AUSANGATE NEVADA & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
AUSANGATE NEVADA & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
3 Days Starting and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Cusco, Vinicunca, Camp Site Anantapata
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Expeditions, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Activities:
Tour Overview
This is a breathtaking 3 day trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota passing by the Ausangate Nevada; on a route called the ‘Camino del Apu Ausangate‘. The Apu is believed to be the bearer of life in this region and guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Following on from this; our treks are accompanied by llamas and the horses that will carry our equipment. They are owned and looked after by the shepherds & arrieros of the Chillca community. They are proud to share their land with travellers, as well as the spirit of Apu in their beautiful Andean region. This is a remote region to trek in, but close enough to Cusco to be accessible. You’ll trek close to the Ausangate Nevada along with taking in Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cusco - Anantapata
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, you'll leave Cusco, on a bus ride along the Vilcanota River Valley, and on to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to its Colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception, you'll start ascending the Pitumarca Valley, through the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca, we will start the trek near the Ausangate Community, from there we will see the south face of the sacred Ausangate Nevado, as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the "Nevado del Inca".
Accommodation: Camping Anantapata
Maximum Altitude: 4750 masl / 15580 fasl
Approximate Walking Time: 3 hours
Approximate Driving time: 4 hours
Day 2 : Anantapata - Huampococha Via Rainbow Mountain
Location: Vinicunca
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you'll take the trail to another mountain pass. Dropping down, you'll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of color are imbedded in the hillsides. Then going on towards Cerro Laya Grande via massive glacier del Inca, and the most striking colors in the sediments of Yauricunca. This area is called ‘montana arcoiris’ by the locals, and often referred to as ‘rainbow mountain’ by visitors. The spectacular colours make for amazing photography. Lunching here in this unique landscape. You'll see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta, and the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo, where we will spend the night at the Camino del Apu Ausangate.
Accommodation: Camping Huampococha
Maximum Altitude: 4980 masl / 16388 fasl
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 3 : Huampococha - Cusco
Location: Camp Site Anantapata
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a last climb over the Anta pass, you'll gradually make your descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco, where you can reflect on an incredible journey.
Maximum Altitude: 4900 masl / 16100 fasl
Approximate Walking Time: 4 hours
Approximate Driving time: 3 hours
What's Included
Breakfast x 2 Lunch x 3 Dinner x 2 Private Transport – collection & drop-off Professional bilingual guide Cook Horsemen & mules All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks)
What's Not Included
Hotels before & after (can be organised as part of trip) Extension trips to Machu Picchu Tips for crew Domestic flights (can be organised as part of trip) Any additional extras
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
90 day tourism visas are permitted on entry to Peru for most countries
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What currencies are required for this tour?
USD (US Dollar)
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Camping
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
2 is usually the minimum but we have run trips for solo travellers also
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Sometimes, but it's not really necessary for this route.
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Company Instant Book
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Usually on the way in we stop at Urcos for a bit of breakfast and have a little time here
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
90 day tourism visas are permitted on entry to Peru for most countries
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes; please contact us and we can provide suggestions or make the booking for you
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, but we can organise domestic flights, separately, on request
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
We can run private or group tours, depends on the traveller booking.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Good physical ability at high altitude
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
No
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Check with your doctor in advance of arrival to Peru
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We can include for a small additional fee
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum age is 18 with good physical ability
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What is the tipping policy?
At travellers discretion; but usually $15-$20 usd per day for guides. $10-$15 usd for other crew.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Around 15-20kg Max per person
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Guide
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Not included as part of the tour plan, but we can provide if hotels are required before and after
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform unu raymi tour operator & lodges, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 44 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unu raymi tour operator & lodges charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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COVID-19
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
Alongside this we have our own on-call health service available in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to care for you during your time with us. For high-altitude expeditions there will also be medical assistance available on these trips for your own health & safety.