The imposing Ausangate and the famous Rainbow Mountain form one of the deepest routes in Peru, having one of the best views of the Peruvian Andes due to its location in the majestic Vilcanota Mountain Range, where the highest snowy peak in all of Cusco stands. Likewise, it is fascinating to remember that, until before the year 2015, this remote and colorful Andean place was a closely guarded secret and a geological attraction very little visited by traditional tourism. Therefore, after gaining attention among travelers and hikers in recent years, this natural wonder has quickly positioned itself with the necessary strength to become a destination as iconic and in demand as the most famous attractions in the country.
What makes this landscape stand out is the history and mystery behind its mineral stripes, of a mountain known locally by the communities under the Quechua name of Vinicunca. Furthermore, when breaking down this word, linguistics indicates that "cunca" means neck, while the term "vini" presumably refers to the spectacular variety of colors that make up the layers of this unique rock formation. Also, in direct response to the constant requests of adventurers seeking to go beyond the conventional, we have designed this specialized route that combines the journey through the snowy Ausangate with the outstanding and colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), establishing this hike as a truly must-see visual experience.
Group Size: Min 2 and Max. 8 trekkers.
Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities
Crew: A Inca Trail Machu representative in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide, a Cook, and a Muleteer for the Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain.
Accommodation: Campsites.
Travel duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Transportation: Transportation by the private van as well as by a local bus.
Camping equipment: You can view our Ausangate Trek camping equipment
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Day 01: Cusco - Tinki - Pacchanta - Qomerqocha
Day 02: Qomerqocha - Abra Janca - Huchuy Phinaya
Day 03: Huchuy Phinaya - Abra Palomani - Ananta
Day 04: Ananta - Montaña Arcoíris - Ananta - Yana Qocha
Day 05: Yana Qocha - Upis - Cuzco
Our expedition will begin at 6:30 a. m. leaving in a southern direction from the city of Cusco. On the way, we will make short stops until reaching Tinki to admire ancient colonial buildings and enjoy excellent panoramic views of the mountain range.
It is worth noting that Tinki is a picturesque Andean town where you can still see the ancestral customs and traditions of the region up close. Therefore, this point will be the last place available to stock up on supplies before definitely leaving the road and entering the dirt route toward the community of Pacchanta, located at 4,200 meters (13,776 feet) of altitude.
What makes this first day truly extraordinary is that, upon arriving in Pacchanta and while our chef prepares lunch, we will have a well-deserved moment of relaxation in the healing medicinal hot springs of the place with views of the snowy peak. Additionally, this will be a unique and exclusive resting experience before facing the toughness of the trekking in the coming days.
Also, after enjoying our delicious lunch, we will begin the official hike of the adventure, ascending gradually for two and a half hours until reaching our first campsite at the beautiful Qomerqocha lagoon (4,400 m / 14,432 feet), establishing a perfect and balanced start for your body.
Technical details:
At 6:30 a. m. the real physical challenge will begin, as during this intense day we will ascend toward the first highest point of our hike: the imposing Abra Janca, located at a demanding 5,015 meters (16,450 feet) of altitude. Likewise, from this summit we will enjoy wonderful views of the permanent glaciers before starting the steep descent toward the Hampa Pampa sector to regain energy. Therefore, this stretch will require a steady pace, a lot of mental strength, and excellent previous acclimatization to successfully conquer the mountain pass before our lunchtime.
The highlight of this second day is the immense beauty of the rough Andean landscape that will surround us while we taste our food in the middle of the vastness of the mountain range. Additionally, throughout this majestic valley, we will be able to observe closely how herds of llamas, alpacas, elusive vicuñas and deer live freely in their natural habitat under the jealous care of the high snowy mountains.
Also, in the afternoon we will continue descending gently until reaching the remote plain of Huchuy Phinaya, the place where we will set up our second night of camping under the stars, completing a spectacular day of pure immersion in the local wildlife.
Technical details:
Today we will wake up surrounded by a beautiful and icy Andean sunrise, enjoying excellent views of the imposing snow-covered mountains that frame our camp. At 6:30 in the morning, we will begin one of the most memorable hikes of the journey until we reach the highest point of the entire route: the spectacular Palomani Pass, located at a dizzying 5,130 meters (16,825 feet) of altitude.
It is worth noting that at this extreme summit, we will be literally in front of the Ausangate glaciers, getting an unbeatable angle to capture spectacular photographs of the vastness of the Andes. Therefore, overcoming this majestic mountain pass will require a steady step and a lot of determination, rewarding you with the most impressive panoramic view of your entire expedition.
What stands out most about this third day is the visual transition from the raw glacial landscapes to the picturesque valleys that bring us closer to our final destination. Also, after admiring the purity of the eternal ice, we will begin the descent toward the crystal-clear waters of the Ausangate lagoon, where our team will wait for us with a comforting lunch at the foot of the snowy peak.
Likewise, after recovering our energy, we will continue the excursion winding through the Andean topography until we reach the remote sector of Ananta, the place where we will spend our third night of camping, consolidating our perfect strategic position to visit the Rainbow Mountain the following morning.
Technical details:
Today we will live the most awaited and colorful moment of our entire hiking route by reaching the top of the iconic "Rainbow Mountain" (5,000 m / 16,400 feet). Also, to guarantee the privilege of being the first adventurers to explore the place, we will have breakfast at 5:30 a.m. before starting a two-and-a-half-hour hike toward the main viewpoint. Therefore, arriving at the summit at approximately 8:30 a.m., we will have the immense advantage of photographing this Andean landscape without the usual crowds of tourists, even having the additional option to visit the geological wonder of the "Red Valley".
The highlight of this day is the deep visual contrast we will experience when returning along our path toward the Ananta camp to enjoy a good lunch. Additionally, after recovering our energy, we will complete the spectacular final stretch toward Yana Qocha by crossing the high Chillka Pass, from where we will overlook a horizon full of numerous multicolored lagoons and glaciers.
Likewise, we will finish this demanding day by setting up our fourth and last camp of the expedition, spending the night surrounded by beautiful and steep mountains of solid rock, consolidating one of the most complete and amazing experiences of the entire mountain range.
Technical details:
Today is the last day of our great five-day Andean adventure in the majestic Vilcanota mountain range. After enjoying a comforting breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we will begin to travel the last part of our expedition, leaving behind the icy camps to start the return. Likewise, we will begin a hike of approximately four hours of panoramic descent until we reach the picturesque community of Upis.
On this last day of the excursion, we can soak in the relaxing medicinal hot springs of Upis, a well-deserved and healthy rest for our muscles after a demanding week of trekking. Also, after this moment of absolute relaxation in front of the snowy peak, we will share a last and delicious group lunch where we will take the opportunity to thank and say goodbye to our brave horseman.
Likewise, we will board our private transport that will take us back, arriving directly at the door of your hotel in the city of Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m., consolidating the perfect and unforgettable close to this high-mountain feat.
Technical details:
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
