Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N

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

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

Additional options

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 1 hour hike to the top. While this hike is on your own, your guide will show you the entry. Huayna Picchu is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you with advance. The ticket is $75 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu site. as Huayna Picchu it offers also spectacular views, this extra hike takes 3 hours round trip. This is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you in advance. This ticket is $75 per person.

Vistadome Train 

Our Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu includes, the ExpeditionTrain class to come back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This train is always booked at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. departing from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. There is also the vistadome train class, which is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats and windows, some entertainment and snack. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and goes to Poroy, a train station 30 minutes close to Cusco. As this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. The ticket is $75 per person.

Extra day at Machu Picchu

You will have from 6 am to 12 pm to enjoy Machu Picchu (it is not possible to be all day in Machu Picchu due to the new protection regulations developed by the Peruvian state), arriving at the citadel around 6 a.m. and leaving no later than 12 p.m. to take your train at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. If you also want to have a guided tour again the next day in Machu Picchu, we can also organize it.

• The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is $ 55 per person.
• The round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is $ 25 per person.

We would love to tour the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu 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):

• $665 per person

Private Tour:

Private tours are available and priced by party size.

• 2 Trekkers: $695 per person.
• 3 Trekkers: $690 per person.
• 4 Trekkers: $685 per person.
• 5 Trekkers: $680 per person.
• 6 Trekkers: $675 per person.
• 7 Trekkers: $670 per person.
• 8 or more Trekkers: $665 per person.

 Hotel:

We include a three (3) star hotel and we utilize, Retama Machu Picchu, Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel & Suites, or Waman Hotel Machu Picchu (based on availability at booking). Rooms are based on double or triple occupation, and there is a single room surcharge of $50 US per person if you book lonely. Rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers,breakfast and wifi. We could also upgrade your hotel if you like better something more luxurious. Please remind the service in Aguas Calientes is not as good as in Cusco. Below there is a list of  potential upgrade choices, If you want any other hotel, just let us know

• El Mapi:  +$80 US pp shared (+$160 for a single)
• Sumaq : +$220 US pp shared (+$380 for a single)

Solo travelers:

• + $ 50 US per person

For those who want a single room or travel alone, there is a $ 50 room charge to cover the total cost of the room. We do not join hikers alone in a double room. This covers three star hotels and will be more expensive for improved hotels.

Student Discount:

• – $ 25 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@incagoexpeditions.com

This Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu, includes mules 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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 during the Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, Ausangate Hike & Machu Picchu?

Please understand that this is a very difficult question to answer. Historically, from April to October it is the dry season, from November to March it is the rainy season, but in recent years our weather has been affected by climate change and today it is very difficult to predict. Remember that in the mountains the solar radiation and heat are very high during the day; it is the opposite in the evenings and nights, as is always cold. We always recommend a long sleeve shirt to avoid sunburn (if you use a short sleeve t shirt, do it with a good sun cream), long pants, rain jacket and a fleece jacket and for the night a down jacket is the best.

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.