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Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain is one of the best tourist attractions of the wonderful Cusco, it will satisfy and give the best attention to the most demanding clients, you will obtain unforgettable memories like sumptuous panoramas of high mountain, formidable glaciers and crystalline rivers, lakes of turquoise color, peaceful pastoral scenes of the flocks of sequins and alpacas maintained by the Andean people with multicolored clothes.
All this time was there but went unnoticed, a true adventure through a nature preserved and wild, where the only meeting which you make will be, typical camelids (Vicuñas, Llamas, andean squirrels) a several color lagoons and small communities.
This five-day trek is a circuit in the Ausangate region of the Andes, an area known for its high-altitude scenery and the Ausangate mountain. The tour is designed for experienced hikers and includes a visit to the Rainbow Mountain area as part of the extended route. It offers a more in-depth experience of the region compared to shorter treks.
The journey begins with a drive from Cusco to the village of Upis, which serves as the starting point for the hike. The first day involves hiking over the Arapa pass to a campsite near Ausangate Lagoon. The following days include crossing more high passes, one of which reaches 5,200 meters and provides views of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
The route continues through valleys where native wildlife like viscachas and vicuñas can be seen, and it passes small communities such as Kjampa. A key part of the tour is a visit to the hot springs at Pacchanta for rest and recovery. The trek concludes on the fifth day with a final hike to the village of Tinqui, where transportation waits for the return trip to Cusco.
Early morning we depart Cusco in our transportation, driving 3 hours through typical and colorful villages to reach the small village of Upis and meet our supporting staff. After a short briefing, our route leads us across a pampa of grassy meadows, then we get to the first pass of Arapa. After a six-hour trek approx., we arrive at our lunch spot, rest, and have time to take pictures. Here, we’ll get some marvelous views of the amazing colors of the lagoons, such as Laguna Ausangate. Camping and overnight.
From here, we get a dramatic, close-up view of Ausangate snow-capped peak and we may even hear some chunks of ice falling into the lake from the sides of the mountain. We continue uphill for almost 3 hours to our second pass, at 5,200m/17,056ft. We enjoy wonderful views, not only of Mount Ausangate, but also of many other nearby snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range and the magic mountain Vinicunca, the rainbow mountain. A short hike down in the afternoon brings us to where we set up our campsite for the night.
Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent alongside a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the furry animals that can be found here. We pass through the small community of Kjampa (5,050m, 16,568ft), from where we can see the snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta (red peak) and Quimsa Punta. Upon reaching the final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha (green lagoon), we have lunch among the wild vicuñas and picturesque lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, then toward Kjampa, where we camp along the shore.
Hiking down through the Surapampa Valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to the hot springs of Pacchanta, where we can rest and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water with beautiful views of Ausangate.
Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui and we catch our private transport, enjoying the last beautiful views of the Andes on our way back to Cusco.
This trek is available for group departures every Friday from March to November for $1,539 USD.
The price for a private trek varies based on the number of people in your group:
A single supplement of $352 USD applies if you are traveling alone or prefer your own tent.
Personal Clothing
Personal Equipment
When to Visit The best time to do this trek is during the dry season, from May to September. These months offer the most stable weather and clearest skies. The shoulder months of April and October are also possible but carry a higher risk of rain and snow.
Recommendations
Climate The climate is extreme and unpredictable. Expect intense sun during the day and temperatures that drop significantly below freezing at night (as low as -10°C / 14°F). Be prepared for strong winds, and the possibility of rain or snow at any time.
Local People The Ausangate region is home to traditional Quechua communities who live by herding llamas and alpacas. They live a resilient life in a challenging environment. Always be respectful of their customs and lands.
How to Prepare A high level of physical fitness is mandatory. Your preparation should include regular cardiovascular exercise and long-distance hiking, preferably with elevation gain, to build endurance.
Recommended Age Due to the strenuous nature and extreme altitude, this trek is recommended for experienced adult hikers, generally between 18 and 60 years of age, who are in excellent physical health. It is not suitable for children.
How to Acclimatize Proper acclimatization is the most critical factor for success and safety. You must spend at least three full days in Cusco (3,400m) before starting the trek. Use this time to rest, hydrate well, eat moderately, and take short walks to help your body adjust to the altitude.
How difficult is this 5-day trek? This is a difficult trek. It is suitable for experienced hikers who are in excellent physical condition and are well-acclimatized to high altitudes.
Is a visit to the Rainbow Mountain included? The itinerary includes a stop at a high pass on Day 2 that offers a view of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). It does not involve hiking down to the main viewpoint seen on day trips.
What is the highest point of the trek? The highest point reached is a mountain pass on Day 2, at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,056 feet).
What are the sleeping arrangements like? Accommodation is in mountain tents for four nights. The tour provides the tents, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag? Yes, a sleeping bag is not included. You must bring your own, and it should be a four-season bag rated for temperatures of -10°C (14°F) or lower.
How much acclimatization is necessary? A minimum of three, and preferably four, full days of acclimatization in Cusco (3,400m) is essential to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Are there toilets on the trail? The tour staff will set up a portable toilet tent at each campsite. There are no facilities along the hiking trail itself.
What happens in case of an emergency? The guide carries a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle. An emergency horse accompanies the group to evacuate a trekker to the nearest road if necessary.
Do I need to carry all of my own gear? No. You will carry a small daypack with your daily essentials (water, jacket, snacks, etc.). Your main luggage (up to a specified weight limit) will be transported by pack animals.
Will I be able to bathe in the Pacchanta hot springs? Yes, the itinerary on Day 4 includes time to relax and bathe in the hot springs at Pacchanta.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!