4 Days
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
The 4-day Ausangate Trek combined with Rainbow Mountain offers a truly unique adventure through the majestic Andes of Peru. Ausangate, one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region, will be our primary destination before we explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain. This trek immerses you in a diverse range of landscapes, from wildlife and glaciers to cascades and frozen rivers. As we journey through lush valleys and venture southeast, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Prepare for an extraordinary experience filled with natural beauty and awe-inspiring scenery.
We set out early from Cusco in a private van, heading towards the charming village of Tinqui. Along the way, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages. We’ll have time to stop and capture some photos of the breathtaking scenery. Upon reaching Tinqui, we’ll be greeted with a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. Here, our skilled muleteers will organize and pack all the gear onto the horses, marking the official start of our trek.
We begin our hike through agricultural communities, taking in the spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains. We’ll trek for approximately 3 hours before taking a break for lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue hiking for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft).
At Upis, we’ll have the chance to unwind and soak in the local hot springs before dinner. We’ll camp overnight in this picturesque location.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll be ready to depart from our camp and embark on our hike. Our journey will take us up to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy a stunning contrast between the arid, desolate hills and the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Mount Ausangate and Pucacocha. The area is also home to three beautiful lakes, displaying shades of red, green, and turquoise: Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. Our second campsite will be situated near the Ausangate Glacier.
On this day, you’ll be awakened with a "room service" treat: a hot cup of coca tea. This will be one of the most scenic days of the trek. We’ll be visiting the vibrant Rainbow Mountains, and along the way, we’ll pass through the village of Alccatauri. Here, you’ll witness traditional village life. With no trees in the area, locals have ingeniously constructed adobe mud houses due to the lack of wood for building or burning.
The day begins with a 1.5-hour ascent to the Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). From this high point, we’ll be treated to views of red mountains and may even spot vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas. After taking in the breathtaking sights from the pass, we’ll descend for 1.5 hours to the village of Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). In gratitude for their warm hospitality, we will present the villagers with coca leaves. This essential Peruvian staple is highly valued as it cannot be grown in the local climate.
Following this unique experience, we’ll continue with a 30-minute uphill walk to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge. After a satisfying meal, we’ll set out for an uphill trek to the second pass. After 1.5 hours of hiking, we’ll follow the Llama Trail to the Minasniyuq Pass. Here, we’ll have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). At this pass, we’ll perform a ceremonial offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The rest of the day’s trek involves a one-hour descent to our campsite at Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is situated on the shores of the stunning Surine Lake.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our gradual 2-hour hike to the renowned Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will take you to the best spots for capturing stunning photos of these breathtaking mountains and the surrounding peaks. They will explain what makes these mountains so unique: their vibrant colors are the result of various minerals creating distinctive striped rock formations. Not only is this one of the most impressive sites in Peru and South America, but similar mountains are only found in one other country in the world—China.
After taking photos and soaking in the spectacular views, we’ll continue our hike, descending for 2.5 hours until we reach Quesiuno Village. We’ll enjoy lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in the village after lunch. We’ll embark on a 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we’ll drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Expected arrival time is around 6 PM.
The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek is considered challenging due to its high altitudes and varying terrain. Hikers should be prepared for steep ascents, rough trails, and significant altitude changes. Good physical fitness and acclimatization to the high altitude are essential for a successful trek.
The ideal time for the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, you’ll experience clearer skies and more stable weather conditions. The wet season from November to April can bring rain and muddy trails, which may make the trek more challenging.
Essential items for the trek include layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots, a hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a sleeping bag and trekking poles (which can be rented if you don’t have your own), along with sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and snacks for the trail.
Yes, you can rent equipment from our office, including sleeping bags for $40 for the entire trip and trekking poles for $15. It's advisable to book these rentals in advance to ensure availability.
The trek includes a variety of meals prepared by a professional chef. You'll enjoy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with a focus on nutritious, high-energy foods. Additionally, we provide boiled water and cold water to keep you hydrated throughout the trek. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Additional costs include the sleeping bag rental ($40), trekking pole rental ($15), and any optional activities such as local experiences or souvenirs. It’s also customary to give tips to the support staff, though this is at your discretion.
Altitude sickness is a common concern on high-altitude treks. If you start to feel unwell, let your guide know immediately. We carry an oxygen tank and medical supplies to assist with altitude-related issues. It’s important to take it slow, stay hydrated, and follow your guide’s instructions.
To prepare, it’s beneficial to engage in regular physical exercise, particularly cardiovascular workouts and hiking. Arriving in Cusco a few days before the trek can help with acclimatization. Additionally, attending a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to the trek will provide you with valuable information and answer any last-minute questions.
After completing the trek, we will transport you back to Cusco. The private van will take approximately 3.5 hours to reach the city, and you can expect to arrive at your Cusco hotel around 6 PM. This timing ensures you have ample time to rest and recover from your adventure.
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