The Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Andes. Spanning two exhilarating days, this excursion promises a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, leaving participants with memories that will linger long after the journey’s end. From the stunning Ausangate viewpoints to the awe-inspiring Wincunca Pass, this tour is designed to captivate the senses and ignite a deep appreciation for the extraordinary beauty that defines this remarkable region. Intrigued? Delve further to uncover the extraordinary details that make this trek a truly unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- The 2-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain tour includes hotel pickup, private transport, bilingual guide, meals, entrance tickets, and camping gear.
- Day 1 features an early start, breakfast in Checacupe, and a hike to Ausangate viewpoints and Pucacocha, where lunch is served before reaching the Anatas camp.
- On Day 2, trekkers will hike to the Wincunca Pass (5,020 meters) for views of the Colored Mountains, followed by a descent and lunch before returning to Cusco.
- The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals with certain health conditions due to the high-altitude nature of the trek.
- Dietary needs can be accommodated, and essential items like passport, sunglasses, and cash are required for participants.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Important Information
- Checacupe Breakfast
- Ausangate Viewpoints
- Wincunca Pass
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to 3 Days?
- Can I Bring a Pet on the Trek?
- What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
- Are There Any Cultural Activities Included in the Itinerary?
- Can I Customize the Tour to Meet My Specific Needs?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Tour Overview
The Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days tour offers a compact yet immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the stunning Ausangate mountain range and the renowned Rainbow Mountain in just two days.
Priced from $415 per person, the tour is available in Spanish and English. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying upfront.
The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, a professional bilingual guide, meals, entrance tickets, and essential camping equipment.
However, the trek isn’t suitable for certain individuals, and travelers should come prepared with the right gear and mindset for this high-altitude adventure.
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Itinerary Highlights
The two-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup, anywhere between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Travelers will drive to Checacupe for breakfast before embarking on a hike to the Ausangate viewpoints and Pucacocha.
After a lunch at Pucacocha, the group will arrive at the Anatas camp (4,885 meters) for an afternoon tea and overnight stay.
On the second day, they’ll hike to the Wincunca Pass (5,020 meters) to admire the Colored Mountains, then descend for lunch before returning to Cusco.
Inclusions
Included in the tour package are hotel pick-up in Cusco, private round-trip transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.
Meals are covered, including 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
Entrance tickets to all sites are provided, and the tour company supplies emergency gear like horses, tents, a first aid kit, and oxygen.
Equipment for the staff’s tents and kitchen is also included.
Vegetarian and special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.
However, the cost of any additional food, beverages, and optional activities aren’t covered in the tour price.
Exclusions
Not included in the tour price are food and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
Participants must also cover the cost of renting a sleeping bag and hiking poles if needed.
While the tour includes emergency equipment, any extra activities or optional tips for the staff are at the traveler’s own expense.
It’s important to note that this trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals with respiratory issues, the visually impaired, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95 years old.
Participants should come prepared with the necessary personal items like a passport, sunglasses, hat, and cash.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
This trekking adventure is not recommended for certain individuals, including pregnant women, wheelchair users, those with respiratory issues, the visually impaired, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and travelers over 95 years old. Participants should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s recommended to provide a contact number with the country code, and WhatsApp is preferred for last-minute reservations. Before booking, travelers should check availability with the supplier by email.
| What to Bring | Not Allowed | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or ID | Alcohol | Country code required |
| Sunglasses | Drugs | WhatsApp preferred |
| Sun hat | – | Check availability by email |
| Camera | – | – |
| Sunscreen | – | – |
| Cash | – | – |
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Checacupe Breakfast
After leaving the hotel early in the morning, the tour group heads to Checacupe, a small town, for their first meal of the day.
The traditional Andean breakfast, served in a local restaurant, includes hearty dishes like quinoa porridge, roasted potatoes, and freshly baked bread.
The group enjoys the rustic, homemade flavors and the opportunity to fuel up before the day’s hike.
The meal also provides a chance to take in the picturesque Andean landscape surrounding Checacupe.
Well-fed and energized, the trekkers depart Checacupe, ready to tackle the challenging ascent to the Ausangate viewpoints and Pucacocha.
Ausangate Viewpoints
From Checacupe, the group embarks on the hike towards the Ausangate viewpoints. The trail steadily climbs, offering stunning vistas of the towering Ausangate mountain.
Along the way, hikers are treated to:
- Panoramic views of the snow-capped Ausangate massif, one of the highest mountains in Peru.
- Glimpses of the turquoise Pucacocha lake, nestled between the rugged peaks.
- Opportunities to spot the diverse wildlife, including vicuñas and Andean condors, soaring overhead.
As the group nears the viewpoints, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with steep cliffs and glacial moraine lending an air of raw, untamed beauty to the scene.
Wincunca Pass
Departing from the Anatas camp, the group embarks on an early morning hike towards the Wincunca Pass, the route’s highest point at 5,020 meters.
The ascent offers panoramic vistas of the Colored Mountains, a breathtaking natural phenomenon. Trekkers must navigate through rocky terrain and steep inclines, but the guide’s expertise ensures a safe and manageable journey.
Upon reaching the pass, the group is rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
This is a pivotal moment in the trek, as the descent towards the lunch location begins, signaling the tour’s gradual return to Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to 3 Days?
Yes, the tour can be extended to 3 days. This would allow for more acclimatization time and the opportunity to explore additional sites along the Ausangate Trek. The extended itinerary can be customized to the customer’s preferences.
Can I Bring a Pet on the Trek?
No, pets are not allowed on this trek. The tour operator does not permit bringing pets for safety and environmental reasons. Hikers must travel without any animals to ensure a smooth and responsible experience for all participants.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The average group size for this tour is typically between 8 to 12 participants. The exact group size may vary depending on the number of bookings, but the tour operator aims to maintain a small group experience.
Are There Any Cultural Activities Included in the Itinerary?
The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention any cultural activities. However, the visit to the Ausangate viewpoints and Pucacocha may provide opportunities to learn about the local Quechua culture and traditions in the region. The guide can offer insights during the hike.
Can I Customize the Tour to Meet My Specific Needs?
The tour operator is generally willing to customize the itinerary to meet the client’s specific needs, such as adjusting the pace, activities, or accommodations. However, major changes may incur additional costs or require more advanced notice.
Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain 2 Days |Lunch|
Recap
The Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain tour offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes. Trekkers can expect breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and a challenging yet rewarding adventure. With an early start, traditional breakfast, and guided hikes to Ausangate viewpoints and the Colored Mountains, this two-day excursion provides an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
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