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6D - 5N
2730
8
Group
Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru, which for centuries has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people. With spectacular glacial views, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for seasoned trekkers who love outdoor adventures. Hiking completely around this mountain, we will camp near hot springs and blue lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean goose and the mighty Andean condor. As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in secluded Andean villages. A new added feature to the itinerary of the Mt. Ausangate trek is the opportunity to visit and marvel at the natural colors of the Rainbow Mountain. The Rainbow mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest thing you will ever see! During the adventure, you will be well taken care of by our professional team of English-speaking guides, cooks and horsemen with their mules. We also have an extra horses in case of emergenc, or sickness. Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate Rainbow Trekking Experience!
Pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 6am in the morning, in our private transportation to the starting point of our trek at Tinqui. Give your duffel to the horseman who will load up the gear onto the pack horses, keeping only your daypack for the hike. Hike for the next 3 hours and enjoy lunch before continuing our hike to our first camp. Today we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here, take the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relaxing your muscles until dinner.
Awake early with hot coffee or tea brought to your tent. Get energized for the day ahead with a big, hot breakfast. This morning start with a hike up Arapa pass (4,958m/16,266ft). Later descend to our lunch spot near Puma Cocha – a deep blue lake and a perfect spot to enjoy the views while we enjoy another delicious and hearty meal. Along the hike, see local llama herders, Ausangate Mountain range towering above us, our expert guide will explain the history and culture of the indigenous people of Ausangate as well as the landscape.
After lunch, hike up to the second pass, Pucacocha (5,000m/16,404ft) where, if we are lucky, we may see condors soaring above and vicuñas grazing in the wild. Descend to our campsite of Chillca where we will be surrounded by towering mountains and incredible glaciers. Here, we can also watch for the glaciers crashing into the lake below! The camp will be set up for you to change and rest your weary legs while dinner is being prepared.
Today, starts with Chillca pass (5,051m/16,571ft), a very colorful mountain but it’s just the beginning of what comes next! After crossing the pass you enter into the Red Mountain valley, a vast desert landscape with surrounding vibrant colors, and llamas grazing below. When we approach the top of the pass, have incredible views of the valleys below! From here, we descend to circle lake and continue walking along a trail until we are presented with our last climb to Rainbow Mountain. This natural, colorful phenomenon is beyond words! We will enjoy lunch in the surrounding area, head back down the valley to make our way to the beautiful Lake Ausangate, where camp will be set up and waiting for us to take a rest our weary bodies.
Hiking a shorter distance today, we pass beautiful small glacial lakes, lush green everglades, and walk along the edge of the river. Today, is a great day for spotting wildlife so we will keep an eye out for Condors, and Vicuñas! When we get to camp hot drinks and appetizers will be ready for you. The tents will again already be set up so you can settle in before dinner.
As we only have one pass to cross today, we will take it slow today to enjoy the deep blue lakes and colorful glacial lakes along the way. If you are brave, you are welcome to jump into the cold water and take a swim! Views of the massive Ausangate Mountain are visible, today you will get to enjoy them from a different angle along with views of Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is to get to the hot springs of Pacchanta, enjoy a nice, hot soak with the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.
Take it easy today as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui, walk on relatively flat ground and celebrate our accomplishments. Arrive at the village, have our final lunch on the trek while everything is packed up in our private transportation to head back to back to Cusco, you will be dropped off at your hotel around 5pm.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 757 USD per person |
***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs. We provide you a duffel bag, in which to put your belonggings.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate Trek.
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 will be 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.
ABSOLUTELY! During the Ausangate trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 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 Rainbow Mountain Trek entrance tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $286.00 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.
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 PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com.
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 Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
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 Mountains Cusco 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 these Mountains. During the winter season (June- August) the places in the proximity of the Ausangate Mountain Peru get warmer days but cold at night.
But the rainy season usually is from December to April with hail storms, snowy, cloudy days and not much visibility on the mountains. Summer season (December- March) usually the trail gets wet, muddy and difficult to walk. Travelers visiting the Ausangate Mountains Cusco should be prepared for the quick change of temperatures and climates even in winter, but much more in summer season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The maximum group size is 10 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. ORANGE NATION Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups to provide a personalized service.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next six days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. Please Note: you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the 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 raincoat, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
Yes, it is a challenging trek with most of the you are over 4,000 meters or 13,123 feet. You need to be in good physical condition and accustomed 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) before starting the trek.
ORANGE NATION Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. If you need to use the toilet at night, it is readily accessible and clean.
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).
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, we will drop you there too!
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 customary in the tourism industry across many ORANGE NATION 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.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tour 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 indigenous people.
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 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
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.
2730
6D - 5N
8
Hike, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
