Luxury Vinicunca Trek
The Luxury Vinicunca Trek is the perfect way to experience the otherworldly landscape of Vinicunca for those on a tight time schedule. This lodge to lodge trek offers guests the opportunity to trek to Vinicunca in ultimate comfort with only the most highly trained mountain guides as escorts. Peru Eco Expeditions in partnership with Andean Lodges provides the best experience to traverse Vinicunca!
The scenery of this trek is simply breathtaking with sights of massive glaciers, colorful lagoons, emerald green vegetation, crimson red mountains and of course the deep blue Andean skies. The highlight is of course, Vinicunca, with its colorful stripes painting the landscape. As we will be spending the first night in Anantapata Tambo our ascent on Day 2 will begin early in the morning to beat the day trippers arriving from Cusco. This gives us a huge advantage to enjoy the majesty of this mountain in solitude before the crowds arrive!
The trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry the gear. They are owned by shepherds of the communities of Chillca and Osefina, who are proud to share their land with us, as well as the Spirit of their inspiring world. On the hikes and in the unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced local chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and fresh produce. Each night the lodges offer hot beverages, a warm fireplace, hot showers and comfortable beds.
**Please note this is a custom trek that Peru Eco Expeditions only operates with private departures.
Physical Preparation:
Trekkers considering this route must be in good physical condition. It is recommended that each participant has a preliminary 3 to 4 day acclimation stage prior to embarking on this trek as the trail ascends mountain passes at altitudes higher than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). It is also important that hikers stay extremely well hydrated prior to and during the trek as a way to prevent altitude sickness.
Important Facts:
Total Distance Covered: 23.4 Kilometers (14.54 Miles)
Maximum Altitude: 5,030 Meters (16,502 Feet)
Minimum Altitude: 3,384 Meters (11,102 Feet)
Day 1 – Cusco – Anantapata Tambo:
After departing Cusco in a comfortable coach we head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe. From there we then continue to the upper valley of Pitumarca. At the trailhead we will eat a light lunch and then embark on our first day of trekking! The trail follows a scenic valley filled with grazing alpacas, meanders through high Andean villages and offers gorgeous views of Apu Ausangate. We will then relax and overnight at Anantapata Tambo.
Driving Time: 3 – 4 Hours (With Stops)
Hiking Time: 2.5 Hours / 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty
Lodge: Anantapata Tambo
Highest Altitude: 4,750 meters (15,584 feet)
Day 2 – Anantapata Tambo – Huampococha Tambo:
After an early breakfast we will trek alongside herds of alpacas as we make our way to the highlight of this trek, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). With an early morning arrival we will have the opportunity to enjoy this sacred spot prior to the day trippers arriving from Cusco. The trail will then continue through the crimson red mountains that are frequented by passing vicunas. Lunch will be provided along the way and we will conclude this days trek at Huampococha Tambo.
Hiking Time: 6 Hours / 10.1 kilometers (6.28 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty
Lodge: Huampococha Tambo
Highest Altitude: 5,030 meters (16,502 feet)
Day 3 – Huampococha Tambo – Cusco:
The morning begins with the ascension of the final mountain pass. Once completed the trek is all downhill. It is the last chance for trekkers to soak up the beautiful surroundings of the remote villages in the Peruvian High Andes. At the conclusion of the trek, lunch will be served and the coach will be waiting for our return to Cusco.
Hiking Time: 4.5 Hours / 8.3 kilometers (5.16 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty
Highest Altitude: 4,960 meters (16,272 feet)
Drive Time: 3 Hours
Included Services:
– General Organization of the Trek
– All Staff to Include Expert Mountain Guide, Cook, Housekeeper, Horseman & Llama Handler
– Private Transportation to/from Cusco
– Accommodation in Double Rooms
– Biodegradable Hand Soap, Shampoo & Towels Provided Daily
– All Meals – Beginning with Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 3
– Daily Snacks & Filtered Water
– Porterage by Llamas
– Waterproof Bags for the Baggage Carried by Llamas
– First Aid Kit & Oxygen
Not Included:
– International & Domestic Flights
– Staff Gratuity (Suggested $70.00 Per Trekker to Split Between Staff)
Special Notes:
– There is no electricity at any of the lodges. (Anantapata has a solar panel to charge electronics)
– All rooms have private bathrooms & hot showers.
– Transportation times are subject to change based on traffic / road conditions.
– Hike times will vary depending on the skill level / altitude adjustment of the group.
– Local, authentic textiles are available for purchase along the way.
– Cash should be brought if guests would like to purchase these items.
Price:
$940.00 USD Per Person (Based on a Minimum of 4 Guests / 2023 Rate)
*Please note pricing is based on a private group departure any day of the week with a minimum of 4 guests. This trekking package is perfect for small groups or families who want to experience an exclusive Vinicunca Trek.
