Ausangate trek is on of the best mountain destinations for trekking, an unique adventure offering stanning and spectacular mountain scenery, hot springs, snowcapped mountains, red, green and turquoise lagoons, a big extension of mountains with different colors, able to observe the non-domesticated wild Vicuña on very high elevation, herds of alpacas and llamas one of the societies pasturing on high elevation dressing the traditional clothes.
This trek is surrounding the Ausangate peak 6358m consider very Sacred Mountain for our society specially for local people in the Peruvian Andes, Peru Is Travel is dedicated to personalized service and excellent adventure experiences. When you hike around the Ausangate mountain, you will be constantly surprised by the spectacular and exceptional panoramas.
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Upis
We will begin our incredible journey early in the morning when we collect you from your hotel at 05:00 am. We will then head off to the Vilcanota valley, passing through different picturesque villages along the way, until we arrive at the Villages of Ocongate places we will stop to buy some last supplies al same time a time to have some breakfast, then we will continue by our car until the beginning point of the trek.
We will then begin the journey ascending gradually for 4 hours towards our campsite of Upispampa at an elevation of 4440 metres. In the afternoon we have the option to go in the hot springs.
| Hiking Distance: | 11 km |
| Starting altitude: | 4100 m |
| Highest elevation: | 4500 m |
| Hours walking: | 5 hours |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to dificult |
| Campsite altitude: | 4550 m |
| Night-time temperature: | –10° C |
| Accommodation: | Camping |
Day 2: Upis – Ananta pata
We’ll rise early to enjoy a nourishing breakfast before embarking on what promises to be an extraordinary day. We’ll traverse sandy mountain passes, catching glimpses of vibrant landscapes in the distance. As we journey along the southern flank of the majestic Ausangate, we will be greeted by a panorama of colorful lakes and the gentle presence of alpaca and llama herds. Upon reaching the second mountain pass, the vistas will only become more breathtaking
| Hiking Distance: | 18 km |
| Starting altitude: | 44400 m |
| Highest elevation: | 4950 m |
| Hours walking: | 8 hours |
| Difficulty: | Dificulf |
| Campsite altitude: | 4720 m |
| Night-time temperature: | –10° C |
| Accommodation: | Camping |
Day 3: Anantapata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
After we finish our morning meal, we going hit the trail, makin’ our way up the Warmisaya pass. From there, we are going to catch our first glimpse of the famous Rainbow Mountain. Along our journey, some mighty fine panoramic views. On one side, you gonna see the Cordillera with its icy caps and glaciers stretching far and wide, while on the other side, towards Vinicunca, you will spot them red and ochre-colored mountains, until we reach to the splendid Rainbow Mountain.
Our ride will roll up back towards Cusco city, the time to arrive in Cusco city will be around 17:00 hours.
| Hiking distance: | 12 km. |
| Starting elevation: | 4720m. |
| Highest elevation: | 5050m. |
| Hours hiking: | 6 hours. |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to difficult. |
| Included meals: | Breakfast – Lunch – |
Inclusions
Practical Information Including
- Briefing at your hotel before the trip.
- Pick up from the hotel in the morning.
- Private transport Cusco to Beginning point in Upis and back from the final spot
- Professional guide leader: English, Spanish and Quechua.
- Entrance ticket to places to visit and camp sides.
- Double 4 seasons tents.
- Dining tent, with table and chairs, kitchen tent for the cook to prepare the food with care and hygiene.
- Bathroom tent
- Mattresses
- Cook and cooking equipment (assistant cook for large groups).
- Food as indicated in the itinerary, (we have the option of vegetarian food) Our professional cook incorporates international, national and typical food of the region, if you have any dietary restrictions let us know.
- Pack horses (for camping equipment, food, cooking utensils and passenger’s belongings).
- We will provide each of our passengers with an extra backpack for their personal belongings (maximum 10 kg), if you wish to carry more you can rent an extra horse.
- Emergency horse which can be used when you feel tired or sick only.
- Tents for the staff working with us and food during the trip.
- First aid kit and oxygen.
Not included
- Breakfast in the morning before departure.
- Sleeping bag, that if you don’t want to transport from your home to Peru.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters and muleteers.
- An additional horse if you have too much stuff.
Notes
Ausangate – Rainbow Mountain.
The times quoted in this itinerary are approximate, the time of the trek varies depending on how the group progresses, the guide may change the lunch and campsites depending on the progress of the group.
Acclimatization is very important at list 3 to 4 days prior departure, because every day we will be hiking and camping close by 5000m.
This is a very adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor for all of it, you should be physically and mentally prepared.
If you require an extra horse to ride or for your extra backpacks you can request it with prior notice.
The Ausangate trek is very adventurous, crossing some very high passes, above 5300 m. We do not recommend doing this trek in the rainy months of December, January, February, March. This recommendation is according to the weather conditions in the Andes.
If you have ever had an accident with your knees or ankles, we recommend that you carry walking poles.
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
This region is remote so it is not saturated by many tourists and therefore the tourist infrastructure is limited, the basics in some cases we will use public transportation and facilities in the area. Visitors might be surprised by the changes in things or maybe it was not in their plan. This is all part of the adventure.
What to bring
You should bring:
- A light day pack, clothes for all the different periods of the trek. Be prepared for all weather changes.
- Waterproof jacket and an extra rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco
- Good shoes for the trek we recommend that you bring waterproof shoes.
- Sandals to take a shower in the hot springs and rest your feet after each day.
- Warm clothes including jackets, gloves, shawls, shawls, chullo, we recommend that you bring thermal clothes, especially for sleeping the nights are very cold.
- Sleeping bag
- Torch, binoculars and walking sticks for the hike.
- Camera.
- Hat to protect you from the heat, sun cream and a moisturizing cream for your skin lipsticks.
- Paper for the SS. HH.
- Snacks: such as chocolates, biscuits, dried fruit, sultanas etc. as well as water purification tablets.
- Your own emergency kit if you have special medication.
- Enough cash for lunch in hot springs, tips and to buy some drinks on the way.
FAQs
Weather in Ausangate Trek 4 Days
Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55º – 75º F with evenings cooling down into the 40º and 50º. Much of this itinerary takes place in the mountains, where weather can change very quickly and evening temperatures regularly drop into the 30º and 40º. As our treks are planned during the “dry season”, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of rainfall, and morning temperatures usually range from 35º and 45º with some frost on the tents, and frosty plains in some locations. While April and November departures may experience slightly higher amounts of rainfall, all-day rain is unusual. We will be hiking over multiple mountain passes which are over 14,104 ft, so should you be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather.
Distance of Ausangate Trek 4 days
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days has a mileage (distance) of 37 km – 23 miles from the trailhead located in Upis town to the end of the trail (parking area) after Rainbow Mountain.
Best time or month to hike the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 days
The best month to hike the Ausangate Trek 4 Days is June, this month coincides with the typical celebrations due to the anniversary of Cusco, after the second week of June there are typical lively celebrations in Cusco city (shows, colorful dancers, local musicians, food exhibitions, etc) that are worth enjoying while scanning the city downtown. Besides June is a month within the dry season so the weather is perfect for any hike (blue sky and starry nights). We also recommend any time between May through August, these months are within the dry season.
How long in advance should I book the Ausangate Trek 4 Days?
Our recommendation is to book this trek at least 3 months in advance, all multi-day hikes need to be arranged with a reasonable time in advance.
What time do I visit Rainbow Mountain?
You will visit Rainbow Mountain on day 4 in the early morning, the night before we will stay just 1 hour away from this place, so the following morning we will start our hike very early to beat the crowds, you will be arriving at the place by 7:00 AM and very likely you will be one of the first ones in reaching this unique place.
Are there hot springs on Ausangate Trek 4 Days?
Yes, there is a place for hot springs close by to our first campsite, however, the hot springs are not well maintained and it’s not recommended to use them, any updated information about this place will be provided during our welcome meeting in Cusco city, a day before the trek begins.
Is the Ausangate Trek 4 Days hard?
In comparison with other treks in the area, this 4 day trek is reasonably easier, this 4 day trek you will cover only short distances every day at a leisurely pace. Only the altitude makes the trek a bit harder since you will be trekking over 15’000 ft.
