Ausangate trek & Rainbow mountain trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis (L, D)

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the start of the trail head in Tinki where we will meet your horseman and horses. On the way we will wander through local communities and see villagers working in remote mountain villages. Traditional Andean animals like llamas and alpacas will be a common sight as well as many wild birds. After a good day’s hike, we will reach our first campsite at Upis, next to the river, with scenic views of the Ausangate Mountains. We also have a chance to enjoy thermal baths if you so wish. (optional – entrance fee not included).

• Campsite elevation. 4,100 m/13,451ft
• Weather: dry and  cold
• Rate: Challenging

Day 2: Upis – Condor Pass – Pucaccocha (B, L, D)

We will rise early in the morning and ascend the slopes to cross over the Condor Pass (14,760 ft). We will pass many beautiful lakes with a variety of colored hues such as the red lake Uchuy Pucacocha, where the local Andean healers perform special rituals requesting to receive the energy to cure the community from the mountain god and mother earth. We will stop for lunch at Pucamocco, a point known for its spectacular view of many huge snow-capped mountain peaks. You will also see the lakes and waterfalls, and perhaps some llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca), as well as condors soaring above. We will have a three hour, uphill hike until we reach the first pass, which is at 5,000 m/ 16,404 ft high.  After this we will continue our descent to our camp site in the lower skirts of the Ausangate mountain.

• Walked Distance: 12 km /7.5 m
• Weather: Dry and cold
• Elevation: at 5,000 m/ 16,404 ft.
• Rate: Challenging

Day 3: Pucaccocha – Alpaca Pass – Yanaccocha Lake (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, We will rise early in the morning, steep climb to Alpaca Pass at 5,200 m/ 16,732 ft elevation. Along the way,we will have gorgeous views of the blue lakes and the Ausangate Glacier Peak. we may even see avalanches happening from the glacial hills. Once you reach the summit of this pass, you will be right in front of an apu Ausangate mountain, so we will be able to enjoy the Chillca Valley from here. After taking some great pictures, you will continue for another couple hours downhill until we reach our lunch spot, located in Chillca Valley. After lunch we will continue on to the second pass of the day, called Vicuña pass, at 5,300 m/17,388 ft elevation. This is highest pass of the trek. Along the way, from here it may be possible to see some condors, and vicuñas. Then downhill hike until our campsite at the banks of  Sorani Lake, This campsite is located few hours away from our final destination, The Rainbow Mountains.

• Walked Distance: 15 km/9.3 ml
• Weather: Dry and cold
• Elevation: 5,300 m/17,388 ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 4,300 m/ 14,435 ft.

Day 4: Yanaccocha – Rainbow Mountain – Chillca Village – Cusco (B, L)

After early breakfast we will gradually trek uphill until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountains, we will be one of the first to arrive to the amazing Rainbow Mountain(5,200 m /17,060 ft ). Your tour guide will walk you to the perfect spots for postcard pictures. He will also explain why these mountains are different from any other mountains in the Vilcantoa Range. Part of the difference is due to a composition of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations in the middle of the colorful Mountains. This is one of the key tourist highlights in South America, and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru.

After we enjoying the views, we will continue on the expedition to the end of the trail. This is all downhill, along the Chillca Valley until we get our lunch spot. We will then drive for hours back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 5pm.

• Walking: 12km
• Weather: dry and cold
• Rainbow mountain elevation: 5000m
• Rate: Challenging

Included

• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel the night before your trek.
• Fluent English / Spanish guide that is very knowledgeable of the surrounding region and its customs.
• Private transfer from and to your hotel.
• All train and bus fares.
• Porters who will carry the gear & cook
• Pack animals: Horses for carrying camping equipment and your personal items.
• Camping equipment, dining tents with tables and chairs, where you enjoy delicious meals, camping tents to sleep.  (We will provide a list of items you should bring when you book).
• Sleeping Thermarest, but sleeping bag you need to bring with you or you can rent it from us.
• Porters who will carry the gear & cook
• Portable toilet
• You have a daily meals, breakfast, lunch or box lunch and dinner. Water, tea and coffee are including with the meals.
• Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate Mountain.
• Sleeping Thermarest, but sleeping bag you need to bring with you or you can rent it from us.
• We are also renting;
• Sleeping bag 15 
• Walking Sticks 12

Not Included

• Meals that are not referenced in the itinerary.
• Alcohol drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Tips for your guide are not included and are optional
• Travel Insurance

Pricing is primarily dependent on how many people are in your group. The amounts listed below are general rates so you can get an idea of how much things cost. These rates may go up or down based on a few different things (we’ve listed some common items below). When you reach out to request a booking, we will give you a specific rate quote at that time.

1-2: $999

3-4: $729

5-6: $659

7-8: $629

9+: $599

We recommend to take

• Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
• Sleeping bag suitable for temperature of trip
• Day backpack for things needed during the day
• Comfortable walking boots
• Rain Gear: poncho/a good rain jacket for wet season
• Canteen or camel back
• Warm jacket for cool evenings
• Woolen sweater or fleece
• Trousers, one waterproof of one normal
• Shorts
• T-shirts or light cotton shirts
• Hat with brim
• Walking pool
• Flash light/head torch (the campsite has its own light but you will need this in your tent
• Personal medications
• Insect repellent
• Sun screen
• Binoculars, camera and film
• Extra money for drinks, tips, souvenirs etc (soles or dollars)
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Travel insurance is essential
• Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes.