Ausangate Trek & Pacchanta Rainbow Mountain

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7 days / 6 nights

Soaring glacier peaks scrape the sky to the left. A valley plummets to the right. Front and center is a mound of earth striped with intense turquoise, rust red and golden yellow. The colors flow like a wave so perfectly that you would believe they were painted by the gods. The only way to get to this secret corner of the earth is the Ausangate Trek. This trail is for those who are looking to explore the Andes in the puna areas – exploring the majesty of the Andes and learning about the traditions of the Andean people.

The area is inhabited by traditional Inca animals such as large herds of llamas, alpacas and this is the only area in Cusco region to see the Inkan indigenous habitat of the VICUÑA (which has most expensive wool in the world!). Besides seeing these most impressive views of the glacier peaks and blue lakes, you will enjoy the hike of llamas in the Vilcanota Mountain Range. You will also be amongst the first to enjoy the newly discovered and now famous RAINBOW MOUNTAINS in Vinicunca.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Arrive in Cusco
There will be a group meeting on the first day to discuss the trek and answer questions.

DAY 2 - Cusco-Tinki/Pacchanta
After three hours by bus, we will arrive at Tinki and start hiking or horseback riding to Pacchanta native community. Through the way, the silence and sound of the wind will let us discover the landscape, and the local fauna and flora, and we'll see herds of alpacas beyond the glaciers. (L/D)

DAY 3 - Pacchanta -Qampa
After passing through the small community of Q'ampa, we will head North west to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa pass (5000 metres). We will see several different coloured lakes and lunch beside Q'oma Q'ocha. We hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We will set up camp near Qampa and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 - Qampa-Ausangate-Qocha
From qampa we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17 056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From the pass, we follow the trail into the valley of Ausangate qocha.  Then we will continue to Jatun Puqa Q’ocha. From your camp site you can choose to climb a nearby ridge to view the red-tinged lake of Vino Q’ocha. Each lake in the region is coloured differently depending on the coloured sediment of the nearby mountains. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 - Pukaqocha-Huampococha
Today is a big day and the most anticipated day of the trek. We hike up to 17,000 feet where you will be graced with views of the majestic painted hills, but don't get too excited yet, we still have a few hours to go before we finally arrive at the Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca. We have a celebratory lunch on top and take long break to enjoy the views. After lunch, we head back up the valley and set up camp near Lake Yanaorqo. (B/L/D)

DAY 6 - Vinicunca-Cusco
Continue as far as we can towards Puca punta, the red sandstone sediment formations, which will be a wonderful experience. Here we see vicuñas, and luckily condors.  We eventually encounter Vinicunca, a mountain of striations of colors embedded in the hillsides and best known as The Rainbow Mountain. The beauty speaks for itself.   Later, we drive back to Cusco. (B/L)

DAY 7 - Fly home from Cusco (via Lima). 
Group transfer to airport will be provided.

Optional Add-on:

Machu Picchu over night tour. Contact us for details.

TREK STYLE

​This trek is STRENUOUS given the high altitude, the possible low temperatures, with the highest point at 5200 meters. You must be physically fit, in good health, and preferably with recent backpacking/hiking experience. Consulting with your doctor prior to joining the trip is recommended.  It is highly suggested that you familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high altitude trekking.  

2021 PRICING

$1970 (1 person)

$1670 per person (2-5 people)

$1570 per person(6-8 people)

Maximum group size: 8


DEPOSIT: $600

A non-refundable deposit is required to book. Balance is 45 days prior to the trip departure.

Single supplement: $100 for 2 nights hotel single supplement

For our join-in group departures, as a precaution with COVID-19, solo travelers will be provided with a solo tent. For solo hotel stay, a single supplement fee applies.

Private tours with your date of choosing are available upon request. Send us an email via equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.  

Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!

INCLUSIONS

  • Shared accommodations In Cusco

  • Service of expert guides 

  • Service of porter to carry 8 kg of personal belongings

  • Transportation to and from the trailhead

  • Water during the trek

  • All meals during the trek as noted in the itinerary

  • Dining tent with tables and chairs

  • 2 person tent and basic sleeping mat

  • First aid & oxygen bottlers for emergencies

  • Waterproof bags

  • Government Tax, office service charge and booking fees

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare (if booking only land cost); travel, medical & emergency evacuation insurance; meals in Cusco; tips; and all other personal expenses. 

FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded.  Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.

GEAR LIST  See gear list here.

COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Peru’s travel restrictions have changed frequently. It is your responsibility to be aware of current COVID-19 travel restrictions. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website for your embassy in Peru. Once you arrive in Peru, our local partners will be required to comply with the following COVID-19 safety measures:

  • The staff members including porters, cooks and drivers will go through a COVID-19 molecular test before joining the trek.

  • Mask use, temperature control and hand-washing are mandatory for the staff and travelers.

  • Guides will carry a personal first-aid kit including masks, gloves and thermometers, etc.

  • Latex gloves are optional for the clients but mandatory for the staff.

  • Social distancing protocols will be enforced.

  • Our vehicles will be disinfected as per the protocols via the Health Ministry in Peru before and after every trip.

  • There will be masks, hand sanitizer and a first-aid kit with oxygen masks, etc. inside the vehicles in case clients need such items.

  • Vehicles will be at 50% capacity in adherence with the the social distancing requirements.


TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), emergency medical and evacuation for high altitude trekking of up to 5000 meters.  Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.  Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

​Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than Global Rescue, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high altitude trekking as there are only a select number of companies that provide such type of coverage.

​VISA

Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements for the country of your choosing.  You are responsible for securing your own visa, if required.

​TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and  specific trek information.

Marinel DeJesus