PERFECT FIT TRAVELS
AUSANGATE & VININCUNCA ON THE VILCANOTA MOUNTAIN RANGE
Price below is per person and based on double occupancy
Price per person from:
USD. $1,451.00
This trip requires minimum of 4 persons.
If your group is less than 4 people, we can make some arrangements.
For more information, please contact us!!
DATES & PRICING
AUSANGATE CAMPING
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Early in the morning, our expert trekking guide will pick you up at 5 am from your hotel in Cusco and then, we will drive in our private vehicle for approximately 3.5 hours to the trailhead of Ausangate trek. Along the journey, we will pass through different colorful villages following the highway to Puerto Maldonado. After driving for 3 hours, we stop at Tinque (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) to use a bathroom and buy something we forgot to buy in Cusco and then continue driving for 30 minutes on a dirt road to reach the beginning of the trail. Upon arrival to the trailhead, called Upis Village (4,250 m / 13.943 ft). We will have time to organize our daypack and duffle bags while our trekking cook prepares the breakfast and then, we will enjoy the first breakfast with spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and Apu Ausangate peak (sacred mountain) located just in front of our trekking trail, while our muleteers organize and pack the equipment for the hike. After breakfast, before starting the hike, the tour guide will introduce you to the staff of the company that will be on the Ausanagte Circuit with you. Our trek to Ausangate begins on a small path that winds through the Andean potato and grain f ields. The first three hours of hiking run over hilly pampa crossing some streaming and slight rise where you see some Andean row of houses built like in their ancestor’s time. As we hike through the spiky ichu grass of the pampa, we will have a chance to see some Andean gulls hovering on the wind, also we hike nearby of small ponds around Upis which is a perfect habitat for the Andean bird. Just before the community of Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), we will enter by broad valley heading towards the glacier where we’ll enjoy our lunch just right at the base of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m. 20,900 ft.). After eating the delicious lunch, we will continue ascending for 2 hours to Arapa Pass (4,800mt./15,748ft.). At the top of the pass, we will have stunning views of eroded mountains, highland valleys and wonderful view of the Ausangate Mountain behind it. From the pass, we trek across an arid hillside for 20 minutes and then we descend, sometimes quite steeply, for 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to the first campsite, called Yana Qocha (4,570m / 14,993 ft ), which is a place with amazing views around of the Ausangate mountain. Once we get to Yanacocha camp, we will have free time to take a resto r walk around the campsite. Afternoom Tea followed by dinner. Included: Lunch / Dinner
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Our staff will wake us up and then, we will enjoy the nutritious breakfast. After breakfast, we will begin our hike along a gently sloping trail (up and down), into a valley blue glacial lakes and waterfalls. This section of the Ausangate trail is one of the most picturesque ones, which is located along the impressive Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945ft). After hiking for 1 and a half hours along these beautiful and colorful glacial lakes, called Yana Qocha (black lake) and Puca Qocha (red lake), we will start hiking up on a switchback trail to Puka Qocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). At the top of the pass, we will be impressed by the beautiful views of Ausangante Mountain, the lagoons below, formed by a melting glacier. In front of us, we will have an extraordinary vantage point to look down and see the snow-capped mountains going in different directions and the red valleys of the highlands with colorful mountains and an untouched landscape. Afterwards, we will take advantage of some great photographic opportunities and begin our descent into the valley, walking close to some freely grazing llamas and alpacas. Then we will climb to reach our lunch spot called Ananta (4750 m / 15,583 ft), located in a highland valley with incredible views everywhere and some llamas grazing nearby. Following lunch, we continue trekking uphill for 2 hours to reach to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft), from this pass, we will be able to spot the Rainbow Mountain in a further distance and views are still very impressive. After witnessing the views and taking some pictures, we will walk the last 30 to 45 minutes downhill to reach the second camp located at Qomer Qocha (4,570 m / 14,993 ft). At the camp, we will enjoy afternoon tea and dinner and then go to sleep, because the next day we will get up early to explore the amazing Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Walking distance: 14 km Average walking time / 7 – 8 Horas aprox
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This morning, the wake-up time will very early to go and explore the painted hill or Vinicunca “Rainbow Mountain Peru”, to beat the large crowds and explore in solitude and take pictures. We only take what we need. Typically, the sky is clear and full of stars. The hiking path is uphill for about 1 and 10 minutes before reaching to the famous Rainbow Mountain. When we arrive at the epic Rainbow Mountain, we will soak up incredible views of the Painted Hill or Vinicunca also called the 7-Color Mountain(5,100 m / 16,732 ft.), in the Vilcanota range and we will receive information from your tour guide as to why these mountains are unique! After exploring for approximately 45 minutes (depending on your trekking speed and weather conditions), we return to our camp by the same path we took, along the way, we will have the opportunity to see some farmers who still use llamas as in the time of the Incas. Once we arrive at the camp, we will have time to rest and enjoy the delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will walk for 3 hours to the third camp, called Ausangate Qocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) following the path along the skirt of the colorful mountains. Subsequently, we will arrive at the camp where we will enjoy afternoon tea before being served an amazing dinner. Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Walking distance: 14 km Average walking time / 7-8 Horas aprox
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After another wonderful breakfast, we begin another challenging and rewarding day. We will climb steeply for 3 hours along the shores of the lagoon Ausangate Qocha and the glacial moraine to the highest point of the Ausangate Circuit, which is the Palomani Pass (5,200m / 17,060 ft). Besides, the trail ascends between the red bluffs of apacheta (mound of stones) and peaceful mountains. Where we will walk with our goal of reaching the highest point At the highest point of the entire Ausangate trek 5-day, we’ll snap the unique pictures and soak up the gratification of our achievement. Looking down the stunning valleys and Peruvian Andes (The Andes Mountain Range). After taking pictures at the pass, we will begin our descent following the trail as it loops across the steep slope passing corrals and herds of llamas and alpacas. After having lunch, we climb over the hilly terrain surrounding the peak of Ausangate, toward a marshy area to reach the upper level of the valley where is our basecamp. Upon arrival at basecamp of Qampa camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ). ALTERNATIVE TREKS AROUND CUSCO 40 TREKKING - 2025 Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Walking distance: 13 km Average walking time / 6 – 7 horas aprox
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After breakfast, this morning we leave Qampa base camp with beautiful views of Huayna Ausangate Mountain through the Andean typical houses ascending step by step for about 2.5 hours towards Qampa Pass that is an altitude of (5,070m / 16,633ft). Along the way, we will be amazed by snowcapped peaks and also is possible to see an ice-cape in the ravine below. From the Qampa pass, we continue descending to gorgeous Qomercocha (green lake) located in the skirt of the Puka Moqo (Red Mountain). Finally, we reach to Pacchanta village to have the last lunch prepared by our chef, furthermore, at Pachanta you will have a chance to soak the natural hot spring before or after lunch, before taking transportation to Cusco. Our Ausangate Trek 5 Days to the Rainbow Mountain will end at your hotel in Cusco Included: Breakfast / Lunch Walking distance: 14 km Average walking time / 7-8 Horas aprox
This five-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life in the Andean highlands. Hiking around the mystical Mount Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the magnificent Andean Condor
ITINERARY: 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Orientation meeting in Cusco (previous to departure date).
Transfers put in and drop off (first day and last day).
All balance meals during the trekking (5 days/4 nights), including snacks.
All common equipment gear: Two men 4 season mountain tent, inflatable mattress, kitchen dishes, kitchen tent, dinner tent, toilet tent, table, chairs.
Cook, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals included as described cook.
Mules and horses for the whole camping equipment including personal luggage (7 kilograms per client including sleeping bag weight)
Muleteers.
First-aid kit with Oxygen bottle.
Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish), additional cost for other languages.
Short wave radios.
Environment care (all the garbage is going back to Cusco, portable toilet treatment).
Entrance fee to Ausangate
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Travel Insurance
Gratuities to staff
Sales Tax 18%, for Peruvian Residents.
Hotels in Cusco
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At time of reservation:
50% deposit in advance
30 days before the trip pay the other 50%
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Trekking Boots (Waterproof) -
Clothing for hiking (light, breathable, quick drying)
Clothing for cold and rain (down jacket and rain jacket/pants) -
Gloves (light or fingerless)
Brimmed hat and winter beanie
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Water bottle (Nalgene or similar)
Backpack
Trekking Poles
Insect Repellent
Personal Medications
Extra pair of shoes
Bathing Suits
Flashlight
Toiletries
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It is very important to acclimatize properly. If you are just arriving to Cusco, I recommend at least 1 full day in Cusco, preferably 2 days (3,300mts/10,824ft)
Often people have a tight schedule and want to do as much as possible with their time, but acclimatization is important for you to be able to accomplish your goals.
We can offer some light services before the trip to easy your hike, like a tour of one day.
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Trekking Gear Check List
Aclimatization
Climate
A challenging, and occasionally harsh climate; a perfect setting for adventures in high mountains. In the high Andean zone, days are mostly beautiful and sunny, with light to swift winds in the mornings. Temperatures range between 0° to 23 ° C during the day, and travelers must be prepared to experience changing temperatures and diverse weather conditions. At this latitude only two climate seasons occur: dry season from June through September, and rainy season, which is subject to heavy rains from November through April. Due to seasonal conditions, we recommend that you travel between April and November, when you’ll have the best chances for excellent weather - perfect for enjoying hikes and other activities. During the dry season, temperatures below zero are frequent at night, with milder temperatures during the day. Maximum daytime temperatures during dry season: Between 12 C° and 20 C°. Minimum nighttime temperatures: between 5 C° and -5 C°. Our four ecolodges along the Ausangate Route are well-equipped with all the necessary safeguards and everything our travelers need to enjoy a comfortable rest under most any weather conditions.
