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Ausangate (with Rainbow Mountain)
5 Day / 4 Night Tour
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Max Group Size: 8
- Starts in Cusco
- Book all year round
- Regular & luxury tents available
- Ends in Machu Picchu
Introduction
The 5-day Ausangate trek is an adventure crafted for those who cherish breathtaking views of the Andes, pristine lakes, and majestic glaciers. This journey immerses you in the powerful energy of the mountains, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. You’ll traverse stunning landscapes, encounter local traditions, and gain insights into the rich culture of the region. The trek takes you through diverse terrains, from lush valleys to high-altitude passes, with the sacred Ausangate glacier as a constant companion.
The highlight of the trek is a visit to the spectacular Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant colors and panoramic views. This circuit is not just a physical challenge but a spiritual journey, connecting you deeply with the ancient heritage and natural beauty of the Andes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a passionate nature lover, the Ausangate trek promises an unforgettable adventure, blending natural wonders with cultural richness.
Highlights
Max Altitude
Distance
Duration
Average daily hike
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Itinerary
Starting from Cusco, this trek leads you through stunning landscapes, including the sacred Ausangate glacier and the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain. Each day presents new challenges and rewards, from high mountain passes and serene valleys to encounters with local wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and possibly vicuñas.
The trek includes visits to hot springs and opportunities to learn about local traditions and crafts. With professional guides and support from muleteers, you’ll experience the best of the Peruvian Andes while being well cared for. Whether enjoying the serene beauty of Ausangate Cocha or witnessing the colorful splendor of Rainbow Mountain, this trek is designed for those seeking both physical challenge and profound natural beauty.
Our journey begins early as our private transport and guide pick you up from your hotel for a 2.5-hour drive to Tinki. Here, you can buy essentials like water and snacks before continuing another 30 minutes to Upis, our starting point. Along the way, we’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes and stop for photos. At Upis, our mules and muleteers will be waiting.
We start our hike with a gradual ascent for about 3 hours to the Upis hot springs (4,450m). After a brief stop, we’ll hike another 20 minutes uphill to Arapa Pampa (4,600m) for a traditional Peruvian lunch prepared by our chef. After lunch, we ascend for 2 hours to the Arapa Pass (4,800m), then descend gradually to our first camp at Yanacocha (4,650m), where we’ll enjoy spectacular views of Ausangate, valleys, and mountains.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 4,350m / 14,272 ft
- Highest Elevation: Arapa Pass 4,800m / 15,748 ft
- Highlights: Stunning landscapes, Ausangate views, lakes, llamas, alpacas, local people.
We start early with a hot drink and a hearty breakfast. The morning begins with a 1.5-hour hike to Apacheta Pass (5,000m), followed by a 1.5-hour descent to our lunch spot at Ananta (4,650m). After lunch, we continue ascending for 1 hour to Warmi Saya Pass (5,000m), then descend for 30 minutes to our camp at Qomer Cocha (4,680m).
In the afternoon, we head towards Rainbow Mountain (5,050m) for a 1.5-hour gradual ascent to enjoy a beautiful sunset. We then return to camp for dinner.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
- Hiking Time: 9 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 4,650m / 15,255 ft
- Highest Elevation: 5,050m / 16,568 ft
- Highlights: Ausangate, lakes, llamas, alpacas, local people, Rainbow Mountain sunset.
This day is both the most beautiful and challenging. We start with a 1-hour ascent to Warmi Saya Pass (5,000m), followed by a 1-hour descent to Ananta. The trail then takes us through small ups and downs for 2 hours to Ausangate Cocha (4,700m) for lunch. After lunch, we ascend for 2 hours to the highest point, Palomani Pass (5,130m), before descending for 1.5 hours to Phynaya Valley. We reach our camp at Uchuy Phynaya (4,550m), where our team will have the tents ready.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
- Hiking Time: 8 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 4,550m / 14,928 ft
- Highest Elevation: 5,130m / 16,830 ft
- Highlights: Ausangate, lakes, llamas, alpacas, local people, colorful mountains.
Today is a more relaxed morning. We start with a 30-minute gentle walk, observing llamas, alpacas, mountains, and glaciers. We then ascend for 1 hour to a beautiful waterfall before a 1.5-hour hike to our lunch spot at Jhampapampa (4,700m). After lunch, we ascend for 3 hours to Jhampa Pass (5,080m), then descend for 1.5 hours to Ninaparayoq, where we may see vicuñas and enjoy views of lakes and mountains.
- Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
- Hiking Time: 7.5 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 4,550m / 14,928 ft
- Highest Elevation: 5,080m / 16,667 ft
- Highlights: Ausangate, lakes, llamas, alpacas, local people, colorful mountains, possible vicuña sightings.
On our final day, we enjoy the magical views of Ausangate and visit the seven lakes. After breakfast, we descend to Pacchanta for lunch. Here, you can relax in the natural hot springs and buy local crafts. After lunch, we bid farewell to our muleteers and return to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
- Hiking Distance: Varies
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Highlights: Ausangate, lakes, hot springs, local crafts.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and group preferences.
Photo Gallery
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Transport from Cusco hotel to the trailhead (Upis) and from the end point (Quesiuno) back to Cusco
- Professional chef and assistant
- Muleteers and emergency horse
- Pack horses for equipment and personal items (8 kg/16 lbs per person)
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian/vegan options available)
- Boiled water and snacks
- Four-season tents (four-person tents for two people)
- Inflatable mattresses (Therm-a-Rest)
- Pillows
- First aid kit, including oxygen
- Pre-trek briefing
- Entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate, and campsites
- Private transport to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Meals and drinks not specified in the program
- Entrance fee to the hot springs
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Extra expenses during the trek (e.g., sodas, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks)
- Tips for guides, porters, muleteers (expected but not mandatory)
- Travel and health insurance (bring copies)
- A small backpack to carry a light coat in case the weather changes during the trek.
- Appropriate rain gear (raincoat) and a rain poncho.
- In the large backpack carry warm overnight clothes.
- It is advisable to place all your clothes and sleeping bag inside plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet if it rains.
- Original passport.
- Sleeping bag.
- Small towel.
- Trekking shoes, comfortable, it is recommended that they are waterproof.
- Sandals/ flip-flops
- Hats for sunny and cold weather.
- Sun block and moisturizing cream & after sun.
- Insect repellent (minimum 20%).
- Flashlight, camera, camcorder and batteries (with the cold weather they are consumed quickly).
- Toilet paper, wet wipes.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, cookies, etc.).
- 2 x 600 ml water bottles. You can refill it with boiled water during the trekking.
- Cash in soles and dollars.
- Hiking poles (recommended) or you can rent them from us.
- Pants
- Socks, polo shirts
- Underwear shorts
- Sweater, jacket.
- Towel, bathing clothes.
- Hat, scarf, sunglasses.
FAQs
We understand that sometimes your plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you make a booking but then wish to cancel it, the following cancellation policies apply:
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Yes. We always recommend that you take out an insurance policy before travelling. We do not cover you on our insurance policy and we require you to sign a waiver prior to travelling for any damages, injuries etc that may occur on your trip.
However, you can rest assured in the knowledge that our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.