| bandana | |
| TRUNK AND ARMS | |
| t-shirt | |
| fleece jacket or polar | |
| windbreaker | |
| Winter gloves | |
| sun gloves | |
| LOWER EXTREMITIES | |
| heaters | |
| trekking pants | |
| cold pants | |
| Waterproof pants | |
| hiking socks | |
| trekking shoes | |
| OTHERS | |
| Small backpack “day pack” | |
| cameras | |
| binoculars | |
| trekking sticks | |
| Dry bag |
Bring personal documents and extra money with you
The prices are subject to the services that are included in your tour: There are discounts for group trips, more people, more discount for each one of them. We also offer private tours.
The difference in prices between each program is according to the type of trip and the different requirements.
Ask about the special services and requirements we are here to design your trip. Any questions about the price agreement will be resolved by email.
The final cost for the tour Vinicunca, Urcos and the Temple of Andahuaylillas, 75 Dollars.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
For high altitude excursions such as the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, the difficulty of the itinerary or the physical demand must be taken very seriously, you must have the capacity and skills to do it here in our environment.
How to book my tour?
Contact us. After advising you about the activities you will have with us, we will send you a proforma containing a budget and plan. Please reply if you are happy with your plan and cost. If you agree. Proceed to make advance payment or full payment of the service. Through: Pay pal, Visa, Western union, Deposit
RESERVATION POLICIES:
For the services of "day tours" or last minute purchases, you can pay by making an interbank transfer or deposit one day before the service according to availability.
CANCELLATION POLICIES:
If you decide to cancel the services, you will contact us and the conditions are as follows:
The full advance will be refunded if the reservation was more than 2 months in advance and the cancellation 1 month in advance.
For last minute reservations, cancellations do not apply.
Refunds do not apply to services involving restaurants, which will have to be discounted according to the penalty applied in the cancellation policy of each one of them.
Failing that, we practice fair trade and we try to make you feel safe and comfortable with our services and any arrangement that is made is solved to your advantage. Any matter we will be continuously communicated to make your experience a pleasant one.
What will the weather be like on the days that I will be on the tour?
The climate is very varied according to the altitude and the geographical area:
The rainy months are the end of October, December, January, February, March and part of April. The dry months end of April, May, June, July, August and September.
In the case of the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, there is generally more chance of rain in the afternoon, which is why almost all the departures are scheduled to start very early.
How many days do I need to be well acclimatized to do this trip?
You may be exercising physically in your place of residence, going for a walk uphill is a good option, to "catch air" or exercise our aerobic energy, when you arrive in Cusco try to hydrate regularly, a little more than you usually do. We recommend choosing your programs starting low to high “gradual ascent”.
The diet must be light (no red meat in large dimensions) since digestion is very slow at altitude, help yourself by drinking infusions of muña, tea, and coca leaves.
What can I do if I have problems with altitude?
Some medication can be prescribed from your country, if you are going to take any other medication you must be sure that you usually take it, if the problem occurs during the excursion our guides will be prepared for a prior evaluation and if necessary, execute the evacuation protocol.
What is the minimum and maximum number of participants?
The minimum number of participants is 1 and we handle 8 on average, all this will depend on the traveler's requirements, since we are specialists in tailor-made trips.
What is the minimum age of the participant?
The recommended minimum age of the participant to be able to do it without any special consideration is 14 years, less ages will have to be detailed for logistics and special requirements.
What types of currency can I exchange in Cusco?
The American dollar, the Euro, Pounds, Brazilian reals, Chilean pesos can be exchanged for local currency “SOL”.
Only in the cities of Cusco, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are there places to change them.
Can I purchase other last-minute or overnight services?
Yes, you can purchase services at the last minute after consulting with the travel advisor.
What happens if I have problems with altitude or injuries on the tour?
We handle security protocols, in terms of injuries you will be evaluated in which mediated the state of "usability" to be able to activate the evacuation protocol to the Health center, in case of emergencies, you must have some type of insurance contracted on your trip .
What should I avoid eating during my stay?
If you do not have problems with altitude and digestion, try to eat normally, but for our excursions we suggest eating more carbohydrates and obviously also experiencing the Peruvian cuisine that is in fashion.
What are the cancellation policies? (LINK)
How do I prepare for high altitude walks?
Trying to carry out the planned activities in your country, exercising doing ascents is a good option, cycling in your place of residence is another good option if you are going to ride a bike with us.
What equipment do I need to travel? (LINK)
Is it necessary to bring documents to the tour?
If it is suggested, bring the documents or perhaps a copy or photo of your passport or identification.
Where can I leave my bags during the trip?
1 can be left in the Storage of the hotel where you will arrive after the trip.
2 rent our Storage to deliver it to you at the time of your return.
Can I buy equipment in Cusco?
There are some shops, of the brands North Face, Patagonia and others in the historic center of Cusco, you will have to do this before going on an excursion with us. Stock in Cusco is limited.
I'm new to this, not sure if I can do it.
Consult with all confidence with our travel advisors. To any number that we have on our website, we will be happy to help you.
I have vertigo problems, can I do a program?
Yes, some programs are carried out in places that are moderately not exposed to vacuum, with our tailor-made travel programming we will help you and give you some options for your comfort.
I am a person with partial disability problems, can I travel with you?
Yes, let us know and we will prepare the logistics and the requirements that are needed.
I like challenge programs or “Challenge”, can I go with you?
Our aspiration is your enjoyment, we have tailor-made programs for different profiles which are very well designed considering your safety and delight.
