Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain in 4 days

We will set off early from Cusco and drive by private van to the small village of Tinqui. There, we will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional locals villages as well as take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek will officially begin. We will start out through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain for around 3 hrs before stopping for lunch. After lunch, we will continue for another 2 hours to Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 3,810 m / 12, 564 ft
Maximum Elevation: 4,500 m / 14,532 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Early in the morning, we will wake you up with nice coca tea, and then after a big breakfast, we will get started on our hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass at ana altitude of 4,850 m / 15,908 ft. From this vantage point, we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert-like hills and breathtaking snow-capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoise (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 4,300 m / 13,560 ft
Maximum Elevation: 4,890 m / 15,909 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging

After being woken up with a hot cup of coca tea we will begin one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure.

The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see the Vinicunca rainbow mountain and also vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.

After the pass, we will descend for 1 ½ hour until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,410 m / 14,455 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.

Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.

After a satisfying lunch, we will begin hiking uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain(5,023 m / 16,489 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).

The remainder of the day´s hike is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 4,410 m /14,455 ft
Maximum Elevation: 5,023 m / 16,489 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km/ 7miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Demanding

Wake up call with nice coca tea, After breakfast, we will hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m / 16,480 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and the other surrounding peaks. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations.

After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.

Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Minimum Elevation: 5,030 m / 16,480 ft
Maximum Elevation: 11 km /6.4 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate