Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

Trip details Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain is our most epic high-altitude adventure!

Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lagoons, Andean wildlife, and the incredible Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca.

You will witness the highest sacred mountain, Ausangate, standing at 6,385 m / 20,948 ft in the Cusco region.

This adventurous Ausangate Trek with Tunqui Expeditions covers approximately 100 km / 62 miles and ascends to 5,400 m / 17,716 ft. The Ausangate Trek is an excellent and peaceful trekking circuit and one of the best treks in Peru, offering impressive features such as spectacular Andean mountain landscapes, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lagoons, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, sheep, wild vicuñas, picturesque villages, and Quechua people dressed in traditional attire.

This trek ranges from moderate to challenging in difficulty, with several high passes and freezing nights. This beautiful 6-day Ausangate package, combined with Rainbow Mountain, begins in the small Andean village of Tinke and takes you around the Ausangate Mountain, crossing various high-altitude passes.

It is recommended to be well-acclimatized for this trek by spending at least two or three days in Cusco (taking tours such as: Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley, Maras Moray, and Salineras) before starting. The campsites where we will spend the nights are at high altitudes, so it will be quite cold at night, but it will be a fantastic experience in the Peruvian Andes.

At Tunqui Expeditions, the minimum number of passengers required for the trek to depart is 2 people (there is the possibility of organizing treks for 1 person or private/customized treks with an additional charge). The maximum number of hikers per group is 10 people (special or private groups may exceed the maximum).

 

Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

6 Days / 5 Nights
Price 680 USD Por Persona
Group To Up to 12 People
Difficulty Challenging
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Aditional Especial for Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

Trip Details

Highlights Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

The 6-Day Ausangate Trekking with Rainbow Mountain Connection is one of the best treks in Peru and a top option in Cusco for nature lovers, adventurers, and trekking enthusiasts.

This epic journey takes you along the slopes of the most important sacred mountain south of Cusco: the incredible Ausangate Glacier, standing at 6,372 m / 20,905 ft.

On this incredible journey with Tunqui Expeditions, you will visit Andean villages where locals work daily in their fields, enjoy relaxing hot springs, and photograph the turquoise shine of beautiful crystal-clear lagoons scattered along the route.

Honestly, it’s truly incredible!

If you love hiking through mountains, learning about local customs and traditions, and are looking for an unforgettable experience in areas where few tourists go, this Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain package is perfect for you with Tunqui Expeditions.

Whether you are traveling with your partner, family, or friends, you can join us on this incredible adventure through Peru’s sacred mountains and the unimaginable expanse of the Ausangate Glacier. This journey is perfect for those looking to escape crowded tourist spots, avoid the hustle and bustle, and fully immerse themselves in culture and nature.

The Ausangate Glacier is the most sacred in the Cusco region, receiving great respect, ceremonies, and offerings from Andean communities. It stands at 6,372 m / 20,905 ft and is the fifth-highest mountain in Peru. Being close to this gigantic Apu (Sacred Mountain) will fill you with peace as you breathe in its energy.

This trek will take you across mountain passes, incredible mountain landscapes, remote Andean villages, hot springs, colorful mountains, and multicolored lakes.

You will learn about the customs and traditions of Andean communities that still preserve ancient practices today.

So, what are you waiting for? This epic journey awaits you in the remote mountain regions of Peru. Travel with peace of mind with Tunqui Expeditions, knowing that every last detail is planned for you. All you have to do is enjoy your adventure to the fullest.


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Venture through the Andes Mountain Range, an incredibly beautiful chain of mountains located about four hours south of Cusco.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes, surrounded by incredible views everywhere you look.
  • Admire the vastness of the Andean valleys and towering mountains from spectacular viewpoints.
  • Explore gigantic glaciers and colorful crystal-clear lagoons.
  • Experience the Andean lifestyle and make new friends along the way.
  • Learn about local customs and traditions as well as the daily lives of Andean locals.
  • Observe Andean wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, sheep, vicuñas, condors, and various water birds.
  • Escape the city noise and disconnect from the crowds in the heart of the sacred mountains.
  • You will be close to the most sacred mountains in Cusco: Apu Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.
  • Witness the sunrise at Rainbow Mountain before other groups arrive.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DAY 01: CUSCO – OCONGATE – TINKI – UPIS – WAYNA AUSANGATE LAGOON
We will pick you up in Cusco and head in our private transport to the community of Upis to begin the hike. Enjoy lunch among the mountains and start walking to the Upis camp. In the afternoon, you will have the optional opportunity to visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon. Finally, we will return to our camp for dinner and sleep alongside the sacred mountains.

DAY 02: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – YANACOCHA – HATUN PUCACOCHA
Today, you will hike through stunning Andean landscapes and see the snow-capped Ausangate, as well as beautiful turquoise lagoons in the middle of the sacred mountains. You may even spot an Andean condor. Spend the night at Pucacocha in our private tents.

DAY 03: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANTA – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINE COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNSET)
This morning, with the Tunqui Expeditions team, you will come face-to-face with Ausangate and hike to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon to witness a stunning sunset. At night, sleep at Surineqocha near Rainbow Mountain.

DAY 04: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNRISE) – QUESIUNO – AUSANGATE COCHA
Wake up early with coca tea to avoid the crowds at Rainbow Mountain. Continue toward the Red Valley, hike to Quesiuno for lunch, and camp at Ausangate Cocha.

DAY 05: AUSANGATE COCHA – PALOMANI PASS – HUCHUY PHINAYA – SORAPATA
This morning, you will hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes and observe green or snow-covered mountains depending on the season. After lunch, spend time with local families to learn about their customs and traditions.

DAY 06: SORAPATA – JAMPA PASS – 7 AUSANGATE LAGOONS – PACCHANTA (HOT SPRINGS) – CUSCO
Wake up to beautiful landscapes and join the 7 Lagoons Hike. Observe the lagoons and participate in an Andean ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon and relax in the Pacchanta hot springs.

 

Itinerary Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

Day 01 Cusco | Upis Community – Upis Camp – Wayna Ausangate Lake

Highlight of the day: Discover Andean communities and Wayna Ausangate Lake.

Explore and enjoy the beauty of the Ausangate Mountain – you won’t believe the pure white snow covering it, standing right before you.

Our Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain adventure will begin at 4:00 AM from Cusco, heading through the Andean landscapes to the small community of Upis, where we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by the professional hands of our chef.

We will begin our gradual ascent to acclimate and continue the hikes with ease. Once near the glacier’s base, we will appreciate the northeast side of the impressive snow-capped Ausangate.

After three hours of hiking through beautiful fields of native potato crops and picturesque adobe and straw houses, we will arrive at the camp for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon – a two-hour round-trip exploration. Upon returning to camp, our porters will have prepared tea time for us, with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and more to satisfy your hunger. Later, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night of rest in the company of the snow-capped Ausangate.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Starting elevation: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest altitude: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Camp elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft

Day 02 Upis Camp | Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha

Highlight of the day: Discover the impressive Andean landscapes surrounding Ausangate.

You will witness stunning lagoons and the immense Ausangate glacier.

Today, we will wake you with hot coca tea, chocolate, or coffee in your tent to give you the energy needed to continue. Then, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Andean landscapes and the cool mountain air.

Our Ausangate Trek will begin with a two-and-a-half-hour hike through a beautiful high Andean valley along the Andes mountain range towards Arapa Pass with spectacular views of the Ausangate glacier.

From the top of the mountain (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the Andean landscape will expand before you. You’ll be in awe of Mother Nature’s creations – so beautiful that, even if you don’t believe in God, you will feel the need to thank someone for these natural wonders.

Next, we will descend to discover the beautiful Yanacocha Lagoon (Black Lagoon) with crystal-clear waters. Afterward, we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha to admire the fantastic landscape.

Make sure to have your camera ready all day to capture some fantastic photos of this epic journey. We will have a delicious lunch at this spot.

Later, we will arrive at our Hatun Pucacocha camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). In the afternoon, explore the lagoons and relax during tea time with hot drinks, snacks, coffee, and popcorn.

At night, a nutritious dinner prepared by our private chef awaits you. During dinner, share the day’s experiences with fellow travelers and the team before heading to rest in your private tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft

Day 03 Hatun Pucacocha | Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain (Sunset)

Highlight of the day: Walk at the base of Ausangate and visit Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon.

Ascend the highest pass of the trek and catch your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain from afar.

Once again, we will wake you with coca tea – a natural remedy used since Inca times for energy and altitude sickness. Today begins one of the most beautiful days of the entire trek.

After a delicious breakfast, we will ascend for two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), with impressive views of glaciers and deep green valleys.

You’ll feel the powerful presence of Ausangate and take photos of its turquoise lagoons. From the top, you will see Ausangate’s majestic face right in front of you. Its immense energy will explain why it holds such significance for the Andean people.

Afterward, we will descend for an hour and a half to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for lunch. Later, we will ascend for two more hours to Warmisaya (4,985 m / 16,355 ft).

From here, you will feel as if flying over the mountains, with vast horizons stretching endlessly.

After descending for 45 minutes, we will arrive at Surinecocha camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where our tents will be ready.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short walk to Rainbow Mountain at sunset, accompanied only by your Tunqui Expeditions group.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft

Day 04 Surinecocha | Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise) – Quesiuno – Ausangate Cocha

Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain, a natural wonder perfectly crafted by nature.

Today is spectacular, as we will arrive at Rainbow Mountain to watch the sunrise, catching the first rays of light and being the first to arrive.

The view is truly breathtaking – even if we don’t believe in God, the beauty of these natural landscapes will make us feel the need to thank someone.

Our adventure begins early with a delicious breakfast.

We will start with a gentle uphill hike leading to the incredible natural wonder, Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Once there, we will appreciate the sunrise, take incredible photos, and enjoy 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 the vast valley disappears into the distance.

After exploring the Red Valley, we will return along the same path and descend gradually to Quesiuno (4,376 m / 14,357 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious Andean lunch prepared by our exceptional trekking chef.

After lunch and a well-deserved break, we will continue with an approximately two-and-a-half-hour ascent, enjoying the views 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
Minimum altitude: 4,376 m / 14,357 ft
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,774 ft

Day 05 Ausangate Cocha | Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya – Sorapata

Highlight of the day: Hike through vast landscapes and learn about local customs and traditions.

Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.

As 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 of the entire route.

After a short break to enjoy 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 vast Andean landscape.

We hold great respect for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who continue to uphold ancestral traditions. You will learn from them and their admirable way of life in harmony with Mother Nature (Pachamama).

Today is the most challenging day, but it is worth it for the genuine connection with the Andes and Mother Earth.

Later, we will take a gentle two-hour hike to Sorapata, where our camp will be ready for your arrival.

After a delicious dinner, you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest, free from the noise of the city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking distance: 16.5 km / 10.25 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Camp elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft

Day 06 Sorapata | Jampa Pass – 7 Ausangate Lagoons – Pacchanta – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Explore the stunning lagoons and give thanks to Mother Nature.

Express gratitude to Mother Nature for this epic journey.

After our second-to-last breakfast, we will begin the two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike to Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft). From this point, you will have incredible views of majestic snow-capped sacred mountains.

Keep your camera ready!

We will then follow a gentle downhill path for approximately three hours to reach our lunch spot at Pacchanta camp. Along the way, we will join the famous 7 Ausangate Lagoons Trek.

At one of the beautiful and mystical lagoons – Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo – we will have the option to hold a small ceremony to thank Pachamama and the surrounding mountains, especially Ausangate, which has watched over us during the trek.

After lunch at Pacchanta, enjoy a free afternoon and take the opportunity to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs.

Later, we will say goodbye to the Tunqui Expeditions team, including the porters, muleteers, and chef.

Without them, this epic adventure wouldn’t have been possible!

Finally, after the farewell, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour journey back to Cusco, concluding this incredible 6-day Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain adventure. Our guide will drop you off at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Highest altitude: 5,070 m / 16,634 ft

 

Includes Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

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

  • Entrance for the Ausangate Trek
  • Entrance for Rainbow Mountain
  • Entrance for Red Valley

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure briefing

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 Ausangate trek.

  • Experienced guides

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!

Private Camping Equipment

  • Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
  • Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
  • A Portable travel toilet
  • Sleeping Pad

All equipment will be carried by our horses.

  • A duffle bag

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).

  • Medical or First Aid Kit

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.

  • Extras included in our service

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.

  • 24/7 customer service

We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.

  • Satellite phone

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 

  • Private accommodation on private tents

Like our ancestors, we have a great respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our tents are adapted to the environment to avoid any negative impact. Tunqui Expeditions uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g., Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents).

Meals

  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners

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.

  • Water on the trek

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).

  • Wake up tea

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.

  • Tea time or happy hour

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!

  • Daily snacks on the trek

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.

  • One canvas snack bag per person

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

  • Transport
    • Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our transport to Upis, the starting point of the trek.
    • Day 6: Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
  • Transport of personal belongings.

Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.

Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)

During the Ausangate Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.

They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.

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

  • A small pillow to sleep on.
  • Sponge mattress to sleep on.
  • Backpack cover to protect your rucksack from rain, dust and dirt.
  • Rain poncho
  • T-shirt Once you have completed the Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain, you will receive our ultimate Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain T-shirt.
  • We provide hot water canisters every day to help our clients get clean and comfortable at night.
  • We have a happy hour every night to relax, unwind and talk about the day’s events.
  • We work very hard to make your holiday the best it can be.

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.

  • Ethical and responsible treatment of our porters: Most people would not be able to cope with the challenges of these treks without the porters who help with all the lifting, preparation and cheering. They are the backbone of our company and the reason why Silvio Tunqui founded 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.

  • The porters’ trip: We love meeting all our customers, but our favourite trips are when our porters and their families become our customers.

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.

  • Equality matters: Another big difference is that we believe we are all equal and that each person brings something different and beautiful to our team. Since 2022, we have always had female guides, porters and cooks on our team.

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.

  • Sustainable and responsible operator: Tunqui Expeditions is way ahead of our competitors when it comes to being a sustainable tour operator. We respect our planet by ensuring that no trace is left behind on any of our treks. We even include an extra porter to help clean up the rubbish left behind by other groups.

We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

  • Sleeping Bag

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.

    • US$ 25.00 per person
  • Walking Sticks

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.

    • US$ 25.00 per person
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for our staff

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.

  • Extra costs or delays beyond our control

Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.

Before you go Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

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 Rainbow Mountain 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 Salkantay 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 & Rainbow Mountain

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 to Rainbow Mountain?

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:

  • All pick-ups are within the city of Cusco, but we recommend that you book a hotel in the historic centre for its convenient location.
  • Our guide or staff will confirm the pick up time the day before the tour.
  • Due to traffic conditions the pick up time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
  • Cusco is an old city with many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets that are inaccessible by car or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.

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.

Packing list Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

BASICS

  • Valid passport: A copy will not be accepted, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. You must present the exact same document that you used to reserve your Inca Trail permits.
  • Extra money (soles recommended): For souvenirs, drinks and tips.
    Personal medication.
  • Water bottle or CamelBak: We recommend containers such as Camelbags, but at least 2-3 litres.
  • Sunscreen: factor 70 or higher

CLOTHING

  • Walking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Trekking pants
  • Trekking socks
  • A pair of thermal trousers
  • A warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Waterproof or wool gloves
  • Sun hat to protect your neck and face
  • Wool hat for the cold
  • Neck gaiter or buff
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

EQUIPMENT

The muleteers and 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.

  • Medium trekking rucksack (15 – 25 litres): You will be responsible for carrying water on the first day, as we will not have time to filter the water before your first lunch.
  • Large plastic bags: to help organise and separate the clean from the dirty.
    Sleeping bag: we recommend bags for -10°C minimum.
  • Towel: We provide a small one, you may like a slightly larger one.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water every day for cleaning – it might make you feel fresh if you had some soap.

RECOMMENDED

  • Camera and charger
  • Extra battery or laptop to charge mobile phones

Price Ausangate trek & rainbow mountain 6 days

“Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 6 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$ 680.00 per person.

Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.

Balance (Cusco): US$ 480.00 (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.

  • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
  • Walking sticks (pair): US$ 20.00

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

  • US$20.00 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.

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