Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain – 3D/2N
Discover a 3-day trek around Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain, in the imposing Vilcanota mountain range. This area is renowned for its colorful lagoons, glaciers, snow-capped peaks and hot springs, as well as its rich wildlife, where you can see alpacas, vicuñas and vizcachas in their natural habitat. Along the way you will pass picturesque Andean villages whose inhabitants still wear their traditional clothing. Eco Aventura Peru has designed this trek for experienced hikers with limited time, allowing you to explore one of the most remote and spectacular corners of the Peruvian Andes.
Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain – 3D/2N
3 Days / 2 Nights
LOCATION:
Cusco
AVAILABILITY:
Every day
PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL:
Challenging
MAX. ALTITUDE:
5,036 m.a.s.l.
Trip Details
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Puca Qocha
- We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 5:30 a.m. and travel by private transport to Tinki (3,800 m), where we will make a brief stop.
- Then we will continue to Upis, the starting point of the hike.
- From there we will hike for about 4 hours.
- Upon reaching the first camp (4,460 m), you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Ausangate mountain.
- Near the camp there are hot springs and an alpaca farm.
Day 2: Puca Qocha – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Pass – Anantapata
- After breakfast, we will begin the ascent to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) and then descend towards Yana Cocha, where we will have lunch with a spectacular view of Apu Ausangate.
- We will continue climbing towards the Ausangate Pass (4,980 m), where the guide will make a small offering in gratitude to the Apu.
- Finally, we will descend to the Anantapata camp, arriving between 4 and 5 p.m.
- The tents will be ready for us to rest, have dinner, and observe the constellations before going to sleep.
Day 3: Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
- We leave camp at 4 a.m. to ascend to Warmisaya Pass (5,000 m), from where Rainbow Mountain is fully visible.
- Then we descend for 30 minutes and hike for another hour to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (5,036 m), before the crowds arrive.
- Your guide will explain the origin of the colors as you explore and take photos from different angles.
- You can also opt for an additional hike to the stunning Red Valley.
- Afterwards, we’ll walk back for about 3 hours to have lunch.
- At 4:30 p.m., we’ll take transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7 p.m.
Included
- Pre-trek information session.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Ausangate entrance fees.
- Camping accommodation (tents and sleeping mats).
- Private transport Cusco – trailhead – Cusco.
- Pack horses and an emergency horse.
- Personal duffel bag.
- Portable toilet tent.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Full meals during the trek.
- Filtered and boiled water.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee.
- Red Valley entrance fee.
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for the team.
What To Bring
- Original passport (and valid student card if you booked as a student).
- Small daypack (20–30 L) and a water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 L).
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and comfortable sandals for camp.
- Layers: 2–3 breathable T-shirts, hiking pants, thermal underwear, fleece and a warm down jacket.
- Waterproof jacket and pants or a rain poncho.
- Wool hat, sun hat, gloves and warm socks.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent.
- Personal first-aid kit, toiletries, small towel and toilet paper.
- Swimsuit if the route includes hot springs.
- Energy snacks and cash (soles) for tips and extras.
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
Prices
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Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain – 3D/2N
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