Mount Ausangate, standing tall at 6,377 meters (20,921 feet), reigns as the highest and most revered mountain in Southern Peru. For centuries, it has been the heart and soul of Andean religious beliefs, attracting pilgrims who embark on annual journeys to its icy heights.
This trek offers seasoned adventurers an unparalleled experience, showcasing breathtaking glacial vistas, pristine landscapes, and a profound sense of solitude amidst nature’s grandeur. It’s an ideal journey for those who relish true outdoor exploration and seek an authentic connection with the Andean wilderness.
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Andean Mountain Adventure: Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Tour
Kick-start your Andean mountain adventure with an early 4:00 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel by our knowledgeable guide. Our journey begins with a scenic 2-hour drive to Pitumarca Village, where we’ll pause to gather supplies. From there, we continue for an additional hour to the Q’esuyuno community.
En route, be prepared to be captivated by breathtaking canyons, ancient Inca farming terraces, rugged mountain landscapes, and quaint isolated communities. Upon reaching Q’esuyuno, we’ll meet our experienced horsemen and their trusty horses, gearing up for our trek.
Our hike kicks off with a gradual ascent to the Kayrawiry community, where a delicious lunch awaits. After refueling and perhaps enjoying a brief siesta, we set off for the much-anticipated Rainbow Mountain! Revel in the splendor of the vibrant colored mountain, the day’s highlight. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the elusive vicuñas or majestic condors soaring above the mesmerizing glacial lakes.
As the day winds down, we descend to Kayrawiry, where our comfortable camping tents will be pitched and ready. Wind down with an afternoon tea followed by a hearty dinner under the starry Andean sky.
Tour Details:
Andean Mountain Adventure: Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Tour (Day 2)
Begin your second day of trekking with an early wake-up call, accompanied by a revitalizing cup of coca tea. Prepare yourself for a day filled with awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Andes.
After an energizing breakfast, we’ll retrace our steps back to Q’esuyuno. From here, brace yourself for a challenging 2-hour ascent to Condor Pass, reaching an impressive elevation of 5100m/ 16732ft. Throughout this steep climb, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of shimmering blue lakes and the majestic Ausangate Glacier Peak looming overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the dramatic spectacle of avalanches cascading from glacial slopes, with ice plunging into the lakes below.
Upon reaching the summit of Condor Pass, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Ausangate itself. Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking vistas, with valleys dotted by alpacas grazing peacefully amidst the rolling hills. The scene is nothing short of spectacular!
After ample time to revel in the views, we’ll begin our descent to our lunch spot. Following a brief siesta to recharge, we continue our trek for an additional 3 hours to reach Ausangate Lake. Here, unwind and enjoy our signature daily happy hour featuring hot beverages, before settling into our campsite for the evening.
Tour Details:
Andean Mountain Adventure: Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Tour (Day 3)
Day 3 of our adventure begins with an early and hearty breakfast, providing you with the energy needed for another exciting day of trekking. Today’s journey offers close encounters with the majestic Ausangate Glacier Peaks, breathtaking views of lakes, and mesmerizing waterfalls.
Throughout the hike, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of llamas, alpacas, and the elusive wild vicuñas, as well as majestic condors soaring high above. Our trail leads us on a 3-hour ascent to the Abra Campo Pass, situated at an elevation of 5000m/16404ft. Here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter snow-covered trails, adding a magical touch to the hike. However, even during the dry season, the vistas remain spectacular.
Abra Campo Pass is an excellent spot to spot vicuñas, an Andean camelid and the only animal still found in the wild in Peru. Known for their exceptionally fine and valuable wool, vicuñas are a testament to the rich biodiversity of the region.
After capturing some memorable photos, we’ll continue our trek, descending gradually for 1.5 hours to a scenic spot where we’ll enjoy our lunch. Following lunch, we embark on another 2.5-hour hike to reach our campsite in Qampa.
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Andean Mountain Adventure: Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Tour (Day 4)
After three days of hiking and acclimatization, Day 4 promises another thrilling adventure! We kick off the day with an early breakfast and embark on a roughly 1-hour hike to reach the base of the glacier, followed by a challenging ascent to the mountain’s summit. Once at the top, we’re rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Vilcanota Range, offering a fitting climax to our trek.
After soaking in the panoramic vistas, we descend back down to our starting point to indulge in a scrumptious lunch. In the afternoon, our journey takes us towards the tranquil Qomer Lake, followed by a 5-hour descent to Pacchanta. This charming community is renowned for its inviting hot springs, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and soothe tired muscles with a relaxing dip.
Concluding our adventure, we board our transportation for a scenic journey back to Cusco, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes you’ve encountered during our trek.
Tour Details:
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