AUSANGATE TREK

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Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 days / 3 nights

Apu Ausangate Trek created the Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain package based on our client’s feedback. they wanted a hike that included the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain, and what better to do this wonderful walk with us because we were born in Ausangate and know the best of our land.

The AUSANGATE AND RAINBOW MOUNTAINS TREK takes you past snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, glacial peaks, wildlife, and the colorful striated Vinicunca mountains!

The Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trek is a new route located in the high Andes and traverses the incredibly colorful Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountains. This beautiful multi-day hike is tucked away in a well-hidden section of the Vilcanota Mountain range. Surrounded by glacial mountains, this route treks in the shadow of the highest mountain in the Cusco Region, Ausangate (6300m/21,000ft). which is the highest mountain in southern Peru, this snowy peak has been considered sacred for hundreds of years by the ancient inhabitants of the Andes. This is a true off-the-beaten-path wilderness trek – above the tree line with incredible views of the Andes and glacial peaks.

The Rainbow Mountains or Vinicunca Mountains are composed of stratified layers of sandstone. These fine-grained rock layers contain large amounts of iron and other minerals which give the mountains the pigments for the various colored stripes. Along your journey, you will see turquoise lakes, glacial mountains, llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, and maybe even a wild vicuña. Come and be one of the first adventurers to make this trek with us.

It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting. The campsites are at high elevations and therefore will be quite cold in the evenings. Minimum passengers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed the maximum).

 

Price

From $ 430

Group size

2- 10 people

Lodging

Camps

Difficulty

Formidable

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Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N

$ 430
/per person
  • Daily departures - Small groups
Group service
Book now

Details about the trip

Adventure hike with visit included to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Experience one of the best hikes en route to Ausangate snowy, this hike includes a visit to the famous Rainbow Mountain, a magnificent adventure through one of the most important nature reserves in Cusco.

Overview of the Trip

  • Trip type

    Hike, adventure, nature & cultural

  • Distance

    24.23 miles / 39 km

  • Minimum altitude

    4,250 m / 13,944 ft.

  • Maximum altitude

    5,030 m / 16,568 ft.

  • Temperatures

    From minus 7 °C to 24 °C

  • Tour duration

    4 days with 5 to 6 hours hike per day

  • Difficulty

    The trek is rated challenging, any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route.

  • When to go

    The best time to trip from April to October

  • Transportation

    Private van

  • Tour guides

    1 English-speak tour guide.

  • Extra considerations

    At least 2 days acclimatization recommended in Cusco prior to the trip.

Places you will visit

ausangate-trek-snowy-and-lagoon-apu-ausangate-trek
Ausangate lagoon
ausangate-trek-campsite-snowy-sunset-apu-ausangate-trek
Campsite sunset
ausangate-trek-lagoons-and.lakes-apu-ausangate-trek
Lagoon in the way
ausangate-trek-small-gaps-apu-ausangate-trek
Mountain range
ausangate-trek-snowy-and-llamas-apu-ausangate-trek
At the foot of the snowy
rainbow-mountain-montaña-de-7-colores-Apu-Ausangate-Trek
Rainbow mountain

Why book with Apu Ausangate Trek?

  • 100% peruvian local tour operator

    All our Services, Travel and Treks are provided only by the staff of Apu Ausangate Trek and professional guides of Cusco. What that means to you is that We - Apu Ausangate Trek - will never pass it to another company.

  • Small groups for a comfortable trip

    At Apu Ausangate Trek we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people per departure, and are typically a mixture of solo travelers, friends traveling together, and couples, all of varying ages, origins and nationalities.

  • Expert and professional guides

    Our highly recommended top guides, with fluency and clear experienced English and very well informed, passionate about the Inca heritage and history, dedicated to continuous personal development and learning to ensure that you receive the accurate recognized theories about the Andean Inca culture.

  • Responsible & sustainable tourism

    We do a lot of work to ensure that we do not damage the areas we go through. We make a lot of effort to inform our participants, both before and during their trip, about the impact they can have on a community and the environment.

  • Local chef & Andean nutrition expert

    Fabulous cooks. Delicious and abundant buffet style meals, Peruvian and International cuisine are prepared by our professional chefs, from a mixture of local and exotic products.

  • Camping equipment

    To continue offering a service of quality, that it does not have to be necessarily expensive, with a great human trained group and using a high standard and comfortable camping equipment,dinning & Cooking tent.

Day 1: Cusco -Upis community- Upis campsite – Upis lake

The Rainbow Mountain Trek team from Apu Ausangate Trek will pick you up at 5 a.m. Then you’ll have a three hour drive to the trailhead at Pukutuni School. Here you’ll enjoy some breakfast and meet your Apu Ausangate Trek team including the local chef and horsemen.

We will then be on our way and start by hiking up a wide, ascending path to the northeast face of the impressive Ausangate Mountain.

you’ll have a three-hour hike to your lunch spot at Along the way we will have magnificent views of Ausangate (6300m/21,000ft). On this trail we pass a few traditional houses and may meet some local people dressed in their colorful, traditional clothing while accompanying their grazing animals which are indigenous to this area – llamas and alpacas.

Camp at Upis Hot Springs (4,250 m/13,779 ft) where we will have lunch surrounded by snowcapped mountains (Ausangate and Maria Huamantilla). There are thermal hot springs at Upis where we can enjoy a soak at the end of the day.

After lunch we’ll have the option to walk in a two-hour round trip to Ausangate Lake. happy hour (tea time) will be ready at your return and the dinner.

  • Accommodation

    Camps

  • Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Minimum elevation

    4250m/13,944ft.

  • Highest elevation

    4480m/14,698ft.

  • Walking Distance

    10km/6.21mi

  • Walking time

    5 hours

  • Campsite elevation

    4250 m/13,779 ft.

Day 2: Upis campsite – Arapa Pass -Pukaqocha

We will wake you up today with hot herbal tea of coca leaves I your tent to give you the energy boost you need to get going, after breakfast we begin our second day of the hike.

You will hike very close to the Ausangate glacier peak and will have incredible views of this mountain as well as beautiful lakes and waterfalls. We may see some llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca) and perhaps a rare condor soaring above. We will have a 3-hour uphill hike to reach the first pass (4800m/15,748ft) where you will have magnificent views of the surrounding area. After taking a few amazing pictures we continue hiking gradually downhill for another 1½ hours to our beautiful lunch spot.

 After lunch we hike for another 2½ hours to arrive at our campsite at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake). This campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites located at the skirt of the Ausangate peak and at the bank of the lake.

Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you. you will then head to spend a comfortable night at your campsite.

  • Accommodation

    Camps

  • Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Minimum elevation

    4250m/13,944ft.

  • Highest elevation

    4800m/15,748ft.

  • Walking Distance

    11km/6.84mi

  • Walking time

    6 hours

  • Campsite elevation

    4500 m/14,764 ft.

Day 3: Pukaqocha- Pucca Pass-Ananta – Warmisaya – Surinecocha

Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea to start one of the most beautiful days of the trek, enjoying majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes and depths of the beautiful valleys. This morning we will summit the Puca Pass. After an early breakfast we begin our 2-hour steep climb to the Puca Pass at (5050m/16,568ft). Along the way we have gorgeous views of turquoise lakes and the Ausangate glacier.

Once you reach the summit of this mountain, you will be located right in front of the Ausangate Mountain and you can enjoy the views of Chillca Valley, with alpaca grazing along these hills. Also, from this pass you will see the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with their strikingly striated colors. After taking some great pictures we continue gradually downhill for another 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot located at Anantapata 4400m/14,435ft with amazing views of green hills and snow-capped peaks.

 After lunch and a little rest and relaxation, we will hike gradually uphill for 1.5 hours until we reach the Warmisaya (aka Pitumarca) pass 5050m/16,568ft. After enjoying the views at the top, we descend for 20 minutes to Surinecocha lake (4500m/14,764ft) where we set up camp for the night. After dropping our bags, we take our gradual 1 hour sunset hike to the Rainbow Mountain Pass and watch as the sun sets over the stunning Rainbow Valley. Once we have finished enjoying the view, we hike 45 minutes back down to camp at Surinecocha to have happy hour (tea and snacks) followed by a hearty dinner. 

  • Accommodation

    Camps

  • Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Minimum elevation

    4500 m/14,764 ft.

  • Highest elevation

    4985m/16,355ft

  • Walking Distance

    11km/6.84mi

  • Walking time

    7 hours

  • Campsite elevation

    4800m/15,748 ft.

Day 4: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise walk)-Red Valley -Hanchipata -Cusco

After a very early breakfast (5am) we hike 1 hour up to the Rainbow Mountain Pass (Vinicunca Mountains or Montañas de Colores), the highest pass of the trek, again to see the beautiful Rainbow Valley at sunrise (5050m/16,568ft)! Enjoy the view for an hour without the crowds as we are one of the first groups to arrive. Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect postcard pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding peaks. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. This is definitely one of the most stunning places in South America and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru. There are Rainbow Mountains in only a few other locations in the world.

After enjoying this gem from the Peruvian Andes, we will begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley. very few tourists visit this place that seems to be taken from another planet almost like mars. you will be surprised not only by its incredible beauty but also by the immense tranquility that will surround you, take your wonderful pictures in that point.

After enjoying the sunrise view, we hike for 1.5 hours down to the small community Hanchipata or Cusipata (3800m/12,467ft) where we will have lunch and end our trek. After lunch our private transport will drive us back to your hotel in Cusco – about a 3.5 hour drive that provides nice views of the Andes, passing some traditional villages along the way. 

  • Accommodation

    None

  • Meals

    Breakfast, lunch & snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Minimum elevation

    4630 m/15,190ft.

  • Highest elevation

    5030m/16,568ft

  • Walking Distance

    6.5km/4.04mi

  • Walking time

    7 hours

Please note the details that include and do not include in your tour, each tour is difirente and we provide you with the details below

What is included

  • Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions

  • Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day

  • Private transport to starting point of the trek

  • Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs

  • Drybag to carry your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty

  • Every 2 people will share a tent (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear Expedition tent)

  • Extra-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag

  • English speaking professional guide

  • Full meals (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)

  • Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need

  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

  • Emergency horse (1-2 per group depending on group size)

  • Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent

  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and stools

  • Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)

  • Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes

  • Boiled/purified water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon

  • Entrance to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

  • Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco

What is not Included

  • Flights

  • Hotel before/after trek

  • Dinner on the last day

  • Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms) US$20 to rent with us

  • Entrance to hot springs

  • Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

  • Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)

  • Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

Rental Equipament

  • Down sleeping bag minus 5ºC ($25 for the entire trek).
  • Inflatable Thermal-rest mattress $25 for the entire trek.
  • Single tent $70 (If you travel solo and is your choice).
  • Trekking poles$20(For the entire trek).
  • Backpack (30 Liters) $20, for the entire trek.

We recommend that you bring

Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack that you carry because all the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring true hiking boots or trail running shoes as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.

  • Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms) Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek

  • Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)

  • Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore, we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc.).

  • Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Lip balm

  • Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread

  • Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)

  • Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights

  • Hand warmers if you wish

  • Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)

  • Daypack and rain cover

  • Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek

  • Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)

  • Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go

  • Sandals

  • Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)

  • Insect repellent if you visit Machu Picchu

  • Hand sanitizer and face covering (for COVID-19 Pandemic)

  • Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)

  • E.g., if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this

  • First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)

  • Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need

  • Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank

  • Water bottle or water bladder to refill

  • Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)

  • Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc.)

  • Power plug adapter

  • Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need

  • Small quick-dry pack towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

When to go and degree of difficulty

March/April to November or the dry season. (Dec to Feb/March or wet season: rainfall and snow can block the pass and cancel the trek though we can arrange the trek during the wet season). This trek is rated as a moderate to challenging (intermediate to advanced) hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. It is recommended that you acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.

Weather on the trek and in Cusco

The weather varies a lot across Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the world’s 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) in the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from Mar/April to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being December through March. The weather for trekking is pretty much the same year round, with the main difference being the amount of rainfall. During the dry season, most days are dry and clear, but high-altitude mountains always have the potential for rain and/or snow so it is essential to come prepared for all types of weather regardless of the time of year. 

The Rainbow trek

Is very high altitude; therefore, the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.

Cusco weather

Cusco is always very cold at night due to the high altitude. It is regularly around 40F/4.4C at night so bring a nice warm jacket for nighttime walking in town. It is warmer in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes as these areas are lower altitudes than Cusco and the trek.

The Departure point for the trek

Our meeting point to depart is at San Francisco Square at 05:30 am. There are fixed pickup points to help reduce time going to numerous hotels.

  • If you are near Sol Avenue, Cultura Avenue or center of town be ready at 05:20 am.
  • In any Hotel in San Blas please wait for us in front of the Church of San Blas for your transfer departing from 5.00 am.
  • If you are at Loki Hostal, Niños Hotel, Meloc or Arcopata area please waits at the lobby of the hotel at 5.40 am.
  • This information will be clarified by your guides at the briefing the night before the trek.

Left Luggage during your trek

It is best to leave extra luggage in your hotel in Cusco since you will arrive back around 8:00 pm on the 4th day.

Passport

We recommend that you bring your original passport. 

Drinkable water on the trail

Bring 2 or 3 Lt of water for Day 1 and 2, there will be hot and cool drinks at mealtimes provided by our staff, we provide boiled water from 2nd Day at lunchtime, bottled water and drinks are sold by locals on Day 1 and 2.

Temperature

  • Day temperatures vary from -7 to 22 degrees Celsius
  • you must always use layering to manage the temperatures well. Night temperatures, (in the coldest season May to Sept) average -7 to -5 degrees Celsius.

Environmental issues

Please carry your personal rubbish to each campsite where the porters will pack it out. There are toilets at points along the trail and in campsites. At other points please leave the trail on the non-river side at least 30m and burn or bury toilet paper. Please encourage your group and staff to protect the environment.

Tips for the porters, cooks and guides and emergencies

We recommend considering $40-50 this is not mandatory but it is a tradition. You need to have your own money for bottled water or other drinks if wanted along the route.  As for all American countries, tipping is common practice and is a part of the experience but not obligatory. Generally, groups prepare a collective tip that is shared out between the porters, trekking crew and cooks on the third night. It is customary to thank the guides with a voluntary tip after the Tour in Ausangate on the fourth day. Please only use this information as a «guideline» requested by some trekkers but don`t let it cause you, or any other person in the group discomfort.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that full Travel Insurance is taken, which includes cover, under certain circumstances, against the loss of deposit or cancellation charges. Please note that no reimbursements are given when cancellations occur or for any unused services.

Price

Ausangate Trek to Rinbow Mountain 4 days / 3 nights

$ 430
/per person
  • Price for 6-10 trekkers: 430 USD per person
  • Price for 3-5 trekkers: 440 USD per person
  • Price for 2 trekkers: 450 USD per person
  • A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.
Guaranteed price
Book now

Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

Required pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person. BALANCE (Cusco): USD 230, 240 or 250 (at briefing a day before).

Notice the credit / debit card charges a fee of 5% and PayPal charges a fee of 8%, which we ask the client since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

Please after your deposit send us the transfer number to info@apuausangateperu.com, only after that, we will be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.

Aditionals items

  • Sleeping bag: $25 for the entire trek

  • Inflatable Thermal-rest mattress: $25 for the entire trek

  • Single tent $70 (If you travel solo and is your choice)

  • Trekking poles: $20

  • Backpack 30 Liters: $20.

Ready for a great adventure?

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