Cusco: 4-day Ausangate Trek with visit the Rainbow Mountain – Cusco, Peru

EXPERIENCE:

On Day 1 (Cusco – Upis community – Upis campsite – Upis lake):
We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. and drive you to the trailhead at Pukutuni School, a three-hour journey. There, you will have breakfast and meet your group, including a local chef and riders.

We will begin our hike by ascending an ample path to the northeast face of the impressive Ausangate Mountain. We will pass by traditional houses with locals in colorful clothes shepherding llamas and alpacas, and camp at Upis Hot Springs for lunch with snow-capped mountains surrounding us.

After lunch, you have the option of a two-hour round-trip hike to Ausangate Lake, followed by happy hour (tea time) and dinner.

On Day 2 (Arapa Pass -Pukaqocha):
You will wake up to a hot drink in your tent, giving you the energy boost you need to start day two of the hike.

After a challenging but rewarding 3-hour uphill hike, you will reach the first pass (4800m/15,748ft), where you can take in magnificent views of the surrounding area. After taking a few amazing pictures, you will continue hiking gradually downhill for another 1.5 hours to your beautiful lunch spot.

Afterwards lunch, we hike for another two hours to reach our campsite at Puca Ccocha, a stunning lake nestled at the foot of Ausangate Peak. We will conclude the day by exploring the surrounding lagoons and relaxing with a hot drink. A nutritious dinner will be waiting for you at the campsite.

On Day 3 (Pucca Pass – Ananta – Warmisaya – Surinecocha):
Wake up early with a hot drink and enjoy the majestic views of the Andes before summiting the Puca Pass. You will be located right in front of the majestic Ausangate Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views of Chillca Valley.

After leaving our luggage, we embark on a leisurely 1-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain Pass to watch the sunset over the breathtaking Rainbow Valley. Once we have finished enjoying the view, we will take a 45-minute walk back to our camp in Surinecocha for happy hour and a hearty dinner.

On Day 4 (Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco):
After a very early breakfast, we hike for one hour to the Rainbow Mountain Pass, the highest point of the trek. We arrive at sunrise to enjoy breathtaking views of the Rainbow Valley without the crowds, as we are one of the first groups to arrive.

Your guide will lead you to the best viewpoints for stunning photos of these incredible mountains and the surrounding peaks. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in South America and Peru, with vibrant colors that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

After enjoying the sunrise view, we hike for 1.5 hours to the small community of Hanchipata or Cusipata, where we have lunch and end our trek. Then, we take private transport back to your hotel in Cusco, a 3.5-hour drive that offers stunning views of the Andes and traditional villages.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore one of the highest snow-capped mountains in Cusco Peru
Share the stories of the inhabitants of Ausangate and their vision of the world
Take the trip as a physical challenge and cultural learning experience

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