Itinerary

• Day 01: Cusco - Tinqui Town - Upis Hot Springs (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)
• Day 02: Upis - Arapa Pass - Pucacocha (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)
• Day 03: Pucacocha - Ausangate - Minasniyuq - Surina Cocha (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)
• Day 04: Surina Cocha - Rainbow Mountain - Village of Quesiuno - Cusco (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)

Description

Day 01: Cusco ? Tinqui Village – Upis Hot Springs (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)

We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages on route and take time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
Minimum Elevation: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft, Maximum Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft, Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles, Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours.
 

• Minimum height: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
• Maximum height: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft
• Distance traveled: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 - 7 hours.

Day 02: Upis ? Arapa Pass – Pucacocha (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)

After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.

• Minimum height: 4,100 m / 13,448 ft
• Maximum height: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
• Walking distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Approximate walking time: 7 - 8 hours.

Day 03: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Minasniyuq Pass – Surine Cocha (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)

This day, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud.


The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.


After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.


Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.


After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).


The remainder of the day´s journey is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
 

• Minimum height: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
• Maximum height: 5,023 m / 16,479 ft
• Distance traveled: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Approximate walking time: 8 - 9 hours.

Day 04: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Quesiuno Village – Cusco (Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek)

After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your tour guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your tour guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.

After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.
 

• Maximum height: 5,020 m / 16,469 feet
• Distance covered: 10 km
• Approximate walking distance: 5-6 hours.

End of the services.