This is an ultimate journey that’s been on my bucket list for a while now. The Private Ausangate Trekking & Rainbow Mountain trip is a thrilling, four-day adventure that takes you through some of Peru’s most stunning and untouched landscapes. I’m craving the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain and the ethereal, vibrant hues of the famous Rainbow Mountain.
What truly calls my name is the chance to immerse myself in the rich culture of local Andean communities, trekking through high-altitude terrains and exploring colorful lakes and valleys. It feels like an experience you can’t get just anywhere, perfect for those who want a challenging excursion far from the usual hoards of tourists. I’m also really impressed by the dedication to guest comfort and safety, with professional guides who have at least three years of experience and carry a full first aid kit and an oxygen bottle. They’ve really nailed the logistics, handling everything from private transport to providing high-quality tents and equipment.
Our trek to the incredible Apu Ausangate kicks off bright and early. We’ll get picked up from your hotel in Cusco (11,155 feet / 3,400 meters) at 6:00 a.m. and head out on a four-hour drive through the scenic Urco Pass (14,550 feet / 4,435 meters). Along the way, we’ll take in the incredible views of snow-capped mountains and valleys. We’ll have a delicious lunch in the small village of Tinqui (12,467 feet / 3,800 meters) before continuing our journey. We’ll pass stunning farmlands dotted with traditional houses and grazing herds of alpacas and llamas. After driving through the Upis Pass (14,550 feet / 4,435 meters), we’ll finally arrive at the hot springs of Upis (14,550 feet / 4,435 meters). We’ll set up camp and spend a couple of hours relaxing in the hot pools, appreciating the overwhelming tranquility of the place with dramatic mountain views. We’ll enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and stay overnight at the campsite.
Today, we’ll get a wake-up call with a hot cup of coca tea. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll start our hike through the high Andes Mountains. If we’re lucky, we’ll see condors soaring above us. Our guide will teach us about the local flora and fauna. As we descend, we’ll see the beautiful Ausangate Lake (15,255 feet / 4,650 meters). The landscape is surrounded by forests of Polylepis trees, nestled between the colossal mountains of the Vilcanota range. We’ll arrive at our Pukacocha Camp (15,900 feet / 4,846 meters) and have a light afternoon snack, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views before our chef prepares dinner.
After a big breakfast, we’ll continue our hike through the high Andes, ascending toward the Abra Puca Pass. We’ll pass stunning turquoise lakes and come face to face with the magnificent Apu Ausangate (20,905 feet / 6,372 meters). Our guide will share the history of the mountain and its spiritual meaning. Ausangate is considered the powerful source of all good things in the region. We’ll continue toward the Rainbow Mountain valley, enjoying an incredible view of the Chilca valley. We’ll then descend gradually for two hours to our lunch spot in Anantapata (14,435 feet / 4,400 meters). After resting, we’ll head uphill toward the Pitumarca Pass (16,570 feet / 5,050 meters). From there, we’ll go downhill for 20 minutes to Lake Yanacocha (15,748 feet / 4,800 meters). We’ll set up camp here and take a short excursion to the famous Rainbow Mountain to see its vibrant colors as evening approaches. After about 45 minutes, we’ll return to camp for dinner.
We’ll start our final day early, waking up at 4:30 a.m. for breakfast. We’ll head back to Rainbow Mountain to watch the sunrise, and our guide will share his knowledge of this amazing place. We’ll then start the last part of our journey, descending toward the Red Valley. I’m particularly looking forward to this section, as it’s a lesser-visited valley and its immensity will surely be a breathtaking surprise. After visiting a lookout, we’ll hike downhill for about an hour, passing traditional houses and grazing llamas and alpacas. We’ll have our final lunch together before taking our private transport for the four-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6 p.m.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
When walking the Ausangate walk, following certain guidelines will help keep you safe. Choosing the right time to visit is important to avoid heavy rain and landslides. Adjust to the altitude before starting your hike and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Buying travel insurance will help you in case something goes wrong. Read the trekking tips below for more details on safety and other useful information to help you plan your trip.
Excessive rain from December to February can erode the trail and even create landslides. Not only is it unpleasant to walk in these conditions, but it can also be dangerous. If you are hiking during the rainy season, listen for updates from Peruvian authorities on hiking conditions.
Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before embarking on the trek. You will enjoy the hike more once your body has had time to acclimatize. If you feel like you have symptoms of altitude sickness, take a break and don’t overexert yourself.
When traveling independently, keep an itinerary of your trip at home with family and friends. There is no telephone reception on the Ausangate Trek, making it impossible to communicate in an emergency. Informing others of your plans will allow them to seek help if they have not heard from you.
Most locals in these remote Andean towns do not speak English. Knowing at least a few basic phrases or having a dictionary on hand can help you communicate if necessary.
If you are trekking through a reputable travel agency, your trekking company will be able to provide you with water. If you are hiking on your own, be sure to use water purification tablets before drinking water from natural sources. Staying hydrated is especially important to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
As with any outdoor adventure activity, the Ausangate hike can be unpredictable. Cancellations may occur due to weather, landslides, etc. There is also a risk of injury or illness. For peace of mind, invest in a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers you throughout your trip.
Lima is the nation’s bustling capital and travel hub, where all but a few international flights land. From there, you must connect to a domestic flight to Cusco. There are many flights per day and the trip only takes about 1 hour. Several airlines fly this route, including some low-cost options. However, the most reliable option is LATAM.
Cusco is the base for the most popular hikes in the region. From here, organize the Ausangate trek with a reputable travel agency, who will take care of all the logistical details. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the trailhead. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
You will need to arrange accommodation in Cusco before and after your hike. There is a wide variety of hotels available, ranging from cozy family inns to luxurious 5-star resorts. While there are options to fit all budgets, it may be worth splurging on your hotel. After such an adventurous hike, reaching a comfortable place for a well-deserved rest will surely be worth it.
If you want to visit the Vinicunca colorful mountain, be sure to plan ahead. When organizing your trek with a travel agency, inform them in advance. Not all trekking companies include it in their itinerary by default. The dry season is the best time to see the vivid colors of the mountain as shown in the photos. During the rainy season, it can often be covered in snow, leaving travelers disappointed. Unlike the rest of the Ausangate hike, the Vinicunca colorful mountain is very popular with tourists, so be prepared for large crowds.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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