Embark on a thrilling 3-day Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain adventure. Experience diverse landscapes, encounter Andean culture, and marvel at the stunning natural beauty of South America.
CUSCO – UPIS – PUCA COCHA LAKE
Nevado Auzangate - We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00AM to begin this amazing expedition. You will have private transportation to the trailhead at Upis. It is here you will meet your horsemen and horses. You will enjoy your first breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. After you will have wonderful views of the Ausangate glacier peaks since you will be hiking very nearby. You will also have amazing views of the lakes and waterfalls perhaps see some llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca) as well as condors soaring above. We will have a 3 hour uphill hike to reach the first pass which is at 5000m/16404 ft. Where you will have magnificent views of the surrounding area. You will arrive at our campsite at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake) at 5:00 pm. This campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites located at the skirt of the Ausangate peak and at the bank of the lake. You can see amazing sunsets from here and perhaps some condors and eagles flying nearby.
Baño termal de Upis - It is located in the Ausangate mountain range, there you can enjoy some comfortable hot springs with a view of the snowy Ausangate.
Laguna Ausangate - It is a green water body that has formed at the base of the Ausangate snowy.
CHILLCA – AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN - YANA COCHA LAKE
Nevado Auzangate - After an early breakfast we will start with a 2-3 hour steep climb to Alpaca Pass at 5100 m/ 16732 ft elevation. Along the way you will always have gorgeous views of the blue lakes and the majestic views of Ausangate Glacier Peak surrounding you. You can even sometimes see avalanches in process happening from the glacial hills with ice crashing into the lakes below. Once you reach the summit of this mountain, you will be located right in front of Ausangate and you can really enjoy the Chilca Valley, with many alpaca grazing along these hills. Honestly, it is so impressive to be right at this point at times you have the feeling that you are in The Kilimanjaro Trails in Africa. After taking some great pictures you will continue for another 2 hours gradual downhill trek – in some sections the trail is still a bit difficult to see and then we reach our lunch spot, located in Chilca Valley. The views are always amazing of the waterfalls, the green hills and snow-capped peaks located far away, on top of the mountains. After enjoying your lunch and a little siesta, you will continue on to the second pass of the day, Vicuña pass at 5300m/17388 ft elevation. It will be 1½ hour slow pace to reach the summit of this highest pass of the trek. Along the way it is possible to see some condors, and vicuñas if we are lucky enough. Then it will be another 1 hour downhill hike to arrive to our campsite at the banks of yanacocha lake where you will enjoy our famous daily happy hour of hot drinks. This campsite is located few hours away from our final destination which is The Rainbow Mountains. This is a perfect place at night to spot the famous Inka constellations and do some stargazing.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN-RED VALLEY-FULAWASIPATA - CUSCO
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain - After an early final breakfast with your trekking team and enjoying the hot drinks, it will be about 1½ hours gradual uphill trek until we reach the famous rainbow mountain and the Red Mountain Valley located at 5200 m /17060 ft elevation. Your guide will explain why these mountain are special and really are something quite different from any other mountains in the Vilcanota Range. This is due to a composition of various minerals which make different colors of stone striations formed right in the middle of the red mountains. This is definitely one of the key tourist highlights in South America and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru. There is nothing else like it.
After taking your photos and enjoying the views which you have come so far to see, you will continue the expedition to the end of the trail. This is all downhill along the Fulawasipata Valley for about 3 hours where you will enjoy your final lunch with your team. We will then drive back to Cusco, about 3 hours max drive and we will drop you off at your hotel. The drive itself provides really nice views of the Andes, passing some traditional villages along the way. You will be arriving into Cusco around 4 PM.
- Camping tent designed for 4 persons, but used only for 2
- Kitchen tent, dining tent, table, chairs
- Lunch and dinner included
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen bottle
- Breakfast included
- Boiled water provided throughout the day
- Horsemen and assistants included
- Horses to carry gear and a 5KG bag free of charge
- Private round-trip transportation
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Slepping bag, trekking poles, air matress
- Tips for the staff (optional)
- Extra drinks like beer,soda, pisco
- Travel insurance
The Ausangate Trek coupled with Rainbow Mountain is one of the finest hiking adventures in the Andes. This trek is ideal for those who wish to stray from the traditional routes and are in search of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our journey involves crossing four distinct mountain passes, discovering a variety of landscapes, immersing ourselves in the remote Andean culture, and marveling at an unparalleled night sky. Unquestionably, we will also get to explore the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain and Red Mountain valleys. These are some of the most striking and eternal natural sceneries not only in South America but also worldwide.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
