RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU 1 DAY TREK

In the Andes, the towering Ausangate snow peak in the Vilcanota mountain range is considered sacred. At 6384 meters it is one of the highest mountains in Peru. As the symbol of the father and masculinity, Ausangate is said to fertilize Pachamama, or Mother Earth herself.

Andean traditions and myths consider this mountain to be “Apu”, a god, and the spiritual protector of the native people.

Rainbow Mountain Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is an undiscovered area with wild desert landscapes, snowcapped glacial peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty.

This journey passes between two different ecosystems, first is the Andean grassland called “puna”, and closer to the glaciers, the “janca” ecosystem. There is interesting flora and fauna on the way to the sacred mountain of Vinicunca. Among the species that may be seen will be the river gull, Andean flicker, falcon, and puna ibis. There may be ichu grasses and tress such as polilepis like queuñas. Near the glaciers there are many succulents, mosses and chilcas shrubs from the aster family.

OVERVIEW:

Duration: Full Day 4am- 6pm

Distance: 15km/ 9.3miles

Optional 10 km/6.5

Elevation: 4300m (14,200ft) - 5035m (16,520ft)

Difficulty: moderate/difficult