Visiting the Guardian Apus of the Andes, Ausangate Visiting the Guardian Apus of the Andes, Ausangate
Ausangate Trek - Rainbow Mountain - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Ausangate & Machu Picchu

US$ 900.00 per person
8 Days & 7 Nights Duration
5,100 m / 16,732 ft Max. Altitude
2,100 m / 6,890 ft Min. Altitude
71.5 km / 44.42 mi Walking Distance
  • Ausangate Trek
  • Arapa Pass
  • Hatun Pucacocha
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Palomani Pass
  • Sacred Valley
  • Machu Picchu

Visiting the Guardian Apus of the Andes

This tour is designed for mountain lovers who want to visit the most important peaks and valleys of Cusco: the Ausangate glacier and its crystalline lagoons, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During this journey, you’ll be able to see extremely diverse landscapes, starting from the highest, snow-covered peaks and going to the tropical valleys of the Andes. On the trail, the Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 f) will be the protagonist; it’s the highest mountain in the Cusco region.

This tour is designed for mountain lovers who want to visit the most important peaks and valleys of Cusco: the Ausangate glacier and its crystalline lagoons, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During this journey, you’ll be able to see extremely diverse landscapes, starting from the highest, snow-covered peaks and going to the tropical valleys of the Andes. On the trail, the Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 f) will be the protagonist; it’s the highest mountain in the Cusco region.

Overview

Your adventure will start in the community of Upis. The first day, after lunch, you’ll get to visit the pristine Huayna Ausangate Lagoon. You’ll see these incredible, once-in-a-lifetime landscapes with your own eyes as you reveal, one step at a time, the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Impressive mountain passes and glacial lakes await you as the prelude to presenting ourselves before the sacred Apu Ausangate.

Colorful scenes will illuminate your path to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Hiking through these places will be an essential part of preparing you for the great challenge of conquering the Palomani Pass. From there, you’ll look out over mythical glaciers and other impressive, snowy peaks of the mountain range. Descending from those heights, you’ll be relieved to arrive at Pacchanta and enjoy its hot springs at the foot of Ausangate.

Later on, we’ll take you, in our private car, to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit Urco and Ollantaytambo. We’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, and then you’ll finally be able to visit the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. While you’re there, you’ll enjoy a rich culture of times past, both in its construction and its picturesque surroundings. Lastly, we’ll take you back to Cusco, and if it’s your first time here, we’re sure there’ll be many more.

Trip Highlights

  • On this tour, you’ll be able to combine adventure and culture as you visit the best of the region of Cusco: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the great Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
  • Every day will be different. You’ll hike from the mountains to a warm valley to the cloud forest, enjoying the diverse flora and fauna along the trail.
  • Observe the daily life of local families, and learn about how their customs are manifested now, in modern times.
Included meals Breakfast: 8
Lunch: 7
Dinner: 7
Trip staff Explore Tour Leader
Cook
Driver
horsemen
Transport Bus
Train
Accommodation 6 nights camping
1 night hotel
Walking grade: Moderate To Challenging
Group Size: Up to 10 People
Day 1 Cusco - Upis - Upis Campsite - Huayna Ausangate Lagoon
The best part of the day: You’ll traverse the mountains and have the Ausangate glacier right in front of your eyes.

We’ll leave the city of Cusco early and head toward the community of Upis, where we’ll have breakfast. After that, you’ll start hiking uphill slowly, taking your time to adjust to the altitude. As you continue on the trail, you’ll get closer and closer to the gigantic Ausangate glacier until it’s towering over you. We’ll have lunch and take time to rest, satisfied by the delicious food prepared by our expert chef.

Later, you’ll do an optional extra hike to explore the Huayna Ausangate Lagoon close-up, a 2 hour round trip. This first day, the morning’s activities haven’t been too extreme, and that’s to allow you to acclimatize and enjoy the surroundings of the campsite this afternoon without problems.

Today, you’ll start off on the grand adventure. We’ll leave Cusco early toward Upis, where we’ll have breakfast. From there, you’ll hike slowly and calmly uphill to get used to the altitude. You’ll arrive at our campsite by lunchtime and then have the opportunity to take advantage of an optional, round-trip hike to the crystalline Huayna Ausangate Lagoon. From there, you’ll get the first close-up views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Easy to moderate Level of difficulty
  • 10 km/ 6.21 miles Hiking distance
  • 5 hours Hiking time
  • 4,250 m / 13,944 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,250 m / 13,944 ft Minimum altitude
  • 4,480 m / 14,698 ft Maximum altitude
Day 2 Upis - Arapa Pass - Yanacocha - Hatun Pucacocha
The best part of the day: Travel through the mountains to reach the Hatun Pucacocha and Huchuy Pucacocha Lagoons.

Start the day off with attitude! We’ll wake you up with an energizing coca tea, and then our guides will tell you what to expect on this morning’s 2-hour hike up to the Arapa Pass. Once we’re there, you’ll feel the energy of the mountains enveloping you, and the horizon will open up, revealing all the earth’s striking colors.

Once you’ve have enough time there, you’ll keep going until you get to the Yanacocha Lagoon, where we’ll have lunch prepared by the chef and porters. Next, you’ll continue the journey two more hours to the Hatun Pucacocha and Huchuy Pucacocha Lagoons. In the afternoon, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of our campsite. We’ll finish off the day with a wonderful dinner.

We’ll start the day with a satisfying breakfast and, with new strength, you’ll ascend to the Arapa Pass, which will share with you the view of a grand color scheme and beautiful landscapes. Once you’ve arrived at the Yanacocha Lagoon, lunch will already be ready, thanks to our trekking team. Later, you’ll keep going until you reach the Hatun and Huchuy Pucacocha Lagoons. Once you’ve left your things at our campsite, you’re welcome to explore the surroundings on your own.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Moderate Level of difficulty
  • 11 km / 6.83 miles Hiking distance
  • 6 hours Hiking time
  • 4,400 m / 14,436 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,400 m / 14,436 ft Minimum altitude
  • 4,800 m / 15,748 ft Maximum altitude
Day 3 Hatun Pucacocha - Puca Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya Pass - Surinecocha
The best part of the day: Discover new valleys and mountains.

As you warm up with a hot cup of coca tea, we’ll get everything ready to start the day and recharge with an energizing breakfast. You’ll hike through two valleys to get to the Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 f), from which you’ll see what you’ve already traversed and where you’re going next. Don’t forget your jacket, because it’s cold and windy here!

Along the entire trail, you’ll be accompanied by the Ausangate glacier and its gorgeous turquoise lakes. After we’re finished on the peak, you’ll keep going, now downhill, to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 f) to have lunch. If there’s time, you can rest or take a short nap before moving on. Continuing on the path, you’ll trek up to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 f). Prepare yourself, because this part of the trail is steeper than the last.

After passing Warmisaya, you’ll go downhill to arrive at our campsite in Surinecocha. If the guide’s okay with it and there’s time, you can keep going on this path to watch the sunset at Rainbow Mountain. If you do go, you should return to the campsite before dark. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and have a well-earned sleep.

You’ll enjoy impressive landscapes as you pass through the valleys and peaks of this dreamy mountain range. Get ready, because the Puca Pass has a view like none other! The energy of Ausangate, who will accompany you along the trail, will motivate you with its unique presence as you keep to the path. We’ll provide lunch in Anantapata and then, optionally, you can continue past our campsite to watch the sunset at Rainbow Mountain. You’ll make your way back to the campsite before dark for dinner and a restful night.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Moderate Level of difficulty
  • 10 km / 6.20 miles Hiking distance
  • 5 - 6 hours Hiking time
  • 4,500 m / 14,764 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,500 m / 14,764 ft Minimum altitude
  • 4,985 m / 16,355 ft Maximum altitude
Day 4 Surinecocha - Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Cocha
The best part of the day: Explore Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley with their magical, scenic surroundings.

We’ll wake you up before dawn to arrive at our destination precisely at the right moment, when the king of the stars first shoots his sunbeams across the sky and across the radiant Rainbow Mountain. Be sure to wrap up well, because it will be very cold there, especially at this time of day. Our guide, who has a wealth of knowledge, will make your visit extra special by helping you connect with the spiritual side of these mountains.

After enjoying this natural wonder to its fullest, you’ll walk to the Red Valley to see yet another incredible landscape and take amazing pictures. Later on, you’ll return to Rainbow Mountain to go down to Quesiuno, where our team will be waiting for you with lunch ready.

You’ll continue to trek going uphill for three hours through a green valley, and you’ll see local wildlife in their natural habitat: the beautiful woodpecker and other birds, and the Andean goose known as Huallata. If you’re lucky, you may also see the Andean fox, and its unmistakeable skunk smell will make itself known. When you get to the campsite at Ausangate Cocha, you’ll enjoy tea time and then dinner.

Today, we’ll have to wake you up before dawn; after all, that’s the only way for you to watch the sunrise over Rainbow Mountain! After the amazing experience of receiving the first rays of the king of the stars, you’ll walk to the Red Valley’s viewpoint to see yet another magnificent landscape. You’ll then return to Rainbow Mountain to go down to Quesiuno and have lunch. Watching local wildlife as you walk, you’ll make your way to our campsite at Ausangate Cocha.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Challenging Level of difficulty
  • 17 km / 10.56 miles Hiking distance
  • 9 hours Hiking time
  • 4,800 m / 15,748 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,376 m / 14,356 ft Minimum altitude
  • 5,100 m / 16,372 ft Maximum altitude
Day 5 Ausangate Cocha - Palomani Pass - Sorapata
The best part of the day: You’ll conquer the Palomani Pass, the highest point of the trek, and get a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Apu Ausangate.

We’ll enjoy an energizing breakfast to keep our strength up all day long, and this will help us conquer the highest point on the trek. You’ll leave the campsite and make a two-hour ascent to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 f). From this once-in-a-lifetime viewpoint, you’ll see the magical Ausangate and the famous Vilcanota Mountain Range stretching out before you. It’s home to the highest glacier concentration in Peru with 469!

After practicing your photography skills to capture that landscape, you’ll descend an hour and a half to the community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,700 m / 15,420 f), where we’ll provide a satisfying lunch for you.

There’s another uphill climb awaiting you afterward, a two-hour hike to the Jampa gorge; it will give you beautiful views of the Callangate Mountain Range. Lastly, you’ll arrive at our campsite in Sorpata (4,650 m / 15,256 f) to have dinner and spend the night.

Today, you’re invited to conquer the highest point on the trek, the Palomani Pass, which sits at more than 5,200 meters (17,000 feet) above sea level. The effort you put in will be more than worth it when you see, revealed before you, the sacred Ausangate and the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Then, you’ll go down to Huchuy Phinaya to have lunch. After that, you’ll climb up to the Jampa Pass and be able to see new glaciers, this time belonging to the Callangate Mountain Range. We’ll finish the day camping in Sorapata.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Moderate to challenging Level of difficulty
  • 10.5 km / 6.52 miles Hiking distance
  • 6 hours Hiking time
  • 4,500 m / 14,764 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,500 m / 14,764 ft Minimum altitude
  • 5,200 m / 17,060 ft Maximum altitude
Day 6 Sorapata - Jampa Pass - Pacchanta
The best part of the day: Mystical lakes are waiting to be discovered, followed by a well-deserved soak in the hot springs of Pacchanta.

You’ll wake up next to the Tres Marias (Three Marias), a set of snowy peaks just in front of our camp. After breakfast, you’ll begin today’s hike, a two-and-a-half hour ascent to the Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16, 634 f). Along the trail, you’ll see a green valley extending on the horizon. One last descent is left to arrive at our campsite, where you’ll have lunch and spend the night. Pay attention! On this part of the hike, you can see three glacial lakes: China Otorongo, Orco Otorongo and Qomer Cocha. These are well-known in the Andean world and highly revered for their mystical significance.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to take a dip in the Pacchanta hot springs in the community of the same name. After several days of trekking, you’ll finally be able to relax your tired legs and muscles. We’ll finish the day with a fabulous dinner.

We’ll provide a delicious breakfast, and you’ll enjoy it accompanied by the view of the Tres Marias (Three Marias). After that, you’ll hike 2.5 hours up to the Jampa Pass. The trail will give you beautiful views of the surrouding landscape: an extensive, green valley and surprising, turquoise lagoons. After lunch, you can relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta. Good job, you made it!

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Moderate Level of difficulty
  • 11 km / 6.80 miles Hiking distance
  • 5.5 hours Hiking time
  • 4,650 m / 15,256 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,100 m / 13,451 ft Minimum altitude
  • 5,070 m / 16,634 ft Maximum altitude
Day 7 Pacchanta - Tinke - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
The best part of the day: Get to know the Inca way of life.

After breakfast, you’ll have a moment to say goodbye to our trekking team who’s accompanied you on the magnificent Ausangate Trail: the professional chefs and the porters. After that, we’ll take you, in our private car, three and a half hours away into the Sacred Valley. First, you’ll go to the Taray Viewpoint and have lunch as you admire the surrounding landscape.

Next, we’ll take you to visit the archeological center in Urco, a place dedicated to water worship. Continuing on, the car will take you to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. When we get there, we’ll take you for a walk to see its Inca walls and water canals around town, and then you’ll be able to hike up Pinkuylluna, a hill that houses the Collcas of the Incas, their granaries used to preserve agricultural products.

Finally, we’ll all take the train to Aguas Calientes and settle into a nice hotel. We’ll have dinner, and then you can get some rest and dream about the amazing places you’ve seen so far.

Today, we’ll say goodbye to our trekking team: the chefs and porters. Not only the landscape, but also the climate will change as our private car takes you into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll have lunch with a spectacular view at the Taray Viewpoint. After that, we’ll take you to see the archeological complex of Urco and the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Later on, we’ll all board a train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals
  • Easy Level of difficulty
  • 2 km / 1.24 miles Hiking distance
  • 1 hours Hiking time
  • 2,792 m / 9,160 ft Starting altitude
  • 2,900 m / 9,514 ft Minimum altitude
  • 2,950 m / 9,678 ft Maximum altitude
Day 8 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
The best part of the day: The incomparable experience of seeing the divine Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu

Today, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime as you enter the magnificent and world-famous Machu Picchu. There are people who only dream of visiting this Wonder of the Modern World, but you’re here in person! What you’ve heard about the charm of this place is nothing in comparison to what you’ll feel being here in real life. So that we can spend a long time in the citadel, we’ll go to the bus station early in the morning and try to be the first ones there. Once you’re inside, you’ll feel a special aura in the air; after all, this sacred temple of the Incas was made in perfect communion with Mother Earth.

The surrounding mountains are faithful witnesses to everything that’s happened on these grounds over the years. They saw all the effort that went into building this colossal, sacred citadel on the top of a mountain. Your guide will tell you all about this architectural jewel from its making to the present, a wonder that’s astonished the whole world. After this fantastic experience, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included in our tour) and then return to Cusco.

This will be an especially special day, because you’ll finally get to experience the astonishing Wonder of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, and the magic enveloping it! You’ll get up early to be one of the first to go inside. With the help of our guide, you’ll be able to understand this architectural jewel that continues to surprise the entire world. Finally, we’ll take the return train to Ollantaytambo, and then our private car will take you back to Cusco.

  • Breakfast Meals
  • Moderate Level of difficulty
  • 3 hours Guided tour duration
  • 2,100 m / 6,890 ft Minimum altitude
  • 2,430 m / 7,972 ft Maximum altitude

At Ausangate Peru, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may differ for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

What is Included?

  • High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure Briefing
    Detailed trek briefing with your Guide the day before the tour. The meeting is at 5:00 pm in our office.
  • Experienced Tour Guide
    Our official tour guides speak fluent English and Spanish, are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
  • Private Camping Equipment
    • A spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals worry-free
    • Tables, chairs, dishware, and cooking equipment
    • A portable travel toilet
    • Inflatable mattress
    All equipment carried by our horses
  • One Duffle Bag
    For the trek, you’ll receive a duffle bag to pack your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag). The horses will carry it on the route.
  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
    All Ausangate Peru guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions for them every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we'll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
  • Extras Included in our Service
    We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a sleeping pillow, a cover to protect your backpack on the route, and a rain poncho.
  • 24/7 Customer Service
    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Ausangate Peru leading up to your tour.
  • Satellite Phone
    Your tranquility is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital, or a friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide carries a satellite phone to call any location worldwide and from anywhere on the mountain.
  • Accommodation

  • 6 Nights Accommodation in Tents
    Ausangate Peru uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share a Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hardwear tent with a capacity of 4 people.
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 Night)
    You will spend the last night of this trek in a comfortable hotel at Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
    • *Accommodation is in double and triple rooms.
  • Meals

  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, and 7 Dinners
  • Water on the trail
    We'll provide you with boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle, which you can refill during each meal (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
  • Wake up tea
    You'll wake up every morning at the camp with a cup of coca tea! It'll be brought to your tent so you can warm up before you start the day.
  • Tea Time or Happy Hour
    Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite!
  • Daily snacks on the trail
    Every morning we’ll give you snacks so you can enjoy them during the walk. The snacks include local fruits, biscuits, chocolates, caramels, etc.
  • One cloth snack bag per person
    To avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
  • Hygiene Products
    We'll provide you with a small towel and soap to clean your hands before each meal.
  • Transportation

  • Private Transport
    • Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Upis, the starting point of the Trek.
    • Day 2: Private transport from the end point of the Ausangate Trek to Ollantaytambo.
    • Day 3: Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Train Tickets
    • Day 7: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
    • Day 8: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Round-Trip Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
  • Cargo Mules
    While trekking, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
  • Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entry Ticket for the Ausangate Trek
  • Entry to the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
  • Entry to Pacchanta Thermal Baths
  • Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaelogical Site

Not Included:

  • Sleeping Bag

    You can rent one from our company if you don’t own one. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
    • US$ 35.00 per person
  • Trekking Poles

    Trekking poles are very helpful on rough and uneven terrain. You can rent a set from our company if you'd like.
    • US$ 35.00 per person
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain

    You can climb the famous mountain always seen in the photos behind the site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion after concluding your guided tour in Machu Picchu. Due to high demand, permission must be issued at least one month in advance. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
    • The Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain

    Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if requested in advance.
    • The Machu Picchu Mountain ticket has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
  • Meals not indicated

    • Day 8: Lunch and Dinner
  • Personal Hiking Gear

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips for our staff

    Tipping is usual on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control

    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, an act of God, etc.

Our Hiking Team

Our tour leader in Ausangate mountain

Our Tour Guides

Your tour will be led by a trained and highly experienced professional with a very solid guiding background, years of hiking and wilderness experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into unforgettable adventures.

Our cook in Ausangate Peru

Our Cooks

After a challenging trek we know how important a good hot meal can be to prepare your body and warm you up. That’s why on every trek with Salkantay Trekking we employ chefs with years of experience cooking on the trails so that they provide filling.

Meals: What to Expect in Ausangate

Meals: What to Expect

All of our hiking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola.

Our Horseman and Horses in Ausangate trek

Our Horseman and Horses

Our Horseman and his horses are in charge of all our gear and will always await us within the safe and comfortable camp sites.

Essential packing list for trekking

So you are planning to trek the famous Ausangate?

his Ausangate Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.

In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.

Essential packing list

PACKING LIST: Duffle Bag Duffle Bag
PACKING LIST: Daypack Daypack

Documents

PACKING LIST: Original Passport Original Passport

Clothing

PACKING LIST: Underwear Underwear
PACKING LIST: Base Layer Base Layer
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shirts Trekking Shirts
PACKING LIST: Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
PACKING LIST: Insulated Jacket Insulated Jacket
PACKING LIST: Fleece Jacket Fleece Jacket
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shorts and Trousers Trekking Shorts and Trousers

Headgear

PACKING LIST: Hat for Sun Protection Hat for Sun Protection
PACKING LIST: Head Band or Beanie Head Band or Beanie
PACKING LIST: Neck Gaiter or Balaclava Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

Hands

PACKING LIST: Inner Gloves Inner Gloves
PACKING LIST: Outer Gloves Outer Gloves

Footwear

PACKING LIST: Hiking Boots
PACKING LIST: Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals) Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals)
PACKING LIST: Hiking Socks
PACKING LIST: Thermal Socks Thermal Socks
PACKING LIST: Gaiters Gaiters

Important Accessories

PACKING LIST: Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag
PACKING LIST: Trekking Poles Trekking Poles
PACKING LIST: Sunglasses Sunglasses
PACKING LIST: Headlamp Headlamp
PACKING LIST: Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
PACKING LIST: Camera / Videocamera Camera / Videocamera
PACKING LIST: Notebook / Journal and Pen Notebook / Journal and Pen

Personal Gear and Medications

  • Trekking Towel:

    A small to medium sized hiking towel can come in great use. LifeVentures or Discovery provide good, quick-drying trekking towels.
  • Small Locks:

    To protect your belongings in your rucksack or duffle bag
  • Waterproof Ziplock Bags:

    These come in handy for storing important / valuable items like your money, a passport and electrical equipment
  • Isotonic Powder:

    Can be used to flavour your water nicely and helps replace electrolytes, improving energy levels and aiding water absorption. Here are some good Isotonic powdered drinks
  • Diamox:

    Also know as acetazolamide, is a medication that can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) solution for altitude sickness. It does not cure altitude sickness and should never therefore never be used as a method to continue ascending to high altitudes. It can however help prevent the onset of altitude sickness and is commonly used by high altitude climbers and trekkers.
  • General Medications:

    We recommend taking paracetamol or aspirin for headaches (a common altitude sickness symptom on the Salkantay Trek) and Imodium for diarrhoea (another common problem as food preparation can be a little unhygienic)
  • Basic First Aid Kit:

    If you are joining an organised trek, your guide will most likely be carrying a first aid kit. If you are hiking unsupported or independently then a first aid kit is a must. Here are some compact and good outdoor first aid kits: Outdoor First Aid Kits
  • Suncream / Lip balm:

    No one wants burnt skin or cracked lips! Be sure to bring 1 x suncream (SPF 30) and 1 x lip balm
  • Baby wipes:

    For quick and easy wet washe when no showers are in sight! bring 1 x baby wipes
  • Blister Plasters:

    The dreaded blisters! We recommend taking Compeed blister plasters
  • Hand Sanitizer:

    Great for disinfecting hands before and after eating, or when they get dirty during the hike

2021 Land Cost

The "Ausangate & Machu Picchu" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February because rainy season & maintenance.

Total Price per person from
US$ 900.00

Required Pre-payment: per person.
US$ 400.00

Balance (Cusco): (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
US$ 500.00

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 8%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

lease, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to info@ausangateperu.com; only after that, we'll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.

Extensions & Offers

There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.

  • Rainbow Mountain: US$ 80.00
  • Sacred Valley: US$ 50.00
  • City Tour: US$ 20.00

Additional Items

There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

  • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
  • Inflattable mattress: US$ 20.00
  • Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Ausangate Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Ausangate Peru Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

14 years and above
Below 14 years

The Greatest Hiking Trails in Peru

Here you will find the Best Adventure Treks around Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu.

Our collection of the most fabulous hiking trails in Peru bring you up close and very personal with the region’s most jaw-dropping highlights: from the snow-peaked Andes to turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers that seem to hang as if by magic, as well as an abundance of wildlife spotting and a breathtaking, unforgettable adventure in nature.

Ausangate Trek - Campsite
Pupolar Trek
  • CUSCO
  • 5 DAYS

Ausangate Trek Classic

Upis Hot Spring, Arapa Pass, Yanacocha, Pucacocha Lake
Ausangate Trek 5 Days, a fantastic and less-known trek are surrounding the snow-capped Sacred Mountain (“Apu”) of Ausangate (6,384 masl / 20,945 fasl) that takes you over mountain passes, impressive mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs, and turquoise lakes. Ausangate, a five-day trek, is an unforgettable hike recommended for mountain trekking lovers, searching for an intense experience in remote areas and wild nature.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 5 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 5200 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 450 View Details
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Cusco 1 day
  • CUSCO
  • 1 DAY

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Rainbow Mountain, Warmisaya Pass
The majestic Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Winicunca (5,100 m / 16,732 f). On top of that, you’ll also visit the Warmisaya Pass where you’ll catch a glance of the snowcap of Ausangate in all its glory. You’ll understand why this Apu (what the locals call it) is so sacred.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 1 day trekking
  • Max altitude - 5200 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 100 View Details
Hatun Pucacocha in the Ausangate Mountain
  • CUSCO
  • 3 DAYS

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain

Arapa Pass, Warmisaya, Red Valley
The perfect route for you to discover your ideal trek. You’ll visit the Rainbow Mountain, as well as the most highly respected glacier in the region of Cusco, Ausangate.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 3 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 5200 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 350 View Details
Machu Picchu
  • CUSCO
  • 4 DAYS

Rainbow Mountain: Imperial

City Tour, Maras Moray, Salt Mines, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
We’ll take you on an unmatched journey. We’ll start, first, with a City Tour, traversing the main attractions of the city in its natural form. We’ll continue exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying the unique beauty of the fields of Andean crops in these places. We’ll also visit the enigmatic circular farming terraces of Moray and discover how, since time immemorial, salt has been extracted from Maras.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 4 days tour
  • Max altitude - 5200 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 600 View Details
Quelccaya Glacier
  • CUSCO
  • 2 DAYS

Rainbow Mountain & Quelccaya Glacier

Rainbow Mountain - Sibinacocha Lake - Quelccaya Glacier
We will start this program by heading south of the city of Cusco to reach the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. After exploring this beautiful place, we will head in our private transport to the Sibinacocha lake, the second-largest in Cusco. We will camp in the Ruita sector, from where we will be able to appreciate the great Quelccaya glacier.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 2 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 5200 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 230 View Details
Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu
  • CUSCO
  • 6 DAYS

Rainbow Mountain + Inca Trail

Rainbow Mountain - Inca Trail Classic - Machu Picchu
We want to propose a new travel option. It’s a combination of nature, culture, history and landscapes from glaciers to valleys and the cloud forest. We’ll visit these three most impactful settings of the Cusco region.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 9 days treks
  • Max altitude - 5100 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 800 View Details
7 Lakes of Ausangate Full-Day Tour
  • CUSCO
  • 1 DAY

Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike

Pacchanta - Comercocha Lagoon - Otorongococha - Azulcocha - Pacchanta Hot Springs
The Tour of the 7 Lakes is one of the most beautiful routes in all of the Vilcanota Mountain Range; you’ll stand before the imposing Ausangate, one of the 5 highest snowcaps in Peru. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the purest of nature and gaze upon a gorgeous place in the Andes of Cusco surrounding these multi-colored lakes.
AT A GLANCE
  • Max group size: 12
  • 1 day hike
  • Max altitude - 4800 metres
  • For Adventure Seekers
FROM US$ 80 View Details

For us quality of experience is only second to safety.

We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.

2 days of adventures in the Andes

We did the 2-day tour through Ausangate, the rainbow mountain, and the red valley. The tour was private, the guide Jimmy was very friendly and professional, the whole trip has well organized the food was delicious during the excursion.
I thank the travel agency for this beautiful experience, and I recommend it.

-- NICHOLAS A tripadvisor

VIEW ALL REVIEWS TRIPADVISOR

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