Rainbow Mountain &Ausangate 

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Pacchanta

We depart from Cusco early in the morning for our three hour ride in private transport to the small village of Tinqui (3,800 metres). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Pacchanta we have a wonderful walk with the great views of magnificent Ausangate. We get to Ninaparayoc Q’ocha or Soyrococha at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night. Total trekking time this day is 5 to 6 hours.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Ninaparayoc Q’ocha or Soyrococha – Puka Punta – Qampa – to Ausangate Q’ocha

After breakfast, we will head to our first pass of Puka Punta (5,000 metres). We will see several different coloured lakes from the view point after the pass of Puka Punta and the snow-capped mountains of Tres Picos.  We will descend to the valley of Qampa and then we will ascend to the Palomani Pass (5,200 metres); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley to Ausangate Q’ocha (Lake) where we’ll rest. Today will be our longest day – 8 hours of hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: From Lake Ausangate Q’ocha – Alberque Anante

From Ausangate Q’ocha we will follow the trail into the valley towards Anante Albergue where we’ll rest and have dinner. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snow-capped mountains. Total walking time is about 7 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Alberque Anante – Vinikunka (Rainbow Mountain)

After breakfast we will hike towards the Vinikunka (Rainbow Mountain) (4,900 metres) where we’ll rest and have dinner. During the afternoon we can enjoy the mountain views and the spectacular beauty of the Rainbow Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Vinikunka (Rainbow Mountain) – Quecheuno – Chillca – Cusco

We will descend for 3 more hours to the village of Quecheuno – Chillca where our transport will be waiting for us and we will drive to Cusco for 3.5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch and camping according to the physical condition of the group.
• Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.
• The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow covered massif. Temperatures are cold, and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 10 celsius or more).
• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike.
• AUSANGATE. This is an adventure trek. To enjoy it in full – bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

INCLUDED:

• An explanation two days before departing
• Transport in private bus to the start of the trek
• Transfer to your hotel on return
• Meals according to the program (Vegetarian option available)
• Boiled water on all days for your bottles
• Snacks far walking
• Camping tents for 2 and 3 persons depending on the requirements
• Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest)
• Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs
• Cook and assistant cook
• Kitchen/eating utensils
• Pack animals (mules and horses) to carry the baggage and equipment
• Emergency horse
• Wranglers to care for the pack animals
• Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish and Quechua
• Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people
• Entrance tickets to Ausangate area
• First aid equipment and oxygen tank

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast the first day
• Dinner the last day
• Tips for personnel: guide, cook, wranglers (according to their job)
• Sleeping bags (they can be rented in the office)
• Entrances to hot springs
• If you would like to rent an additional horse, the cost is $10 per day

What we recommend that your bring.

• 1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)
• 1 large backpack or suitcase to keep the things you don‘t need in your hotel in Cusco until you return from your trek
• Sleeping bag good for -5°C (which can be rented in Cusco)
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• 1 water bottle (1 liter) or a small plastic throw away bottle
• Hiking boots
• Tennis shoes
• 1 jacket (of nylon with hood and water and wind resistant)
• 1 Fleece Jacket
• 1 pair of gloves and hat of wool (they can be bought during your trip)
• 3 or 4 short sleeved shirts (preferably “dryfit” that don’t retain water)
• 1 pair of shorts such as bermudas.
• 1 pair of long trekking trousers
• Thermal underwear
• Socks: 4 pairs of wool and 4 of fiber (coolmax) for the trek (avoid cotton as these can retain water)
• 1 sun hat and sunglasses
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Personal medications and toiletries in small containers
• Sunscreen for your skin and lips
• Insect repellent
• Moisturizer lotion to avoid the drying out of the skin
• Bathing suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes
• Energy foods according to your needs: chocolates, granola bars, dried fruits, etc. (they can be purchased in Cusco).

OPTIONAL:

• Sleeping bags which can be rented in the office for $5 per day and good for – 10°C.
• Professional walking sticks can be rented in the office for $2 per day

Prices 2024

• If you wish to travel alone, you need to ask for a private tour, letting us know which date you wish to leave, and you must make your reservation a week ahead of time so that we can organize your tour.
• If you wish to go with other people, contact for our group departures.
• Write to us to make your reservation and we will send you the form and the payment conditions

DISCOUNTS:

• Volunteers in Peru: $20 U.S. (with a confirmation of volunteering activities)