ITINERARY:

Ausangate – Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – TÍNKI – UPIS (HOT SPRINGS)

We leave Cusco early in the morning by private transportation to the picturesque village of Tinqui. During the trip, we will enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Vilcanota and several traditional Andean villages, where we will stop to take some pictures. Upon arrival in Tinqui, we will have time for breakfast, while the muleteers prepare the equipment for the horses and organize the group’s luggage. The trek officially begins here.

We will start the trek through agricultural communities, while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains. We will walk for approximately three hours before taking a break for lunch. We then continue our trek for another two hours until we reach Upis (4,100 masl), where we can relax in the local hot springs before dinner. We will spend the night camping in this beautiful place.

Camping in Upis.Campamento en Upis.

DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA

After a good breakfast, we get ready for the day’s trekking, starting with the ascent to the Arapa Pass (4,850 masl). From this point, we will be able to enjoy the view of the majestic mountains, contrasting with the arid hills. We can also observe the imposing Ausangate, the highest peak in the region, and the Pucacocha lagoon, as well as three beautiful lakes of vibrant colors: Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha. Our camp will be near the Ausangate glacier, on the shores of the Pucacocha lagoon.

Camp at Pucacocha.

DAY 3: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE – SURINE COCHA

This day will be one of the most spectacular of the trek. From a distance, we will begin to see the famous Rainbow Mountains. We will pass through the village of Alccatauri, where we will experience the traditional life of the local community. We begin with a one and a half hour climb to the Ausangate pass (4,930 masl), where the views of red mountains and animals such as vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas will be breathtaking. After enjoying the views at the pass, we will descend for two hours to the village of Alccatauri (4,400 masl), where we will give coca leaves to the locals, a gesture appreciated in the region. Then, we will walk for about 30 minutes more until we reach the rustic lodge where we will have lunch.

After lunch, we continue our trek to the Minasniyuq pass (5,020 masl), from where we will have our first close views of the Rainbow Mountains. At this pass, we will make offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Finally, we will descend for an hour until we reach our campsite at Surine Cocha (4,800 masl), located next to the beautiful Surine Lake.

Camp in Surine Cocha.

DAY 4: SURINE COCHA – WINICUNCA – QUESIUNU – CUSCO

After breakfast, we hike for two hours of gradual ascent until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 masl). Our guide will take us to the best spots to capture the perfect pictures of this impressive geological formation, explaining the origin of its colors due to the different minerals present in the mountain. This place is one of the most impressive in Peru and South America, and one of the few places in the world where you can see similar formations, such as in China.

After enjoying the views and taking pictures, we continue our tour with a two and a half hour descent to Quesiuno, in the red valley, where we will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 6 pm.

End of Service.

Details

Includes:

• Pick up from hotel in Cusco.
• Private transfer to Tinqui, starting point of the trek.
• Professional guide (English or Spanish).
• Entrance fee to Ausangate Circuit.
• Horsemen and horses to transport all equipment (tents, food, cooking equipment, etc.).
• Permits and entrance fees for the team and muleteers.
• Three breakfasts, four snacks, four lunches and three dinners, prepared by our chef and his assistant.
• All necessary equipment, including tents for the staff.
• Guided tours to the most important points.
• First aid kit and oxygen.
• Vegetarian and special diets (upon request).
• Return transfer from Quesiuno to Cusco.
• Transfer to the hotel.

Not included:

• Food and beverages not mentioned in the program.
• Walking sticks.
• Travel insurance.
• Sleeping bag.
• Additional activities and tips for staff (optional).
• Entrance fee to Upis hot springs (PEN 10).