Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain: A Detailed 6-Day Review

Alright, so you’re thinking about doing the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain? It’s almost like you’re after something truly spectacular, you know? The kind of view that sticks with you. Very few treks give you that ‘I can’t believe this is real’ kind of feeling, yet this one totally does. A multi-day hike near Cusco, Peru, this adventure promises unbelievable landscapes and a tough, yet oh-so-worth-it journey. But is that journey really for you? Let’s find out.

What to Expect from the Ausangate Trek

Basically, the Ausangate Trek isn’t just your regular walk in the hills. It’s more like, a proper test, that pushes you a little, while rewarding you tenfold. You’re looking at six days of pretty intense hiking at a seriously high altitude, we are talking about easily getting over 5,000 meters (or about 16,400 feet). In some respects, expect your lungs to burn and your legs to scream but think of those views, right? The trek usually circles the mountain Ausangate which is seen as sacred, by the locals. You get to walk through remote valleys, pass unbelievable turquoise lakes, and witness vistas, that’ll be permanently imprinted in your memory.

The weather? Well, that is pretty unpredictable. The conditions typically tend to be freezing, so expect that the temperature drops quite a bit at night. The sun could be beating down in the daytime. Pack for all seasons, yeah? Layers are vital! Speaking of vital, acclimatization is incredibly important. Spending a few days in Cusco or another location that has altitude will seriously benefit your trek. Don’t jump straight from sea level to the trail, because you may come to regret it!

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Ausangate Experience

Day 1: Cusco to Tinqui – Preparing for the Trail

Basically, day one is mostly a travel day. It’s like, you start in Cusco, get in a van, and bounce along to Tinqui. As a matter of fact, the travel may be about three or four hours! This is your launchpad. Usually, in Tinqui, you’ll be doing a bit of prep, like your last-minute gear checks, getting to know your fellow trekkers, and your porters too it’s almost that everyone is introduced. A little walk helps you adjust before settling in for the night. Mentally readying yourself for the days that follow is usually what the first day is for.

Day 2: Tinqui to Upis – High Altitude Hiking Begins

Okay, things are definitely getting more physical on day two. So you hit the trail! The journey to Upis begins, a very gradual uphill hike, that introduces you very fast, to the challenges of hiking at altitude. Clearly, the scenery is, getting better and better by the hour. Also, the views begin expanding as you gain height, like you get some unreal vistas. As a matter of fact, the night is often spent camping near Upis. At night, expect that the temperature drops quite a lot. This is your first high-altitude camping experience; bundle up.

Day 3: Upis to Ausangatecocha – Crossing Arapa Pass

Right, this day typically is a big one, it gets a little rough, actually. You’re conquering the Arapa Pass. And that’s where, you seriously feel the altitude. This ascent is pretty steep, but also is, incredibly rewarding, that is for sure! At the top of the pass, just stop and take a deep breath because, the view is phenomenal! It’s as if, you’re witnessing the heart of the Andes. The journey then descends to Ausangatecocha Lake where you might camp beside it. Basically, the turquoise water that mirrors the sky creates this totally serene setting, for the night.

Day 4: Ausangatecocha to Rainbow Mountain – The Big Reveal

The thing that today is all about, is, Rainbow Mountain! Like finally, the day is here, alright? Anyway, you’ll trek toward the iconic site, which is early. That does not only avoids the big crowds, that are present. However, also gifts you this light. Actually, the morning sun, just brings out the colors of the mountain, so beautifully. Taking your time up there to soak up, to admire, to reflect and breathe in is really important because you can just witness such incredible, unreal views of this unbelievable location that it can make all those rough times getting up there well and truly worth it.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain to Quesiuno – Remote Landscapes

Following the thrill, that is the Rainbow Mountain, basically the trek heads towards Quesiuno. Seemingly the trail gets quieter from there, also the landscape becomes wilder, and pretty remote. Also, this day gives you the opportunity to connect, that is, in a deeper way, with the natural world. In some respects it almost brings out a spiritual side, maybe. Now the silence is amazing. By the way, camping near Quesiuno allows that experience. You will just completely disconnect, to properly enjoy and cherish it.

Day 6: Quesiuno to Cusco – Farewell Andes

Actually, the final day tends to be, largely a descent. Like, you’re trekking back towards civilization now. Basically, the legs can be a little tired, so keep a close eye on the step, just a little! The scenery usually shifts too, in some respects turning more familiar and green. Anyway, as you reach the pickup point, that thought that it is over can be a little bitter, yet in a nice way because you can be content and so proud of that, for instance, your goals and challenges had come to an end. Actually, a transfer takes you back to Cusco. A very long, warm shower will be welcome.

Is the Ausangate Trek Right for You?

Okay, before you jump in and book, let’s see if, this trek matches you? Really, the Ausangate Trek is great if: You enjoy tough physical challenges. Anyway, if you are just a fan, a real die hard fan of hiking that wants something to push them, that is to try to do this is really up your alley! It will need strong physical and mental grit but getting up there with those types of trekkers can, just sometimes, be so special. Basically, a reasonable amount of altitude experience is almost important too! To have some hikes to locations that have a very high altitude, so that it benefits and preps you is usually one of the key factors and reasons why so many treks fail!

If scenery gets you pumped, and is super important, if the thought, for instance, of, spending six days surrounded by mountain landscapes that are absolutely spectacular really does pump you up then absolutely give it a go! Because you get to view glacial lakes, see colored mountains and hopefully get a view that you will remember forever, you need this! However if your the sort that thinks to just be in bed tucked away with central heating sounds like your type, maybe it is not the best choice!

Essential Tips for a Successful Trek

• Acclimatize properly: spend time in Cusco before starting.
• Pack wisely: Layers are very important! Thermal underwear, waterproof jackets, proper hiking boots.
• Hire a reliable tour operator: Local experience counts for very sure. Research!
• Hydrate and eat well: The altitude actually increases dehydration risk and the hunger so prepare appropriately.
• Respect the environment: Leave no trace and actually, be respectful of local communities.

The Cost of the Ausangate Trek

Right, the price range for that can typically fluctuate by a lot, based on what agency and what that includes actually! So expect that guided treks can typically be, anyway, around $800 to $1500 for six days. In some respects, the bigger price can include stuff that is far more comfy, good chefs and better equipment in particular. By the way, that may include things that, food is included, gear and permits. Seriously it is really worth investigating everything with the agency before hand to see what each element costs because prices can really change and fluctuate in certain areas of Peru a lot.

In particular, spending just a bit more sometimes really does seriously impact it all, because you will be safe knowing all bases have been covered and any worst cases will all be prepared for. That of course would be great for peace of mind. Actually do look properly around and carefully for all options but don’t be very cheap, there may be issues with cheaper choices that are detrimental that may harm or impact you in ways you never would have wanted!

Making it Happen: Booking Your Trek

When thinking of organizing this properly and successfully here’s your checklist. Take your time looking into the operator and compare it to others. Usually local ones can be a really great way for instance to see what would be more suitable. Booking ahead can usually allow more flexibility also. Reading through the small print like policies for cancellations can assist if you suddenly could not actually get that period off work that your planning. Always ensure you are covered, not only yourself in terms of holiday period and personal, but also any insurance should an event suddenly mean you will not be there.

Communication in terms of asking agencies prior also is great so that you learn exactly how you have to get ready and do all the things and information you need. Just prepare really properly to secure what to bring, things for weather and possible fitness tips. That helps greatly for properly enjoying without all of the concern.