Itinerary

The following itinerary details the challenging yet fascinating journey to the summit of Vinicunca. Times are approximate and depend on the group’s pace.

• 4:00 – 4:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco to board the tourist transport.
• 4:30 AM – Departure south from Cusco, crossing the picturesque southern valley to reach the district of Cusipata.
• 6:30 AM – Arrival at our country restaurant in Cusipata to enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast, essential for gaining energy before the hike.
• 7:30 AM – Continuation of the journey by transport along a dirt road to reach the community of Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike.
• 8:30 AM – Start of the trek to Rainbow Mountain. The hike lasts approximately one and a half to two hours, ascending gradually through a high mountain valley.
• 10:30 AM – Arrival at the main viewpoint of Vinicunca. Free time to rest, admire the scenery, take spectacular photos, and receive a geological and cultural explanation from the guide.
• 11:30 AM – Start of the descent along the same trail back to the transportation point.
• 1:00 PM – Boarding the transportation and transfer back to the restaurant in Cusipata.
• 2:00 PM – Andean buffet lunch to replenish your energy after the demanding hike.
• 3:00 PM – Return trip to the city of Cusco.
• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco, ending near the Plaza de Armas or at your hotel.

Includes

• Pick-up from your hotel located in downtown Cusco.
• Round-trip tourist transportation.
• An Andean breakfast and a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Cusipata.
• Service of a professional tour guide specializing in high-altitude mountaineering (English and Spanish).
• Wooden trekking poles to facilitate the hike.
• Emergency oxygen tank and first-aid kit.

Not Include

• Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (payable directly at the community checkpoint).
• Horse or ATV rental (optional service offered directly by local community members).
• Extra drinks, bottled water, or snacks during the hike.
• Personal expenses and purchases of handicrafts.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Travel and medical insurance.

Recommendations

• Acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least two days before this trek due to the extreme altitude.
• Wear thermal and windproof clothing, layering as you go. The climate at the summit is extremely cold and windy, even on sunny days.
• Wear sturdy, broken-in trekking boots, ideal for protecting your ankles on uneven terrain of dirt and rocks.
• Protect your skin and eyes from the extreme solar radiation at altitude by using high-factor sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, lip balm, and a hat.
• Bring cash in Peruvian Soles (small bills and coins) to pay for the entrance fee, use the restrooms in the communities, or rent a horse if the ascent becomes too strenuous.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: High. The main challenge is not the steepness of the terrain, which is mostly gradual, but the lack of oxygen due to the extreme altitude. Good physical condition is required.
• Climate: High-altitude cold. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and the weather is unpredictable, with snow, rain, or intense sun possible all in the same day.
• Altitude: The highest point of the Vinicunca viewpoint reaches 5,200 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest tourist destinations in the region.
• Recommended Age: Suitable for people aged 12 to 60 who are in good health and do not have heart or respiratory problems.
• Recommended Times: Starting in the early morning is essential to avoid the afternoon rains common in the high Andes and to ensure the best clear views.

Itinerary

The following outline details the chronological route of this half-day excursion (morning tour model). Times are approximate and depend on traffic flow and the group’s pace.

• 8:00 – 8:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco or the designated meeting point to board the tourist transport.
• 8:30 – Scenic drive to the province of Urubamba, passing through colorful fields and beautiful Andean plains near the town of Chinchero.
• 10:00 – Arrival at the Moray archaeological complex. We will take a guided tour of its enormous concentric terraces, understanding their sophisticated function as an Inca agricultural research and acclimatization center.
• 11:15 – Short drive to the historic town of Maras. From the transport, we can admire the old colonial doorways carved in stone that some of its houses still retain.
• 11:45 AM – Descent into the impressive Maras Salt Mines canyon. Hike along the designated viewpoints to observe the more than three thousand salt evaporation ponds and learn about the traditional extraction process that local families maintain.
• 1:00 PM – Boarding of tourist transport for the return journey.
• 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Arrival in the city of Cusco, ending the tour near the Plaza de Armas.

Includes

• Pick-up from hotels located in the historic center of Cusco.
• Modern and safe tourist transportation throughout the tour.
• Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
• On-site assistance and first-aid kit in the vehicle.

Not Include

• Cusco Tourist Ticket (required for entry to the Moray archaeological site).
• Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines (separate payment managed by the local community organization).
• Meals, bottled drinks, or snacks during the tour.
• Personal expenses and purchases of pink salt or handicrafts.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Travel insurance.

Recommendations

• Bring cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) in small bills or coins to purchase your entrance ticket to the salt mines directly at the control booth, as well as to buy handcrafted salt souvenirs.
• Purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (partial or full) in advance in the city or bring cash to buy it at the entrance to Moray.
• Wear comfortable clothing in layers. Mornings are usually cool, but the Andean sun at midday quickly increases the perceived temperature.
• Use constant sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, due to the strong radiation and intense reflection of the sun on the white salt ponds.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good traction for walking safely on the dirt paths in Moray and the trails surrounding the salt mines.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Easy. The tour does not require strenuous physical effort. It is primarily a scenic excursion with short, flat walks, ideal for starting your Cusco itinerary.
• Climate: Temperate and dry. The Maras and Moray area is usually warm and sunny during the day, with a marked difference between the dry season (May to October) and the rainy season (November to April).
• Altitude: The highest point of the tour is Moray, located at 3,500 meters above sea level, a very similar altitude to that of the city of Cusco, making it an excellent option for the first few days of acclimatization.
• Recommended Age: Suitable for travelers of all ages. It is an excellent, comfortable, and safe alternative for families with young children or for seniors.
• Approximate Schedule: This tour departs daily in both the morning and afternoon. Exact return times may vary slightly depending on traffic leading into the city.

Itinerary

The following schedule details the timings for this demanding day in the mountains. Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the group’s pace.

• 4:00 – 4:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center to begin our journey northwest of the city.
• 6:30 – Arrival in the town of Mollepata. We will make a strategic stop at a tourist restaurant to enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast, essential for the hike.
• 7:30 – Continuation of the journey along a winding dirt road until we reach Soraypampa, the high-altitude plain that serves as base camp for high-altitude expeditions.
• 9:00 – Start of the ascent to the lagoon. The hike requires sustained effort for approximately one and a half to two hours, accompanied by views of snow-capped peaks.
• 10:30 – Arrival at Humantay Lagoon. Free time to rest, explore nearby viewpoints, capture spectacular photographs, and participate in a brief ceremony of gratitude to Mother Earth.
• 11:30 AM – Begin the descent to Soraypampa using the same trail. This section is faster, taking approximately forty-five minutes.
• 12:30 PM – Board our vehicle to return to the town of Mollepata.
• 1:30 PM – Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch to replenish all the energy spent on the expedition.
• 2:30 PM – We begin our direct return trip to the city of Cusco.
• 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Arrival in Cusco, ending a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas or near your accommodation.

Includes

• Pick-up from your hotel located in downtown Cusco.
• Modern, fully equipped tourist transportation for the mountain route.
• Full board consisting of breakfast and a buffet lunch in Mollepata.
• Service of a professional trekking guide (Spanish and English).
• Wooden trekking poles to facilitate the ascent and provide stability.
• Emergency oxygen tank and first-aid kit.

Not Include

• Entrance fee to the Humantay Lagoon route (direct payment to the local community authorities).
• Horse rental for the ascent (optional service arranged directly with local muleteers).
• Bottled drinks, rehydration drinks, or snacks during the hike.
• Personal expenses and souvenir purchases in the village.
• Voluntary tips for the trekking team.
• Travel and medical assistance insurance.

Recommendations

• Spend at least two days in Cusco beforehand to ensure proper acclimatization before subjecting your body to the physical exertion of high altitude.
• Dress in layers. Early morning temperatures are freezing, but cardiovascular exertion and sunrise will quickly raise your body temperature.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots with good traction, as the trail has steep sections with loose soil and rocks.
• Protect your skin and eyes from the intense solar radiation at high altitude by applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and using a wide-brimmed hat.
• Carry cash in Peruvian Soles (small denomination bills) for the entrance fee, use of restrooms, or unexpected horse hire.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Medium to high. The terrain has a constant and steep incline in its final section. The reduced oxygen in the air makes the hike cardiovascularly demanding.
• Climate: Cold, high-altitude climate. The glacial environment maintains low temperatures that can range between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius, usually accompanied by icy winds in the lagoon area.
• Altitude: The hike begins in Soraypampa at 3,900 meters above sea level, and the shores of the lagoon reach 4,200 meters above sea level.
• Recommended Age: Suggested for people between 12 and 60 years old who maintain an active lifestyle and do not have any heart or respiratory conditions.
• Reference Times: Starting early in the morning is a standard practice to take advantage of the clear weather window and avoid strong winds or precipitation in the afternoon.

Itinerary

The following half-day itinerary (usually conducted in the afternoon) details the chronological route of visits to the main archaeological parks and monuments.

• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point at a central location near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco to begin the tour.
• 1:40 PM – Visit to the Cusco Cathedral Basilica. Guided exploration of its interior to admire the rich collection of paintings from the Cusco School, carved in cedar wood, and silver-plated altars.
• 2:45 PM – Walk to Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Convent of Santo Domingo. We will discover the architectural fusion where the most important Inca temple serves as the foundation for the colonial construction.
• 3:45 PM – Travel by tourist transport to the outskirts of the city to visit the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Tour of its monumental zigzagging walls of cyclopean stones and explanation of their ceremonial function.
• 4:45 PM – Transfer to the archaeological site of Qenqo. Exploration of this rocky labyrinth that served as a sacred altar dedicated to Inca rituals and sacrifices.
• 5:15 PM – Visit to Puca Pucara, known as the “red fortress” for the hue its stones take on at sunset. We will learn about its function as an ancient military checkpoint.
• 5:45 PM – Arrival at Tambomachay, the temple dedicated to the worship of water. We will observe its aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that continue to flow perfectly after centuries.
• 6:30 PM – Return to the city of Cusco, ending the tour a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

Includes

• Pick-up from hotels located in the historic center of Cusco.
• Modern and safe tourist transportation for transfers to archaeological sites outside the city.
• Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English) throughout the tour.
• On-site assistance and a first-aid kit in the vehicle.

Not Include

• Cusco Tourist Ticket (required for entry to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay).
• Separate entrance tickets for the Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple.
• Meals or snacks during the tour.
• Personal expenses and purchases of handicrafts.
• Tips for the guide and driver.

Recommendations

• Purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (partial or full) in advance at tourist gallery offices or bring cash (Soles) to buy it at the entrance of the first archaeological site.
• Bring local currency for entrance fees to the Cathedral and Qoricancha, as these are not covered by the Tourist Ticket.
• Wear warm clothing or use a layering system. Evenings in Cusco usually start sunny, but the wind and cold increase significantly after sunset, especially in high-altitude areas like Sacsayhuaman.
• Stay hydrated by drinking small sips of water to help your body oxygenate properly.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for short walks on uneven and dirt terrain.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Easy. The tour doesn’t require much physical effort, consisting of short walks and frequent breaks with explanations at each attraction, making it ideal for the first or second day of your trip.
• Climate: Cold and dry. During the afternoon excursion, you’ll experience the characteristic Andean climate change, going from a warm afternoon to a rather cold evening.
• Altitude: The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, while sites like Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay reach up to 3,700 meters above sea level.
• Recommended Age: Suitable for travelers of all ages. The distances between the transportation and the sites of interest are short.
• Approximate Schedule: Traffic in the historic center may cause slight variations of a few minutes in the pick-up time and the exact return time to the city.

Itinerary

The following schedule details the chronological route of the excursion, based on the morning shift. Times are approximate and depend on the group’s driving pace.

• 7:00 – 7:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center or meeting at a designated central location to begin the trip in tourist transport.
• 8:15 – Arrival at our base of operations located in the Cruzpata area. Welcome, detailed safety briefing, and distribution of personal protective equipment.
• 8:30 – Practice session on a closed circuit. Here you will familiarize yourself with the safe operation of the ATV before heading out onto the open road.
• 9:00 – Start of the off-road adventure. We will drive along agricultural trails and bridle paths, enjoying unparalleled panoramic views of Huaypo Lagoon and the snow-capped peaks of Verónica and Chicón.
• 10:00 – Arrival at the Inca agricultural research center of Moray. We will leave the vehicles for a short guided walking tour of its immense concentric terraces.
• 11:00 – Return to the ATVs and continue the motorized journey towards the picturesque town of Maras.
• 11:30 – Transfer to a closed transport provided by the company to descend to the Maras Salt Mines (due to safety measures and community regulations, ATVs are not permitted direct access to the canyon). Guided tour of the thousands of evaporation ponds of pink salt.
• 12:30 – Return to the Cruzpata base to return the ATVs and safety equipment, and then board the tourist transport for the return trip.
• 13:30 – 14:00 – Arrival in the city of Cusco, with the service ending a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

Includes

• Round-trip tourist transportation from downtown Cusco to the base of operations in Cruzpata.
• Personal ATV in excellent mechanical condition (automatic or semi-automatic vehicles).
• Complete and approved safety equipment (helmet and gloves).
• Service of a professional tour guide and certified ATV driving instructor.
• Instructional lesson and driving practice prior to the start of the official tour.
• Ongoing mechanical assistance and first-aid kit throughout the route.

Not Include

• Cusco Tourist Ticket (required to enter the Moray archaeological complex).
• Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines (direct payment to the local community authorities).
• Personal accident insurance and vehicle damage insurance.
• Meals, snacks, or hydrating beverages during the tour.
• Personal expenses and purchases of artisanal salt or textile souvenirs.
• Voluntary tips for instructors and guides.

Recommendations

• Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, preferably older, that covers your arms and legs. This is an off-road tour, and your clothes will almost certainly get dusty on the Andean dirt roads.
• Wear closed sunglasses or protective goggles to prevent wind and dust from getting in your eyes while driving the ATV.
• Have cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles in small denominations) to pay for entrance tickets to Moray and the Salt Mines, as well as for minor expenses.
• Apply sunscreen before starting the tour and carry it in a small backpack, as ultraviolet radiation is very intense at this altitude.
• Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction; for strict safety reasons, it is forbidden to drive the vehicles wearing sandals or open shoes.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Moderate. No prior ATV driving experience is required, as the operation is simple and complete instruction is provided; however, responsibility is required, and participants must follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
• Climate: Temperate, dry, and windy. During the dry season (May to October), the route is extremely dusty, while during the rainy season (November to April), the roads are muddy and full of puddles, adding another level of adventure.
• Altitude: The route runs between 3,300 and 3,500 meters above sea level. The terrain is flat, and the ATV handles the effort, but it is recommended to spend a day acclimatizing in the city beforehand.
• Recommended Age: Drivers must be 16 years or older (with parental authorization). Children under 16 can participate as passengers on the back of the ATV under the sole responsibility of an adult.
• Reference times: This activity usually has daily departures scheduled in two main shifts: one in the morning (approximately at 07:00) and one in the afternoon (approximately at 13:00).