3 Days – 2 Nights
Max Guests: 12
Max. Altitude: 3800 – 5035m
Act. Level: Moderate
As you embark on the Ausangate Trek in Peru, you will traverse the awe-inspiring Vilcanota Mountain Range. You will be on the Ausangate trail, one of the most stunning treks in Peru. Your journey will lead you to Rainbow Mountain, a jewel in the Ausangate Peru region.
This trek is best undertaken during the dry season. The rainy season will present challenges due to the unpredictable weather. You will navigate the arduous Arapa Pass, reaching altitudes of 4,850 meters or 15,912 feet.
Embracing Apu Ausangate, a sacred mountain, you will marvel at the spiritual significance of this region. You’ll hike Ausangate, experiencing the beauty of Peru’s high altitudes. Be mindful, as altitude sickness can be a concern.
We will ensure that your travel insurance covers these remote high-altitude treks. It will bring peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents. You will sip on coca tea, a local remedy known to help alleviate altitude sickness.
While hiking the Ausangate trail, the stunning Red Valley and Ausangate Rainbow Mountain will take your breath away.
Our team will be at your service to ensure a comfortable and well-guided journey. They will help secure entrance fees and provide essential information about the trail.
You will carry a sleeping bag for those cool nights under the clear Peruvian sky. Hot springs will be your reward after long hiking days, aiding in your muscle relaxation.
With every step, you will discover the beauty and mystery of Ausangate Peru. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will etch memories in your heart. It will paint a picture of Peru’s majestic highlands that you will cherish forever.
When it comes to tackling the captivating Ausangate Trek, we at XTreme Tourbulencia, stand ready to provide an unmatched hiking experience. Our expert guides are well-versed in the intricacies of the route. They also possess deep knowledge of the local culture and natural environment.
Their expertise turns every trek into an enlightening adventure. We prioritize your safety and comfort during the trek. To do this, we provide high-quality equipment and up-to-date trail information. We also offer welcoming accommodation, which ensures that you can rest and recuperate after each day’s exertion.
We take pride in our nutritious, locally sourced meals. We tailor these meals to meet a range of dietary requirements. Our goal is to ensure that you are always energized for the trail.
As a testament to our top-notch service and commitment, we have received feedback from hikers from around the globe. These hikers have shared their incredible experiences with us on TripAdvisor.
These positive reviews highlight our comprehensive services, knowledgeable guides, and the unforgettable experiences we consistently deliver. Choosing us, XTreme Tourbulencia, for your Ausangate Trek means embarking on a meticulously planned, safe, and thoroughly enriching journey.
On the first day of the Ausangate Trek, we will depart Cusco at 5:00 am. We will travel along the transoceanic route, passing through the towns of Ocongate and Tinque. Next, we will take a detour to reach the town of Upis, where our team of muleteers and horses await. Here, we will be stopping for a brief rest.
We will have ample time to rest and rejuvenate. After that, our adventurous hike will commence through the spectacular natural landscapes that define the Ausangate Trek.
The goal will be to reach our first stop, the Paso de Arapa. It nestles at a staggering altitude of 5000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level. After conquering this pass, we will continue our journey alongside the Ausangate mountain, heading towards Yanacocha.
This will be our designated spot for relaxation and lunch. Following this, we will trek through breathtaking landscapes. These landscapes boast four primary lakes: Yanacocha, Azul Cocha, Huchuy Puca Cocha, and Puca Cocha.
We will establish our camp for the night here, surrounded by panoramic views of the lakes. We will be amid the snow-capped mountains and the renowned Andean camelids.
We will begin the second day of our Ausangate Trek with a warm breakfast. Energized, we will proceed toward the Puca Cocha pass. This spot serves as an amazing vantage point for the Ausangate peak, displaying its perpetual glaciers.
After relishing the stunning views, our journey will continue downwards towards Ananta. Here, we will take a well-deserved rest and have lunch.
Post-lunch, our hike will lead us toward the Warmisaya pass. From this point, we will be able to marvel at the stunning Red Valley and the renowned mountain of seven colors. After absorbing these beautiful views, we will descend towards the Surinacocha lagoon. This serene lagoon will be our resting place for the night.
The third and final day of our Ausangate Trek has arrived. We will kick off the journey after a well-earned rest at Surinacocha. The trek for the day will lead us towards Surina mountain. This route is easier and flatter, ensuring a more relaxed hiking experience.
We will see views of the snow-capped Salkantay. We will also observe the seven-colored mountain.
We plan to make this two-hour walk early in the day. This strategy aims at reaching the seven-colored mountain before the tourist rush. This way, we can savor the beauty of the mountain without the crowds. Post the trek, we will embark on our return journey to Cusco, marking the end of this memorable journey.
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All briefings are done at our office at 7:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.
Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off. HOTEL LIST HERE.
Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM. Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.
Machu Picchu now has two different time windows of when you can visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be for only one session, morning session, and when your time window is over, the Rangers will ask you to leave.
MORNING SESSION: 6AM – 12PM
AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM – 15:00PM
** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need extra time 3:00 hours.
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card 😉
Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
What Do I Need To Bring?
