Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain - Orange Nation
Max. Altitude:

5100 m.s.n.m

Group Size:

8 person(s)

Service:

Group

Transportation:

Hike, Bus, Train

Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain

Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru! For centuries it has been very important to the religious beliefs of the Andean people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes.  With spectacular glacial viewsuninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for experienced trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, you will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including the Andean goose and the massive Andean condor with a wing span reaching 16 feet! As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native indigenous villages. In addition, you will get to enjoy the natural colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping the culture alive!  You will see snow-capped peaksherds of llamasglaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range created by the various mineral deposits. The Rainbow mountain trek also offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas, and Cara Cara falconsThe colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest natural phenomenon you will ever see. Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate/Rainbow Mountain Trekking Experience..!

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Qesuno – Kayrawiry Lake.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00am to begin this incredible trek! We will drive for 2 hours until we reach the Pitumarca Village where we will stop to get some fresh, local produce and then continue for 1 more hour to Qesuno community. Along the way, we view amazing canyons, ancient Inca terraces which are still farmed today, rugged mountains and some isolated communities. Upon arrival, we meet our horsemen and horses. We begin our hike gradually heading up to the Kayrawiry community where we have lunch.  After enjoying lunch and a little rest, we continue our hike towards RAINBOW MOUNTAIN. Once there, we will enjoy the amazing stripes of colors, which is the highlight of the day. We will also see condors, Cara Cara falcons and picturesque lakes.  Finally, we hike downhill to Kayrawiry Lake, where our camping tents will be ready.  It is time to enjoy afternoon tea and appetizers before dinner.

  • Elevation: 4,800m/15,748ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6  hours
  • Meals: lunch & dinner
  • Accommodations: camping at Kayrawiry Lake

Day 2: Kayrawiri Lake – Ausangate Cocha

We wake up early with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast, then start one of the most beautiful days of the trek! You will appreciate the majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes and the depths of the most beautiful valleys. We will start with a 2-hour steep climb to Condor pass at (5,100m/ 16,732ft). Along the way, you will always have gorgeous views of the turquoise lakes and the views of Ausangate Glacier Peaks surrounding you. With any luck, you can see avalanches from the glacial hills with ice crashing into the lakes below. Once you reach the summit, you will be located right in front of the sacred Apu Ausangate. There, you can really enjoy the valleys of alpaca grazing in the hills. It is postcard perfect! After some time to enjoy the amazing views, we head downhill and reach our lunch spot. After another delicious lunch and a little rest, we continue with our hike for 3 more hours to Ausangate Lake where you will enjoy hot drinks and settle into our campsite for the night.

  • Elevation: 5,100m/16,732ft
  • Hiking time:  5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodations: camping at Ausangate Lake

Day 3: Ausangate Lake – Jampa

After another delicious and nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for the third day of the hike. Today, we will be hiking even closer to the wonderful views of the Ausangate Glacier Peaks, experiencing amazing views of lakes and waterfalls. You may even see some llamas, alpacas as well as condors and falcons soaring above. We will have a 3-hour climb to reach the Abra Campo Pass, which is at (5,000m/16,404ft), where you will discover unbelievable views of the surrounding areas. It is possible that in some months of the year, there may be some snow on the trail, but mostly in the dry season, the trail will be dry and you just get great views. There is a good chance you will see wild vicuñas, which are the rarest animals still living wild in Peru, which produce the finest and most expensive wool in the world. After taking a few amazing pictures, we continue to our lunch spot, with a gradual descent for another 1.5hours to a beautiful area where you will enjoy your lunch. After lunch, it will be another 2.5-hour hike to arrive at our campsite in JAMPA.

  • Elevation: 5,000m/16,404ft
  • Hiking time: 7 to 8  hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodations: camping at Jampa

Day 4: Jampa – Pacchanta

Day 4 brings another adventure! We have an early breakfast and begin our hike for approximately 1 hour to reach the base of the glacier and then to the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota Range, we descend back down to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we descend towards the Qomerqocha Lake just before arriving at Pacchanta after a 5-hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. Then we take our transportation back to Cusco. 

  • Elevation: 4,500m /14,763ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6  hours
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Private transportation to start of the trek
  • Professional English speaking guide
  • Meals as indicated
  • 7kgs personal luggage allowance to put on the horses
  • Personal duffel bags for your extra luggage to put on the horses
  • Spacious tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent
  • Horses to carry the group’s equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
  • Emergency horse in case you are tired or feel ill
  • Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED   

  • Breakfast on the 1st day
  • Dinner on the 6th day
  • Sleeping Bag – $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – $30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation

Price

This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people!

No. OF PEOPLEPRICE
2 to 8 people$ 577 USD per person

***This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7kgs. We provide you a duffel bag, in which to put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)

ADDED VALUES  for FREE

  • Foam mattresses
  • Camping pillow
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
  • Boiled water for drinking purposes
  • Personal pack horse included
  • Duffel bags and liner bags
  • Thick warm blanket to put over the sleeping bag
  • Hot water bottles to put into your sleeping bag so you can sleep like a baby

Important Info

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AUSANGATE TREK

Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate trek

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

The Briefing takes place in our office the night before the trek at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

ABSOLUTELY! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.

HOW TO BOOK THE AUSANGATE TREK

FIRST, to book your Ausangate Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase Ausangate Trek entrance tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person ,in order,to purchase a permit for the Ausangate Trek.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPALyou need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER BOOKING?

Yes, but with some restrictions. 

  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Ausangate Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE AUSANGATE TREK?

The expected weather in the area of Ausangate Mountain Peru usually is divided in two big seasons: dry and wet. As the zone of Ausangate  forms part of the Cordillera Vilcanota in the Peruvian Andes, the dry season is considered from May to November mostly sunny days, with minimum percentage of rain or bad days, recommended time to trek to the Rainbow Mountains. But the rainy season usually is from December to April with hail storms, snowy, cloudy days and not much visibility on the mountains. During the winter season (June- August) the places in the proximity of the Mountain get warmer days but cold at night; Summer season (December- March) usually the trail gets wet, muddy and difficult to walk. Travelers visiting Ausangate should be prepared for the quick change of temperatures and climates even in winter, but much more in summer season. Due to the global warming the weather conditions in the Andes is becoming very changeable and very unstable. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON AUSANGATE TREK?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Orange Nation Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.

HIKING AUSANGATE TREK 

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Ausangate trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

Yes, it is a challenging trek with most of the you are over 4,ooo meters or 13,123 feet.  You need to be in good physical condition and used to hiking.

In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE AUSANGATE TREK?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

OF COURSE!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

Packing list

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport: (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card: (if you booked as a student)
  • Good Daypack: (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L  (Camelbaks are encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping Bag: (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?

As a  Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

DOOR TO DOOR SERVICES
From

$577USD Per Person

4 Days / 3 Nights

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Traveller reviews

Join thousands of satisfied customers around the world


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Christian B

10/10 Amazing experience

If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.

Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!

Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.

Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!

Jan 2023 • Friends
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Matt A

Awesome experience!!

Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.

Jan 2023 • Friends
Rius

Short Inca Trial (2-Day)

This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!

Jan 2023 • Friends
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Daniela Rabito

It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.

I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.

Abril 2023
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Brittany Skulkety

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru

Dic 2022
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M B

Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.

Dic 2022
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Sakeb

We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.

Dic 2022
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Brittany Nicole
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.

September 16, 2022
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Ray Besos
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!

November 29, 2018
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Juliet Julz
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!

November 29, 2018

WHY TRAVEL WITH ORANGE NATION


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Orange nation

Has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian and International food our treks. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one. "The food has been the highlight for all our hikers"

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