→ Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca 5 Days

The Ausangate trek is a high altitude 70km hike in Peruvian mountains near Cusco with an average altitude of over 4000m. Unlike most other hikes in the region Ausangate is not about Inca ruins, it's all about beautiful scenery; snow peaks, glaciers, colorful mountain lakes, and the Rainbow Mountain.
The Ausangate (6398m/20991f) is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes.

The areas surrounding this mountain offer extraordinary sceneries of mountains, glaciers and lagoons. Moreover, the Andean people are very welcoming and friendly and preserve the respect for the nature. They also have an excellent knowledge of farming vicuñas, alpacas and lamas, being the first two appreciated for their fine quality of wool and alpaca for its meat. We will drive for 4 hours from Cusco and get prepared for a cold temperature and high altitude.

Day 01: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Panpa Arapa camp
Day 02: Pampa Arapa camp – Arapa pass – Puca cocha – Ananta Pata
Day 03: Ananta Pata – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate cocha
Day 04: Ausangate cocha – Palomani Pass – Qampa camp
Day 05: Qampa camp – Qampa Pass – Pacchanta (Hot springs) - Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Rainbow Mountain

Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Panpa Arapa camp

Our trekking expert guide will pick you up at 5 am from your hotel in Cusco and then, we head out in our private vehicle for roughly 3 hours to the trailhead of Ausangate trek 5 days. Along the journey, you will pass through different colorful villages following the highway to Puerto Maldonado. After driving 2.5 hours, we stop at Tinque (3815 m. 12513 ft.) to use a bathroom and buy something that we forgot to buy in Cusco and then we continue driving for 30 minutes by dirt road to get to the trailhead. Upon arrival, you will have time to organize your daypack and duffel bags while your trekking cook prepares the breakfast.
We will enjoy breakfast with spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and Apu Ausangate peak (sacred mountain) located right ahead of your trail, while our horsemen (muleteers) get the gear organized and packed for the hike. Then, the hiking guide will introduce the staff of the company who will be on Ausangate Circuit where you before began the hike.
We begin hiking on a small path that wind through the field of potato and Andean grains. The first three hours of hiking run over hilly pampa crossing some streaming and slight rise where you see some Andean row of houses built like in their ancestor’s time. While you hike through the spiky ichu grass of the pampa, you will have a chance to see some Andean gulls hovering on the wind, also we hike nearby of small ponds around Upis which is a perfect habitat for the Andean bird.

Just before Upis community (4,600 m / 15,088 ft.), you will enter by broad valley heading towards the glacier where you´ll enjoy your lunch just right at the base of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m. 20,900 ft.). After lunch, you will continue hiking for 1.5 hours to get to the first campsite through slight rise trail. Once you get to the camp, you will have free time to take a rest or walk around the campsite before the happy hours (afternoon tea), followed by dinner. Durant the dinner, the guide will tell you the scheduled wake time for the next day.

Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities
Lowest Point: 3.815 m / 12513 ft.
Highest Point: 4,600 m / 15,088 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner

Day 2 | Rainbow Mountain

Pampa Arapa camp – Arapa pass – Puca cocha – Ananta Pata

Our staff will wake you up and then, you will enjoy the breakfast. The path then starts to climb gently and consistently through the beautiful valley and rock-strewn area until the first pass, known as Arapa Pass (4760 m. / 15,595 ft.). Along the way, we may have an opportunity to view some wildlife. Vicuña (one of the South American camelids) usually are abundant along the way with Condor (the largest flying land bird). Additionally, we hike nearby beautiful and colorful lakes, known as Yana Qocha (black lake) and Puca Qocha (red lake) that are harbor a variety of birds (waterfowl such as Andean geese, giant coots, and ducks paddle about upon the water’s surface).

Lunch break while we enjoy a fantastic meal.
Following the lunch, we will hike 3 hours to the second camp, the first 1.5 hours the trail is uphill with stunning views of the mountain ranges of the Andes and also we see a pile of stones that were made by hikers as offering to Apu Ausangate (Holy Mountain). From the pass, we descend for 1.5 hours to get to the camp, hiking close to some llamas and alpacas grazing free. At the camp, we enjoy our afternoon tea and dinner and then to go to sleep, because the next day wake up will be early.

Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities
Lowest Point: 4,550 m / 14,924 ft.
Highest Point: 5,000 m / 16,400 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner

Day 3 | Rainbow Mountain

Ananta Pata – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate cocha

This morning, the wake-up time will very early to go to explore the painted hill or Vinicunca “Rainbow Mountain Peru”. Will only bring what we need. Typically, the sky is clear and is filled with stars. The hiking path is uphill for about one hour to Ananta Pass which is over 5,000m / 16,400ft. From here, the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain can be seen so far, after a short break, we descent and hike for about 1.5 hours to get the Rainbow Mountain.

Upon arrival, we will soak up amazing views of the painted hill or Vinicunca on Vilcanota mountain range and will receive information from your guide, why those mountains are unique!
After exploring, we back to our camp by the same path that we took, along the way, we will have a chance to see some peasant that are still using the llamas as in the Incas time. Once we get to the camp, we have time to take rest and enjoy the delicious lunch.

In the Afternoon, we will hike for 3 hours to the Ausangate Qocha camp where we follow the path along the skirt of colorful mountains. At the third camp will have afternoon tea before being served an amazing dinner

Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles
Hiking Time: 9 – 10 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities
Lowest Point: 4,600 m / 15,088 ft.
Highest Point: 5,000 m / 16,400 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner

Day 4 | Rainbow Mountain

Ausangate cocha – Palomani Pass – Qampa camp

This morning we have a wonderful breakfast and depart Ausangate Qocha and ascend to the highest point pass of the Ausangate Circuit, known as Palomani Pass that is over 5,100 m. / 15,010 ft. the trail ascends between the red bluffs of apacheta (mound of stones) and peaceful mountains. Where we´ll hike with our goal to reach the highest point. At the Ausangate Highest Point Pass, we´ll snap the unique pictures and soak up the gratification of our achievement.

Looking down the stunning valleys and Peruvian Andes (The Andes Mountain Range). After having photos at the Pass, we will begin our descent following the trail as it loops across the steep slope passing corrals and herds of llamas and alpacas.
After having lunch, we climb over the hilly terrain surrounding the peak of Ausangate, toward a marshy area to reach the upper level of the valley where is our basecamp. Upon arrival at basecamp of Qampa camp (4,750 m / 15,580 ft.), we will rest and have hot drinks.

Likewise, around the camp amid these rocks and bounders, you will have an opportunity to see viscachas muted brown in color (rodent in extension danger like rabbit with a long tail). At dinner time, your guide will provide the plan for the next day.

Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Overnight Accommodations: camping facilities
Lowest Point: 4,600 m / 15,088 ft.
Highest Point: 5,130 m / 16,826 ft.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
Level of difficulty: Challenging

Day 5 | Rainbow Mountain

Qampa camp – Qampa Pass – Pacchanta (Hot springs) - Cusco

After breakfast, this morning we leave Qampa basecamp with beautiful views of Huayna Ausangate Mountain through the Andean typical houses ascending step by step for about 2.5 hours towards Qampa Pass that is an altitude of 5,020 m. / 16,380 ft. Along the way, we will be amazed by snow-capped peaks and also is possible to see an ice-cape in the ravine below. From the Qampa Pass, we continue descending to gorgeous Qomercocha (green lake) located in the skirt of the Puka Moqo (Red Mountain).

Finally, we reach to Paqchanta village to have the last lunch prepared by our chef; furthermore, at Paqchanta you will have a chance to soak the natural hots spring before or after lunch, before taking transportation to Cusco.

Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Lowest Point: 4,300 m / 14,104 ft.
Highest Point: 5,030 m / 16,498 ft.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

What's Included?

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Ausangate Trek to the Rainbow Mountain guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Tinki Village the starting point of the trek to Ausangate trail and the Rainbow Mountain.
Adventure Experienced Ausangate and rainbow Mountain trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience.
- Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in Pampa Arapa campsite on the route Ausangate- Vinicunca trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Ananta Pata campsite on the route Ausangate- Vinicunca trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Ausangate Cocha campsite on the route Ausangate- Vinicunca trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 4: Enjoy the 4th night in Qampa campsite on the route Ausangate- Vinicunca trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, However it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to the Ausangate trail
Entry ticket to the Rainbow Mountain trail
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 4Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Paqchanta Village to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

What's not Included?

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation: Usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)