We begin the day with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 05:00 a.m. The drive toward the trailhead takes about three hours, following the scenic South Valley and passing rustic Andean communities. Along the route, we stop for breakfast before continuing to Cusipata, the starting point of the hike at 3,310 m (10,859 ft).

From the trailhead, the walk leads along a gentle valley bordered by a small stream. Herds of alpacas and llamas graze freely on the hillsides, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain dominates the horizon. As the route continues, you’ll pass through small settlements where local Quechua communities maintain long-held traditions.

The final stretch gradually climbs toward the colorful slopes of Vinicunca. After roughly two hours of hiking, you arrive at the iconic lookout point at 5,100 m (16,732 ft). Here, the mountain’s famous stripes stretch across the landscape, and the surrounding ridgelines reveal that the “rainbow” effect extends far beyond a single peak. You’ll have around 30 minutes to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and walk along the viewpoints.

Once it’s time to descend, the return hike typically takes about 1.5 hours. Your transportation will be waiting at the bottom for the drive to a local restaurant, where a buffet lunch is served. Afterward, you begin the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 p.m., finishing the day with unforgettable views still vivid in your mind.