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Ausangate Trek 6 Days / 5 Nights
Ausangate Trek 6 Days 5 Nights is considered to be one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The region around the mountain offers impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, lagoons and streams. Furthermore, the Andean people are very hospitable and preserve the respect for nature.
The farmers have excellent knowledge in the raising of cattle, vicuña, alpaca and llama, which are all valued for their fine quality wool and meat. The 3 hour drive from Cusco to Tinqui is an excellent preparation for adjusting to the differences in temperature and altitude.
Overview
Discover the beauty of the Peruvian Andes with our Ausangate Trek 6 Days 5 Nights. Journey through remote valleys, vibrant turquoise lakes, and colorful peaks, culminating in the iconic Rainbow Mountain. This trek offers breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain, authentic encounters with Quechua culture, and rejuvenating natural hot springs.
Majestic Scenery: Hike through remote valleys, colorful mineral-rich mountains, and past dramatic glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), revered by locals and an icon of the Andes.
Rainbow Mountain: Visit the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), with its naturally vibrant stripes of red, yellow, and turquoise.
Remote Andean Villages: Meet Quechua-speaking locals, experience the traditional way of life, and witness alpacas and llamas grazing freely across the highland plains.
Natural Hot Springs: Relax in rejuvenating hot springs surrounded by mountain views—a perfect way to unwind after a rewarding day of trekking.
Ausangate Trek offers you a real taste of Andean life, as you get to see little communities where they still speak Incan language and where they still have a traditional way of life. If you are wishing to do a genuine Peruvian trek off the beaten track take this trip!
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis – Yana Qocha.
We will pick up will be at 5 am from your hotel, we then drive for 3.5 hours to the trailhead which is a small town of Upis, passing Urcos Pass (4,000 m/13,123 ft), and Oncogate town along the way. At the trail trailhead, we will enjoy some breakfast and meet our local muleteers, horses, and get ready for the adventure.
After breakfast, we will start hiking for three-hour toward the northwest face of the impressive Ausangate mountain, enjoying the sceneries with llamas and alpacas. We will have lunch around noon by the skirt of Ausanagte Mountain.
Following lunch, we will climb for another 1.5 hours uphill to the first pass called Arapa Pass (4,800mt./15,748ft.) and then approximately 1:30 hours to your evening campsite at Yana Qocha (4,650 mt / 15,256 ft.), which is a place with amazing views around of the Ausangate mountain. Happy hour is around 5:30 pm and dinner at approx 7:00 pm depending on hiking speed/weather.
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles.
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
Lowest Point: 4,350mt. / 14,272ft.
Highest Point: 4,800mt. / 15,748ft.
Day 2: Yana Qocha – Puca Qocha Pass – Qomer Qocha.
After our delicious breakfast, we begin our Ausangate trek with a 2-hour downhill and 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill to the second pass of the trail, called Puca Qocha. Along the way, we will enjoy colorful lakes surrounded by high mountains and unbelievable hanging glaciers, watch and hear for the glacier crashing into the tarns below! At the top of the pass, we will have a beautiful view of Ausangante Mountain (6.384 m/20,945 ft) then we will enter into the Red Mountain valley, an intact landscape with vivid colors all around, and llamas eating grass right close to you, as you approach to the lunch place we have still wonderful view of Rocky Mountains and have delicious lunch.
Following lunch, we continue trekking uphill for 2 hours to reach to the Warmisaya Pass (5,000 m/16,404ft.), from this pass, we will be able to spot the Rainbow Mountain in a further distance and the views are still very impressive. After witnessing the views and taking some pictures, we will walk the last 30-45 minutes downhill to reach the second camp located in Qomer Qocha (4,680 m/15,354ff.).
Today is a great day that awaits us because we will explore the Rainbow Mountain also called the Montaña de Colores, one of the most beautiful trails in Cusco region! We will wake early with the coca tea delivered to your tent, then we will enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, we will hike up for about 1 and 30 minutes before reaching to the famous Rainbow Mountain, to beat the large crowds and explore in solitude and take pictures.
At Rainbow Mountain will spend approximately 45 minutes (depending on your trekking speed and weather conditions). After exploring the epic Rainbow Mountain, we will back to our camp by the same path that we took, along the way, we will have a chance to see some peasant that are still using the llamas as in the Incas time.
Once we get to the camp, we have time to take rest and enjoy the delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will hike for 3 hours along the skirt of colorful mountains to reach to our campsite, called Ausangate Qocha (4,300mt. /14,107ft.) which is at the bottom of one of the Ausangate glaciers.
Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles.
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
Lowest Point: 4,600 m / 15,091 ft.
Highest Point: 5,050 m / 16,568 ft.
Day 4: Ausangate Qocha – Palomani Pass – Qampapampa.
After breakfast, we leave camp about 7:00 am and climb steeply for 3 hours to the highest point of our whole trail called Palomani pass (5,100mt. / 15,010ft.). From the pass there are extensive views of all the peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota and some other colored hills which are still close by, we will then walk downhill to get the valley part, where we will eat our lunch.
In the afternoon we will walk up for 2 more hours to the next camp spot located at an elevation of (4,700 m / 15,420) feet. Where in the evening we will have happy hour around 5:30 pm, subsequently dinner.
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
Lowest Point: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft.
Highest Point: 5,130 m / 16,831 ft.
Day 5: Qampapampa – Qampa Pass – Ninaparayoq.
After our breakfast that is provided by our chef, we will then hike gradually up to the Qampa pass (5,400mt. /17,716ft.) for 2 hours. At this pass, we have incredible views of The Three Peaks and enjoy amazing views of the glacier peaks right in front of us.
As well as will hopefully get a glimpse of some wild vicuña and deer, and if we are really lucky, a condor, subsequently, we will arrive to the last campsite called Ninaparayoq (4,700mt./15,420ft.) Where we will enjoy lunch and after that the whole afternoon is for relaxing at this last camp with happy hour and dinner following.
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours approx
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities
Lowest Point: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
Highest Point: 5,060 m / 16,601 ft
Day 6: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco.
Wake up call with hot coca tea in the morning to have another great day, after having breakfast we’ll hike downhill for 2 hours and 30 minutes to Pacchanta town, the final point of the trail, where we’ll have a chance to soak in the hot springs. At this place, we’ll eat our last lunch. After having lunch we’ll have a farewell ceremony to our muleteers, cooks, and guides. We will eventually drive back to the hotel in Cusco.
Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3.11 miles.
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours approx.
Lowest Point: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft.
Highest Point: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
Includes
What is Included:
Pre-departure briefing.
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Upis, starting point of the trek.
Upis entrance fee.
Rainbow Mountain entrance fee.
Red Valley fee.
Campsite fees.
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
One sleeping pad per person.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 9 people).
Chef and cooking equipment.
Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 6kg per person (including sleeping bag).
1 emergency horse every 8 persons.
Wranglers.
Accommodation for all our staff.
Meals (05B, 06L, 05D.) – Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request.
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards.
Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff.
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes.
First-aid kit
Oxygen bottle.
Private transport from Pacchanta to Cusco.
24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
What is not Included:
First Breakfast and last dinner.
Sleeping bag.
Walking Stick.
Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits
Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, tips and any extras.
Travel Insurence.
**Tips for Guide, Cook and horsemen.
What we recommend that you bring
Original Passport.
Sleeping bag.
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp.
Warm clothes.
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
Sun block.
Handkerchiefs.
Toilet paper.
Lip Balm.
Extra Snacks.
Water container and water for the first morning.
Small towel.
Swimsuit (if you wish take a dip at the hot springs along the route).
Cash in soles and/or US$.
Basic medications.
Optional: walking sticks or poles
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route.
Prices
Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2024 through January 2025. All prices quoted are $USD
Price:$609per person
* We need a minimum of 2 people to run the tour. We guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people.
Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 2 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.
Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
60 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
45– 15 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
15 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of Cusco Journeys will not be reimbursed.
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