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Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru. The mountain has always been central to the religious beliefs of the Inca people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes.  With spectacular glacial views, and the unequaled beauty and solitude of Mt. Ausangate, this spectacular trek is for true outdoor adventurers seeking the trek of their lives!

Camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean goose and the almighty Andean condor as you hike the surrounding slopes of this mystical and spiritual mountain and enjoy the unique experience of walking among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages.

A new added feature to the itinerary of the Mt. Ausangate trek is the opportunity to visit and wonder at the natural colors of Rainbow Mountain.  The Rainbow mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicunas, bobcats and pumas. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest thing you’ll see in Peru.

Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate Rainbow Trekking Experience..!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

Your guide will meet you in Cusco at 6 in the morning, and take you via private transportation to the starting point of our trek in Tinqui where we load up your gear onto the pack horses. We’ll hike for the next 3 hours or so before settling down for a scrumptious local lunch.  After lunch you will continue hiking to our first camp. This day we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here you’ll have the opportunity to take a soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relaxing your muscles until dinner.

  • Distance: 9.65km/ 6 miles
  • Elevation: 4100m/ 13,450ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6  hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner  
  • Accomodations: camping

Day 2: Upis – Chillca

With two passes to cross today, we wake up early at 5am with coca tea brought to your tent and you will fuel up with a big breakfast for the day ahead. The morning starts with a hike up Arapa pass (4,958m/16266ft) before we descend a bit to our lunch spot near Lake Puma Cocha– a deep blue lake and a perfect stop for a break. Along the way you will see alpacas and llamas herded by the locals. Ausangate mountain will be to your left, while your expert guide explains the history of the locals and giving more details on the landscape you encounter along the way. After lunch we continue uphill for our second pass, Pucacocha (5000m/16404ft) where if you’re lucky you may see condors and vicuñas. We descend to our campsite of chillca where you will be surrounded by high mountains and incredible hanging glaciers, where you can watch for the glacier crashing into the lake below! As always camp will be set up for you to change and rest your weary legs while dinner is being prepared.

  • Distance: 15km/ 9.3mls
  • Elevation: 4300m/ 14,100ft
  • Hiking time: 7 hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner
  • Accomodations: camping

Day 3: Chillca- Rainbow Mountain (5200m)- Lake Ausangate

Today starts with the Chillca pass (5051m/16571ft), a very colorful mountain but only a precursor of what´s to come. After crossing the pass you enter into the Red Mountain valley, a wild desert landscape with vibrant colors all around, and llamas roaming the ground below. When you approach the top of the pass you will see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain in the distance, but your not quite there! From here you descend to circle lake and continue walking a Peruvian flat until we are presented with one final climb to Rainbow Mountain. Soak in the sights and enjoy what you’ve worked so hard for. We will enjoy lunch in the surrounding area, and head back down the valley to make our way to the stunning Lake Ausangate where camp will be set up and waiting for you to take a rest.

  • Distance: 20km/12.4mls
  • Elevation: 4300m/14,107ft – 5200m/17,060ft
  • Hiking time: 7-8 hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accomodations: camping

Day 4: Lake Ausangate- Palomani Pass – Pampacancha

Covering less kilometers today, as yesterday was a big day, we pass beautiful glacial tarns, lush green pampas, and follow the edge of the river. Today is a great day for spotting wildlife so keep an eye out for condors, and vicuñas.

  • Distance: 17km/10.5 mls
  • Elevation: 4300m/14,107ft – 5400m/17716ft
  • Hiking time: 7-8 hours
  • Accomodations: camping
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Pampacancha – Qampa Pass- Pacchanta (hot springs/ Camping)

With only one pass to cross today, we will take our time today enjoying the deep blue lagoons, and alpine glacial colored lakes along the way. If you are brave enough you can even jump in to cool off or take a swim. Views of the massive Ausangate mountain are still visible, only today you will get to enjoy them from a new angle along with views of the Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is the hot springs of Pacchanta where we will enjoy a nice soak and the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.

  • Distance: 16k/10mls
  • Elevation: 4300m/14,107ft- 5400m/17716ft
  • Hiking time: 6-7 hours
  • Accomodations: camping
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6: Pacchanta – Tinqui

Today is the easiest day of our trek as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui, walking on flat ground and celebrating our accomplishments. Once we arrive at the village of Tinqui, you will have your last lunch. Everything is packed up in our private transportation to make our way back to Cusco where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel arriving around 5pm.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

  • Distance: 16k/10mls
  • Elevation: 4 000m/13,123ft (descending)
  • Hiking time: 3-4 hours
  • Accomodations: camping
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch

WHAT IS INCLUDED

INCLUDED

  • Private transportation to the start of the Trek
  • Professional English speaking Guide
  • Meals as indicated
  • 7kgs personal luggage allowance
  • Duffle Bags for your personal luggage to put on the horses
  • Spacious tents ; Sleeping tents; Dining tent, kitchen tent 
  • Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
  • 1 Emergency Horse
  • Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping Bag – US$25 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$25 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$20 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Breakfast on the 1st Day
  • Dinner on the 6th Day
  • Tips

PRICE

The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have a minimum of two people. 

PRICE – US$757 per person

Personal porter included!

This price includes an extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs,  we will provide you with a duffle bag to put your personal belongings.

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag – US$25 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$25 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$20 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)

ADDED VALUES  for FREE

  • Thick Foam Mattresses
  • Small pillow
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
  • Boiled water for drinking purposes
  • Personal porter included
  • Duffle bags and trash plastic bags
  • Thick warm blanket to put over the sleeping bag
  • Hot water bottles to put into your sleeping bag so you can sleep like a baby.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate Trek” 

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCATRAILHIKEPERU at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course!During the Ausangate trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE TREK

FIRST, to book your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek entrance tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly asit appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Ausangate Trek.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

  1. According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need ISIC cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
  2. All students from 12 to 17 years, the discount is $40.
  3. For children from the age of 2 to 12 the discount is $60.
  4. Children between the ages of 0 to 2 are free.
  5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
  6. Send us a copy at info@incatrailhikeperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable.

With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  BUT you will come across different weather patterns as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. With the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some very warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.  It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE TREK

In general if you exercise regularly and spend  3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. INCATRAILHIKEPERU specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING THE TREK 

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Ausangate trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

Yes, it is a challenging trek because most of the time you are over 4 000 meters or 13 123 feet.  You need to be in good physical condition and used to hiking.

In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to a fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE AUSANGATE TREKS?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! SAM Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.”  Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE AUSANGATE TREK

In the event that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE AUSANGATE TREK?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCATRAILHIKE Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

PACKING LIST

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG

As a professional direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
  • Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Valuable Items

Gallery AUSANGATE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 6 DAYS

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