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, the 3 day Ausangate 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.
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 |
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Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
Difficulty: | Easy |
Total Distance: | 31 km / 19 miles |
Group Size: | 2 – 8 Persons |
Price: | $480.00p/p$432.00p/p |
Payment Terms: | Advance of US$ 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 Pukuni 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 Peru.
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, as the day draws to a close, you’ll take a dip in the hot springs of the highlands. Immerse yourself in relaxation with the warm waters working their healing magic as you stargaze under the Andean night sky.
On day two, we’ll wake you up with 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 quick pit stop for lunch, we’ll set off for another 3 hour adventurous hike before reaching the snow-capped 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 a stunning view of the mountains.
A 30 minute walk from Warmisaya will take you to Yanacocha, a gold mine in the Northern Highlands of Peru, which will be your campsite for the night. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy teatime and dinner followed by a much deserved night of rest and relaxation.
On the last day of your Ausangate Trek in 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 ascend Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca which lies 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. above sea level, amidst the Andean mountain range.
The Rainbow Mountain Peru, 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 Andes.
We’ll then gradually descend downhill to Phulawasipata, the last stop on your itinerary, which lies 4,626 m / 15,177 ft. above sea level, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch before our private transportation whisks you back to Cusco.