About This Tour
The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days expedition. This exhilarating journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range, where rugged trails and breathtaking vistas await. Beginning in the historic city of Cusco, the trek starts with a scenic drive to Upis town, where the adventure truly begins.
Over the course of four days, you'll trek through highland valleys, past turquoise lakes, and alongside grazing llamas and alpacas. The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly Rainbow Mountain, with its vibrant hues caused by mineral deposits creating a surreal landscape that's a photographer's dream.
Expert guides will lead you on this challenging yet rewarding trek, sharing their knowledge of the region's history, ecology, and culture. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local Quechua-speaking communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life.
Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days Conclusion:
The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days expedition offers a remarkable journey through the Vilcanota mountain range. With its stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and expert guidance, this adventure promises unforgettable experiences. From the rugged trails to the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain, every moment is filled with awe and wonder. Truly, an adventure of a lifetime awaits.
Highlights
- Embark on a 4-day adventure through the Vilcanota mountain range, encountering stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures.
- Trek through highland valleys, past turquoise lakes, and alongside grazing llamas and alpacas.
- Reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain, standing over 17,000 feet above sea level, for breathtaking panoramas.
- Interact with local Quechua-speaking communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life and culture.
- Expert guides lead the way, sharing knowledge of the region's history, ecology, and breathtaking vistas.
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allCusco ‐ Tinqui Village – Upis Hot Springs.
We set off early from Cusco, traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. Along the way, we'll be treated to impressive views of the Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages. We'll take time to stop and capture some photos of the breathtaking scenery.
Upon our arrival at Tinqui, which serves as our trailhead, we'll be greeted with a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Our horsemen will then arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses, officially marking the start of our trek.
We begin our walk, traversing through farming communities and soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we'll break for lunch. Following lunch, we'll continue for another 2 hours until we reach Upis, situated at 4,100m (13,448 ft).
At Upis, we'll have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in the local hot springs before dinner. This tranquil setting will be our campsite for the night, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Andes.
Upis ‐ Arapa Pass - Pucacocha.
After a hearty breakfast, we're energized and ready to depart from our camp and begin our hike for the day. Our destination: the Arapa Pass, standing at 4,850m (15,908 ft) above sea level. From this elevated vantage point, we'll be treated to a breathtaking contrast between the dry, desert-like hills and the stunning snow-capped peaks of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha.
As we take in the awe-inspiring scenery, we'll also encounter three magnificent lakes: Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. Each lake boasts a mesmerizing palette of colors, ranging from rich reds to vibrant greens and soothing turquoises. These natural wonders add to the beauty of the landscape, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Our second campsite awaits us near the Ausangate glacier, offering a serene and picturesque setting for us to rest and recharge after a day of exploration. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Andes, we'll settle in for the night, grateful for the wonders we've witnessed along the way.
Pucacocha - Ausangate Pass - Minasniyuq Pass - Surine Cocha.
Today, you'll wake up to "room service" in the form of a hot cup of coca tea, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most breathtaking days of the trek. As we set out, we'll be treated to distant views of the iconic Rainbow Mountains, a sight that's sure to leave us in awe.
Our journey takes us through Alccatauri Village, where we'll witness traditional village life firsthand. Despite the lack of trees in the area, the residents demonstrate remarkable ingenuity, constructing adobe houses from mud and utilizing nature's fertilizer for fires.
The day kicks off with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb to the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft), offering stunning vistas of red mountains and the chance to spot Vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas.
Descending from the pass, we arrive at Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), where we'll reciprocate the locals' hospitality by offering them coca leaves, a treasured Peruvian staple that can't be cultivated in this climate.
After this unique cultural exchange, we continue our journey with a 30-minute uphill hike to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge, where we'll refuel for the adventures ahead.
Following lunch, we embark on a climb uphill to the second pass, Minasniyuq Pass, where we'll be rewarded with our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Here, we'll pay homage to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) with offerings.
The remainder of the day's journey involves a 1-hour downhill hike to our camp at Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), nestled beside the stunning Surine Lake, providing a picturesque backdrop for our evening rest.
Surine Cocha - Rainbow Mountain - Quesiuno Village - Cusco.
After breakfast, we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.
What’s Included
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more).
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Private van transportation from your Cusco hotel to Tinqui (the trailhead).
- Private van transportation from Quesiuno Village to your Cusco hotel.
- Four person tent for each 2 persons.
- Thermarest Inflatable Mattress.
- Kitchen tent.
- Professional chef and assistant chef.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc).
- Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal gear.
- Emergency horse in case we need it.
- Four breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners.
- Hot water for washing twice daily.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Admission fee for the Upis Hot Springs.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the 1st day.
- Day 4 Dinner.
- Personal Hiking Gear.
- Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm).
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses).
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended).
- Tips.
Tour Map
Calendar & Prices
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
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