• Availability: Available now
  • Group size: 2-10
  • Tour Type: Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Elevation: 5100 meters above sea level

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 3D/2N

420 USD Per person

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 3D/2N

The Ausangate region, where the famous rainbow mountain and its twin sister the rainbow mountain of Palcoyo are located, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Peru and that is not yet well known by hikers. The Ausangate Trek and the Rainbow Mountain hike, allows you to enjoy dreamy landscapes, you can observe beautiful lagoons of different colors, imposing snow-capped mountains and huge herds of Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas. If you are not a lover of the conventional and want to see and be in direct contact with landscapes very different from the Salkantay Trek or the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, then this incredible adventure along the Ausangate region is for you.

On the 1st day you see the beautiful snow-capped Mariposa, small colored mountains, wild vicuñas and the beautiful Pucacocha lake. During the 2nd day, the snowy Huayna-Ausangate is explored with its 2 beautiful light blue lagoons, the reddish mountain of Chilca is reached and the beautiful rainbow mountain is seen in the distance. Finally, on the 3rd day, you reach the rainbow mountain for sunrise and avoid the 3000 thousand people who arrive daily at this beautiful place.

Highlights of our Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 

  • We wish to create a lifetime experience for you. So we carefully and in detail planned every aspect of this 3-day trek to Rainbow Mountain.
  • Our guides, cooks and porters are obsessed for what they do. We provide top quality service.
  • Our camping equipment, is of the highest quality, resistance and very spacious.
  • We provide a emergency horse; just in case someone needs a little push.
  • We pamper you with a wool alpaca blanket and a hot water bladder.
  • We will prepare a traditional andean underground barbecue; called Pachamanca.
  • See the sunrise on Rainbow Mountain! and be the only ones to observe it.
  • We are the only hiking specialist; that prepares food for our hikers and staff, using 100 % organic vegetables purchased from local producers.
  • Our Ausangate and rainbow mountain tour is of fair and cheap price compared to other operators.

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek Trip Overview

  • Trek Type: Hiking, scenic, cultural and informative.
  • Good for: Those in moderate shape or better.
  • Difficulty: Difficult to Challenging
  • Considerations: In order to give you the best itinerary and experience on this trek; our program it is completely different from the other companies.
  • Season: From March 1st to December 31th.

Day 1: Cusco – Upis Alto – Yanacocha – Pucacocha.

  • Hiking distance: 6 miles/10 km (7 hours)
  • Campsite altitude:  4.585 meters above sea level
  • Considered: Moderate to Difficult.
  • Meals: Breakfast,snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner! All served as buffet.
  • Weather: Cold and windy.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotels at 4 am. to then be driven for 3 hours to the village of Upis Alto, from where we will start this incredible journey through the Ausangate Trek bound for the famous rainbow mountain. After tasting a breakfast that will boost your energy, we get ready to start the first section. We will go up for 3 hours to the Arapa pass; Throughout this ascent we will be blessed by a beautiful view of a snowy mountain. Upon reaching the Arapa pass we will have a spectacular view of a small series of mountains of reddish, greenish, orange, white and purple colors.

Then we hike for 45 minutes through a flat terrain and surrounded by herds of Vicuñas (wild ancestors of the Alpacas), to Yanacocha, where we will have lunch. This lunch is composed of a cold fruit juice, a starter, a soup and main dishes buffet style. After a little digestion, we keep hiking and delighting ourselves with the spectacular landscapes of the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek. We will hike downhill for 1 hour to Lake Pucacocha. This lake will surprise you by its size and its beautiful greenish color.

Then we ascend for about 45 minutes to our camp. Upon arrival, our super porters will have our tents already set up. We will have time to rest and wash up a bit, with the containers of warm water and a towel that our porters will give us. At night we will have tea time and a delicious dinner prepared by our expert trekking cook.

** The first day in the Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain; will provide you the marvelous experience to stargaze the Andean sky and Inca constellations from an outstanding location.

Ausangate-trek-to-machu-picchu

First day Ausangate Trek Map

 

Day 2: Pucacocha – Condor Pass – Anata – Kilhua Qocha

  • Hiking distance: 7.5 miles/12 km (7 – 8 hours)
  • Campsite altitude: 4.650 meters above sea level
  • Considered: Difficult to challenging.
  • Meals: Breakfast,snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner! All served as buffet.
  • Weather: Cold and windy

This will be the most challenging day of the trek through the Ausangate and rainbow mountain domains. We will wake you up very early with a cup of hot coca tea. 5 minutes later, your guide will give you a container of warm water to wash your face and wake up in a better way. After a nutritious Andean breakfast, we will hike uphill for 3 hours along a winding path full of magical views; you will see three sky-blue lagoons, the Wayna Ausangate snow-capped and many Andean geese and gulls. Upon our arrival at the mountain pass, we will have an impressive view of the snowy Ausangate (the highest in Cusco), a reddish mountain and the inter-Andean valley of Chillca.

After taking some impressive photos, your guide will perform a small ceremony of gratitude to Mother Earth (a very widespread tradition in the Andes). Then we will descend for 2 hours through a meandering gully to our lunch spot. After tasting a delicious buffet, we will ascend for 2 hours to the Warmisaya pass; This section is surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains and some small reddish mountains.

From this mountain pass, we will have a first glimpse of the rainbow mountain and of our second camp. We descend for 45 minutes and then ascend for 30 minutes to our camp. At night we will enjoy a tea time, where there will be popcorn, hot chocolate and crackers, then we will have dinner and go to sleep like drunk baby Alpacas.

** Even though the second day in the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek, will be the most challenging: you have to remember that only 400 people a year, has the fantastic chose and luck to hike on this off the beaten track.

ausangate-trek-to-machu-picchu

Second day map of the Ausangate trek, rainbow mountain and Machu Picchu

 

Day 3: Kilhua Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco.

  • Hiking distance: 5 miles/8 km (4 hours)
  • Hotel altitude: 2000 meters above sea level
  • Considered: Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast,snacks, lunch and dinner! All served as buffet
  • Weather: Cold and windy

Magical day for us, we will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible sunrise on the rainbow mountain, this trek in Ausangate was worth it. We will wake up very early and after our last breakfast, we will hike uphill for 45 minutes to the famous rainbow mountain. This arrival will be truly glorious, to see that multi colored mountain illuminated with the first rays of sun, and the best of all, only for us, is incredible (traditional 1-day tours arrive to rainbow mountain around 8 am). After taking lots of Instagrammable photos and learning interesting facts about this rainbow mountain, we will hike for 20 minutes to the red valley. As its name says, from this place we will appreciate an entire valley colored in red.

Later we descend for 2 hours to our lunch point. After enjoying our last and delicious buffet lunch, we say goodbye to our hiking team and return by van for 3 hours to our hotel in Cusco, where we arrive by 16:00 pm. Our rainbow mountain trek service is door to door, so our Incago driver will drop you off right in the door of your hotel.

** Spectacular way to culminate this journey through the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain hike.

Included on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Professional local english speaker Guides: all our super leaders grew up in cusco region and studied tourism for five years at cusco’s university, they are friendly, funny charming, knowledgeable, professional and will care your safety into our two day hikes.

Permits: As soon as we get your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits for the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu.

Briefing: The night before your trip, you will come to our office for your informative meeting. You will receive your duffle bag that will stay with your porters while you hike on the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu. This duffle bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 pounds and should include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

Transportation: Incas Path will be providing all transportation for this four day Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu. You will be picked up from your hotel at 4 am and brought to the trailhead and then on the last day, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco.

Hotel: This Ancascocha Machu Picchu Trek, includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice, and upgrades are always available.

Food: Our four day trek includes expert hiking chefs who will cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let us know. Food is typically all served as buffet.

Water: We are going to provide you water three times a day. We boiled and filtered water that we supply our hikers during breakfast, lunch and dinner. You only need to bring with you, your camel bag or water bottle.

Details: we profess that it is the attention to small details that separates us from other travel agencies. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress to insulate, a backpack cover to protect their belongings while hiking and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.

Satellite phones: our priority will always be the safety of our customers and our crew. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with most basic problems that occur in the mountains. Very rarely serious problems may occur that will require the assistance of a specialist doctor and that is when our satellite phones are very useful and necessary; also if you want to call a friend who is anywhere in the world, from the Rainbow Mountain or in case you need to verify the puppy that you left at home with the grandmother. While satellite phones are not cheap, We believe they are very important for your security and to give you the best possible experience.

First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a clinic and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek, which every Incas Path tour guide must attend. Your tour leader is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.

Not Included on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Rentals: Due there We are hiking the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu, each trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and trekking poles (with rubber tips). They are optional but encouraged for a better comfort. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

  • Sleeping Bag: $20
  • Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
  • Trekking Poles (Pair): $15

We would love to tour the Rainbow Mountain Trek with you and your loved ones and take care of immortalizing your visit to Machu Picchu. We can leave any day from March to January as the one two trek is always available.

Group Price (2020):

  • $420 per person

Private Tour:

Private tours are available and priced by party size.

  • 2 Trekkers: $450 per person.
  • 3 Trekkers: $445 per person.
  • 4 Trekkers: $440 per person.
  • 5 Trekkers: $435 per person.
  • 6 Trekkers: $430 per person.
  • 7 Trekkers: $425 per person.
  • 8 or more Trekkers: $420 per person.

Student Discount:

  • – $ 20 discount per person

Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid International Student Card (ISIC) at the beginning of the hike or who is 17 years old or younger. For those who use an international student card or for children under 17, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount of Machu Picchu.

Please send everything to info@incaspath.com

This Rainbow Mountain Trek includes horses that will carry all your duffle bag while you hike on this incredible region. We suggest you to carry lightweight backpack that the is key to feeling good during this 4 day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek.

Essentials:

  • Original Passport.
  • STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student).
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru).
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better).
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) remember that the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek is entirely dirt soil.

For Your Duffel: 

Our mules will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

  • 2 wicking t-shirts.
  • 1 hiking pants.
  • 2 sets of undergarments.
  • 2 sets of hiking socks.
  • 1 fleece and 1 down jacket; it gets cold at night.
  • 1 rain jacket and rain pants /rain poncho.
  • 1 sun hat.
  • 1 wool hat.
  • Headlamp: essential.
  • Hiking boots.
  • Comfortable shoes for camp.
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might bring a towel a little larger.
  • Battery Charger: ¡There is no place to plug, on the rainbow mountain trek!
  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep away clean clothes from dirty clothes.
  • Earplugs in case someone from the group snores.
  • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least.

Toiletries:

  • Sunscreen.
  • Face moisturizer.
  • Bug spray.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Wet wipes.
  • Toothbrush and paste.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Personal medication.
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

 

Inside Your Daypacks:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Some ítems you need to pack, are listed below:

  • Passport.
  • Sunhat.
  • Sun cream.
  • Sunglass.
  • Headlamp.
  • Rain gear.
  • Fleece.
  • Snacks, which contain a quick source of sugar or caffeine.
  • Electrolytes, which are very useful to replace mineral salts lost when hiking.
  • Camera.
  • Music (IPhone).
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips.

Where do we pick up the hikers for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Pick up will be from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. Please provide clear contact information of your place of accommodation when approaching to our office in Cusco.

Where to pay the remaining amount for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Most hikers arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before hiking for proper acclimatization. Once you are in Cusco it is imperative that you come to our office to review the last details of your excursion and also pay the remaining amount of your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek.

Reserve for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

We try to make the booking as easy as possible in Incas Path. We prepare a reservation form where you will complete and include all the details for the excursion, and then a deposit of $ 100 per person. Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. Once the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All excursions once confirmed, are guaranteed.

Permissions for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Only tour operators licensed by the government, such as Incas Path, can obtain the corresponding permits from the government. Once we have obtained your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek permits, the name and start date cannot be changed under any circumstances. The only information that the government allows us to change are passport numbers.

Passport Number Update?

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any identification document that you have in your hands will be accepted while the name is the same as in your passport.

Where to stay in Cusco?

You can stay in a hotel that you consider convenient, however you must have the account of the location of the hotel because the traffic within the city has become stressful in the last 5 years. Many roads are up to 100 years old; Especially near the main square the roads are only for pedestrians. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car from your hotel or coordinate another nearby pick-up point. For a list of recommended hotels, consult your Incas Path sales representative.

Can I stay in the sacred valley?

Not, as the driving route to get the trailhead of the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek does not go through the sacred valley of the incas.

During the trip, how challenging is the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Remember that this 4 day Rainbow Mountain Hike, is challenging because you will hike in very high areas and also climb two very high mountain passes. Also if rains, the dirt soil path could be muddy and slippery ( don´t worry if you have good hiking boots), so it will be exhausting but it will be worth it, when you arrive at rainbow mountain.

Will I need extra money on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Of course, if you want to buy some soft drinks, reminders or for tipping, take about 600 soles with you; «also remember that along the days of hiking into the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek just cash is accepted».

How many people will be in my group on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

We require a minimum of 2 people for our tour, and if you are traveling alone, we invite you to join our groups that start each day. We can have up to 8 hikers with a guide and if our groups are between 9 and 16 people, we have 2 accredited guides with a lot of experience in the ausangate rainbow mountain trek. During the low season it is most likely that the groups are small and during the high season the groups are probably much larger.

Do you need hiking boots for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

We always recommend hiking boots, since if it rains a little, the hiking sections can become a bit muddy and slippery; please make sure they have good soles.

Are trekking poles really necessary on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Incas Path recommend the use of trekking poles for everyone, especially for those passengers with knee problems or older people; there are several sections during the tour where you will need to use the walking sticks, either climbing or descending the dirt soil paths.

Are there any toilets along the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Along the Rainbow Mountain región, there are 3 places that has toilet; firstly at the hiking start, then at lunch spot and finally at basecamp. Please carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack.

Can I use plastic bottles while hiking on the Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Due to New government regulations for the ausangate rainbow mountain trek, it will be 100% BANNED to BRING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We kindly suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any disappointment at the checkpoints along the hike.
Aluminum water bottles can be bought in many different shops around the main square.
If you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

Where do I store my luggage?

All luggage not necessary for the hike must remain in Cusco. All hotels are very helpful and are quite accustomed to storing luggage of their guests. If you wish you can also store it safely with our customer service team in our office storage.

What should I expect from the weather on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Historically in the Peruvian highlands, we have the dry season that goes from April to October and the rainy season that goes from November to March. Unfortunately, this pattern is changing a bit due to climate change. Be ready with your cap/hat and your bottle of sunscreen, because the solar radiation in Cusco during the day fluctuates between 16 and 18 points. And do not forget to bring warm clothes for the cold at night, since the temperature can drop as low as 0 ° C degrees Celsius.

Can Incas Path please my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?

For us it is an honor to please all kinds of dietary needs, just let us know at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant or if you have any type of allergies. We have a team of chefs with a lot of experience in the preparation of all types of diets on the ausangate rainbow mountain trek. Also remember that we want to pamper you during your trip to the rainbow mountain region and for that reason we use 100% organic vegetables for the elaboration of our buffet meals.

What type of outlet is used in Cusco?

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US output; however some local áreas, still use that of South America (that is why, power banks for the hike are encouraged to be brought).

What is the standard procedure when it comes to tip?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trip to Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu and, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, we always appreciate any extra appreciation. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured for this reason.
In general, participants in a group show their appreciation as a group for their porters and chef and a personal appreciation towards their tour guide, which will be according to their degree of satisfaction with the service provided.