Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4D/3N

Type of Service
02 people as minimum and 07 people as maximum (customized service)
Difficulty
Formidable
Frequency
From March to January
Availability
Every day

Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 days

The 4-day Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain trek is one of the most breathtaking trails you can find in Peru.

On a clear day, Apu Ausangate can be seen from the city of Cusco. It is one of the most sacred mountains in all of Peru and is home to one of the country’s most extraordinary multi-day hikes. As the trail is over 4,000 meters in altitude, it offers hikers a challenging adventure! But will treat you to everything from snow-capped mountains to hanging glaciers and alpine lakes at every turn.

On day 4 of the trek, you will feast your eyes on the prize of a sunrise view over Rainbow Mountain and the neighbouring Red Valley. One of the most treasured vistas of the Cordillera de los Andes!

Places to visit :

  • Upis Hot Springs
  • Arapa Pass
  • Pucacocha
  • Abra Warmisaya
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Red Valley
From $ 495 / per person
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Duration 4 Days - 3 Nights
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Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis Hot Springs
  • Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha
  • Day 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate – Abra Warmisaya – Surina Cocha
  • Day 4: Surina Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

DAY 1: CUSCO – TINKI – UPIS HOT SPRINGS 

Day 1 begins with pick up at 5am from your hotel in Cusco.

Your private transportation will then take you on a 3-hour drive through the picturesque towns and valleys of the Peruvian Andes, until you reach the town of Tinki

Upon arrival in Tinki, you will say goodbye to your driver, eat a freshly prepared breakfast courtesy of our Andean chef, and load the horses up with your belongings.

After breakfast, you will follow your guide along the trail for 3-hours, passing by communities of Quechua speaking locals and their resident alpacas and llamas. Around midday you will stop for lunch, and then continue on for 2 hours until you reach the settlement of Upis and their beautiful Hot Springs at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.

The afternoon is then yours to bathe your chilly bones in the waters of the hot springs, amidst the backdrop of the snow-capped peak of Ausangate. After which, you will set up camp and enjoy a freshly cooked dinner, prepared by your personal chef.

  • Minimum altitude : 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
  • Maximum altitude : 4,400 m / 14,432 ft
  • Walking distance : 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Walking time : 6-7 hours

DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA 

Day 2 will begin with breakfast at 5:30am at the Upis camp.

After breakfast, you will begin the 3-hour hike to the Arapa Pass. The trail winds round the feet of the majestic Ausangate mountain range, eventually ascending up to the summit at 4,850 m / 15,908 ft. At the top you will be treated to stunning views of the snow-capped peak of Ausangate and its encompassing desert like hills.

After reaching the summit, you will descend for 1-hour until you reach the lunch place, followed by a 3-hour hike along the shores of the 3 glacial lakes of Hatun, Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. The water of the lakes boasts tones of reds, greens, and turquoises as the glacial melting sends it down waterfalls, flowing into the lagoons.

The Pucacocha campsite at 4,650m / 15,255 ft will be your resting place for the night. After an 8-hour hike, you will sleep soundly under the shadow of the hanging glaciers, surrounded by grazing alpacas and the Ausangate mountain range.

  • Minimum altitude : 4,100 m / 13,448 ft
  • Maximum altitude : 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
  • Walking distance : 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Walking time : 7-8 hours

DAY 3: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE PASS – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINE COCHA

Day 3 will begin at 5:30am with breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea at the Pucacocha campsite.

With the promise of the colours of the Rainbow Mountain on the horizon, you will start the most beautiful day of the tour with a 90 minute ascent to the Ausangate Pass at 4,930 m / 16,170 ft. From this vantage point you will be treated to a stunning view of Apu Ausangate and its hanging glaciers amongst the deep green of the Chilca valley.

The 90 minute descent down the opposing side of the valley, will bring you to the settlement of the Alccatauri community at 4,400 m / 14,435 ft. This rural mountain village will offer you a unique insight into the humble life of the villagers, who live in adobe huts amongst the treeless landscape of the Anantapata valley. As a token of appreciation for the hospitality of the residents, you will offer a donation of Coca leaves to your hosts. A valuable gift to the natives since it cannot be cultivated in the cold climate of the mountains, but is considered a staple of their existence to cope with the altitude here. Whilst in the valley, you will also stop for lunch in the Anantapata Lodge.

After enjoying a hearty lunch at the lodge, you’ll ascend up a llama trail for 90 minutes until you reach the Abra Warmisaya Pass at 5,050 m / 16,568 ft. The summit is the highest point of the trail so far, and a first chance to catch a glimpse of the mountain of 7 colours. The endless expanse of skyscraper mountains and alpine lakes all around you will give you a sense of floating above the world. As you contemplate your surroundings atop the summit, you’ll gift what remaining Coca leaves you have left to the sacred Mother Earth, Pachamama.

With a camera full of photos of that spectacular view, you will descend for 1-hour down to the Surine Cocha camp on the shores of the Surine Lagoon at 4,800 m / 15,748 ft.

  • Minimum altitude : 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
  • Maximum altitude : 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
  • Walking distance : 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Walking time : 8-9 hours

DAY 4: SURINE COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – QUESIUNO VILLAGE – CUSCO 

Day 4 will begin at 5am with breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea at the Surine Cocha camp.

As you watch the sunrise over the Vinicunca Valley, you will ascend for 2-hours until you reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,040 m / 16,535 ft. With an hour or so until the crowds begin to arrive from Cusco, you will have plenty time to befriend the magic of Vinicunca in peace.

As you snap the souvenir photos you came for, your guide will take you on a journey through the history of the mountain and the millions of years of geology that formed the layers into the colours we see today. After which, you will be guided a further 40 minutes along the trail to the Red Valley viewpoint.

Although only a short climb from Rainbow Mountain, the Mirador del Valle Rojo is not popular with tourists, therefore will almost certainly feel like an exclusive experience. Nonetheless it is absolutely worth the effort and will have you feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet in no time. Thanks to the bright red oxidized soil and endless barren hills, the Red Valley appear almost Mars-like. And the 360° vista of Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain, makes this astonishing viewpoint one of the best in the regioin.

The final leg of the tour thereafter, is a 2-hour descent to the Quesiuno Village, where you will have a well-earned lunch and bundle in your private transport for the 3.5 hour drive back to Cusco. Arrival time at your hotel in Cusco is approx 6pm.

  • Maximum altitude : 5,040 m / 16,535 ft
  • Walking distance : 10 km / 6.2 miles
  • Walking time : 5-6 hours

Included

  • 6pm Briefing at hotel in Cusco the night before the trek
  • Private transport from Cusco to Tinki
  • Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • Entrance ticket to Ausangate
  • Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
  • Trekking poles – 2 poles per person
  • All camping equipment: 2 person tents (with enough space for belongings)
  • Sleeping bags for entire trek – suitable for  -15° C / 5° F
  • Inflatable Mattress and pillow
  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
  • Duffel bag for your personal belongings
  • Muleteers & horses to carry tents, food, cooking equipment : 7kg per person
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (all prepared by our chef)
  • Vegetarian/vegan and special diets requested
  • Hot coca tea brought to your tent in the mornings
  • 1 litre of boiled water per person – given after breakfast to refill water bottle
  • Emergency horses in the event you can’t walk
  • Private transport from Quesiuno to Cusco
  • Oxygen bottle and first aid kit

Not Included

  • Food not included in the itinerary
  • Dinner on day 4
  • Optional entrance to Upis hot springs (S / .10 soles)
  • Gratuities / Tips for the guide, porters and chef

Recommendations to bring

  • Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
  • Valid Student ID card (if student booking)
  • Good quality walking boots or shoes
  • Sandals for down time (very important)
  • Baselayers of varying temperatures, especially for the night
  • Thermals, gloves, scarves, wooly hat
  • Good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters
  • Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season)
  • Waterproof trousers (for rainy season)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long trousers
  • Shorts suitable for hiking
  • Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
  • Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the trail
  • Headlamp/Torch (very important)
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Portable battery charger
  • Toilet paper (not usually found on trail)
  • Small travel towel
  • Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars

Price and Options

OPTION 1
$495 REGULAR PRICE 495 PER PERSON

(Groups of 4 – 7 maximum)

SHARED SERVICE

OPTION 2
$585 REGULAR PRICE 585 PER PERSON

(Minimum 2 persons)

PRIVATE SERVICE

Packing List

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

  • Original Passport
  • VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
  • Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
  • Good quality backpack (medium sized)
  • Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
  • Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)

FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:

The horses have a luggage limit of 7kg per person. We therefore recommend only bringing essentials with you to Ausangate.

  • 4 Long sleeve shirts
  • 4 Breathable t-shirts
  • 4 Sets of underwear
  • 4 Pairs of socks
  • 2 Hiking trousers
  • 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
  • 2 Fleece
  • 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
  • Small quick-drying travel towel
  • Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Facial moisturiser
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

Map

image 49

Additional Information

  • Los grupos están formados entre 4 a 8 personas como máximo.
  • Para la reserva de este tour se requiere un mínimo de 02 personas.

Where does the tour start and end?
  • All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
  • All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
  • The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
  • To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
  • For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
  • The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
  • The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
  • We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?

The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.

Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
  • CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
  • The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April  the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

What will you live in the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate 4 Days Tour

  • The route to the Mountain of 7 Colors and Ausangate is surrounded by mountainous landscapes.
  • It highlights the incredible Andean landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range.
  • We will be surrounded by mountainous landscapes and South American camelids typical of the Peruvian Andes.
  • This place is perfect for photographers because you can take photos of the landscapes that can only be seen on this walk.
  • We will visit local communities and be part of their customs and traditions.

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