Rainbow Mountain Llama Trek - 2 Days – Peru – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 2 DAY/ 1 NIGHT LLAMA TREK:

The mountains of Peru will leave you with an unforgettable experience, as you are lead into the Peruvian Andes by our local guide. During this trip you will enjoy an amazing night amongst some of the brightest stars you will ever see and a milky way so colorful it will leave you stunned.

Our 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Llama Trek in Peru will leave you with an unforgettable experience, as you are lead into the Peruvian Andes by our local guide and pack llamas to carry the gear. Our special route links part of the Ausangate circuit and truly takes you off the beaten track. On the first day you will reach Puchacocha pass, where you will have stunning 360 degree views, while standing face to face with the magnificent Ausangate Glacier. Enjoy a warm evening at our exclusive FlashpackerConnect built dining hut, accompanied by our newly built tent shelters for added protection from wind and weather. On day two you will wake early for a sunrise visit to the Rainbow Mountain before the large crowds arrive. This is truly an adventure that will take your breath away constantly, combining wild desert landscapes, glaciated peaks, rushing rivers and challenging mountain passes. We get you away from the crowds where everything seems untouched and undiscovered.

NEW: Enjoy our exclusive FlashpackerConnect campsites that feature Andean style thatch tent shelters for added comfort and protection from the elements & our comfortable dining shelter to keep you warm in the evenings during dinner, also serving as a great place to relax!

Why Llamas: Llama are currently an underutilized Eco Friendly way to transport gear and supplies in the high mountains. With the growth of tourism, vulnerable mountain ecosystems are at jeopardy and require responsible management. This is why we use the native Llamas just as the ancient Incan cultures did.

In ancient times llamas were key to the success and survival of the Inca culture. Now we can utilize them to carry our supplies with minimal impact. Once on the trail you will truly understand the power of these animals and why people have been packing with them for centuries, it’s just in in their DNA. Their feet have a leather pad similar to that of a dog, and a split toe that allows for larger surface area and gripping ability. When it comes to rocky, steep, and tough to navigate terrain llamas excel where some pack stock might fall short. They are smaller than horses and thus they eat and drink much less in comparison, making them much more low impact animals and Eco Friendly.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: CUSCO - ALQATARI - AUSANGATE - ANATA

Distance: 14km/ 8.7 miles

Elevation: 4320m-5000m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

On the first day of your Rainbow mountain adventure we pick you up at your hotel at 4:00am and drive 3 hours to the trailhead. While packing up the gear our chef will be preparing a hot breakfast to get you fueled up for the hike ahead of you. Our guides will go over the itinerary for the day and safety tips to ensure you are fully prepared for the next two days.

The trek begins in a large green valley. You will see hundreds of alpacas, local farmers, and the beautiful Ausangate mountain looming in the distance- this is only a teaser for what is to come on your journey.

As you continue making your way on the trail you will begin to conquer the first pass of the trek- Puccacocha pass. At around 5000m (16,400ft), the pass sits just above Puccacocha lake, and the massive Ausangate mountain is directly in front of you. After a successful climb we will stop and enjoy a 360 degree view while the active glacier crashes into the lake below. This is arguably the most beautiful spot on the entire Ausangate circuit.

From here, we continue on to Anata and our secluded mountain hut retreat- our camp for the night. Built and maintained by locals, with the support of FlashpackerConnect, we have a private camp where you will enjoy a mountain hut, equipped with a couch, dining table and chairs and large windows with views of the mountains. Here, you can relax and enjoy conversation, and play some cards while also enjoying a plentiful and well deserved lunch. If you're feeling ambitious, our crew may even challenge you to a game of soccer at 4700m (15,000ft)!

As the sun sets you will have time to yourself to enjoy our camp and explore, or take a rest in the still of the Andes while soaking in the the jaw dropping landscapes that surrounds you. A multi course Peruvian style dinner will be served this evening for you to get a true taste of local cuisine.

Tonight night you will see an unforgettable sky full of constellations, shooting stars, and keep yourself warm with coca tea.

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DAY 2: ANATA - RAINBOW MOUNTAIN- CUSCO

Distance: 17km/ 10.5 miles

Elevation: 4200m-5050m

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Today is what you've been waiting for, your chance to see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain! We'll wake you up bright and early with coca tea delivered to your tent, and serve you a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for your final climb to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Upon arrival you can take all the time you want soaking in the amazing vistas of the surrounding lands and explore the mountain itself. Take some time to really enjoy the beauty around you- it truly is a magical place. The best part is, we arrive earlier than other companies so you get the mountain all to yourself!

From here, you will have the option to visit the Red Mountain Valley and explore another out-worldly landscape before hiking down the mountain to our departure point. Here, we will celebrate a successful journey, and enjoy lunch before departing back to Cusco (3 hours), arriving around 4 or 5pm with drop you off at your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

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Additional Information

CONSIDERATIONS:

As you embark on a trip of a lifetime, make sure you are fully prepared. Our treks are challenging and very rewarding at the same time. Hikers should be reasonably fit and healthy. Remember you are trekking at a high elevation (above 14,000ft) and you should be rested up to start this journey. We highly recommend spending at least two to three days in Cusco or similar elevation to acclimatize, and drink plenty of water the days prior to the hike. Please consult your doctor for proper advice on trekking in high altitude.

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Additional Trip Info

Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
Pack Llamas to carry all of the gear and personal belongings (up to 6kg per person)
All meals/drinks prepared by private cook (All food on the trek, which incorporates traditional Peruvian cuisine as well as modern fusion cuisine -we can accommodate specific dietary needs)
Boiled water and snacks
Fluent English/ Spanish speaking guide
All gear and camping supplies
Top of the line Mountain Hardware 4 season expedition tents
Large dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent
Portable toilet tent
Duffel bags for your personal belongings
Fees to access private land
First aid kit including oxygen tank
Sleeping pad (Thermarest)
Sleeping bag- Mountain Hardware

We provide all high quality camping gear to keep you warm and comfortable in all conditions. Using the best equipment available - Mountain Hardwear Tents and Sleeping bags.

Dinner on the last day
Trekking poles (optional)
Voluntary Tips for Guide, Driver and Cook
Personal Riding horse*
Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue

*Horseback is available to hire through local horsemen. Horses are not the property of FlashpackerConnect. If you choose to hire a horse please note horsemen do not speak English nor do they always stick with the group of hikers and the guide as the horses walk faster than the hikers. Should you choose to hire a horse you assume all liability and ride at your own risk. FlashpackerConnect is not responsible for any accidents that occur from riding a horse.

‍Weather

Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable ranging from hot and sunny to rain, wind and cold. Hikers should be prepared with proper gear and be ready for variable weather conditions throughout the day. Small changes in the itinerary are a possibility as well as trip cancellations due to bad weather. We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to departing Cusco if we feel conditions are unsafe. If this happens you will be refunded your deposit in full, or have the opportunity to reschedule, however trips still depart when there is rain, snow or fog and refunds are not granted due to poor weather conditions. Temperatures can range from 0 degrees Celsius in the morning to 15 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The sun can get intense in the afternoon and we highly recommend bringing sun protection.

Altitude

Our treks take place anywhere from 10,000 feet up to 17,000 feet. It is essential to spend 2-3 days minimum in the Cusco region or similar elevation prior to taking any trek with us. We recommend staying well hydrated while you are in elevation and to get plenty of rest prior to your trek. FlashpackerConnect is not responsible if you get altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor is you are concerned with the altitude.

Tipping

Our guides and staff are paid on a per trip basis based on the number of days they spend on the trail. While tipping is not required, it is a common practice in Latin America. If you feel your guide, and crew went above and beyond to make your trip special gratuity is greatly appreciated. A common tip is 10-15% of your total trip cost

Reservations

We recommend booking 3-4 months prior to ensure availability. If your dates are flexible we can take reservations on short notice, however our treks tend to book out as we keep our group sizes very small. In order to book we send out an invoice for deposit via PayPal, and your final payment is due at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date.

Departures

Our treks depart everyday upon request with a minimum of 2 guests (Solo travelers can be matched up with existing groups)

Food

We take pride in preparing a wonderful variety of food throughout your trek. You will always be served local Peruvian style dishes in a family style manner and you will never go hungry. We can cater to any dietary needs, but ask that you notify us of your request at the time of booking. If we are not informed during your booking we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate.

First Aid

Trekking in the Andes and in high altitude can be dangerous and because of this our staff always carries a proper first aid kit along with emergency oxygen for our guests to use if they are feeling ill.

Accommodation

All accommodation on multi-day treks is tent camping. We bring quality 4 person tents but sleep a maximum of 2 persons to each tent. For tours that require hotels, accommodation is based on double or triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with another guest of the same gender unless a single supplement is paid.

Group Sizes

Our treks depart everyday with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips. Group pricing is available if your group is 4 or more people.

Insurance

Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the trip. Unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses prior to or during your trip could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote locations can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan so it is compulsory that you purchase personal adequate travel insurance which is appropriate for your trip. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience during your trip. We also suggest you purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must inform the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip. There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online.‍

Visiting Machu Picchu

We suggest booking activities such as Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley prior to trekking the Rainbow Mountain. This will allow for proper acclamation, and prevent altitude sickness. Check out our tour packages linking the Rainbow Mountain hike with Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. If you are wanting a longer trek check out our Ausangate trek+ Rainbow mountain we offer 2,4 and 6 days options.‍