Overview
Rainbow Mountain Peru – Overview.
- First day: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis
- Second day: Upis – Pucacocha
- Third day: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Surine Cocha
- Fourth day: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 3,800m/ 12,464ft
- Highest altitude: 5,23m/19,479ft
- Walking Distance: 46 km/ 28 miles
- Overall trek difficulty: Challenging
Itinerary
Rainbow Mountain Peru – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis
We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef.
Then we hike through local villages until we reach the small settlement of Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft).
There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night, and you will have the chance to enjoy the picturesque mountain backdrop as the sun sets on the mountains.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha
The morning starts with a big breakfast and a hike up to Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). before a slight decent to our lunch spot. After lunch we continue on to Lake Pucacocha qomercocha and a deep turquoise lake and a perfect stop for a break. Along the way you will see local herders and llamas, and your trekking guide will explain the history of the locals. Our campsite tonight is located just below the towering Ausangate Mountain.
The temperatures at night can be very cold, so make sure you bring layers of clothing and that your sleeping bag is up to it! Your reward will be an unforgettable night sky full of constellations and shooting stars
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,448 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Surine Cocha
You will wake up to a steaming hot cup of coca tea to begin this challenging day. After breakfast. We start with a steep ascent up Puncacocha Pass. This pass boasts incredible views and as you reach the top you are rewarded with 360 views of one of the most incredible landscapes on earth. After conquering the pass we continue through a green valley herd of alpacas vicuñas and llamas, if your lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Andean Condor or the rare vicuña. As we approach our destination for the night we will have camp set up for you to enjoy your surroundings.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 5,023 m / 16,479 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km/ 7 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 8 – 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
Day 4: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 1 hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 4:00pm.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Minimum Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Inclusions
Included in the Rainbow Mountain Peru:
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in cusco to your Hotel
- Assistant Tour guide for groups of 9+
- Pre-trek Briefing 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Tinqui
- Return transportation from Quesiuno to your hotel Cusco.
- A 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping Mattress
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent and portable toilet
- Professional Chef
- 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Hot water for washing
- Boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- First aid kit.
Does Not Include in the Rainbow Mountain Peru
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on Day 4
- Tips for the crew (Guide,Chef, wranglers)
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
- What you need to take for the Rainbow Mountain Peru
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket,pants / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Sandals
- Extra socks- wool is best
- Warm clothes: Thermal base layer, Fleece, Down jacket
- Stocking hat, gloves, scarf
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Swimsuits/ towel- (if you wish to soak in hot springs)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
What you need to take for the Rainbow Mountain Peru
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket,pants / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Sandals
- Extra socks- wool is best
- Warm clothes: Thermal base layer, Fleece, Down jacket
- Stocking hat, gloves, scarf
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Swimsuits/ towel- (if you wish to soak in hot springs)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Rainbow Mountain Peru – Prices
Group Service
- US $680 per Person
Private Service
- US $750 per Person
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
FAQs
Where is Apu Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain?
Ausangate is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, about 100 km / 62,13 miles southeast of Cusco. Famed for having multiple peaks above 6,000 m /19,685 ft, the Cordillera Vilcanota is home to the tallest mountain in the Cusco region Ausangate.
Ausangate trek begins in the village of Tinki and ends at the famous Rainbow Mountain. which is a four-hour drive from Cusco, so it makes sense to spend some time exploring this Incan city before setting off on your hike.
When is the best time to trek Ausangate?
The best time for Ausangate trek is during the dry season, between April and October when the weather is sunny. Days tend to be clear which makes the views, and your photos, even more spectacular. May, June, July, August and September, are the driest months, and the trail never really gets crowded as it is so remote.
We don’t offer the Ausangate hike during the wet season, from December through to March. This is because heavy and unpredictable snow often falls up on the high mountain passes of the Ausangate which makes trekking too dangerous.
How hard is Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trail?
With the traditional Ausangate trek, 5 days out on the trails is the norm, so being properly prepared is the key to success. This is a high-altitude hike with some passes that sit above 5,000 m /16,404 ft which is why the route is considered one of the most strenuous and most rewarding in Peru. You’ll be hiking for around 6-7 hours a day.
What is the essential hiking gear for Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain Trek?
If you are hiking Ausangate, it’s super important that you carry the correct gear with you. The weather in this region is extreme, with everything from freezing temperatures to sunburn. The key is the altitude. When the skies are clear, the sun really burns, and when it is windy, your skin will dry out in an instant. Nights are chilly with temperatures always falling below zero, often into minus double digits.
Weather conditions can change quickly too. One day you could be soaking up those rays, the next you will be wrapped up and battling the elements. The Ausangate Peru trek is one of the most challenging hikes in Cusco Peru and having good quality equipment can be the difference between enjoyment and survival.
How should I train for the Ausangate Trek?
Trekking in the Andes is a big physical and mental undertaking and training is essential for your safety and enjoyment! The Apu Ausangate is a high altitude trek, and the terrain is full of ups and downs, so you need aerobic fitness to help your body function more efficiently, and strong and conditioned muscles to handle the stress of trekking all day. There’s no such thing as being too prepared – the fitter and stronger you are, the better your experience will be!
One of the best ways to train is to get out there and hike as much as possible. After all, that’s what you will be doing on the trail! Train at least a few days a week walking and/or jogging on inclines and declines to simulate the ups and downs on the trek. If you don’t have trails accessible, practice uphill on a treadmill or stair climber, and downhill on a long staircase.
Spiritual significance of Ausangate
Trekking Ausangate Peru isn’t just about the views and the hiking. This is also one of the most spiritual places in the Andes, and just being here is a real privilege. Since Incan times, local Quechua communities have made offerings to Apu Ausangate – the most revered snow-capped peak in this region – to ensure the mountain spirits protect the people, livestock and crops here in the Andes.
Are there restrooms along the Ausangate & the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
There are no restrooms along the trail. But,we have portable toilets (and toilet tent) are provided on every multi-day camping based trek.
Can I charge my devices along the Trek?
There is no electricity facility at the campsites on the Ausangate & Rainbow Mt hike, so we recommend taking extra battery packs or power bans with you.
