Highlights
- It reaches the viewpoint of Vinicunca, located above 5,000 m s. n.m., within the Vilcanota mountain range. The official inventory of MINCETUR registers the mountain of the Pitumarca sector at 5,036 m s. n.m.
- Walk through a high Andean territory where the landscape changes between grasslands, mineral slopes, small waterways and snow-covered mountains.
- Observe herds of flames and alpacas raised by families in nearby communities.
- See the snowy Ausangate, one of the highest-altitude mountains in Peru and a spiritual reference for numerous Andean populations in southern Cusco.
- See how light changes over the mountain’s mineral stripes based on cloud cover, humidity, and time of day.
- Program Name: Mountain of Colors Tour 1 Day
Itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – access area – Vinicunca – Cusipata – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Ascent to Vinicunca, views of the Vilcanota mountain range and direct contact with the environment of the Cusqueña puna.
Pick up from your accommodation
The Peceros Agency Travel team will pass through your accommodation between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
The collection is made from hotels located within the monumental hull or in areas with vehicular access.
Departure is early because the transfer to the Vinicunca area takes several hours. During the first part of the tour, most passengers rest inside the vehicle.
The morning in Cusco can be cold.
Exit technical data
- Pick up time: Between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
- Altitude of Cusco: Approximately 3,399 m s. n.m.
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle
- Track type: Paved road and secondary access
- First destination: Cusipata
- Temperature: Cold during the morning
Journey to Cusipata
We will leave Cusco following the road to the south.
The journey passes through towns and sectors of the southern valley before arriving in Cusipata, where we will make a stop for breakfast.
The trip has curves and can cause dizziness. Movement-sensitive passengers should inform the guide and consult their doctor beforehand about the use of medications.
During this part of the day we still find ourselves inside the vehicle, so it is advisable to bring a small pillow for the neck and avoid having breakfast too much before picking up.
Breakfast in Cusipata
A nutritious breakfast will be served at the restaurant.
The content may vary depending on the establishment assigned, but hot drinks, bread, eggs, cereals, fruits or other simple preparations are usually offered.
Breakfast is used to recover energy before continuing to the high area. We do not recommend eating excessively because the combination of curves, altitude and effort can cause nausea.
Transfer to the walking area
After breakfast we will continue by vehicle on local roads and mountain roads.
The original itinerary mentions the passage to Pitumarca and small villages before reaching the Hanchipata–Quesuno area. However, the exact access point may vary according to communal decisions, road conditions and operational route enabled on departure day.
Vinicunca is located between areas linked to the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca. Access management has been linked to different communities and, in recent years, there have been disagreements that caused temporary restrictions. (People’s Defensory)
For that reason, Peceros Agency Travel will confirm the access available before each start and you can change the starting point without altering the main objective of the route.
As the vehicle ascends, vegetation decreases and extensions of ichu, open slopes and camelid herds appear.
The road can be irregular, with dust during the dry season and mud in the rainy months.
Preparation before walking
Upon arrival at the parking lot, the guide will make an explanation about the route.
Before you start, you should:
- Adjust the shoes.
- Put on sunscreen.
- Prepare water and snacks.
- Dress up in layers.
- Check that you are wearing a hat and gloves.
- Keep your cane at a comfortable height.
This is the right time to decide if you want to hire a horse. Waiting until you find yourself too tired can make it difficult to find one available.
Horses are offered by local settlers and are paid directly. The rate may vary depending on the demand, distance and point where requested.
Start of the walk
The hike begins in a high-puna area.
The first few minutes may seem manageable, but the lack of oxygen becomes apparent as you progress. It is normal to breathe faster and need frequent pauses.
The trail crosses open ground with little vegetation. Depending on the season, there may be dust, mud, ice, surface water or loose stones.
Around you can see llamas, alpacas and small facilities used by local families. Some stalls offer drinks, sweets, coca leaves, crafts and horse rentals.
You should not accelerate to keep pace with other passengers. In height, walking slowly is usually more effective than moving fast and stopping for long periods.
Ascent to the viewpoint
The final stretch usually feels harder.
The slope increases and the air contains less oxygen. Even those who exercise frequently may notice heaviness in the legs, accelerated breathing, or headache.
The guide will arrange short breaks and observe the status of the passengers.
During the ascent, color changes begin to be noticed on the slopes. These stripes are related to the mineral composition of the soil and are perceived differently according to light and humidity.
You don’t always see intense colors like in edited photographs. the mountain can look lighter, darker or partially covered by snow. This does not decrease the value of the route, but it is advisable to arrive with realistic expectations.
Arrival in Vinicunca
When you reach the observation sector you will have in front of you the Mountain of Colors or Vinicunca.
The official tourist inventory of MINCETUR registers an altitude of 5,036 m s. n.m. for the mountain of the Pitumarca sector, within the peasant community of Pampachiri.
From the viewpoint you can see the strips of the slope, the puna and sectors of the mountain range of the Vilcanota. When the sky is clear it is also possible to have views towards the Ausangate.
The snowy Ausangate exceeds 6,300 meters and is part of the set of mountains of greater geographical and spiritual relevance of Cusco.
We will remain for about an hour, provided the group’s climatic and physical conditions allow it.
During this time you can take pictures, rest and listen to the explanation of the guide.
It is not advisable to remain still too long. The body loses heat quickly due to the wind, especially when the clothes are wet from the effort.
Real conditions at the top
The weather can change in a few minutes.
It is possible to find:
- Intense sun.
- Strong wind.
There is also a risk of thunderstorms. In March 2024 a fatal lightning accident was reported in the area, showing why guidance instructions should be followed when storm clouds appear.
If the guide considers that there is a risk, the stay in the viewpoint will be reduced and the group must start the descent.
Safety will take precedence over time for photographs.
Descent
After the visit we will begin the return by the same path or on the enabled road.
Lowering requires less cardiovascular effort, but increases the pressure on the knees and the risk of slipping.
Use the cane to maintain stability. Do not run, especially in areas of gravel, mud or ice.
Tiredness can cause concentration to be lost. Keep distance from horses and pay attention when approaching the trail.
Return to parking
When you arrive at the starting point you will have time to rest briefly, organize the backpack and use the available services.
The guide will verify that the entire group is complete before boarding the vehicle.
Do not leave canes, phones, cameras or jackets at the road stalls.
Buffet lunch
We will return by vehicle to the restaurant for lunch.
The buffet may include soups, rice, potatoes, pasta, salads, vegetables, meats and Peruvian preparations. The exact content depends on the assigned restaurant.
After walking in height, some people feel little appetite. Still, it is advisable to eat a moderate portion and drink water.
Bottled beverages, beer, and other special consumptions may have additional cost.
Return to Cusco
After lunch we will start the return to the city.
The arrival is scheduled at approximately 4:00 p.m. The service ends near the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
The schedule may vary by transit, road conditions, weather, group delays, blockades or changes in communal access.
Technical Details
- Recommendation: Eat slowly and drink water in small quantities
- Approximately total duration from Cusco: About 3 hours, depending on the route
- Type of road: Paved road, affirmed road and communal roads
- Altitude: Progressive rise above 4,000 m s. n.m.
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle up to the enabled parking
- Difficulty: Moderate to demanding by altitude
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Notes on our service
Pick-up and Return
The collection is between 4:00 a.m. The exact schedule depends on: You must be prepared at reception ten minutes before. When the vehicle cannot enter, a nearby point will be coordinated.
Pick-up and Return
The arrival is scheduled at approximately 4:00 p.m. Direct return to the hotel is not guaranteed. Privately, the descent in the hotel can be coordinated when there is vehicular access.
Luggage
Don’t carry large suitcases. Do not store in a stored suitcase: Passport; Money; Cards.
Payments and Changes
To confirm the reservation you can request an advance or full payment. Payment allows to separate: Community tickets and services contracted in advance may not be refundable. The balance must be paid within the indicated period.
Availability
The 1 Day Mountain Tour has frequent departures and can be booked in moderate anticipation.
We recommend booking:
- Group service: At least 24 hours before.
- Private service: Between 48 and 72 hours before.
- Large Groups: One week in advance.
- High season: As soon as the date is known.
- Guides in other languages: Several days in advance.
Reservations less than 24 hours must be coordinated directly with Peceros Agency Travel.
Confirmation depends on:
- communal access.
- State of the road.
- Availability of transportation.
- Availability of guide.
- Weather conditions.
- Functioning of restaurants.
- Lack of blockages.
In recent years there have been temporary closures linked to disagreements over the management of access to Vinicunca. Therefore, the operation must be checked before each output. (People’s Defensory)
Transport information
Transportation travels through paved roads and communal roads.
Features
- Vehicle assigned according to the number of passengers.
- Professional driver.
- Seat belts.
- Pre-cleaning.
- Communication with operations.
- Limited space for backpacks.
- Planned stops.
Conditions of the road
They may present:
- Water crossings.
- Strait tight.
- Congestion in parking lots.
- Delays due to communal controls.
Rules inside the vehicle
- Use belt.
- Don’t stand.
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t consume alcohol.
- Keep the hallways free.
- Don’t leave garbage.
- Report if you feel dizzy.
- Check your belongings before going down.
Information about horses
Horses are offered by local people.
Terms of Service
- They are not included.
- They are paid in cash.
- The rate may vary.
- Availability is not guaranteed.
- They can cover only a part of the route.
- Some final sections must be done by walking.
- The maximum weight allowed depends on the owner.
- The passenger must follow the instructions of the arriero.
- Not all horses include hoof.
- Service may be suspended due to weather or trail conditions.
Peceros Agency Travel can help with coordination, but the agreement is made directly with the local provider.
Information on altitude
Vinicunca exceeds 5,000 m s. n.m.
At this point, less oxygen is available.
Mild symptoms may include:
- Accelerated breathing.
- Lack of appetite.
- Difficulty sleeping the night before.
Serious symptoms may include:
- Loss of coordination.
- Breathing difficulty at rest.
- Intense cough.
- Inability to walk.
- Bluish coloring on lips.
In the face of severe symptoms, you should descend and seek medical attention.
Oxygen helps initially, but does not replace the descent.
Accessibility
The route is not wheelchair-friendly.
The land presents:
- Irregular surfaces.
- Crosses with horses.
People with knee problems may feel more discomfort during the descent.
Older adults should have authorization from their doctor.
Travellers with limited mobility should consider a private service and pre-assess horse use.
Health restrictions
This tour is not recommended for people with:
- Uncontrolled heart disease.
- severe respiratory problems.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Recent surgery.
- Serious knee injuries.
- Major balance problems.
- A severe history of altitude sickness.
- Medical conditions that prevent walking in height.
Older people should consult their family doctor.
Participation is the responsibility of the passenger when he omits to report a medical condition.
Travel restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are possible in Peru.
Roads can be blocked and access can be interrupted.
Peceros Agency Travel will attempt to maintain the tour by time or route changes when it is safe.
The service may be modified, reprogrammed or cancelled when there is no access.
Everything will be coordinated by operations.
Community conflicts
The management of Vinicunca has generated disagreements between communities related to different accesses. Official reports have documented restrictions and temporary ground closures. (People’s Defensory)
In the face of a closure:
- Another authorized route may be used.
- You can change the walking point.
- It may vary the duration.
- You can offer an alternative.
- The tour can be suspended.
We will never enter by a route declared closed.
Weather conditions
They may present:
- Electric storms.
- Strong wind.
- Temperatures below zero.
- Intense solar radiation.
Access may be restricted by snowfall, as has happened previously.
The guide can order immediate descent in lightning or storm.
Lost objects
Each passenger is responsible for their belongings.
Before leaving the vehicle, restaurant or trail, check:
Peceros Agency Travel will help you search for reported objects, but does not guarantee your recovery.
Passenger conduct
The company may withdraw from service a person who:
- Ignore safety instructions.
- Put the group at risk.
- Assault other travelers.
- Damage the environment.
- Enter closed areas.
- It is under severe alcohol or drug effects.
- Abuse animals.
- There is a lack of respect for communities.
It will not be due for services not used in these cases.
Book your Mountain Color Tour
Vinicunca demands effort, patience and respect for altitude. You do not need to be a professional mountaineer, but you must arrive acclimatized, walk without haste and accept that the weather can change the day.
Book with Peceros Agency Travel and choose between group or private service for the route with transportation, food, guide, entrance, cane and assistance during the tour.
Inclusions
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Qualified driver assigned to the tourist transportation used on the route.
- Fuel and operating costs. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Return transfer to the hotel or agreed point when vehicle access and the contracted service allow it.
- Taxes applicable to the service. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Horse service, which is hired and paid directly to the local provider when available.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Entry to additional routes not indicated.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Enter the Red Valley, unless expressly confirmed.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Costs arising from changes requested by the passenger.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
The following services may be contracted or coordinated prior to the tour:
- Horse for part of the tour; Reference Price: Direct payment according to local rate
- Professional trekking poles; Reference Price: From USD 10.00 per pair
- Box private breakfast; Reference Price: From USD 10.00 per person
- Lunch with special diet; Reference Price: From USD 10.00 additional
- Additional Private Guide; Reference Price: From USD 70.00 per group
- Guide in another language; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Transfer from hotel outside the center; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Private return to hotel; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Superior category vehicle; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Waterproof punch; Reference Price: From USD 5.00
- Thermal gloves; Reference Price: From USD 10.00
- Photo service; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Tour with Red Valley; Reference Price: Pre-view and subject to access
Prices are benchmarks and must be confirmed when booking.
Horse rental is managed by locals of the route. Peceros Agency Travel can help with coordination, but it does not control the final rate or guarantee availability.
Discounts
- Students 18 to 25 years: Consult if there is an applicable fee. A copy of the current university card will be requested with photograph, name, institution and expiration date.
- Children under 18 years: Check available rate. A copy of the passport or identity card must be sent.
- Children under 11 years: The tour is not recommended for young children due to altitude. Any participation must be evaluated previously with a doctor and with the reserve area.
- Peruvian Passengers: Check if the community applies a differentiated rate. Current ID is required.
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