Perched atop the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range, Ausangate – Cusco’s highest mountain – is a majestic mammoth standing vast and tall at an elevation of over 6,000 m.
Located 100 km south-east of Cusco, the trek to Ausangate offers a scenic view of the Andes of Peru. With snow-capped mountains that dip and rise into stunning peaks and valleys, glaciers melting into shallow pools of azure, expansive pastures dotted with wooly llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas – Peru’s national animal, this trek offers a mystical exploration of Peru.
Along this trek, we’ll also take you to another one of Peru’s must-see destinations, the highly instagrammable and truly magical Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, which sits 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. above sea level. As if Jackson Pollock ran his paintbrush across its topography, the Rainbow Mountain features deep and vivid streaks of mustard yellow, maroon, mauve, pink, turquoise, gold, and white, left by mineral and sedimentary deposits over time.
We’ll also traverse to the Red Valley which lies behind the Rainbow Mountain in the Pitumarca district at an elevation of 1,767 m / 5,797 ft. above sea level, where we will soak up the breathtaking vistas the valley has to offer.
This 4 day trek culminates in the awe-inspiring exploration of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas, where you’ll deep dive into the history and culture of the Incas, as our tour guide takes you on a 2 – 3 hour tour of the ancient Incan citadel.
For treks and tours, the deposit is $200 + $10 service fee = $210 per person. The remaining balance must be settled before the tour.
Destination: | Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Machu Picchu |
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Duration: | 4 days / 3 nights |
Difficulty: | Moderate |
Total Distance: | 31 km / 19 miles |
Group Size: | 2 – 8 Persons |
Price: | $780.00p/p$702.00p/p |
Payment Terms: | Advance of US$ 210 through PayPal and Balance on Arrival |
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After a 5:30 am pick up from your hotel, we’ll drive you to the Pukutini school, where you’ll be greeted with a warm breakfast. We’ll then start the Ausangate Trek with a 4 hour gradual uphill hike to the base of Ausangate mountain, Upis. Along your journey, you’ll see fauna of all kinds from llamas, alpacas, guanacos, to vicuñas, you’ll be able to soak up the sweeping vistas of the Andes, all while our expert guides share insights into the life and culture of the locals.
Upon reaching Upis, you’ll find your campsite all set up and ready for you to dine on a warm scrumptious lunch and enjoy a short siesta. Then take a dip in the hot springs of the highlands. Immerse yourself in relaxation as the warm waters work their healing magic as you stargaze under the Andean night sky.
Wake up to a hot cup of tea brought straight to your tent. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our local chefs, we’ll start the day’s trek with a 2 hour uphill hike to Condor Pass where you’ll see llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas, exclusive to the Andean uplands. You’ll also see viscachas, or wild rabbits, Andean geese, and lovebirds frolicking amidst the sprawling greenery.
We’ll then descend down to Pucacocha for 2 hours and take in the ethereal beauty of the lake set against a backdrop of the Pucacocha Mountain. After a pit stop for lunch, we’ll set off for another 3 hour adventurous hike before reaching the snow covered summit of Warmisaya at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. above sea level. Along your journey to Warmisaya, you’ll be confronted with crystal clear water lakes trickling in from the Ausangate Glacier and sprawling views of the mountains.
A 30 min walk down from there will take you to Yanacocha, a gold mine in the Northern Highlands of Peru, which will be your campsite where you will enjoy teatime and dinner and a much deserved night’s rest and relaxation.
On the last day of your Ausangate Trek of Peru, you’ll be woken up with a hot cup of tea. Breakfast will be served once you are ready. Then we’ll start the day’s adventure with a 1 hour gradual uphill hike and take the ascent up to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca which lies 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. above sea level upon the Andean mountains.
The Rainbow Mountain, looking as though adorned in Joseph’s technicolor dreamcoat, is a truly spectacular sight. Once we arrive, your guide will show you the best spots for taking photos. We’ll then traverse across Rainbow Mountain over to the lookout of the Red Valley which offers incredible terracotta views of the Red Valley. Afterwards, we will gradually descend downhill to Phulawasipata which lies 4,626 m / 15,177 ft. above sea level, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we’ll set off to Ollantaytambo town, now known as the ‘Last Living Inca Village’. The Incan built town features some interesting infrastructure with a maze of water channels built beneath the houses of Ollantaytambo town.
You’ll then get to enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Ollantaytambo, made with ingredients that celebrate the town’s agricultural and gastronomical identity. After dinner, we’ll catch the 90 minute train ride to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend the night at a hotel. We recommend an early bedtime so you can fully enjoy your exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel, the following day.
With an early wake up call to kickstart the day, you’ll check-out of the hotel after enjoying a nutritious breakfast. Then it’s off to catch the bus so we can make it to Machu Picchu in time to witness the spectacular sunrise.
You’ll then get to enjoy the tour of Machu Picchu for 2 – 3 hours as our tour guide sheds light on the ancient Incan ways and the history behind the magnificent citadel. You’ll then get to explore Peru’s urban areas independently and enjoy a little spontaneous exploration of Peru’s famed archeological site.
You’ll then hop on the bus and head down to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will reunite with our tour guide.
You may then take a pitstop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour package) before hopping on a 2 hour train ride to Ollantaytambo. From here you will be chauffer driven to Cusco and dropped off safely at your hotel.