Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

10-day Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu Trek

10-day Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu Trek

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-10-25

This impressive 10-day itinerary around the sacred peak of Ausangate (6,385 m/20,948 ft) to the breathtaking “Lost City of the Incas,” including the stunning Rainbow Mountain, is the ultimate program to immerse yourself in local Andean culture and nature, for a genuine experience of high-elevation mountain life. Explore the beauty of the Andes following the deserted Peruvian trail around the base of the highest snow-capped peak in Cusco. This 10-day itinerary brings you to Peru’s iconic landscapes, where you can embrace all the outstanding Ausangate trek beauty with none of the crowds, hike into the remote, untouched wilderness of the Ausangate circuit, and visit the magical, multi-colored Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), before heading to the epic signature site of Machu Picchu all in just ten days!

 

The Ausangate trail has some of the most stunning scenery of all of Peru’s hiking areas. Mossy passes and glaciers add to the mystical feel of this route. You will pass small villages where time has stood still. The Ausanagte region is a geological masterpiece with crystal-clear glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped mountains, huge valleys, and colorful stripy mountains. This makes it perfect for hiking trips on your Peru vacation packages!

Lake on The Ausangate Circuit

 

If you are of an adventurous spirit and want to get totally off the beaten track but still visit the most important landmarks of the region, this Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu will allow you to enjoy one of the most breathtaking spots on earth, with imposing snow-peaks rising dramatically from the lake’s edge up to the heavens, the colored mountain of Vinicunca, and then explore Machu Picchu. The Ausangate region is well known for its remoteness and hiking through this rarely-visited mountain range, on quiet trails, following trails through alpine valleys that are home to traditional indigenous Quechua farmers, which are also the natural habitat to some of Peru’s most rare and spectacular wildlife, including herds of grazing alpacas and the majestic Andean condor.

 

On your Peru adventure tours to The Ausangate region, you can see more than 20 bird species, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, Vizcachas, black-winged Andean geese,  and the awe-inspiring  Andean condor. All these animals combined with the stunning scenery create a setting that can only be described as completely sublime.

Llamas in The Ausangate Region

 

This 10-day Ausangate trek with Rainbow mountain and Machu Picchu allows time to acclimatize in the Inca capital, Cusco. You can use this time wisely to explore this magical city with its unique combination of Inca and colonial architecture and contemporary cafes and restaurants for a fascinating eclectic vibe.

 

Any Ausangate trekking tour on your Peru adventures begins in the Inca capital of Cusco. Its historical importance in South America, the intoxicating blend of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and that definitive Peruvian street spirit, make Cusco an awesome city, as well as being the gateway to magnificent Andean trekking.

Cusco City

 

The trekking begins in the small town of Upis and takes you on a hike with verdant highland vistas and up-close encounters with rare Andean alpacas, llamas, and birds. Witness the snow-topped mountains, glacier peaks, glistening lagoons, craggy rocks, and breathtaking vistas with ample time to take it all in. Enjoy this stunning and remote trek, with spectacular views of glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes with flocks of aquatic birds, and rugged mountains along the Ausangate Mountain.

 

The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek to Machu Picchu offers superb Andean scenery. It is a challenging route, at high elevation with few people, unique cultural interaction, and mind-blowing countryside that will exceed your expectations. For those who love hiking in the mountains, this is one heck of a trekking experience for your Peru tour packages.

Llama

 

Get completely off the beaten path and explore remote mountains along the Ausangate Trail, in a high Andean environment close to llama and alpaca herds, to the mind-blowing Rainbow Mountain. Camp along remote mountainsides, immerse yourself in the rich Andean culture and experience an unforgettable night sky in the Cordillera Vilcanota. The trail has hot springs along the route in the towns of Upis and Pacchanta to relax those aching muscles after this high-altitude hiking, so pack your swimmers and enjoy the stunning views surrounding you.  

 

The best time to hike the Ausangate region and Rainbow Mountain is from April to November which virtual guarantees clear days. That said, with favorable weather, more hikers are hitting the Ausangate trail. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular Cusco day trips, so expect to see more people as we trek towards this magical mountain.

Rainbow Mountain

 

Spend the final day at Peru´s signature destination, Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas” Enjoy the full guided tour of the archaeological site learning about the history and seeing for yourself the magnificent Inca construction on the side of the mountain.

 

Machu Picchu is considered by many to be the most spectacular urban creation of the Incas. Today, it is one of the most important heritage sites in the world. It sits on top of a mountain, 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) in the cloud forest, offering mind-blowing scenery with significant endemic biodiversity of the region.  Combining your Machu Picchu tour packages with an Ausagante Trek and Rainbow Mountain... is nothing short of spectacular!

Machu Picchu

 

Contact us for more information about this unique 10-day experience that combines trekking the remote Ausangate Mountain, the stunning Rainbow Mountain, and finally, the magnificent Machu Picchu in its glory!

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