Description
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain adventure! Explore Peru's Andean beauty, trek sacred peaks, and witness the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain. A journey of awe and cultural immersion awaits you!
Itinerary
From Cusco, we head through the stunning Vilcanota mountain range, passing charming Andean villages along the way. After getting breakfast and supplies in Tinqui, we continue to Pacchanta where we begin our hike!
We stroll through agricultural communities and admire breathtaking mountain views for approximately 3 hours before stopping for lunch. Another 2 hours will take us to Upis (4100 m / 13448 ft), where we relax in the local hot springs before dinner. Get ready for a wonderful night as we camp under the stars; this is the beginning of an unforgettable journey!
Great breakfast, great adventure! Get ready as we embark on the trail towards the majestic Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). Witness panoramic views of the snow-capped Mount Ausangate and the stunning Pucacocha.
Marvel at the vibrant hues of the lakes (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha), painted in reds, greens, and turquoises. Our second cozy camp near the Ausangate glacier awaits to make your day even more unforgettable!
Enjoy your coca tea with a smile! Today, our hike takes us to discover the distant Rainbow Mountains and guides us through the unique life of Alccatauri Village. The adventure begins with a 1,5-hour uphill ascent to Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft), where we witness the red mountains and spot vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas.
Descending to Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), we exchange coca leaves for hospitality and savor a delicious lunch. Then, a 1,5-hour ascent to Minasniyuq Pass reveals the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft), where we make offerings to Pacha Mama – Mother Earth!
The day concludes with a 1-hour downhill hike to our campsite, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), located next to the impressive Lake Surine.
After breakfast, get ready for a 2-hour uphill hike to the legendary Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will ensure you capture perfect photographs of this natural wonder, unraveling its mineral secrets and vibrant hues—a treasure found only in two countries worldwide; Peru and China!
Following the photo session, we descend thrillingly for 2,5 hours to Quesiuno Village. Lunch awaits us here, setting the stage for our journey back to Cusco in a private van. It’s the perfect ending to one of life’s most rewarding experiences! Return to your Cusco hotel around 6 pm.
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup (within the historic center)
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Camping equipment
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Tables, chairs
- First aid kit
- First breakfast, last dinner
- Entrance to hot springs
- Sleeping bag
- Walking sticks
- Extra horses
- Water, snacks
- Personal expenses
What to Bring?
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight backpack (20L)
- Hat or cap
- Long and short-sleeved shirts
- Long and short pants
- Raincoat, thick sweater, plastic bags
- Scarf, gloves, and hat for cold weather
- Eco-friendly water bottle (canteen)
- Sunglasses, toilet paper, and flashlight
- Camera and cellphone chargers
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal or medical items