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On this 4 days Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek feel the pulse of snow-clad mountains and the Rainbow Mountains while hiking through wilderness areas.
An adventure trek designed for a smoother and leisurely experience deep in the remote part of Ausangate. Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek takes you truly through the off the beaten trail. From the most iconic snow-capped mountains in the Vilcanota Range and the Rainbow Mountain of Cusco to the best trails of uncrowded Ausangate circuit. You’ll walk through an exquisite setting of gleaming glacial lakes, coloured hills, herds of llamas and alpacas, waterfalls, and the dazzling peaks and glaciers of Ausangate mountain (20,956ft). At the end of each exhilarating day, you’ll be welcomed at our unique camp sites in dramatic settings. Each one featuring private roomy tents, dining tent, toilet tent and, delightful cuisine! Your ultimate reward is an exploration of ethereal Rainbow Mountains, an impressive natural formation coloured hills in Peru.
A personal porter included to carry your 8kg / 16 pounds personal items.
Acclimatization: Please allow a minimum of 2 days in Cusco before your hike begins to Ausangate Trek 4 days.
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0500 AM
Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55º – 75º F with evenings cooling down into the 40º and 50º. Much of this experience takes place in the mountain. Here the weather can change quickly and evening temperatures regularly drop into the 30º and 40ºF. As our treks are planned during the “dry season”, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of rainfall and morning temperatures usually range from 35º and 45º F with some frost on the tents, and frosty plains in some locations. While April and November departures may experience slightly higher amounts of rainfall, all-day rain is unusual. We will be hiking over multiple mountain passes which are over 14,104 ft, so should you be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather.
→ This trip is officially operated by Happy Gringo Tours, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
We leave Cusco around 6:00 am by private van to the start of our trek, at the base of the impressive Ausangate mountain. For Tinqui we hike through local villages until we reach the small settlement of Upis and with an opportunity to take a dip in the local hot springs (10 soles). Here camp will already be set, and you will have the chance to enjoy the picturesque mountain backdrop as the sun sets on the mountains. Our chef will prepare lunch and dinner.
The morning starts with breakfast and a hike up Arapa Pass (4950m) before a slight decent to our lunch spot. After lunch we continue on to Lake Pucacocha – A deep turquoise lake and a perfect stop for a break. Along the way you will see local herders and llamas, and your expert guide will explain the history of the locals and the landscape along the way. Our campsite tonight is located just below the towering Ausangate Mountain. At our exclusive camp features thatch shelters for our tents, for added protection from the elements. Your evening will be enjoyed with dinner in our Mountain Refugio, here you will be surrounded by mountain views and incredible hanging glaciers.
Today is difficult but short. We start with a steep ascent up Puncacocha Pass. This pass boasts incredible views and as you reach the top you are rewarded with 360 views of one of the most incredible landscapes on earth. After conquering the pass we continue through a vivid green valley full of alpacas and llamas, if your lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Andean Condor or the rare vicuña. As we approach our destination for the night we will have camp set up for you to enjoy your surroundings and relax.
Enjoy a sunrise summit to the Rainbow Mountain!
On this morning our goal is to wake up early and leave camp by 5 am, this allows us to approach and experience the Rainbow Mountain in all of its glory with solitude. So, after a hot breakfast, and some coca tea we start with the uphill climb – Ananta Pass. From here you will see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain in the distance. We descend to a large valley and continue walking a Peruvian flat until you are presented with the final climb to the Rainbow Mountain. From here we head downhill to the village of Qesuno where we will have lunch, and pack up the van before heading back to Cusco with a drop off at your hotel. We typically arrive back in Cusco around 6:00 PM.
