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Peru

Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate to Machu Picchu Trek - 4 Days

A world-class journey along the Ausangate trail, with a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, concluding at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate to Machu Picchu Trek - 4 Days

A world-class journey along the Ausangate trail, with a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, concluding at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Experience the ultimate adventure as you traverse the world-class Ausangate trail, a path that will lead you to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain before concluding with an awe-inspiring visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. This exhilarating journey spans four unforgettable days, taking you through pristine landscapes, enchanting mountain passes, and the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire. With each step, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty and rich history of Peru, guided by knowledgeable experts who will reveal the secrets of the Andes and its remarkable cultural heritage. This itinerary promises an unforgettable fusion of nature, culture, and history, making it a must-do for any intrepid traveler.

Highlights:

  • Rainbow Mountain: Witness the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain with its vivid, multicolored stripes, making for an unforgettable natural wonder.
  • Machu Picchu: Explore the world-renowned Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel, and immerse yourself in its rich history and captivating mystique.
  • Ausangate Trail Exploration: Trek through the remarkable Ausangate trail, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance.
  • Local Culture: Engage with local communities and farmers, gaining a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life while surrounded by the stunning Andean scenery.
  • Llama and Alpaca Encounters: Marvel at llamas and alpacas grazing in their natural habitat, adding to the authenticity of your Andean experience.
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Cusco to Upis Pampa via Tinqui

On the first day, we'll set out from Cusco at 5 am in a private van, embarking on a 3-hour journey to the trailhead known as Upis Pampa. Our route will take us through the Urcos district until we reach Tinqui Ocongate. We'll commence our expedition from the village of Quinsapucyu, and along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views, including the majestic Mount Ausangate, while meeting local farmers in their traditional attire. Upis will be our lunch spot, and we'll spend the night in comfortable cabins. After our delicious meal, you can choose to take a 2-hour round trip hike to Upis Lake or relax in the nearby hot springs at our private campsite.

Distance Covered: 7 km (4.5 miles)

Hiking Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Starting Elevation: 4,220 meters (13,840 feet)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Campsite Elevation: 4,320 meters (14,100 feet)

Accommodation: FlashpackerConnect Private Cabins

Day 2: Upis to Pucaccocha and Ananta

The day commences with a 5 am wake-up call, accompanied by the delivery of coca tea or coffee to your cabin, followed by a satisfying breakfast. In the morning, we'll begin our ascent towards Arapa Pass, situated at an elevation of 4,989 meters (16,567 feet), providing breathtaking panoramas of vibrant mountain landscapes. Our trek proceeds to Pucacocha, where we'll indulge in a delightful lunch. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to encounter llamas and alpacas, with the majestic Mount Ausangate gracing the scenery to your left. Your English-speaking guide will offer insights into the local flora, fauna, and the surrounding terrain. If fortune favors us, we might even catch a glimpse of condors, chinchillas, and vicuñas.

Following our lunch break, our path leads us to Pucacocha Pass, offering extraordinary vistas of Mount Ausangate and three enchanting lakes. We will then descend to our overnight campsite in Ananta, where you'll rest in our exclusive mountain camp. Tents will be readily available for changing, relaxing, and enjoying while a delectable dinner is expertly prepared by our talented chef.

Distance Covered: 14 km (8.68 miles)

Hiking Duration: Approximately 8 hours

Starting Elevation: 4,400 meters (14,430 feet)

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Campsite Elevation: 4,700 meters (15,400 feet)

Accommodation: FlashpackerConnect Private Campsite

Day 3: Ananta to Rainbow Mountain and Return to Cusco

The third day is the highlight of our journey. We'll wake you at 3:45 am with a soothing cup of coca tea delivered to your tent before embarking on our adventure. The day begins with an ascent to Ananta Pass, situated at 4,500 meters (15,090 feet), where you'll catch your first glimpse of the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain in the distance. However, the journey is not over yet! From this point, we'll descend to encircle a beautiful lake and continue along a gentle Peruvian flat terrain until we reach the final uphill stretch to Rainbow Mountain. Once there, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama of the awe-inspiring landscape. Take your time to soak in the breathtaking vistas and savor the moment.

After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we'll also have the opportunity to visit the stunning Red Valley. Following this, we'll hike downhill for about an hour to reach the bus station, where we bid farewell to our horseman. From there, it's a four-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you'll have dinner before catching the 7pm train to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you'll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing shower and a comfortable night's rest at a local hotel.

Distance Covered: 13 km (8.078 miles)

Hiking Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Accommodation:Tara Mapi 3* Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes - base of Machu Picchu

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

On the fourth day, you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the legendary Machu Picchu. To make the most of your day, we encourage early starts. You can grab breakfast before catching one of the early buses to Machu Picchu, which begin operating at 5:30am

Your hotel will securely store your luggage, allowing you to carry only your day pack. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, your tour guide will lead you to the best spot to watch the sunrise and capture stunning photographs. Following the sunrise, your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour walking tour of the main areas, offering insights into the history and culture of the Inca Empire. After the guided tour you will have free time to explore the ruins at your own pace or, if previously arranged, embark on a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advanced booking required and costs $75 per person). Your guide will provide guidance on starting the hike, which typically takes no more than 2 hours round-trip.

Following this adventure, you will board a bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have approximately 2 hours at your disposal to enjoy lunch, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the atmosphere.

Later, you'll catch a train to Ollantaytambo, and from there, a van will transport you back to Cusco. Upon your return to Cusco, our team will ensure your transfer to your hotel, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30 pm.

Accommodation: Not Included (accommodation can be booked through us on request)

Additional Trip Info

  • Airport transfers in Cusco
  • All accommodation - (3 star hotel, upgrades available on request)
  • Camping Gear at rustic cabins
  • Entrance fees & permits
  • Train Tickets
  • Transfers to/ from your hotel to the tours
  • Fluent English / Spanish speaking professional local guides
  • Some meals
  • First aid kit/Oxygen
  • Satellite phone

A complete packing list will be sent upon booking

Weather

Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable ranging from hot and sunny to rain, wind and cold. Hikers should be prepared with proper gear and be ready for variable weather conditions throughout the day. Small changes in the itinerary are a possibility as well as trip cancellations due to bad weather. We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to departing Cusco if we feel conditions are unsafe. If this happens you will be refunded your deposit in full, or have the opportunity to reschedule, however trips still depart when there is rain, snow or fog and refunds are not granted due to poor weather conditions. Temperatures can range from 0 degrees Celsius in the morning to 15 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The sun can get intense in the afternoon and we highly recommend bringing sun protection.

Altitude

Our treks take place anywhere from 10,000 feet up to 17,000 feet. It is essential to spend 2-3 days minimum in the Cusco region or similar elevation prior to taking any trek with us. We recommend staying well hydrated while you are in elevation and to get plenty of rest prior to your trek. FlashpackerConnect is not responsible if you get altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor is you are concerned with the altitude.

Tipping

Our guides and staff are paid on a per trip basis based on the number of days they spend on the trail. While tipping is not required, it is a common practice in Latin America. If you feel your guide, and crew went above and beyond to make your trip special gratuity is greatly appreciated. A common tip is 10-15% of your total trip cost

Reservations

We recommend booking 3-4 months prior to ensure availability. If your dates are flexible we can take reservations on short notice, however our treks tend to book out as we keep our group sizes very small. In order to book we send out an invoice for deposit via PayPal, and your final payment is due at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date.

Departures

Our treks depart everyday upon request with a minimum of 2 guests (Solo travelers can be matched up with existing groups)

Food

We take pride in preparing a wonderful variety of food throughout your trek. You will always be served local Peruvian style dishes in a family style manner and you will never go hungry. We can cater to any dietary needs, but ask that you notify us of your request at the time of booking. If we are not informed during your booking we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate.

First Aid

Trekking in the Andes and in high altitude can be dangerous and because of this our staff always carries a proper first aid kit along with emergency oxygen for our guests to use if they are feeling ill.

Accommodation

All accommodation on multi-day treks is tent camping. We bring quality 4 person tents but sleep a maximum of 2 persons to each tent. For tours that require hotels, accommodation is based on double or triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with another guest of the same gender unless a single supplement is paid.

Group Sizes

Our treks depart everyday with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips. Group pricing is available if your group is 4 or more people.

Insurance

Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the trip. Unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses prior to or during your trip could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote locations can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan so it is compulsory that you purchase personal adequate travel insurance which is appropriate for your trip. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience during your trip. We also suggest you purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must inform the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip. There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online.

Visiting Machu Picchu

We suggest booking activities such as Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley prior to trekking the Rainbow Mountain. This will allow for proper acclamation, and prevent altitude sickness. Check out our tour packages linking the Rainbow Mountain hike with Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. If you are wanting a longer trek check out our Ausangate trek+ Rainbow mountain we offer 2,4 and 6 days options.

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