Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountains 6 Days

To the south of Cusco, between the valleys of the Vilcanota and Tinquimayo rivers, in the districts of Ccatcca, Ocongate and Marcapata, insurge, powerful and vital, the Ausangate Trek, a gigantic massif of about 100 kilometers long decorated by a multitude of snow-capped mountains that seem to touch the sky with their perpetual snows: one of them, the apu Ausangate, the main mountain, most notable and revered in southern Peru. During the Ausangate Trek circuit you will enjoy its beautiful blue, turquoise lakes.

On the Ausangate Trek route, you can also observe the agricultural work carried out by peasants and shepherds in these mountainous hills. On our tour we can see fields of crops of all colors and flavors. In the lands of the Ausangate route, corn, tubers (potatoes, ollucos, ocas, mashuas), cereals and legumes (beans and peas) of superlative beauty are produced. It should not be forgotten, in addition, that Peru is considered one of the seven megadiverse countries on the planet due to the varied ecosystems that the Andes mountain range creates.

INCLUDED IN THE AUSANGATE TREK TO  RAINBOW MOUNTAINS 6 DAYS:

• English speaking guide, plus an assistant guide for a big group.
• Professional cook and an assistant cook for a big group and horseman for the mules and horses.
• Mules which carry group gear and large duffels provided by the company, for personal belongings.
• All food on the trek, which incorporates traditional Peruvian cuisine as well as modern fusion cuisine and specific dietary needs.
• Boiled water and snacks.
• Fees to access private land.
• Large Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent.
• Tents to overnight, and Thermarest. Two-person tents are provided for a single person and three-person tents for double people to provide plenty space for personal gear.
• Additional horses for riding can be provided for an additional cost.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• A pre-trek briefing.
• Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain.
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
• 7 kilograms of your personal belonging.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first day/ dinner on the last day.
• Sleeping Bag
• Trekking Poles
• Personal trekking gear including, backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bags. However, they may be rented from the company.
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.
• Voluntary Tips for Guide, Driver, and Cook-(Please keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America and would be greatly appreciated).

• Hike across remote Andean valleys and passes on the breathtaking Ausangate Trek
• Enjoy the most beautiful rainbow mountains without crowds
• Share unique experiences with the last descendants of the Incas, you will learn their ancestral rites and traditions, hold a ceremony to Mother Earth with the sacred coca leaves
• Experience the best trek of the Andes, with fabulous views of the Apu Ausangate, red, turquoise and green lakes.
• Taste the only typical dish of the Incas "Pachamanca"
• Connect your body and mind with the best energy of the apus and sacred mountains of the Incas
• Discover the ancestral paths of the Quechuas with our local guides.
• Get to know the textile tradition of the Andes of Cusco, learn the process of dyeing, warping and making ponchos, chullos and sweaters with alpaca wool, where the Quechuas embody their sacred symbolism.
• You will discover the true magical and sacred world of the Andean priests, who still practice their ceremonies of gratitude to their sacred mountains and Pachamama (mother earth).
• Immerse your knowledge about the agriculture of the Incas, in these towns it is possible to see this activity, where they grow the most delicious and colorful potatoes in the world.

This trip is rated as Vigorous . Trip members need to be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. Most days are spent at high altitude (7,000'-17,000’). For the trekking portion, we will remain at elevations between 14,000'-16,986' and sleeping as high as 15,797'. Most days we hike 5–7.5 miles with average elevation gains of 1500' and elevation losses of up to 3000', some of which are quite steep. Upon arrival in Peru, you should be capable of hiking up to 8 miles, averaging 2 miles per hour, without major discomfort over terrain with some steep grades for multiple days in succession. To help combat the effects of altitude, incorporate hills and stairs into your training.

High Mountain Camping Tents:
On our Ausangate trekking adventures, we use the best outdoor trekking gear. Our camping tents have the best technology to withstand the harshest climates in the Andes. They are Tents that have a capacity for three people, but are only used by 2 people. For your comfort, an inflatable mattress and additional blankets are provided to insulate you from the cold. Because it is always different to experience the true spirit of Trekking, our company maintains that idea of not using Lodges or huts as other companies do.

YOU SHOULD BRING TO THE AUSANGATE TREK  TO MOUNTAIN OF COLORS  6 DAYS

When packing for your  Ausangate Trek to  Mountain of Colors, you should keep in mind that it is best to dress in layers due to the weather variation.

The variety of clothes that you must pack to dress in layers is key to your walk, from the morning when it is quite cold until mid afternoon when the temperatures rise and reach their peak and then freeze again at night. Stratification is also useful as you ascend high passages that are exposed to winds or descend into shady valleys.

Effective stratification only works if each layer allows moisture to pass and escape into the external environment. In fact, the best layered clothing, such as wool, promotes moisture transfer through its absorbent properties. Cotton and denim absorb moisture and, therefore, should be avoided.

ALL ABOUT THE AUSANGATE TREK  YOU NEED TO KNOW

The AUSANGATE TREK is an adventurous route offering stunning Andean vistas, hot springs, turquoise lakes, mystical glaciers, green mossy passes and enormous snowy mountains. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of interesting wildlife, like condors, chinchillas , herds of llamas, alpacasand, and wild vicuña. You’ll also come across hidden picturesque Andean villages and traditionally dressed Quechua people,  richly embedded in centuries-old traditions. The highest point of the trek is 16,800 feet above sea level and the highest campsite elevation is at 15,255 feet.

A voyage to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history and ancient spirituality. Considered challenging, this  trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 20,945 feet above sea level

In this part Andean Great Treks has tried to answer the most frequent questions that our travelers have asked us about the Ausangate trek, if you do not find any question, let us know through our mail so that we can help you with pleasure.

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.