Nevado Ausangate

Your exciting experience begins today at 5:00 am. We’ll stop by your hotel to pick you up and transfer you in our private transport for 3 hours to the starting point of our trek in the small town of Upis. There you’ll enjoy the first breakfast prepared by our talented chef, and you’ll be able to look out in wonder at an amazing landscape. This meal will give you all the nourishment and energy you need to get hiking. After a short time, we’ll be on our way, and the adventure begins. We’ll gradually ascend over 3 hours towards the place where we have lunch. During this part of the journey, we’ll be able to observe the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the distance, so be sure to have your camera to hand. Our team will be waiting for you at our first stop with a hot herbal tea before you indulge in a delicious lunch. You’ll have time to enjoy a short rest and recuperate your energy before continuing the day’s hike.

After lunch, we’ll start a two-hour uphill hike towards the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Then we’ll descend for three and a half hours to Hatun Pucacocha lake, where our camp is located. On the way, we’ll appreciate Yanacocha Lake as well. You’ll be at the very foot of the mighty Ausangate Mountain! You’ll be amazed at the size and sheer beauty of this icy peak. Once in the camp, you can serve yourself some hot chocolate or coffee, and then a little later, dinner will be ready. It’ll then be time to retire to your bed for some well-earned rest.

We’ll wake you up this morning with a hot cup of coca leaf tea to help you acclimatize and start the day in the best way possible. Did you know that this leaf has been used for centuries for the same purpose? As soon as you open your tent, you’ll get to observe the magical lights of dawn on the huge glacier that glistens and sparkles in the sunlight. Then we’ll enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast to help us on our way.

Our walk will start with a two-hour uphill climb towards the Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). Along the way, you’ll be able to spot an amazing eroded mountain, beautiful high Andean valleys, and, if you’re lucky, the majestic flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world. You’ll also witness the beauty of several glacial lagoons, such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha. Make sure you capture some memorable photos of these picturesque sights.

Vinicunca Mountain

A little later, we’ll descend for one hour and a half to Anantapata, our lunch spot, for another delicious meal and then ascend for two hours to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From here, you’ll be able to appreciate the sacred mountain of Ausangate from a new angle and the Rainbow Mountain, as well as the endless Vilcanota mountain range. Then we’ll descend for 1 hour to Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where our camp is located. When we arrive, you’ll be greeted with a hot drink to warm you up. Before a highly-deserved night of rest, you’ll enjoy the dinner prepared by our chef and his assistant. You’ll definitely be amazed at the delicacies they prepare so far up in the mountains!

Vinicunca Mountain

You’re in for another early start today as our trek reaches a climax. After having an energizing breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the famous Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. We’ll start ascending for two hours to the pass located at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. From here, you’ll get a beautiful view of the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which you’re sure to feel as though you’re in a dream when looking at this creation of Mother Nature! Our guide will explain why these mountains are so special. Its impressive display of colors is all due to sedimentary layers of minerals that were exposed by erosion. Remember that this type of phenomenon can only be seen in two places around the world: Peru and China. Make the most of your time to connect with the energy of the mountains and enjoy this truly unique landscape.

Cusco

After spending plenty of time looking out over the surreal landscape, we’ll walk for an hour to Llacto, where a tasty lunch awaits us. We’ll finish our day and epic adventure with a 3-hour drive in our private transport to drop you off at the door of your accommodation in Cusco.