2730 m.s.n.m
8 person(s)
Group
Hike, Bus, Train
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!
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 6am in the morning, and take you in our private transportation to the starting point of our trek at Tinqui. Here you will give your duffel to the horseman to load up the gear onto the pack horses, keeping only your daypack for the hike. We will hike for the next 3 hours to where we will enjoy lunch before continuing our hike to our first camp. This day we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here, you will have the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relaxing your muscles until dinner.
We awake early with hot coffee or tea brought to your tent and then we get energized for the day ahead with a big, hot breakfast. We start with a hike up Arapa pass (4,958m/16,266ft) before we 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, we will see local llama herders, Ausangate Mountain range towering above us, and our expert guide will explain the history and culture of the indigenous people of Ausangate as well as the landscape. After lunch, we continue hiking up to our second pass, Pucacocha (5,000m/16,404ft) where, if we are lucky, we may see condors soaring above and vicuñas grazing in the wild. Then, we 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! As always, 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, we will have incredible views of the valleys below! From here, we descend to circle lake and continue walking along a Peruvian flat trail until we are presented with our last climb to the Rainbow Mountain. This natural, colorful phenomenon is beyond words! We will enjoy lunch in the surrounding area, and 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, as yesterday was a big day, 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 your hot drinks and appetizers will be ready for you. The tens 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 in the polar bear club, you are welcome to jump into the cold water and take a swim! Views of the massive Ausangate Mountain are still visible, only today you will get to enjoy them from a different angle along with views of Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is the hot springs of Pacchanta, where we will enjoy a nice, hot soak and the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.
Today is the easiest day of our trek as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui, we will walk on relatively flat ground and celebrate our accomplishments. When we arrive at the village, we will have our final lunch on the trek while everything is packed up in our private transportation to head back to back to Cusco where 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 things.
***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. 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 Ausangate Mountain Peru get warmer days but cold at night; 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. 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.
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 8 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,ooo 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.
$757USD Per Person
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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"
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!
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.
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!