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Best Treks in Ausangate

The Mountain of Ausangate in Peru – Best Treks in Ausangate

Best Treks in Ausangate – The Ultimate Guide for Trekking in Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in Peru

Information of Ausangate

  • Ausangate is the fifth highest mountain in Peru; its maximum altitude is 6,371meters above sea level. It is located about 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco in Peru
  • Elevation: 6,371m
  • Type: Adventure – Walk
  • Route: Cusco – Tinke – Pacchanta
  • Cordillera: Andes Mountains, Vilcanota Mountains

The most comprehensive hiking guide on the internet for trekking in Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain region

Ausangate is known globally for its picturesque mountains. Especially known to most is the colorful Rainbow Mountain, and a lot of people travel from all over to capture a glimpse of the world’s beautiful Mountain.
However the Rainbow Mountain is just a small fraction of what there is to discover in Ausangate, with some of the most unique lodges, sacred sites and friendly locals you will come across along the trail.

The Andes is the ‘spine’ of the country, and what lies within will truly change the way you look at the culture of Peru.

For those that love adventure, the best way to explore this country is on your own two feet, by trekking in Ausanagte and the rainbow Mountain.

Ausangate offers short treks up to 2 days, medium treks up to 6days and long treks for the adventurous kind where you can be out in the wilderness for up to 10 days or more.

There are literally so many options when it comes to choosing what hike to go on, so I have put together a comprehensive, ultimate guide to treks in Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in order to get you on your way to something amazing!

WHEN TO GO? – AUSANGATE TREKKING SEASON

That’s a very good question and there is no definite answer. Personally I prefer to hike in AUSANGATE during the dry season which starts in April and runs down to October; in this season the weather is normally clear and you’ll have the option to see the picturesque mountain.

The temperature during the dry season varies from day to night; during the day reach up to 25°C and during the night falls down to -10°C.
It is very important be prepared for all kind of weather all the time since the weather in the Andes can change very rapid.

GUIDED OR INDEPENDENT – HOW TO HIKE IN AUSANGATE AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

Many hikes in Ausangate require the use of guides, horses and Llamas such as Ausangate classic Trek, Ausangate circuit and Rainbow Mountain Trek due to the areas being hard to walk.

However, places such as the One day trip to Rainbow Mountain or Phacchanta lagoons do not require guides.

If a particular hike requires a guide there really is no way around it, you must use a guide and porter in order to undertake the hike.

It is best to organize your Ausangate trekking tour before you get to Peru to save time and avoid the confusion of finding a trekking company in Lima or Cusco.

Guides are awesome to trek with and are full of knowledge even though it might cost you a bit more, it is well worth it.

In my opinion it’s worth going on a guided trip when trekking in Ausangate or Rainbow Mountain.

It’s important to keep in mind too that no matter what trek you do, you’re probably going to have to get special permits from the Peruvian government.

THE BEST TREKS IN AUSANGATE AND THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Ausangate offers a vast selection trekking routes to do in the Andes of Peru; I have established a list that covers the best.

  • Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain
  • 2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek
  • 3-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
  • 4-day Ausangate Trek
  • 6-day Classic Ausangate circuit
  • 6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

Essential information

Essential information for trekking in Ausangate

Trekking in Ausangate need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Peru are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking in Ausangate region.

Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Cusco. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. It is so necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Peru, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

Altitud problem

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:

This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the AUSANGATE region. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc. it can be encountered as initials of the sickness.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN AUSANGATE AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

  1. Less Oxygen
  2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
  3. Rapid Ascent
  4. Possible Dehydration
  5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
  6. AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness
  7. HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
  8. Hace – High Altitude Cerebral Edema

Our advice: Drink 3-4ltr of water minimum a day, don’t exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

DETAILS OF AUSANGATE TREKS AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Trekking in Ausangate is an experience of lifetime where you’ll have the option to see the highest mountain in the region of Cusco and one of the 10 highest mountains in Peru. The trip starts and finish in the city of Cusco. The Ausangate is a picturesque Mountain located at 100km from the city of Cusco to where you can arrive by car.

Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain

Best Treks in Ausangate
The view of “VINUCUNCA”- the Rainbow Mountain – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 1 Day
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 5020 metres
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees

Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain is the best day trip in the city of Cusco; offers exceptional views of the Ausangate peak along with lakes and glaciers. It is a moderate day trek in the high Peruvian Andes. Instead of traveling to the more commercial Treks, trekkers often choose this itinerary to enjoy the less crowded trails. It is an excellent choice for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travelers.

The summit of Rainbow Mountain offers panoramic mountain views, including 6371m peak – Mt. Ausanagte. Many argue the view from the top of this vantage point is far better than other ones in Peru.

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2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek

The Llamas and Alpacas next to the Rainbow Mountain – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 2 days / 1 night
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 5020 meters
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees
  • Accommodation: Camping tents.

2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek is a classic trekking destination, located only 100km away from the city of Cusco.

Although the 2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek is relatively short, accessible, and cheap, the trails are quieter with less number of trekkers compared to other classic trekking destinations in Ausangate.

The trek is ideal for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travel enthusiasts. This trek provides an incredible opportunity to traverse through beautiful countryside communities, diverse landscapes, eye-catching waterfalls, high Andean valleys, sacred sites, Llamas and Alpacas grazing around.

The mountain trails of 2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek also offers you a spectacular sight of the glaciers and mountains including Pucaccocha Pass (4958m), the Mountain of Ausangate (6371m) and Vinicunca Mountain (5020m).

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3-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

Best Treks in Ausangate
The Mountain of Ausanagte (6371m) – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 3 days / 2 nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 5020 meters
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees
  • Accommodation: Camping tents

The 3-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain is the most popular trek in the city of Cusco in Peru; it provides a more cultural experience as the route takes you through remote areas and picturesque communities.
Trekkers will sight some huge mountains including Ausangate, Payangate and “VINICUNCA”, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

However, the true appeal of the 3-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain lies in its variety. The trail makes its way up through picturesque villages and high-altitude plains with stunning views of the AUSANGATE Mt. High lakes and glacier viewpoints.

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4-day Ausangate Trek

Best Treks in Ausangate
Trekking up to Pucaccocha pass at 5000m – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 5020 meters
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees is required
  • Accommodation: Camping tents.

The “4-day Ausangate Trek” is popular for its diverse vegetation and picturesque villages. The trek offers a great vantage point of Ausangate and views of the Rainbow Mountain. Despite the proximity to the high mountains, the region is as wild as any other Peruvian highlands, surrounded with tranquil rural landscape. The trek offers exposure to the Inca culture and a chance to walk past the beautiful glaciers at a low altitude.

The 4-day Ausangate Trek offers the stunning view mountains panorama. The trek is an ideal option for the one. Are you looking to explore the rich rural culture in Peru, beautiful landscape and vegetation? This is the trek for you.

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6-day Classic Ausangate circuit

Best Treks in Ausangate
Trekking in Ausangate Peru – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 6 days / 5 nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate / challenging
  • Elevation: 5200 meters
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees is required
  • Accommodation: Camping tents.

The “6-day Classic Ausangate Circuit” is your classic camp to camp trek with stunning views of The Ausangate, “Santa Catalina”, “Payangate”, “Tres Marias”, “Condor Paso” and many other mountains.

Despite being considered as one of the moderates hikes in Peru, The trek is truly beautiful complete with farms, picturesque villages, different color of lagoons, herd of llamas and alpacas which are unique to this particular area.

6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

Best Treks in Ausangate
The first pass “Arapa” at 4958m – Best Treks in Ausangate
  • Time: 6 days / 5 nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate / challenging
  • Elevation: 5200 meters
  • Start / Finish: the city of Cusco
  • Permits: Park Entrance fees is required
  • Accommodation: Camping tents.

Wandering through the beautiful hills, the “6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain” takes you to the base of Mount AUSANGATE. The trail passes through hospitable villages and picturesque valleys. The trek combines different landscapes and brings the trekkers to “VINICUNCA” or the famous Rainbow Mountain.

The trek is the perfect blend of superb natural scenery and rich cultural diversity of Ausangate region. Trekking “6-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain” is a spectacular, breathtaking walk that rewards trekkers in many ways.

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    WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

    Sunrise Peru Trek has over 20 years of experience operating unique adventure holidays on the paths less travelled. We offer our travellers big adventures with a small footprint.

    • Leaders in responsible adventure travel
    • Authentic experiences – our trips start where others end
    • Pioneers in designing ground breaking itineraries
    • Supported by some of the world’s most respected adventurers
    • Great value, high quality trips with all inclusive pricing and added comforts
    • Experts in creating flexible custom adventures



    ESSENTIAL INFO.

    Why Book with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    At Sunriseperutrek.com, we have an intimate understanding of the unique travel needs and preferences of our Peru-based clientele. We offer an extensive selection of tour packages throughout Cusco, Machu Picchu, and beyond, designed to cater to a diverse range of traveler interests. If you’re seeking flexibility, our dynamic or customized tour and travel packages provide the opportunity to create and design your own unforgettable holiday. For those preferring a pre-planned itinerary, our fixed departure holiday packages offer a thoughtfully curated travel experience. Regardless of your travel style, rest assured that Sunrise Peru Trek can meet and exceed your holiday needs.

    At Sunrise Peru Trek, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and commitment to providing the best possible travel experience for our clients. Our team is made up of experienced travel professionals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of Peru with travelers from around the world.

    When you book with us, you can expect personalized attention and support throughout your journey. We understand that every traveler is unique, and we strive to create tailor-made itineraries that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Our goal is to make sure you have a stress-free and unforgettable experience while exploring the wonders of Peru.

    What does Sunrise Peru Trek offer?...

    Sunrise Peru Trek specializes in offering a wide range of tours, including popular Inca Trail Treks, Alternative Treks, Machupicchu Tours, Inti Raymi Tours, Cusco Day Tours,  Tours in Peru. They provide hassle-free holidays where all your travel needs are taken care of, including comfortable accommodation, convenient transfers, varied sightseeing options, and a plethora of activities to choose from. With tailor-made packages for destinations all over Peru, Sunrise Peru Trek caters to various holiday preferences, such as distinctive honeymoon experiences, exclusive tours for women, itineraries for solo travelers, families with kids, and those who are young at heart. They ensure an unparalleled tour experience that leaves a lasting impression.[/su_list]

    How to book a Tour with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    Booking with Sunrise Peru Trek Travel & Tours is a breeze! Simply visit their user-friendly website and follow these steps:

    1. Use the convenient filters to select your desired city, travel dates, duration, and any specific preferences for hotels or types of holidays.
    2. Browse through the extensive list of Tour Packages that Sunrise Peru Trek offers.
    3. Choose a package that meets your needs, or customize your own package by selecting preferred hotels, adding sightseeing and activities.
    4. Once you have your ideal package ready, you can either book it online by clicking the button or contact their travel experts for immediate support via chat or by dropping a query.

    That's it! With Sunrise Peru Trek, booking your dream holiday tour package has never been easier.

    Arrival Information for your trip

    Upon your arrival in Cusco on the designated program start date, our attentive staff will be eagerly awaiting your presence at the airport. Rest assured, they will be holding a blackboard with your name displayed so that you can easily identify them. A swift and comfortable 15-minute transfer will then transport you to the meticulously selected hotel.

    Once settled into your accommodation, an informative briefing will be conducted. During this time, you can sip on a delightful cup of Coca tea, which comes highly recommended for acclimatization to the altitude. We will provide you with valuable insights about the city, as well as a comprehensive review of the meticulously curated tour itinerary.

    To ensure a seamless experience, please coordinate your flights to arrive at Cusco’s renowned “Alejandro Velasco Astete” International Airport (airport code CUZ) on your program start date. As the adventure reaches its conclusion, your journey ends in Cusco on the program’s scheduled end date. Please note that no activities are planned for this day, allowing you the freedom to depart at a time that suits your convenience.

    Eligibility & FAQ's

    To book your flights, please contact our dedicated fights team on +51 950 313131 who will do their best to get you the best deal on the day; please provide them with your full name as it is stated in your passport.

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    Before you make the call please make sure you have your required departure dates, return dates and other details you may require.

    Visas

    • Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
    • It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your travels and correct travel documents, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise and any subsequent effects.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.

    Travelling at Altitude

    This trip goes above 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects in their health due to the altitude. Please see further information on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

    Travel Insurance

    On this trip you will be trekking at more than 2,000 meters / 6,561 ft above sea level, you therefore need to ensure you have suitable travel insurance in place.

    Can I Travel Solo?

    Yes, in fact many of our travellers choose to travel solo as our trips offer a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. This is a group trip, so there’ll be other people to share the experience with – you’re never truly travelling alone! You can also travel with a friend or partner, however you choose to participate you’re sure to have an amazing time!

    Can I Opt For My Own Room?

    You can opt for your own room, but it will incur an additional cost. Please note that you’ll be unable to have your own room during nights 3 to 5 when we will be hiking. For more details on opting for your own room, please contact us.

    Responsible travel...

    • Litter collection on our treks

      The 5 Pieces litter collection initiative, where travellers collect 5 or more pieces of plastic or paper litter on the trail each day, is offered on all of our treks. This simple yet effective initiative harnesses the collective power of tourists to keep wilderness trails clean and to educate local communities about the negative impact of litter on their environment and tourism economy.

    • Porter welfare policies

      All porters that we employ receive a good working wage that is regulated by the Trekking Agents Association of Peru and the Labor ministry of Peru, paying as per their guidelines, which are unionized. We are one of the only trekking companies in Peru to provide porters with three meals a day, prepared by our cooks, as well as lodging or tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags. Porters receive income protection and life insurance and have access to the same first aid care that travellers receive including emergency evacuation if required. Porters are provided with a wind and waterproof jacket and over-trousers, leather or canvas shoes and a warm cap, and carry a maximum of 20kgs in provided backpacks.

    • Eco-campsites

      Our series of eco-campsites during our treks contribute to the local economy by providing employment and yearly rent and by bringing trekkers into nearby villages to purchase handicrafts. The campsites minimize our environmental footprint by using biodegradable products.

    GROUP SIZE

    Small Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    For Large Groups (04-12 people – maximum of 16): We guarantee two experienced guides to ensure the best experience. If your group consists of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exciting discount. By choosing our tour, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

    Large Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    (04-12ppl Average – 16 People Max): 02 Guides over 08 people) If you are a group of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exclusive discount. By choosing this option, you’ll embark on an adventure with like-minded hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and forging new friendships along the way.

    Private Group Service:

    Experience the ultimate adventure with our exclusive Private Group Tour. Whether you’re traveling with family, your special someone, or for your honeymoon, we have a special trek program designed just for you. With the flexibility to depart on any day and choose your preferred group size, your experience will be tailored to your preferences. Unlike other tours, we won’t add any people to your group – it will be arranged exclusively for you. Our Private Group Tours include additional services, such as extra porters, horses for riding, and assistance with carrying your personal gear on alternate treks. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with us and create unforgettable memories.

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