Ausangate Trek, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu includes the best of both worlds: an impressive hike through snow-capped mountains, glaciers, colorful lakes, and rural life, all culminating in a visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world created by the Quechua (Inca) culture, Machu Picchu or Machupicchu.
In our best treks in Peru, the highest peak is Ausangate at 6,385 m / 20,948 ft, located in the Cusco region, an immense mountain covered with snow, glaciers, lagoons, and rural life. Along the way, you will encounter vicuñas, alpacas, chinchillas, deer, and occasionally the Andean condor.
This adventurous hike, Ausangate Trek, covers approximately 67 km / 41.6 miles and ascends to 5,400 m / 17,716 ft. Ausangate is an excellent and peaceful trekking circuit that offers spectacular mountainous landscapes, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, the 7 Ausangate Lagoons circuit, several turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas, as well as picturesque villages with very friendly people who speak the native language “Quechua” and wear traditional ponchos, llicllas, or blankets made from alpaca and llama wool.
This trek ranges from moderate to challenging, with several high passes and freezing nights. However, this adventure is well worth it!
This beautiful 7-day Ausangate package, operated by Tunqui Expeditions, starts in the small Andean town of Tinke and takes you around the Ausangate mountain and through three high passes (two of them over 5000 m / 16,404 ft).
For this trek, we must be well acclimatized, spending at least two or three days in Cusco. A city tour, Sacred Valley, or Maras Moray tour is recommended before starting this world-class trek.
The campsites are at high altitude, and therefore, temperatures will drop below freezing at night, but our tents are designed for this altitude of 5000 m.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we require a minimum of 2 passengers to start the adventure, with a maximum of 10 hikers per group.
Ausangate Trek through the Rainbow Mountain – 7 Days is a magnificent adventure to reach Machu Picchu in a truly adventurous way through snow-capped mountains, turquoise lagoons, colorful mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and Andean communities. Ausangate Trek is one of the dream hikes in Latin America and one of the best treks in the world.
You are about to embark on an unforgettable adventure – the 7-day Ausangate trek is undoubtedly the best adventure that will take you to Machu Picchu through stunning landscapes and snow-capped peaks that will leave you breathless. With the Tunqui Expeditions team, everything will be taken care of, allowing you to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
The sacred Ausangate mountain is surrounded by more than 20 colorful lagoons, and along the way, we will see wildlife such as wild vicuñas, Andean foxes, chinchillas, viscachas, and the largest bird in the Andes – the Andean condor – as well as Andean geese and more.
The most incredible part of this trek is that we have designed a new route where you can enjoy and witness the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley at both sunset and sunrise. The views will be unforgettable, making this a dream adventure exclusively with Tunqui Expeditions.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – UPIS – ARAPA PASS – HATUN PUCACOCHA
Today we head towards Upis, hiking through wonderful landscapes and observing the Ausangate mountain. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a crystal-clear lake before spending the night at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain.
DAY 02: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANPATA – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNSET)
Today begins with a hike to Puca Pass, where you will witness stunning lakes before lunch. In the afternoon, we ascend Warmisaya Pass before descending to our Surinecocha campsite, with a visit to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon.
DAY 03: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNRISE) – ANANTAPATA – AUSANGATE COCHA
Wake up early with coca tea to avoid the crowds at Rainbow Mountain. Continue towards the Red Valley. Walk to Quesiuno for lunch and camp at Ausangate Cocha.
DAY 04: AUSANGATE COCHA – PALOMANI PASS – HUCHUY PHINAYA – SORAPATA
This morning, hike through the breathtaking Andean landscapes, observing mountains and either green or snow-covered scenery depending on the season. After lunch, spend time with local families to learn about their customs and traditions.
DAY 05: SORAPATA – JAMPA PASS – 7 AUSANGATE LAGOONS – PACCHANTA
Wake up to stunning landscapes and join the hike through the 7 Ausangate Lagoons. Observe the lakes and enjoy an Andean ceremony. Relax in the Pacchanta hot springs in the afternoon.
DAY 06: PACCHANTA – TINKE – SACRED VALLEY – SALINERAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today, with Tunqui Expeditions, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the most significant sites before boarding a train with beautiful views to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 07: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
The most exciting day has arrived with Tunqui Expeditions! In the morning, we will explore the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with our expert guide before returning by train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Highlight of the day: Hike through the Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Walk through the beautiful Andean landscape and breathe fresh, clean air.
Our Ausangate Trek adventure begins in Cusco at 4:00 AM with private transportation from Tunqui Expeditions, heading to the Upis community.
We will enjoy a nutritious breakfast prepared by the talented hands of our professional chef, surrounded by the Andean landscapes of Ausangate. From here, we will start the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Once ready, with trekking poles in hand, we will hike for three hours at a relaxed pace to have lunch in Upis, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you will see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas throughout the mountains.
After lunch, we will continue with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent to Arapa Pass, where we can admire a multitude of colors spread across the mountains and a valley stretching before us.
Upon reaching the highest point of our hike, we will begin our descent, walking for approximately two and a half hours, passing Yanacocha Lagoon until we reach our campsite next to Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon. Upon arrival, we will be at the base of the sacred Ausangate Mountain, which will amaze you with its snow-covered silhouette.
In the afternoon, our porters will surprise us by setting up a tea table with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and other treats to satisfy your hunger. Later, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night of rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 17 km / 10.56 miles
Starting elevation: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highlight of the day: Bright, stunning lagoons along our trek.
A day of sacred Ausangate lakes and mountains awaits us.
After a long night under bright stars, we will wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, giving us the energy needed to start the day.
Our impressive hike will begin after filling our water bottles. We will ascend for two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft).
Next, we will descend for an hour and a half to have lunch in Anantapata. After lunch, we will continue ascending for approximately two more hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where we can admire spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding sacred mountains and Rainbow Mountain in the distance. The goal is to arrive in the afternoon to catch the last rays of sunlight over Rainbow Mountain.
From there, we will descend for 45 minutes to our campsite by Surinecocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where our tents will be ready.
Upon arrival, our porters will greet us with hot water to wash up. After resting, we will take a short hike to Rainbow Mountain to watch the sunset. It will be just you and your group exploring this incredible place in the afternoon.
Your expert guide will lead you to the perfect spots for photos, making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t worry – the next day, we will return to witness the sunrise with different colors glowing in the morning light!
In the afternoon, our porters will once again surprise us with tea, snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and more. A delicious dinner will follow before a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.20 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain, a natural wonder perfectly crafted by nature.
Today is a spectacular day because we will reach Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, catching the first rays of sunlight and being the first to arrive.
The view is truly breathtaking – even if we don’t believe in God, we will feel the need to thank someone for these beautiful natural landscapes that resemble works of art.
Our adventure begins very early with a delicious breakfast.
We will start with a gentle uphill hike that will lead us to enjoy the incredible natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Once we arrive, we will admire the sunrise, capture amazing photos, and appreciate the peace long before other groups arrive.
After this magical moment, your guide will explain the importance of this site in the Andean world.
Later, we will visit the Red Valley viewpoint (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), where you can see the immense valley fading into the distance.
After walking through the Red Valley, we will return along the same path and gradually descend to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch in the Andes, prepared by our amazing trekking chef.
After lunch and a good rest, we will continue with an uphill hike for approximately two and a half hours, enjoying the sight of a beautiful green valley with herds of llamas and alpacas.
At night, our camp will be waiting for us at Ausangate Cocha (4,500 m / 14,774 ft), where we will rest comfortably after a delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Lowest elevation: 4,376 m / 14,357 ft
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,774 ft
Highlight of the day: Walk through vast landscapes and learn about local customs and traditions.
Immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions.
As with every morning, you will receive a warm coca tea in your tent to start the day, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our expert chef. Today’s hike begins with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point on the entire route.
After a short break to take in the stunning views, we will hike for another hour to reach the small Andean community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Here, you will enjoy lunch amidst the immense Andean landscape – not a bad way to spend lunchtime!
We have great respect and admiration for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who preserve ancestral traditions to this day. Learn from them and witness their admirable way of life, in complete harmony with Mother Nature (Pachamama).
Today is the most challenging day, but it is worth it for a true connection with the Andes and Mother Earth. Later, we will take a gentle two-hour hike to Sorapata, where our camp will be ready and waiting for your arrival.
After a delicious dinner, enjoy a peaceful night of rest, free from the noise of city life and traffic.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking distance: 16.5 km / 10.25 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Lowest elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Camp elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
Highlight of the day: Explore the stunning lagoons and give thanks to Mother Nature.
Give thanks to Mother Nature for this epic journey.
After our second-to-last breakfast, we will begin our uphill hike of two and a half hours towards Jampa Pass at 5,070 meters (16,634 ft). From here, you will have stunning views of majestic, snow-capped sacred mountains, especially Wayna Ausangate.
Don’t forget to have your camera ready!
Next, we will follow a gentle downhill route for approximately three hours until we reach our lunch spot at the Pacchanta camp. Along the way, we will also join the famous 7 Ausangate Lagoons Trek.
By one of the beautiful and mystical lagoons in the area (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo), we will have the option to hold a small ceremony to give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Nature) and the surrounding mountains, especially the sacred Ausangate Mountain that has watched over us throughout the trek.
After our lunch in Pacchanta, you will have a free afternoon and the opportunity to heal your tired body in the medicinal hot springs of Pacchanta.
We will end the day by satisfying our hunger and taste buds with another delicious dinner. Tonight, our talented chef will surprise us once again with a special treat in the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Lowest elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Highest altitude: 5,070 m / 16,634 ft
Camp elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Highlight of the day: Visit Inca archaeological sites, the Lamay handicraft center, and the Maras Salt Mines.
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the best way.
After breakfast prepared by our amazing chef, you will have a moment to say goodbye to our trekking team who accompanied you on this magnificent Ausangate trek – the professional chefs, muleteers, and porters.
Without them, this epic adventure would not be possible!
After the farewell, we will take private transportation from Tunqui Expeditions for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be Taray Viewpoint or Sacred Valley Viewpoint. This incredible location offers a fantastic opportunity to see the magnificent landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
We will continue our journey through the Sacred Valley along the right side of the Willkamayu River (Sacred River) until we reach Urco (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), an archaeological site dedicated to water worship.
At noon, after visiting Urco, we will continue with a one-hour drive to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch at the best restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes.
After lunch, our private transportation will take us to Maras Salt Mines, home to over 3,000 salt ponds.
Finally, we will reach the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Once there, we will take a short walk to see the Inca walls and water canals throughout the city. Afterward, we will head to the train station for the train ride to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into a comfortable hotel.
We will have dinner, and then you can rest and dream about the incredible places you have seen so far.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Easy
Walking distance: 2 km / 1.24 miles
Hiking time: 1 hour
Lowest elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highest elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Hotel elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Here is the complete translation of Day 07:
Highlight of the day: Walk through the stone streets of Machu Picchu and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Marvel at the energy of Machu Picchu and uncover the secrets of the Incas.
Your epic journey comes to an end today with a visit to the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before departing early. We will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site, arriving before the crowds. This way, you can take advantage of the morning light and watch the sunrise as the first bright rays illuminate the ancient stone structures.
At the hotel, you can store your backpacks or belongings and bring only the essentials in a small daypack for your visit to Machu Picchu. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you directly to the best spot to witness the sunrise (weather permitting) and take photos.
Afterward, your expert local guide will explain the main sectors of the citadel during a 2.5-hour guided tour. During this tour, you will learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
You have the option to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required, as spaces fill quickly and the cost is $75 per person). Your guide will show you where the hike begins. The round-trip hike takes no more than two hours.
Alternatively, you can hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, which is more challenging and takes a minimum of three hours round trip (with an additional cost of USD $75 per person).
After fully exploring this magical site, around midday, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. In the afternoon, around 2:00 PM, we will head to the train station for the journey to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, Tunqui Expeditions’ private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Now it’s time to rest your legs after an epic 7-day adventure through the Ausangate Lagoons, Rainbow Mountains, and Machu Picchu. We are sure you will never forget this life-changing trek.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Machu Picchu site elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Huayna Picchu Mountain elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Optional activities (Difficulty – Duration): Moderate (2-4 hours)
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 1)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Cargo Mules
On days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
Porters Team Tunqui (Inca Trail)
Our Porters Team will carry all camping equipment and supplies needed for the trek. Additionally, we’ll include the personal service of a porter responsible for carrying your duffle bag and personal items.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Ausangate Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Plastic-Free Ausangate Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Ausangate Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Ausangate trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu 7 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 850 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 650.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
The PeruRail Vistadome Train Service offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each one of its cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of the surroundings. The Vistadome approaches you to the amazing landscapes and nature on-route, creating a real connection.
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
