Trek to Ausangate and the dazzling Rainbow Mountain 8 Days
Ausangate and the Mountain of Colors: Magical Routes in the Andes
Embark on the Ausangate excursion, a gem for nature and trekking lovers in Cusco. This epic trek takes you through the foothills of the majestic sacred mountain, the imposing Ausangate Glacier, at 6,372 m / 20,905 feet above sea level.
On this unforgettable adventure, you will explore picturesque Andean villages, soak in soothing hot springs and capture the dazzling turquoise of crystal clear lagoons along the way. If you are passionate about hiking in the mountains, want to learn about local traditions and crave an intense experience in the remote corners of Peru, this package is tailor-made for you.
Places you will visit
Highlights
- 1
Explore the Cordillera Vilcanota, a spectacular mountain range about four hours south of Cusco.
- 2
Enjoy breathtaking views of valleys and mountains from spectacular viewpoints.
- 3
Be amazed by huge glaciers and crystal clear lagoons of vibrant colors.
- 4
Immerse yourself in the life of the Andean settlers and connect with new friends.
- 5
Immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions, and discover the wildlife of the region.
- 6
Discover Andean wildlife, from llamas and alpacas to condors and waterfowl.
Intinerary
Cusco The navel of Tahuantinsuyo
Immerse yourself in Cusco's History on an Adventure Day
We begin the day exploring Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca empire and a World Cultural Heritage Site. Our tour takes us to the Plaza de Armas and the majestic Cusco Cathedral, which houses unique art galleries. Cusco maintains its Inca walls and cobblestone streets that merge with colonial architecture. Next stop is the Santo Domingo Monastery, once the revered Inca temple Qoricancha, dedicated to the sun.
In the afternoon, we explore four ruins near Cusco: just 2 kilometers away, stands the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a monumental complex built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Then we visit Q'enqo, followed by the third ruin, Puka-Pukara.
We end our day at the last ruin: Tambomachay, located 6 km from Cusco and at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level.
Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Full day of exploration in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will visit charming places like Chinchero, with its history and cobblestone streets; the agricultural observatory of Moray and the colorful salt mines of Maras. In Ollantaytambo, we will visit an impressive Inca fortress and understand its construction. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, the starting point to Machu Picchu. We will rest in Aguas Calientes, close to the lost city.
Note: Leave your luggage in Cuzco and bring the essentials for the next few days.
Machupicchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu at Sunrise: An Unforgettable Adventure
At dawn, we will board the buses to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca treasure. Amidst the morning mist, we will unveil this architectural complex nestled on a narrow ridge, surrounded by cliffs. A breathtaking view that comes alive with the sun. We will explore its streets, plazas, royal homes, agricultural areas and observatories.
In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo, where a bus will take us back to Cusco.
Featured Activities
- Optional
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is an impressive mountain that stands out for its imposing presence and its proximity to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Ver mas$75 - Optional
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain, also called "Old Mountain", offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Inca citadel and the landscapes of the Andes.
Ver mas$75
Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
Explore Ausangate: Adventure and Hot Springs in Upis
We will start the morning in the direction of APU Ausangate. Our first stop will be in the picturesque town of Urcos, the capital of the Cordillera Vilcanota province. Ascending along the route, we will reach the Pilluyo pass, where we will be able to admire the "Apu Ausangate", the guardian of Cusco and all the cities of the region.
We will continue to Ocongate and then arrive at Tinqui (3900 m), where we will meet our mule team for the start of our exciting adventure. The first camp awaits us in front of the majestic Ausangate (6378 m) in the cozy village of Upis (4380 m). In addition, you will have the opportunity to relax in hot springs and recharge your batteries.
Upis - Pucacocha
Hiking through Rocky Mountains and Breathtaking Views: Towards Pucacoccha
We begin our hike at a leisurely pace through the valley, and then ascend through a scree at the foot of the snow-capped mountain. In the midst of this rocky landscape, it is possible to spot the famous Viscachas as they play among the rocks or enjoy the sun.
The ascent continues to a first step at 4730 meters above sea level. Molded by the winds, the contours of these mountains take on the appearance of sand dunes that dominate both sides of the valley. We cross a series of lagoons before reaching Pucacoccha, where we will spend the night.
Pucacocha - Ausangate - Camping Vinicunca
Exploring Steps and Views: The Road to Vinicunca
We leave the camp and begin to climb gently towards the pass (4940 m). From here, we enjoy an extraordinary view of Ausangate behind us. We descend to the valley to have lunch before facing the second pass (4980 m). In front of us, the Vinicunca valley unfolds, where the slopes are tinged with reddish and ochre tones due to the iron oxide in the rocks of the massif. Then, we calmly descend to the lowest camp in the valley. The more adventurous can choose to climb up to the Vinicunca pass to take pictures with the sunset.
Vinicunca Campamento - Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – Punku Wiri
Vinicunca (rainbow Mountain)
We leave the camp for the exciting Vinicunca pass. Here, the clay strata paint a beautiful rainbow on the top of the mountain, giving it a magical appearance as the colors transform from white to purple in a process that gradually turns into a rainbow.
We cross to the other side of the mountain and follow a ridge overlooking extensive valleys whose slopes are painted with vibrant colors. If we are lucky, we may spot numerous vicuñas. Our well-deserved lunch awaits us in the charming village of Anta Grande. We continue on our way for a few kilometers until we reach our campsite.
Punku Wiri - Cusco
Back to Cusco: Exploring the Mineral Valley
After breakfast, we begin a three-hour hike to Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we will visit an Andean family to learn about various traditions that have been kept alive for generations in the middle of the mountains.
After lunch, we say goodbye to the trekking support team and board our private transportation back to Cusco. Enjoy the view of mountains and lagoons from the window during this last ride. We arrive at your accommodation around 6:00 pm.
Includes / Not included
Important information
We want your trip to Peru to be an unforgettable and carefree experience. In this section, you will find all the answers to questions you may have about traveling with our agency. We have compiled all the important information in one place for your easy reference. We recommend that you read the following information carefully, as it will be of great help in resolving any doubts you may have about our services.
If you have any other questions that we have not addressed here, please feel free to leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help you plan an exceptional trip!
Briefing or briefing
To ensure a successful experience on your trip, we have scheduled all briefings and briefings at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) for the evening prior to your departure, at 5:00 p.m. These meetings are of vital importance and last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. However, if for any reason you are unable to attend, we ask that you coordinate an alternative time with us by email, phone call or by visiting our offices. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the most of your adventure.
Pending tour payment
To ensure the final confirmation of your trip reservation, it is essential that you complete the outstanding payment at least 2 days before your trek or tour, in case there is still a balance to cover.
We offer you two alternatives to make the outstanding payment. You can choose to visit our main office in Cusco, where we will provide you with a specific date and time to finalize the remaining payment. We also offer you the convenience of making the payment online through our secure web platform.
If you prefer to pay in person, we accept credit/debit cards or PAYPAL. However, it is important to note that we will apply an additional 5% charge for our payment service (Niubiz) and PAYPAL.
Remember that it is a requirement to pay the total amount before starting the trek. This allows us to ensure the availability of our services and guarantee a smooth experience for you.
If you have any questions or need more information about the pending payment, please do not hesitate to contact us via email, phone or visiting our office. We will be happy to assist you with whatever you need.
¿Puedo guardar mi equipaje en la oficina?
We offer convenient storage options for your luggage. You can choose to leave it at our office or at your hotel, both services are free of charge.
If you have equipment or belongings that you will not need during the trip, we recommend that you store them safely at your hotel. Most hotels offer this service. However, we suggest that you do not leave valuables in your luggage. It is preferable to store them in the hotel safe and ask for a detailed receipt. In the event of theft (although unlikely), many insurance companies may require a copy of the itemized receipt as part of the claim process. Also, for peace of mind, it is advisable to place items such as credit cards inside a sealed and signed envelope.
We will be happy to help you arrange for the safe storage of your luggage so that you can enjoy your trip without worry.
Traveler pick-up
We can pick you up at your hotel if you are in the Historic Center of Cusco. Arrival time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Your guide will coordinate the time at the briefing.
Lodging recommendation:
Cusco is a city with a unique historical charm! Its narrow, cobblestone streets make us feel as if we were in another era. However, there is something to keep in mind: some hotels and Airbnbs are located in areas that our transportation cannot reach directly. This might make picking you up a little bit complicated. But don't worry, we always look for the best way to solve it. If possible, we suggest you select a meeting point that is accessible to everyone, so we can make sure we start your experience in the best possible way!
Group travel
Group tours are composed of individuals of different profiles, which implies variations in the physical conditions and ages of the participants. When joining a group tour, it is important to understand that some people may walk faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person is allowed to follow his or her own pace during the route.
It is possible that the intention to modify the itinerary may arise from the group; however, final decisions on this matter will be made by the guide, who will consult with all members to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed changes.
Strikes and demonstrations
In Peru, strikes and demonstrations are frequent events that could affect some of our trips. Roads may be blocked and train tracks may be overrun, which may cause disruptions to our plans. Despite this, we will endeavor to maintain your original itinerary as far as possible, even if this means bringing your departure date forward.
However, in more complex situations, travel may be suspended. In the event of changes or cancellations, our operations department will coordinate with you. We want you to know that your safety is our top priority, so we will make the best decisions to protect you and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Lost and found
Please pay special attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to pick up everything once you leave our transportation, camp or restaurant. We would like to remind you that you are the only one responsible for your personal belongings during the tour.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Dates & Availability
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$1285
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