Ausangate Trek Peru, The geological formations of the Rainbow Mountain will blow your mind away while the Ausangate trek will give you the best hiking experience along the 10th highest mountain of the Americas.
Peru
Ausangate Trek Peru -Rainbow Mountain 5D / 4N
Summary
Overview Ausangate Trek Peru – Rainbow Mountain 5 days / 4 nights
Day 1:
Cusco – Tinki – Pacchanta
Early in the morning, at 5:00am, we will start our bus ride to Tinki, the starting point of this hike. From Tinki, a place filled with a great number of native professional mountain climbers, we will walk along the plains surrounding the Ausangate mountain. Our destination for the day will be Pachchanta a local community of llama and alpaca herders.
Day 2:
Pacchanta – Qampa
This is a challenging day, as we have to do our first climb of the hike towards the Tampa pass 5000m/16400 ft. The trail is rocky and difficult, but the views of lakes and glaciers will make our hike inspiring and motivational. Upon arriving to our destination in Qampa, we will have some free time to get soaked in the local hot springs of Qampa, which is a treat after such a difficult day.
Day 3:
Qampa ausangate Qocha
On the this day we will keep climbing up the Urubamba mountain range toward the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From here we will start the slow descend towards ur campsite at Puka Qocha. along the way, the impressive color of these glacier lakes will paint our views for the rest of the day.
Day 4:
Pukaqocha – Huampococha – Vinicunca
Early on the origin we depart from Pukaqocha and climb again to almost17,000 feet where you will be rewarded with the astonishing views of the Ausangate mountains. In the afternoon we will finally make it to Vinicunca or the rainbow mountains, We will enjoy the contrast of the sunset and the colorful mountains formed by thousands of years of accumulation of sandstone sediments.
Day 5:
Vinicunca/Cusco
After we enjoy the morning views of Vinicunca and the uniqueness of its colorful mountains, we will make our way back to our transportation that will take us back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Pacchanta
Highlight of the day: Place filled with a great number of native professional mountain climbers, we will walk along the plains surrounding the Ausangate mountain
Early in the morning, at 5:00am, we will start our bus ride to Tinki, the starting point of this hike. From Tinki, a place filled with a great number of native professional mountain climbers, we will walk along the plains surrounding the Ausangate mountain. Our destination for the day will be Pachchanta a local community of llama and alpaca herders.
Day 2: Pacchanta – Qampa
Highlight of the day: Free time to get soaked in the local hot springs of Qampa, which is a treat after such a difficult day.
This is a challenging day, as we have to do our first climb of the hike towards the Tampa pass 5000m/16400 ft. The trail is rocky and difficult, but the views of lakes and glaciers will make our hike inspiring and motivational. Upon arriving to our destination in Qampa, we will have some free time to get soaked in the local hot springs of Qampa, which is a treat after such a difficult day.
Day 3: Qampa Ausangate Qocha
Highlight of the day: along the way, the impressive color of these glacier lakes will paint our views for the rest of the day.
On the this day we will keep climbing up the Urubamba mountain range toward the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From here we will start the slow descend towards ur campsite at Puka Qocha. along the way, the impressive color of these glacier lakes will paint our views for the rest of the day.
Day 4: Pukaqocha – Huampococha – Vinicunca
Highlight of the day: We will enjoy the contrast of the sunset and the colorful mountains formed by thousands of years of accumulation of sandstone sediments.
Early on the origin we depart from Pukaqocha and climb again to almost17,000 feet where you will be rewarded with the astonishing views of the Ausangate mountains. In the afternoon we will finally make it to Vinicunca or the rainbow mountains, We will enjoy the contrast of the sunset and the colorful mountains formed by thousands of years of accumulation of sandstone sediments.
Day 5: Vinicunca/Cusco
Highlight of the day: We enjoy the morning views of Vinicunca and the uniqueness of its colorful mountains
After we enjoy the morning views of Vinicunca and the uniqueness of its colorful mountains, we will make our way back to our transportation that will take us back to Cusco.
Price
Price: US $645 per person
Group Size: 2-8 people
Prices are the same for private or group treks!
We also offer a US $40 per person discount for group bookings of 3 people or more.
We offer a discount of US $20 to students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and to children under the age of 16 years old. Scanned copies of your ISIC card or child’s passport must be provided at the time of payment for the trek in order to qualify for the discount. For more information, please visit the following link: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/items/estudiantes.html
Please notice: Our trek service starts and ends in your hotel in Cusco
Storage during your Inca Trail Trek: Most of our trekkers leave their belongings that they do not want to bring on the trek in the hostel or hotel they were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel or hotel, we would be more than happy to store your belongings for you.
Inclusions
Included Ausangate Trek Peru – Rainbow Mountain 5 days / 4 nights
- Weight allowances: 7kl/14lb per trekker (weights to be carried by horses and mules you will trek only with your day pack which is way more confortable than carrying a big bag!)
- Horse (to carry tents and cooking equipment and the 7 kl/14lb of personal belongings)
- Wrangler’s health insurance paid for by INTI SUN TREK
- Transport: collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to the starting point of the trek
- A Professional tour guide who is fluent in English
- Ausangate entrance fees
- Personal tents: We use 4 men, tents that only need to be shared by 2 people. This allows some room to spread out and keep your duffels safely with you.
- Sleeping mattress(pad)
- Blanket for the chilly nights
- Meals cooked by an experienced chef: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks!
- Delicious food rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
- All our food is prepared from organic vegetables and fresh ingredients
- Vegetarian/special diet options available
- Water (we will provide you with boiled and filtered cold water during the trek starting on the second day. However, you will need to bring a container to carry your water in. Also, you need to ensure that you pack a sufficient amount of water for the first day of the trek.
- We strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Ausangate trek
- Wake up tea: every morning at the campsites we will wake you up with a cup of coca tea and coffee
- Daily snacks- day 1,2,3,4 and 5: our snacks consist of local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, Caramels we will give this snack at the beginning of each day trek
- First aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle and a horse you may ride on if the altitude effects your ability to complete the trek
- Transportation back to Cusco
Not included:
- Sleeping bags
- Breakfast on the first morning.
- Drink( coke, mineral water or cerveza) in the dinner in Aguas Calientes on the 3 day
- Dinner on the final day
- Entrance to the thermal springs in Pacchanta (20 soles)
- Tip for the guide. cook, and wranglers
Packing List
What you need to bring Ausangate Trek Peru – Rainbow Mountain 5 days / 4 nights
ESSENTIALS:
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack ( smaller, the better)
- Water storage: we strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the trek
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quick-dry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
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. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
- Water beginning from your second day will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or Camel Back. We recommend carrying about 2L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
FAQ
What is the Ausangate trek?
The Ausamgate trek is a circuit which starts tinki and finishes in vinicunca.
What is the highest point on the trek?
The highest point of the trek is 5200metres/17,060 feet. This is a very high altitude, which is why we require you to spend at least 3 days in Cusco to acclimatize.
How many hours will we walk per day?
We walk an average of 7/8 hours a day.
How many kilometres a day do we walk?
We walk for about 12/13km a day.
How fit do you need to be for this tour?
You do not need to be too fit to complete this trek although an average level of fitness will be helpful. However, you will need 3 days to climatise as the altitude can affect people used to living near sea-level. Do not be suprised if you tire more quickly than normal due to the altitude.
Are there toilets along the trail?
No, but we will provide a portable toilet and toilet tent. Do not forget that you need to bring toilet paper.
Are there hot showers on the trek?
No, there are no showers. However, you have an option to visit the hot springs on the fourth day of the trek.
How many people are in the group?
At Inti Sun Trek, we have small groups ranging from 2 to 8 people.
What happens if I suffer from altitude sickness?
We are well prepared for this with a fully equipped First Aid Kit including an emergency oxygen tank. Coca leaf tea is also a natural method to treat altitude sickness.
What will the weather be like on the trek?
The weather will be cold and windy, so be sure to bring warm clothes and a warm jacket.
What time does the tour start and finish?
You will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco and dropped off at around 5:00 p.m. on the final day.
Are meals included?
All meals are included apart from breakfast on first day and dinner on the last day.
Do I need to pay for anything extra during the trip?
If you would like to visit the thermal springs in Pacchanta, you need to pay an extra 10 soles about (US $3.50).
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
If you do not have a sleeping bag, these can be rented in our office for the entire trek (US $30). Every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use.
How much water should I bring?
You should bring a container to carry your water in. We will provide you with boiled and filtered water. Also, make sure to bring enough water for the first half-day of the trek.
How many lagoons will we see?
We will see seven lagoons shimmering with a variety of colors.
Are there llama caravans on the trek?
Yes, we will be able to use them if we have four people in our group.