Rainbow Mountain & Trek and Ausangate 4 Days / 3 Nights
Review
Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain. This hike is one of the best along the Andes of Cusco, it is very different from the traditional hikes, here you will not be able to see Inca sites.
if you will not have it in front of majestic snow-capped mountains, this is a reserve preserved by the communities, all The communities are committed to the care and preservation of this important national reserve, the Ausangate mountain range, many times threatened by formal and informal mining, throughout all these years they have fought for the conservation and preservation of both their communities and the environment.
environment that surrounds you, if what you are looking for is adventure and scenic beauty, this hike is made for you. The beauty of Ausangate will surprise you and you will be enchanted, on the way you will see crystalline lagoons of enormous sizes, alpacas, llamas, condors, the mountains of Ausangate offer both animal and plant biodiversity and this makes Ausangate special and wonderful.
This tour will have as its destination the rainbow mountain with an elevation of 5000mts of altitude, without a doubt it is one of the best routes that I can recommend.
Tour Location: Located in the Andes Mountains, District of Ocongate, Region Cusco.
Type of tour: Trekking, Adventure and Camping.
Recommended: For those who enjoy long walks, with a good physical condition (Moderate).
Difficulty: Moderate, challenging.
Considerations: Enjoy incredible landscapes and Majestic Ausangate Mountains. If you have planned or decided to do this trek through the Andes, check all the details in the itinerary we have for you. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next Adventures in Cusco”.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis hot springs
The first day, your trip will begin with the pick-up from your hotel in a private bus, which will drive you for 03 hours to the small town of Tinqui. From here you will have a view of the Andes mountain range, once you have reached Tinqui the trek begins, before leaving you will have a delicious breakfast, at the end you will be ready to start the trek. The walk will begin knowing one of the communities along the way where you will have the opportunity to observe all the ancient Inca practices embodied in agriculture and water conservation, enjoy an impressive landscape where you will feel the true Andean essence. You will walk for approximately 02 hours, you will arrive at the first stop where you will be served a delicious lunch prepared with organic products, then you will be given water to recharge your boats. After lunch you will continue with the walk until you reach the first camp of the trip where you have the option to use the natural hot springs in the area and take a good Inca-style bath, you will have free time to explore and enjoy this small town and at the end of the On the trip, dinner will be ready, prepared by the specialized team and comfortable tents for a good rest.
Elevation: 3,867mts / 12,753ft
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: moderate
Day 2: Upis hot springs – Puka Qocha
Second day, start with coffee or tea in the morning and then have a delicious breakfast with all the travel equipment, once our breakfast is finished we will continue with the walk until we reach the first step located 4,855mts, from here you will have a view of the top of the hills and a beautiful landscape, you will have the opportunity to see mountains of colors due to the minerals that exist within the earth, without a doubt you will be surprised on this second day. Continuing with the trail you will reach the first stopping point where you will have a delicious lunch prepared with organic products and you will have the opportunity to fill your water bottles with plenty of water, once you have finished your lunch you will continue with your Walk through the foothills of the mountains where you will see beautiful lagoons with crystalline waters, where it will be the second camp of the day, dinner will be ready at 7 pm and the tents will be prepared for you to rest well.
Elevation: 4,300mts / 13,753ft
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: moderate
Day 3: Puka Qocha – Ausangate Pass – Auqui
Third day, you will start very early, without a doubt this day is the most beautiful, you will have a good breakfast with all the travel equipment and you will be able to fill your water bottles in abundance for the road. Ready to continue along the beautiful trails, we will pass through a hamlet located at almost 4,500mts, where coexistence practices are challenging, there is no vegetation around and that makes the communities survive with what is within their reach, they are communities that Over the years they have adapted to the circumstances, which makes them unique and strong. After all the experience, you will continue with the walk until you reach the first point where you will be served a delicious lunch and you will have to recharge with plenty of water available for the rest of the day, after lunch you will continue your walk uphill until you reach the second step where You can already see the Vinincunca mountain located at 5,200 mts / 16,489ft. Continuing with the walk we will descend for two hours until we reach our third camp, dinner will be ready at 7:00 pm and the tents will be prepared for you to rest well.
Elevation: 4,410mts / 14,455ft
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: moderate
Day 4: Auqui – Vinincunca Rainbow Mountain
Waking up with a coffee in the morning is the best thing you can have, since the cold is intense, then a delicious breakfast to recharge your batteries, without a doubt this will be a very special day for the whole team and especially for you. You will begin your hike to the rainbow mountain for approximately 2 hours with your specialized guide, upon reaching the top of vincunca you will have excellent views and beautiful landscapes, which will be enchanted with its natural beauty composed of minerals. Together with your guide you will visit the corners where you will get the best views of the place. Once the visit is finished, you will descend to the lower part for 2 hours until you reach our camping point where you will enjoy the last and delicious lunch prepared by the travel team, where together with the whole team we will share a great cake for the challenge of the walk and we will toast the Inca drink. After sharing, the bus will be ready for your return to the city of Cusco for 4 hours of travel and thus leave you at your hotel at approximately 5 pm.
Altitude in Cusco
People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.
You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.
These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.
The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.
To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.
Getting to Cusco
All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.
The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.
Weather
Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.
Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.
Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.
Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.
Luggage Storage
Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.
While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.
First Aid
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.
In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.
Environmental Impact
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.
Rainbow Mountain & Trek and Ausangate 4 Days / 3 Nights
per person
41 km/25 miles
All year
For All
Not permit required
Adventure and Hiking
Student discount: The student discount only applies for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.
