The Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu along with the Rainbow Mountain is the ultimate experience to immerse yourself in the Andean landscape with ample time for unhurried exploration. Enjoy the renowned beauty of the Ausangate trek without crowds and witness the stunning, must-see Rainbow Mountain. This itinerary allows you to conquer Machu Picchu through remote communities where you can learn more about Inca history.
During this trek, relish breathtaking views of the highlands with close encounters with rare Andean animals such as vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and birds. Marvel at snow-capped mountains, glacier peaks, shimmering lakes, and glacial erratic rocks. You will also have the opportunity to walk through communities and gain insights into the local culture.
With this itinerary, you will enjoy an authentic and unique experience in the Andean landscape, enriched by the history and culture of the region. Join us on this unforgettable journey and discover the beauty of the Ausangate trek!
We will kick off your adventure from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., picking you up in our comfortable private bus. During the 3-hour journey south of Cusco, we'll pass through charming villages, making strategic stops to capture stunning photographs and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty. On the way, we'll meet our muleteers and horses, responsible for transporting all equipment during the 5-day trek.
As we prepare for the hike, our skilled chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to enjoy with a view of the majestic Ausangate mountain (6,384 m), surrounded by green valleys and winding rivers.
Following breakfast, we'll embark on a 3.5-hour steep trail to reach the Upis camp (4438 m), where we'll indulge in lunch facing the imposing Ausangate. Here, we'll be much closer to this towering mountain and relish panoramic views in the Ausangate Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and hills.
In the afternoon, we'll explore the dazzling Upis Cocha lake, approximately an hour's walk to this beautiful body of water at the foot of Ausangate. You can also relax in the hot springs near the camp, completing a day full of unforgettable experiences.
Distance: 6 km
Walking time: 3 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 4550 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Upis 4438 m.a.s.l.
After our delightful breakfast, we'll advance along a picturesque trail for 1.5 hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4738 m). Here, we'll pause to rest and enjoy the first magnificent views that will undoubtedly impress with their natural beauty. We'll continue our journey through a trail leading to the Ananta Pass (4917 m), where we'll have 30 minutes to rest and marvel at the stunning views from the top of the valley, as well as the 4 colorful lakes that adorn the landscape.
Next, we'll descend for 1 hour until we reach our camp in Ananta (4700 m), where we'll spend the night. This location offers a beautiful valley surrounded by alpacas and provides a spectacular view of Ausangate. You'll have more than enough time to rest and explore this unique and charming environment.
Distance: 15.2 km
Walking time: 7 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate-difficult
Maximum altitude: 4917 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Ananta 4700 m.a.s.l.
Today, we'll wake up early at 4:30 a.m. to explore Rainbow Mountain. After a delicious breakfast, we'll begin the ascent for 1 hour to the Warmisaya Pass (4960 m), where we'll take a short break. Then, we'll descend for 30 minutes, passing by the serene Surine Cocha lake. We'll follow a steep trail for 1 hour until we reach the top of Rainbow Mountain (5034 m) at 7 a.m., enjoying the sunrise and the impressive views of the 7 colorful mineral formations and the Red Valley in front of us.
After exploring and marveling at nature, we'll return along the same path to our camp in Ananta for lunch.
Later, we'll continue on a flat trail for 2 hours, with magnificent views of green valleys filled with alpacas and llamas, until we reach our camp at Ausangate Lake (4648 m), where we'll spend the night in this exceptional location.
Distance: 12.7 km
Walking time: 6.5 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate-difficult
Maximum altitude: 5034 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Ausangate Lake 4645 m.a.s.l.
Today, as you wake up, you'll be greeted by the melodious song of birds and the imposing roars of glaciers breaking and falling into the lake.
While enjoying breakfast with a view of Ausangate, our guide will share key information and provide recommendations for our day's hike. After breakfast, we'll start the ascent to the highest point, Palomani (5200 m), where we'll stop for 30 minutes to delight in the magnificent views this elevated setting offers.
Then, we'll embark on a downhill trail for 1 hour, entering a beautiful valley populated by alpacas, llamas, Andean geese, Andean ducks, chinchillas, and a rock forest. We'll continue on a steep trail for 1.5 hours until we reach our camp in Surapata (4600 m). Here, we'll spend the night with a view of another snow-covered peak called 3 Peaks, surrounded by a glacier. This place is magnificent, offering incredible views that leave a rewarding feeling.
Distance: 11.6 km
Walking time: 6 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate-difficult
Maximum altitude: 5200 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Huchuy Phinaya 4600 m.a.s.l.
Today, we'll wake up to a refreshing breakfast and prepare for the exciting hiking day. We'll enjoy a delicious breakfast with magnificent views of snow-covered mountains and green valleys.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a 2.5-hour hike to reach the Jampa Pass (5052 m), where we'll take a well-deserved 30-minute break to appreciate the stunning views. Then, we'll descend for 2.5 hours to reach the picturesque village of Pacchanta (4334 m), where we'll indulge in lunch and enjoy the relaxing hot springs.
We'll spend the night in our lodge, with magnificent views of the small and colorful village of Pacchanta, preserving its native authenticity.
Distance: 17 km
Walking time: 7 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate-difficult
Maximum altitude: 5052 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Lodge
Camp: Pacchanta 4334 m.a.s.l.
Today, we'll wake up to enjoy a charming sunrise. Our Private Bus will come to pick us up at our lodge after breakfast. After bidding farewell to our muleteer and cook, we'll board our Private Bus back to Cusco and Ollantaytambo, heading to the train station.
We'll board the train bound for the town of Machu Picchu, and at the Machu Picchu train station, one of our team members will be waiting to take you to your hotel. You'll have time to shower and change clothes.
Later, we'll guide you to our restaurant for dinner, where you'll meet our guide. He will provide detailed information about the exciting day ahead at Machu Picchu.
Wake-up time will be at 5:00 a.m. as we must take the first bus to the Machu Picchu citadel, where you'll witness the magical and majestic sunrise while beautiful hummingbirds sing to welcome another day. Subsequently, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel lasting approximately 3 hours. After the guided tour, you'll have free time to explore and take photographs of Machu Picchu.
Upon concluding your experience at Machu Picchu, you'll need to take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, from where you'll head to Ollantaytambo by train. In Ollantaytambo, our transfer service will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.
Reservations are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco during the informational briefing.
Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the 30% reservation payments.
Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper notice, except for Machu Picchu tours. Passenger no-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal from the service will not be eligible for a refund.
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