Are you looking to photograph the most impressive natural landscapes of the Andes? Then, our 3 day trekking itinerary to Ausangate and the majestic Rainbow Mountain is the perfect route for you. This expedition offers the ideal combination of high mountain adventure and the best panoramic views of the region, highlighting the pass through the crystal-clear turquoise lakes of Pucacocha, the sighting of wildlife, and the pure air of the mountain range.
Also, it is important to point out that although there is a widespread advertising myth claiming that National Geographic included this destination in a list of places to visit before you die, the prestigious magazine has indeed dedicated impressive reports to it, genuinely recognizing it as one of the most beautiful and fascinating landscapes on the planet. Therefore, traveling this route will guarantee that you capture images of geological beauty endorsed by great explorers.
What makes this 3 day trek truly extraordinary is the deep visual contrast you will experience when finishing your journey in front of the Vinicunca mountain, one of the most impressive mineral formations in the entire Andes Mountain Range. Additionally, since it is a multi-day expedition, you will have the huge advantage of arriving at this colorful attraction at times when you will avoid the large crowds of tourists who take the exhausting one-day trip from Cusco.
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: 3 days and 2 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 - Tinke - Pacchanta - Pucacocha
Day 02: Pucacocha - Mirador Apacheta - Anantapata
Day 03: Anantapata - Vinicunca - Cusco
This itinerary has been designed to condense the greatest geological, biological, and cultural attractions of the region into a single expedition. Therefore, reviewing the strong points of this trip will help you understand why it is considered a challenge for any lover of high-altitude hiking.
What makes this trip truly extraordinary is the combination of nature and culture experienced at every step. Also, the geographic isolation of the area will allow you to enjoy these settings without the crowds of traditional tourism. Likewise, the logistical support of our team will give you the necessary safety, making this adventure one of the most complete and memorable in southern Peru.
What you will experience on this expedition:
We will begin our expedition with a pickup at your hotel at 4:00 a.m., boarding our private tourist transport to start the journey along the southern route. Likewise, we will take the main road that connects to Puerto Maldonado until we reach the small Andean town of Tinki, from where our vehicle will finally lead us to the community of Pacchanta to enjoy a good breakfast.
It is worth noting that, from this picturesque starting point at the feet of the mountain range, we will have the privilege of seeing for the first time the imposing north face of the Ausangate mountain before taking our first step on the mountain. Also, what stands out most this first day is the constant and spectacular panoramic scenery that will accompany us as we begin the climb toward the demanding Arapa Pass, located at 4,990 meters of altitude.
In addition, after conquering this first peak and admiring the main peak of Ausangate (6,384 m), we will start an exciting descent that will take us to explore the Yanacocha and Huchuy Pucacocha lagoons. Also, we will finish this intense day by setting up our camp right in front of the icy waters of Hatun Pucacocha, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.
Technical details:
We will begin our second and exciting day on the mountain by having breakfast early, preparing to start at 7:30 a.m. the challenging climb toward the spectacular Apacheta Pass (4,989 m). Likewise, this steep stretch will take us about an hour and twenty minutes of constant effort; upon reaching the top, we will be able to see the beautiful panoramic view of Ausangate.
Therefore, we will take a well-deserved thirty minutes to walk along the summit, photograph the majesty of the glaciers, and breathe the pure Andean air before starting the strategic descent toward the Anantapata plain. A highlight of the trip on this second day is that you can observe Andean pastoral life when arriving at our camp to enjoy a warm lunch and watch the sunset.
In addition, during sunset, we will witness how the herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep peacefully return to their rustic pens to shelter from the extreme cold and spend the night. Also, after a magnificent day full of adventure, we will taste a dinner at 6:30 p.m. and prepare for a well-deserved rest, securing our strategic position to leave at dawn toward Vinicunca and be the first to step on the geological wonder.
Technical details:
After breakfast at dawn, we will start a one-hour and thirty-minute hike surrounded by beautiful landscapes where camelids and Andean birds travel freely. Likewise, this short final journey will allow us to reach the Vinicunca mountain (5,034 m) just in time to see the impressive view of the Rainbow Mountain lit by the first rays of sunrise.
Also, at this majestic viewpoint, we will not only admire the famous geological stripes but also the spectacular chain of mountains that guards the sacred Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco with its 6,384 meters of altitude. On the other hand, you should know that the Andean vision of the world tells that the waters of nearby rivers flow toward the Amazon to return and fill the glaciers through the river of stars or "Willkamayu" (the Milky Way), a cosmic cycle protected by the alpaca herders of the Chillca community.
After capturing the best photographs and looking at the landscape, we will return to our camp to enjoy a delicious farewell lunch and take our private transport toward the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m., marking the end of a scenic and cultural expedition.
Technical details:
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
