Travel to Ausangate Circuit & Rainbow Mountain Trekking.

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND AUSANGATE TREKKING ADVENTURE 5D/4N

The Ausangate Mountain Range is a prominent mountain range located in the Peruvian Andes, in the Cusco region of Peru. It is named after its highest peak, Ausangate, which reaches an elevation of 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level. The Ausangate Trek, a multi-day trek that takes visitors through breath-taking landscapes, past vibrant lakes, and close to the towering peaks of the range. The Rainbow Mountain is found in the same mountain range and is now one of the most-visited natural attractions in the Cusco region. Known locally by its Quechua name, Vinicunca, Ausangate’s Rainbow Mountain went from a completely unknown mountain near Cusco to a hot spot for travellers. Now, it is second only to Machu Picchu in number of visitors per day and for very good reason! The colourful hues that give the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain its world-renowned stripes, are the result of naturally-occurring mineral deposits, and are a sight to behold. The Ausangate Mountain Range is a remarkable, natural and cultural gem in the Peruvian Andes, attracting those seeking adventure, awe-inspiring scenery, and a connection with ancient traditions in one of the most pristine, untouched regions of the world and visits one of the most popular iconic natural destinations also, the best of both worlds!

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DAY 1: We start by heading out from Cusco towards Checacupe. From there, we keep going until we reach the trailhead for our Cusco Rainbow Mountain tour and climb for about 2h until we reach the first night’s campsite.
DAY 2: Is the highlight on this Rainbow Mountain trek as we reach the lookout with spectacular views of Vinicunca.
Day 3: We join up with the classic Ausangate Circuit, normally a 5 day trek on its own. We face some challenging high altitude passes today, including the first of two passes over 5000m (16,500 ft) on this trek.
DAY 4: The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Tour is filled with a series of stunning glacial lakes on Day 4. We finish the day with a special treat…. The chance to soak in the Pacchanta hot springs!
DAY 5: Our 5-day hike then ends with a short hike from Pacchanta to Tinki, before our private transport returns us to Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco to Illa Pampa Alto.

We begin our Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco, leaving early in the morning and heading towards the quaint village of Checacupe. Traveling on a paved road across the altiplano in the direction of Puno, we make our way through the fertile Vilcanota Valley. Our departure time means we miss the crowds that do the day trip to the magical Rainbow Mountain and we will have plenty of time to enjoy an undisturbed experience of Vinicunca all to ourselves. Arriving at Checacupe, we have a chance to visit the Colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the three interesting bridges before we hit the road again, and start our climb out of the Pitumarka Valley. In Pitumarka, we can rest and buy some snacks. As we head out again, we leave the highway and get onto the dirt roads that wind through scenic valleys and canyons until we reach Hanchi Pacha. Along the way, we will stop to take photos of interesting rock formations.

After about 4 hours total in our private vehicle, we will enjoy lunch “al fresco” to refresh and refuel before meeting up with our muleteers and beginning our afternoon hike. We will climb steadily until we reach K’airahuiri Bajo (4300m / 14,925 ft) where we will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and stunning valley below. From here, it’s just another few meters to our first campsite at K’airahuiri Alto (4400m / 15,420 ft), with views across the picturesque green valley.

Total Walking Distance: 10km

Total Walking Time: 5h

Minimum Altitude: 4400m (14,435ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5050m (16,568ft)

Altitude of camp: 4700m (15,419ft)

Approx. night temperature: -15°C

Day 2: Illa Pampa Alto – Rainbow Mountain to Ananta.

After an early breakfast, we will walk for about 1.5h towards Vinicunca Pass (5040m (16,535ft), the site of the famous Ausangate Rainbow Mountain. Once we arrive at the top of the pass, there are usually some gusts of wind, so be sure you are wrapped up to protect against the elements. As we pause for breath, we are rewarded for all our efforts with the first views of the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, with its vibrant multi-coloured layers of rock sediment. Turquoise, orange, brown, and collide in the most stunning of ways, and if the day is clear, we will also be able to marvel at the imposing views of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate Mountain, the tallest and most important mountain in Andean cosmology. After some time to rest and take photos, we’ll head on to Pucacocha Lake over the 4900m (16,076 ft) Menos Ponco Pass. It should take between 4 and 5 hours to get to our campsite where we will rest for the evening.

Total Walking Distance: 16km

Total Walking Time: 8h

Minimum Altitude: 4600m (15,091ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5040m (16,535ft)

Altitude of camp: 4600m (15,091ft)

Approx. night temperature: -15°C

Day 3: Ananta to Jatumpampa

Day 3 of our Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek begins with an impressive morning hike. With the immense Ausangate Mountain to our left, we will pass by transparent glacial lakes, herds of alpacas and llamas and, if we’re lucky, maybe even some wild vicuña and vizcachas. On arrival at the Apacheta Pass (4600m / 15,091 ft), we will then ascend the Palomani Pass (5200m / 17,060 ft), the highest point on the Ausangate trek. As we summit the pass, we will be met with spectacular views of the southeast mountain range, including Mariposa (“butterfly”) and Caracol (“snail”) Peaks. From here we will continue along the trail into the valley where will arrive at our lunch spot. During the afternoon we can appreciate views of the Tres Picos and Puca Punta snow-capped mountains. We will then continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and climb the Rio Q’ampa Valley, where we will spend the night.

Total Walking Distance: 15km

Total Walking Time: 9h

Minimum Altitude: 4500m (14,763 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5200m (17,060 ft)

Altitude of camp: 4500m (14,943 ft)

Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 4: Ananta to Jatumpampa

This is our last full day of hiking on our Ausangate trek with Rainbow Mountain. We begin by hiking through the small community of Q’ampa. From this point, we will head northwest to the last pass of our journey, the Q’ampa Pass (5000m / 16,400 ft). We will pass by the awe-inspiring coloured lakes and we will enjoy lunch beside the transparent Q’oma Q’ocha Lake (4704m / 15,429 ft). We will hike for a few hours more, through impressive Andean landscapes until we reach Pacchanta (4010m / 13,152 ft). This traditional, high-altitude village has been transformed by tourism in recent years, and has adapted its activities to include various community initiatives, including homestays and cultural demonstrations, as well as its natural thermal springs, which offer the perfect treat for those aching muscles. As we soak in the soothing thermal waters, we can observe the magical Ausangate peak on the horizon and even treat ourselves to a well-earned beer! Tonight’s campsite is here so we can relax after this epic trekking adventure.

Total Walking Distance: 18km

Total Walking Time: 9h

Minimum Altitude: 4010m (13,152 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5000m (16,400 ft)

Altitude of camp: 4010m (13,152 ft)

Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 5: Pacchanta to Cusco

It’s Day 5 and our final day trekking the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate. From Pacchanta, we will hike for three hours to Tinke where we will have free time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private car back to Cusco. The scenic drive winds up and over a pass for a last glimpse of the imposing Apu Ausangate.

Total Walking Distance: 7km

Total Walking Time: 3h

Minimum Altitude: 3800m (12,467 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4350m (14,261 ft)

We will arrive in Cusco between 4 and 5pm, where you will be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of this awe-inspiring trek through the Ausangate region and to The Rainbow Mountain.