Ausangate Trek

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Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain + Machupicchu 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, Rainbow Mountain and Machupicchu, one trek where there are not many people like Inca Trail, Salkantay or others, and what better to do this wonderful walk with us that we were born in Ausangate and know the best of our land.

The AUSANGATE, RAINBOW MOUNTAINS AND MACHUPICCHU takes you past snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, glacial peaks, wildlife, and the colorful striated Vinicunca mountains! And with plus of our wonder Machupicchu.

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 hundred 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.

Price

From $ 720

Group size

2- 8 people

Lodging

Camps / hotel

Difficulty

Challenging

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Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain + Machupicchu 4 days / 3 nights

From $ 720
/per person
  • The price is determined by the number of passengers in the booking. Check prices below.
Book now

Details about the trip

Hike on the Ausangate Snowfall, the Rainbow Mountain and the visit to Machu Picchu

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.

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 maximum)

Overview of the Trip

  • Trip type

    Hike, adventure & natural landscape.

  • Transportation

    Private van.

  • Tour duration

    4 days

  • Difficulty

    The trip is rated as challenging, the passenger has to have an acclimatization days before and have physical, because it will climb up to 4,500 meters above sea level.

  • When to go

    The best time to trip from April to October.

  • Tour guides

    1 English-speak tour guide.

  • Extra considerations

    Need to book up to 24 hours in advance.

Experience Highlights

  • The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, including high-altitude grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes.
  • It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air, while also immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.
  • You may have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about their culture and traditions.
  • Guided tour to one of the seven wonders of the world Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco -Upis Community- Upis Campsite – Upis Lake -Hot Springs

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 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 Along the way we will have magnificent views of Ausangate (6300m/21,000ft). On this trail, we pass a few traditional houses. We 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 dinner.

  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp
  • Accommodation: camps
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Walking distance: 10km/6.21mi
  • Highest elevation: 4480m/14,698ft
  • Minimum elevation:4250m/13,944ft.
  • Walking time: 5 hours
  • Campsite elevation: 4250 m/13,779 ft.

Day 2: Upis Campsite – Arapa Pass -Pukaqocha -Ananta

We will wake you up today with hot herbal tea of coca leaves in 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 have incredible views of this mountain and its beautiful lakes and waterfalls. We may see some llamas, alpacas 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 (Puca Cocha).

After eating our lunch, we will hike up to Puca Cocha Pass, from where we will have an amazing view of Ausangate Mountain with 3 lakes below. Then hike down to our campsite of Ananta where we are going to spend the night.  As usual, tents are going to be set up for us to change, take a nap, and have our dinner prepared by our professional chef.

  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp
  • Accommodation: camps
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Walking distance: 14km/8.68 mi
  • Highest elevation: 4800m/15,748ft
  • Minimum elevation:4250m/13,944ft.
  • Walking time: 8 hours
  • Campsite elevation: 4700 m/15,400 ft.

Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise Walk)-Red Valley -Hanchipata -drive to Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes

Today is the day you have been waiting for. We will wake you up at 03:45 am with coca tea delivered to your tent then we start with first uphill until Ananta pass (15,090ft-4500m-14,000feet) from where you see this amazing Rainbow Mountain in the distance, but you are not quite there yet! From this place you go downhill to circle the lake and keep walking a Peruvian flat until we reach the final uphill to Rainbow Mountain then we have 360 views of the spectacular landscape that surrounds you, Soak in the vistas and enjoy as much as possible the place.

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 at 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 You’ll then say goodbye to your Apu Ausangate trek team and continue from this point with your Rainbow Mountain Trek guide. 

After lunch, our private transport will drive us a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo where you’ll have some dinner before catching your 7 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes. Then you’ll have the opportunity to take a nice hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed in a local hostel.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner & snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Walking distance: 113km/8.078 mi
  • Highest elevation: 5030m/16,568ft
  • Minimum elevation: 4630 m/15,190ft.
  • Walking time: 6 hours

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu and back to Cusco

Early breakfast at 5:00 am at the hotel, with our tour guide together you go to the bus to Machupicchu at approx. 5:20 am, arriving at the gate at 6:00 am when the gates of the sanctuary are open (please don’t forget your passport). Then we will start the two hours guided, walking tour, exploring all the famous places of this impressive citadel: the temple of the sun, the royal tomb, the Intiwatana ( sun dial rock ), the main plaza, the temple of the 3 windows, the artisan sector, the condor temple, and many others, after finish the guiding you will have time to explorer by yourself if you have booked permits to climb HUAYNA PICHHU MOUNTAIN or MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN (Extra ticket required and you should to book in advance).
You will need to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included), There are many restaurants to choose from and your guide can also help suggest a nice place to eat. After grabbing a bite to eat you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where private transport will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • MEALS: Breakfast at the hotel

Please note the details that include and do not include in your tour, each tour is different 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 Cusco.

  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  • Entrance to Machupicchu.

  • Round trip train Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu and back to Cusco (droop off in your hotel Cusco.

  • Guided tour of Machupicchu.

  • Round trip buses Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu and back.

What is not Included

  • Flights.

  • Hotel before/after trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner on the last day (day 4).

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

  • Entrance to hot springs in Upis (10 soles).

  • 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.

What to bring for your trek

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)

  • 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 a 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 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 at 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.

Passport

We recommend that you bring your original passport. 

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 Rainbow Mountain + Machupicchu 4 days / 3 nights

$ 720
/per person
  • Price for 6-10 trekkers: 770 USD per person
  • Price for 3-5 trekkers: 710 USD per person
  • Price for 2 trekkers: 720 USD per person
  • A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.
Guaranteed price
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Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

Requiered pre-payment : US$ 300.00 per person. BALANCE (Pay in Cusco 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.

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