Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
6-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain: The Ultimate Andean Adventure
Experience the pinnacle of high altitude trekking with our premier 6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek. This meticulously designed Peru trekking tour is crafted for adventurers eager to discover the raw, untouched beauty of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Ausangate and the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in a single, unforgettable journey.
Trek Highlights
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Explore the remote wilderness surrounding the sacred Apu Ausangate, away from the crowded tourist trails.
- Vibrant Landscapes: Witness the surreal colors of Rainbow Mountain Peru and the deep crimson hues of the Red Valley.
- Glacial Wonders: Hike past towering glaciers, shimmering turquoise alpine lakes, and the high Palomani Pass (5,200m).
- Cultural Immersion: Connect with local Quechua communities and observe native wildlife, including wild vicuñas, alpacas, and the majestic Andean condor.
Why Trek with Inca Trail Trek Peru?
Embark on this comprehensive 6-day, 5-night adventure led by highly experienced, certified mountain guides. Our expert leaders ensure a safe, informative, and truly remarkable expedition through some of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes.
- Expert High-Altitude Leadership: Our trip leaders bring profound expertise in Andean geology, local history, and traditional mountain culture.
- Safety First: We prioritize your well-being with professional-grade equipment and specialized knowledge of high-altitude acclimatization.
- Passion & Knowledge: Beyond just a hike, our guides provide a deeper understanding of the sacred relationship between the Andean people and their majestic mountains.
More Than Just a Hike
This extraordinary journey is an unparalleled opportunity to deeply connect with the pristine natural beauty of Peru. Whether you are marvelling at the Vinicunca minerals or soaking in the peace of a mountain sunrise, this Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek offers a spiritual and physical challenge that stands as the "epic" alternative to the standard Inca Trail.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to Tinki.
Entrance Ticket
Ausanget, Rainbow Mountain.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accomodations in tents
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (05B, 05L, 05D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs.
$650
Itinerary
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek: The Ultimate 6-Day Peru Hiking Itinerary
Are you looking for the best high-altitude trek in Peru? The 6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek is the ultimate adventure for those seeking to escape the crowds. This itinerary combines the sacred Apu Ausangate with the world-famous Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain).
With Trips to Machu Picchu, you will experience expert-led expeditions, professional camping gear, and breathtaking views of glacial lagoons and the Cordillera Vilcanota.
DAY 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis (The Gateway to Ausangate)
- Morning Departure: We begin your Ausangate trek at 7:00 AM, leaving Cusco for a scenic drive through the traditional villages of Urcos and Ocongate.
- Cordillera Vilcanota: Witness the dramatic peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range as we approach the trailhead.
- Tinki Village (3,800m / 12,467ft): Meet our team of local horsemen and prepare the pack horses for the journey.
- Trek to Upis (4,400m / 14,435ft): A gentle hike leads us to our first campsite at the base of the Ausangate North Face.
- Upis Hot Springs: End your first day with a therapeutic soak in the natural hot springs under the shadow of the glacier.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Cocha Lagoon
- Arapa Pass (4,850m / 15,912ft): After a high-energy breakfast, we conquer the Arapa Pass, offering 360-degree Andean panoramas.
- Turquoise Lagoons: Descent through valleys to see the striking Pucacocha and Jatun Pucacocha lagoons.
- Ausangate Cocha Camp: We camp at the edge of the Ausangate Cocha Lagoon, a pristine lake fed by the Ausangate Glacier.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Palomani Pass – Vinicunca (The Rainbow Mountain Highlight)
- Palomani Pass (5,100m / 16,732ft): Today we reach the highest point of the trek. This pass offers the most iconic views of the sacred Ausangate mountain.
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: We descend toward the famous Rainbow Mountain Peru. You will arrive at this geological wonder to witness its vibrant mineral stripes.
- Expert Photography: Our guides will help you find the best viewpoints for the perfect Rainbow Mountain photo without the midday crowds.
- Vinicunca Camp: Spend the night near the mountain, enjoying a sunset most tourists never see.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Vinicunca – Colorado Trails – Ticllacocha
- The Red Valley (Colorado Trails): Hike through the stunning "Colorado Trails," known for their deep red earth and Martian-like landscapes.
- Apacheta Pass: A steady climb brings us to Apacheta Pass before descending into the tranquil Huchuy Jampa valley.
- Ticllacocha Camp: Experience true Andean serenity at our remote campsite surrounded by granite peaks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Jampa Pass – Pacchanta (Glacial Lakes & Thermal Baths)
- Jampa Pass (5,100m / 16,732ft): Our final major ascent. Keep an eye out for wild vicuñas and Andean condors.
- The 7 Lagoons: As we descend, we pass a series of glacier-fed lakes in shades of blue and green.
- Pacchanta Village (4,200m / 13,780ft): We arrive at a local Quechua community.
- Pacchanta Hot Springs: Celebrate the completion of your trek with a final soak in the Pacchanta thermal baths with a direct view of Ausangate.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
- Final Descent: Enjoy a leisurely downhill walk back to Tinki, reflecting on your 6-day Andean adventure.
- Return to Cusco: Our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Choose the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 6-Day Trek?
- Avoid the Crowds: While others take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, you experience it as part of a deep-wilderness Peruvian trekking tour.
- Physical Challenge: This is a high-altitude trek designed for hikers looking for a "step up" from the classic Inca Trail.
- Local Expertise: Inca Trail Trek Peru uses 100% local guides and horsemen, ensuring your money stays in the Andean communities.
Book your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain adventure today and experience the soul of the Andes!
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
