The Ausangate rainbow mountains trip offers to the travelers an incredibly stunning scenery of the Andes. Hikers will see some majestic views of Mt Ausangate (6380m / 21000 ft.) one of the tallest and most spectacular one in Cusco region. You start trekking on parts of the popular Ausangate trail. But instead of going the full circuit, you will end up hiking towards the famous Rainbow Mountains of Peru.
Hiking on this Ausangate rainbow Mountains tour. You will experience some great days of hiking through the pristine landscapes of the highlands. Where you will be able to observe the authentic mountain life of native Quechuas, who own hundreds of Alpacas. This 4 day adventure trip could be also incorporated as part of the popular Ausangate trek + Vinicunca expedition 6 day.
The area of Ausangate is not a popular tourist destination yet. So nature lovers can still enjoy the tranquility of this region without crowds. But due to its big elevation it definitely requires a good acclimatization to the altitude.
To start this adventure trip, travelers will be collected from their hotels in Cusco. You then have 3 hours of drive to the rural area of Tinqui. On the way you will pass the South valley of Cusco with some picturesque towns as Urcos and Ocongate. There will be some mind-blowing views of the tall mountains, especially Ausangate in the distance.
At your arrival to the trail-head our expert chef will prepare a quick breakfast. While the horseman loads on the horses all the camping gear required for this adventure trip. You begin hiking from Upis Village, with spectacular views of Ausangate in front. The trail goes through the farming fields of the local people. Where you also get to see some cattle and Alpaca herds.
After 3 hours of gentle hike you will stop for a refueling lunch. This section has some houses of the locals, who are farmers and they own many herds of Alpacas. In the afternoon you will hike for another 2 hours until to reach Upis hot-springs (4,200 m / 13,680 ft). You will camp here in front of Mt Ausangate. Optional to enjoy the relaxing hot springs, while the sun downs. A delicious dinner will be served by our expert chef.
In the morning you will get a cup of hot coca tea to wake up in your tent. After a good breakfast you will leave the camp and continue with Ausangate Rainbow Mountain tour. You will start following a scenic path, hiking 2 hours until to reach Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft.). From here you get a wonderful views of the desert hills around, interesting rock formations, stunning views of Mt. Ausangate, and Ccolque Cruz in the distance. Then you will walk gentle-down to Lake Pukacocha. Hiking 30 minutes further up, you will arrive to the Lunch place. A spot with breathtaking views of Apu Ausangate the back-side.
After lunch you will hike one of the challenging section of this trip. As you gain altitude some turquoise glacier lakes will show up: Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomercocha. Ausangate pass is the highest point for this day (4950 m /16120 ft). At this place you get breathtaking sights of all the snow-capped peaks. Including the towering Ausangate and some reddish hills in the opposite side. After to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery you will head to Anantapata for the night (4,400 m / 14,435 ft.).
After a delicious breakfast at the camp of Anantapata. You will begin the hike, with 2 hours of uphill to reach Warmisaya Pass (4900 m/ 16110ft.). This will be another great day, if you are lucky you can get to see the Andean Condors gliding on the mountain top. From the pass is also visible the colorful Rainbow Mountain in the distance. There are many stone pails around, as offerings of the locals for the Apus and Pachamama.
Enjoying all the stunning views, you will descent for one hour to Surine cocha for an early lunch. In the afternoon 2 hours of hike will lead you to the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Taking great pictures from the top, you will walk down to the camp of Vinicunca. Located in the proximity of Rainbow Mountain Peru.
Early wake up! It is time to explore the Rainbow Mountains. You will have chance to arrive to the top for the sunrise. Usually some people plan to get there earliest possible and be the first people at the lookout. After to explore Vinicunca, before the crowds arrive you will head to Red Valley. Enjoying the amazing view for the top, the trail will take you to Llaqto bus stop. Where our chef will await for you with the final lunch of the trip.
In the afternoon you will have 3 hours of drive to Cusco hotel. You will arrive back in Cusco around 5:00 pm. The end of Ausangate Rainbow Mountains tour.
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