Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour + Rainbow Mountain (6 Days)
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2 a más peronas
6 Días
Explore the most impressive landscapes of Cusco with trekking, snow-capped mountains, and unique routes
The Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain Tour in 6 Days is one of the most complete experiences to explore the main surreal natural attractions, archaeological sites, and the best hikes in Cusco. This journey combines a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu with the stunning 7 Ausangate Lakes route, one of the most spectacular hikes in the Vilcanota mountain range. During the trip, you will discover glacier lakes with intense colors, towering snow-capped mountains, traditional Andean communities, and the famous Rainbow Mountain, considered one of the most astonishing natural landscapes in Peru.
The tourist circuit through Machu Picchu, Ausangate, and Rainbow Mountain represents one of the best adventure and nature experiences in the Peruvian Andes. Throughout the journey, you will visit important Inca archaeological centers such as Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, as well as hike along trails where you will spot alpacas, snow-capped mountains, and unique glacial landscapes. The itinerary also includes the Red Valley and campsites in breathtaking natural settings, offering an ideal combination of history, trekking, and authentic contact with nature in the most impressive destinations in Cusco.
Itinerary Summary Cusco Travel Package 6 Days
Day 1 – Cusco | Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The first day of the tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco heading toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit Chinchero and its traditional textile center, the circular terraces of Moray, and the impressive Maras Salt Mines; afterward, buffet lunch in Urubamba, guided tour of Ollantaytambo, and train journey to Aguas Calientes to spend the night.
Day 2 – Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, you will ascend by bus to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the Inca citadel, touring the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the main archaeological sectors; afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes and finally travel by train to Ollantaytambo followed by tourist transportation back to Cusco.
Day 3 – Cusco | Pacchanta – 7 Lakes Circuit – Pachaspata
This day begins with early pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a journey to Pacchanta for breakfast before starting the hike along the 7 Ausangate Lakes circuit, enjoying glacial landscapes, turquoise lakes, and local wildlife; after lunch, you will continue to Pachaspata to set up camp, followed by dinner and rest.
Day 4 – Pachaspata | Jhampa Pass – Jhampa Pampa – Huchuy Phinaya
After breakfast at the campsite, you will begin the hike toward Jhampa Pass, one of the highest points of the Ausangate Trek, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains; afterward, descent to Jhampa Pampa for lunch and continuation of the trek to Huchuy Phinaya, where camp will be set up followed by dinner.
Day 5 – Huchuy Phinaya | High Andean Plains – Ausangate Cocha Lake
On this day, the hike begins along mountain trails with possible sightings of alpacas, llamas, and natural landscapes, crossing plains and ravines with spectacular views of the mountain range; after lunch, arrival at Ausangate Cocha Lake to set up camp facing the snow-capped mountain, enjoy tea time, and finish with dinner.
Day 6 – Ausangate Cocha | Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
The last day of the travel package begins before sunrise for the trekking excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where you will enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range and time to take photographs; afterward, tour through the Red Valley, lunch along the route, and return by tourist transportation to the city of Cusco.
Highlights of the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour
- Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo in a unique cultural and archaeological circuit.
- Learn about the textile traditions in Chinchero and observe ancestral demonstrations using alpaca wool and natural dyes.
- Admire the impressive circular terraces of Moray, considered an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory.
- Explore the famous Maras Salt Mines, with more than 3,000 salt pools used since pre-Inca times.
- Admire the Inca architecture and temples of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved towns of the Tahuantinsuyo.
- Travel by train to Aguas Calientes through Andean landscapes and the Urubamba River valley.
- Explore Machu Picchu alongside a professional guide and visit iconic places such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Main Plaza.
- Enjoy free time at Machu Picchu to take photographs or do optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Experience the impressive Ausangate Trek through the Vilcanota mountain range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, high Andean plains, and glacial landscapes.
- Hike the 7 Ausangate Lakes circuit and admire turquoise, green, and deep blue lakes formed by glacial melt.
- Cross the spectacular Jhampa Pass at more than 5,000 meters above sea level with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and Andean valleys.
- Visit traditional Andean communities such as Huchuy Phinaya, where ancestral customs are still preserved.
- Camp in front of the impressive Ausangate Cocha Lake surrounded by high mountain landscapes and starry skies.
- Visit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) early in the morning to enjoy its landscapes with greater tranquility and better panoramic views.
- Explore the impressive Red Valley, one of the most surprising and less crowded landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
We invite you to take a moment to check out our reviews on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes
Explore Inca archaeological complexes, terraces, salt mines, and unique landscapes
The first day of the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain tour begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you will begin a panoramic journey of approximately 45 minutes to Chinchero, considered one of the most traditional and cultural villages in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This route is part of the beginning of the organized trip to Machu Picchu, combining history, landscapes, and highly important Inca archaeological sites.
Chinchero
The first stop of the tour will be Chinchero, located 30 kilometers from Cusco and recognized for preserving the ancient Andean textile traditions. It is home to skilled Andean weavers who keep ancestral techniques alive. This village stands out for its impressive landscapes, Inca constructions, and the authenticity of its local communities.
During the visit you will explore:
- The Chinchero textile center, where local families demonstrate the traditional weaving process using alpaca and llama wool.
- Demonstrations of natural dyes made from plants, minerals, and ancestral pigments, transforming them into beautiful ponchos, scarves, and tapestries.
- The Chinchero archaeological site, built on ancient palaces of the Inca Pachacútec.
- Inca agricultural terraces that are still used for cultivating potatoes, corn, and quinoa.
- The colonial church of Chinchero, built on top of Inca structures during the Spanish era, where part of the former summer palace of the Inca emperor Pachacútec is preserved.
In addition to its cultural importance, Chinchero has some of the most fertile agricultural lands in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its terraces demonstrate the advanced agricultural knowledge developed by the Incas to take advantage of the climatic conditions of the Andean region.
Moray
The next stop will be Moray, one of the most surprising archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. This site is famous for its enormous circular terraces built in the shape of an amphitheater, considered by many researchers to be an ancient Inca agricultural experimentation center. A unique agricultural system in the world.
During the guided visit you will learn about:
- The circular terraces of Moray, designed at different levels.
- Each level has a different temperature, allowing the Incas to recreate diverse microclimates and experiment with crops such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa.
- Moray is considered the first Inca agricultural laboratory, an impressive example of the advanced engineering and understanding of nature possessed by our ancestors.
- The ancient drainage systems and irrigation systems used by the Incas.
- Natural viewpoints with panoramic views of the Cusco Andes.
Thanks to the temperature variations between its levels, the Incas managed to adapt different crops from various regions of the empire. This advanced system made Moray one of the most important agricultural centers of the Tahuantinsuyo.
During the rainy season, the terraces acquire an intense green color that transforms this place into one of the most impressive landscapes of the tourist circuit in Cusco.
Maras Salt Mines
Continuing the Sacred Valley tour toward Machu Picchu, we will arrive at the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most impressive and photographed landscapes in the region. This complex is made up of more than 3,000 geometric salt pools, used since pre-Inca times for salt extraction.
Continuing the Sacred Valley tour toward Machu Picchu, you will visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most representative and photogenic attractions in the Cusco region. This impressive complex is made up of more than 3,000 salt pools built on the mountainside and used since pre-Inca times.
During the visit you will discover:
- The artisanal salt extraction pools distributed along terraces.
- The ancestral hydraulic system that channels saltwater to each pool.
- The traditional process of evaporation and manual salt collection.
- Panoramic viewpoints ideal for photographs of the Andean landscape.
- Products made from Maras pink salt.
Maras salt is recognized for its pink color and high mineral content and is currently used in Peruvian and international cuisine. The combination of mountains, white terraces, and Andean skies makes this place one of the most photographed landscapes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Urubamba
After exploring Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, we will continue the tour toward Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, we will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared with fresh ingredients grown in the region.
During lunch, you will be able to taste a variety of dishes made with typical local products such as corn, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and different varieties of native potatoes.
Ollantaytambo
After lunch in Urubamba, we will continue toward Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and an important stop on the journey to Machu Picchu.
During the guided visit, you will explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, known for its enormous agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and gigantic stone blocks carved with great precision. You will also visit important sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Bath of the Ñusta, ancient ceremonial fountains, and water channels that continue functioning to this day.
Ollantaytambo was an important military, agricultural, and religious center during the Inca Empire. Its cobblestone streets, stone constructions, and original canals preserve much of the architecture of the Tahuantinsuyo, making it one of the most important archaeological sites on the tourist circuit in Cusco before continuing the journey to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
At the end of the visit to Ollantaytambo, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes, crossing valleys, mountains, and following much of the route alongside the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you at the station and accompany you to your hotel, where you will have a comfortable room with a private bathroom to rest before your visit to Machu Picchu.
This small town, surrounded by mountains and abundant vegetation, offers a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxing and preparing for one of the most important experiences of the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek tour: the guided visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu the following day.
- Difficulty level of the day: Easy – moderate
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 m above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
- Maximum altitude: 3,762 m above sea level (Chinchero)
- Approximate distance traveled: Variable (45 min initial drive, walking tours in 4 archaeological complexes, and train ride to Aguas Calientes)
- Predominant weather: Mild-cold Andean weather during the day and warm-humid in Aguas Calientes (10 °C to 24 °C)
- Main activity: Cultural and archaeological tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and train journey to Aguas Calientes
- Highlights of the day: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Tour to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
The second day of the tour package will begin very early. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you will board the tourist bus that ascends for approximately 40 minutes to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
During the journey, you will be able to admire the lush cloud forest vegetation and the impressive landscapes surrounding the Inca citadel. Upon arrival at the entrance, your tour guide will assist you with ticket control and verification of your original passport before starting the excursion.
Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
Once inside the citadel, you will begin the guided tour through one of the most important destinations in the world. During approximately 2 hours, you will learn about the history, architecture, and function of the main sectors of Machu Picchu.
During the visit, you will explore:
- The main plaza of Machu Picchu.
- The Temple of the Sun and ceremonial enclosures.
- The Intihuatana, known as the Inca sundial.
- The royal quarters and urban sectors.
- Agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints.
- Paths and structures built with Inca engineering.
Your guide will share information about the Andean worldview, Inca construction techniques, and the historical importance of Machu Picchu within the Tahuantinsuyo.
At the end of the guided tour, you will have free time to take photographs and enjoy the breathtaking views of the citadel surrounded by mountains and nature.
If you reserved entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you may complete the hike independently by following the recommendations previously provided by the guide.
Return to Aguas Calientes and journey to Cusco
After the visit to Machu Picchu, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch, rest, or explore the town before returning.
In the afternoon or evening, you will board the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, once again enjoying the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the route alongside the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you to the city of Cusco, thus concluding this Machu Picchu tour experience, part of the combined package Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain.
- Tour difficulty level: Easy – moderate
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 m above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
- Maximum altitude: 2,430 m above sea level (Machu Picchu Citadel. It may reach 2,693 m or 2,720 m with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
- Approximate distance traveled: Variable (40 min bus ascent, 2-hour guided walking circuit inside the citadel, and return train/bus trip to Cusco)
- Predominant weather: Warm-humid (typical of the cloud forest region)
- Highlighted wildlife of the day: Llamas (on the citadel terraces) and cloud forest birds
- Highlight of the day: Guided exploration of the main sectors of Machu Picchu (Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Main Plaza) with panoramic views.
Day 3: Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Lakes – Pachaspata
Beginning of the Ausangate Trek tour: turquoise lakes and glacial landscapes
The third day begins very early, around 5:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel in Cusco to begin the Ausangate Trek, one of the most impressive trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes. The journey by tourist transportation takes approximately 3 to 4 hours until reaching Pacchanta (14,435 ft above sea level), located in the Vilcanota mountain range.
Upon arriving in Pacchanta, you will enjoy a hot breakfast before starting the hike through the circuit of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, famous for their turquoise, green, and deep blue waters formed by the melting snow from the surrounding mountains. The route is completed at a relaxed pace, allowing for better acclimatization while you admire breathtaking glacial landscapes and the tranquility of the mountains.
During the hike, it will also be possible to observe Andean wildlife such as alpacas and native birds of the region. At midday, you will enjoy lunch surrounded by mountains and high Andean lakes.
In the afternoon, the hike continues toward Pachaspata, where the campsite will be set up in a natural environment surrounded by snow-capped mountains and high-altitude landscapes. After the traditional tea time, you will enjoy a hot dinner before resting. At night, the guide will share information about the Andean Apus, considered protective mountain spirits within the Andean worldview.
- Difficulty level of the day: Moderate – challenging (due to the altitude and high mountain terrain)
- Minimum altitude: 11,155 ft above sea level (Cusco)
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,092 ft above sea level (7 Lakes of Ausangate Circuit)
- Campsite altitude: Approximately 14,764 ft above sea level (Pachaspata)
- Approximate distance covered: 7.5 to 8.7 miles
- Predominant weather: Cold high-mountain climate (41 °F to 64 °F during the day and below 32 °F at night)
- Main activity: Hiking through the 7 Lakes of Ausangate circuit
- Highlighted wildlife: Alpacas, llamas, viscachas, Andean caracara, and Andean ibis
Day 4: Pachaspata – Jhampa Pass – Huchuy Phinaya
Hiking among mountains and glaciers through the Vilcanota mountain range
The fourth day of the Ausangate Trek begins early with breakfast at the Pachaspata campsite. Then, we will begin the ascent toward Jhampa Pass, one of the highest and most spectacular points of this trekking route in Cusco.
During the journey, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and reddish and ocher rock formations that characterize the landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range.
After reaching the pass, we will begin the descent toward Jhampa Pampa, a vast high-altitude plain where you will enjoy lunch surrounded by a natural environment and mountains.
In the afternoon, we will continue the hike toward Huchuy Phinaya, a small Andean community where its inhabitants still preserve ancestral customs and traditions. Here, we will set up camp in a wind-protected area to rest and enjoy a hot dinner prepared by the trekking team.
At the end of the day, the guide will share information about Andean culture and the spiritual importance of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain within the worldview of the local communities.
- Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
- Minimum altitude: 14,272 ft above sea level (Huchuy Phinaya)
- Maximum altitude: 16,568 ft above sea level (Jhampa Pass)
- Campsite altitude: Approximately 14,272 ft above sea level (Huchuy Phinaya)
- Approximate distance covered: 7.5 to 8.7 miles (including the ascent to the pass, descent to Jhampa Pampa, and final hike)
- Predominant weather: Cold and windy (32 °F to 59 °F during the day and below 32 °F at night)
- Highlighted wildlife: Alpacas, llamas, viscachas, Andean caracara, and Andean ibis
Day 5: Huchuy Phinaya – Ausangate Cocha Lake
On the fifth day of the Ausangate Trek, you will travel through one of the least visited areas of the route, ideal for those seeking complete disconnection and authentic contact with nature. You will hike along open trails, crossing high Andean plains and small ravines, surrounded by alpacas and llamas.
This day is characterized by its tranquility and wide-open landscapes, allowing you to enjoy the natural rhythm of trekking in the Andes. At midday, you will have lunch along the route with spectacular views of the valley.
In the afternoon, you will arrive at the impressive Ausangate Cocha Lake, one of the most beautiful and least visited places on the circuit. Its waters reflect the snow-capped peaks, creating a unique and peaceful landscape. The campsite will be set up here facing the lake. Afterwards, you will enjoy tea time and a special farewell dinner. The last night under the starry sky will be an unforgettable moment, filled with reflections about the experience lived.
- Difficulty level of the day: Moderate – challenging
- Minimum altitude: 14,272 ft above sea level (Huchuy Phinaya)
- Maximum altitude: 15,420 ft above sea level
- Campsite altitude: 15,256 ft above sea level (Ausangate Cocha Lake)
- Approximate distance covered: 7.5 to 8.7 miles
- Predominant weather: Cold and dry (41 °F to 61 °F during the day and below 32 °F at night)
- Main activity: Scenic hike through high Andean plains and campsite facing the lake
- Highlighted wildlife: Alpacas, llamas, viscachas, and Andean condor
- Highlight of the day: Arrival at Ausangate Cocha Lake and views of the reflection of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain on its crystal-clear waters
Day 6: Ausangate Cocha – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Valley
Trekking to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
The last day of the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek tour begins before dawn from the camp at Ausangate Cocha. After breakfast, we will begin an approximately 3-hour hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most visited destinations in Cusco and Peru.
Arriving early will allow you to enjoy the mountain more peacefully and better appreciate its impressive natural colors, formed by minerals over millions of years. Located at more than 5,000 meters above sea level, Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range, where you will have time to rest, take photographs, and selfies.
You will then continue the hike toward the Red Valley, a landscape of intense reddish tones surrounded by mountains and unique natural formations. This area, less crowded than Vinicunca, offers some of the best trekking views in Cusco, Peru.
After lunch, you will begin the descent to the point where the tourist transportation will be waiting to return to the city of Cusco. Arrival is scheduled for approximately 5:30 p.m., thus concluding this adventure, nature, and cultural experience in the Peruvian Andes.
- Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
- Minimum altitude: 4,650 m above sea level (Ausangate Cocha)
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 m above sea level (Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca)
- Approximate distance covered: 10 to 12 km
- Predominant weather: Cold and windy (0 °C to 15 °C)
- Main activity: Trekking to Rainbow Mountain and hike through the Red Valley
- Highlighted wildlife: Alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas
- Highlight of the day: Panoramic view of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and tour through the intense reddish landscapes of the Red Valley
Included
What Is Included in the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour
During this travel package through Cusco’s main archaeological sites, everything is organized so you can enjoy a complete experience of culture, adventure, and nature. These are the services included in the package:
Transfers and transportation
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco for all tours
- Tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo)
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on the return from Machu Picchu
- Tourist train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Vistadome Observatory: add USD 80)
- Tourist bus Aguas Calientes ⇄ Machu Picchu
Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain:
- Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Round-trip transportation (group service)
- Transportation Cusco – Pacchanta – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco (Ausangate Trek)
- Complete round-trip transportation during the trek
Professional Bilingual Guide
- Private tour guide in the Sacred Valley (Spanish – English)
- Private professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English) at Machu Picchu
- Complete guided tour of the citadel
- Private guide specialized in trekking during the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain (Spanish – English)
Sacred Valley Tour Experience
- Guided visit to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba (day 1)
Machu Picchu
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Vista Machu Picchu or Hotel Horizonte)
- Breakfast at the hotel (day 2)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2 will depend on the date of your reservation)
Additional Entrance Fees and Tickets
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) – Partial: 70 soles
- Maras Salt Mines Entrance Fee: 20 soles
- Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Entrance Fee: 50 soles
- Ausangate Entrance Fee and payments to different communities: 120 soles
Ausangate Trek (3 days / 2 nights)
Included services:
- Professional guide throughout the entire trek
- Cook specialized in high-altitude camping
- Muleteers and mules for carrying equipment (5 kilograms)
- Complete camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, and dining tent)
Complete camping equipment:
- 2-person and 3-person tents
- Sleeping pads
Trekking meals:
- 3 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Energy snacks during the hikes
Entrance fees and tickets
- Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC): 70 soles
- Maras Salt Mines Entrance Fee: 20 soles per person
- Entrance to high Andean communities (Ausangate): 120 soles per person
Safety
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank during the trek
Not Included
What Is Not Included in the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour
Although the package covers most of the services required for the trip, there are some additional expenses and services that are not included:
Entrance Fees and Tickets
- Hotels in Cusco: The tour does not include accommodation in the city of Cusco before or after the tour (please coordinate if you would like to include 3, 4, or 5-star hotels)
- Additional entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (approx. USD 65)
Meals Not Mentioned
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes (day 1)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (day 2)
- Meals outside the trekking program
- Sleeping bags (USD 10 for 4 days)
- Pair of trekking poles (USD 10 for 4 days)
Extras and Additional Services
- Additional saddle horse: USD 120
- Travel insurance / traveler’s insurance
- Additional drinks and snacks
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Tips for the staff (optional)
- Expenses not mentioned
Other
- Additional costs due to external factors (weather conditions, strikes, landslides, etc.)
Important Note:
To guarantee your entry to Machu Picchu, we recommend making your reservation in advance (at least 2 to 3 months ahead), especially if you wish to visit Circuit 2 and Circuit 3, as they are in high demand and availability is limited.
Packing List
Essential Packing List for the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour
Get ready for an adventure that combines cultural tours, mountain hikes, camping, and a visit to Machu Picchu. Due to the changing weather and altitude throughout the journey, it is important to bring the proper equipment to enjoy the tour comfortably, safely, and fully prepared.
Documents and money
- Original passport: Required to enter Machu Picchu and board the tourist train.
- Additional identification document: Useful as backup during the trip.
- Printed or digital tickets and passes: Keep them accessible for entrance and transportation checks.
- Cash (Peruvian soles): Necessary for small purchases, snacks, tips, or additional expenses in communities and towns where cards are not always accepted.
Backpack and luggage
- Trekking backpack (30-50 L): Ideal for carrying clothes, water, and personal items during the Ausangate Trek.
- Small daypack (20-30 L): Perfect for Machu Picchu excursions and short hikes.
- Travel bag or duffel bag: Recommended for organizing the luggage carried by the trekking or transportation team.
- Waterproof backpack cover: Protects your belongings from rain, snow, or moisture.
- Plastic bags or dry bags: Useful for keeping clothes and electronic devices dry.
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots: With good traction and support for rocky, wet, and high-mountain terrain.
- Lightweight sneakers or sandals: Ideal for relaxing after hikes or wearing in Aguas Calientes.
- Thermal trekking socks: Help keep feet dry and warm during long hikes.
Clothing – Layering system
- Thermal base layer: Keeps body heat and helps remove moisture from the body.
- Breathable t-shirts: Ideal for daytime hikes.
- Fleece or polar jacket: Provides warmth during cold mornings and nights.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket: Essential for rain, wind, and sudden weather changes.
- Trekking pants: Comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying for long hikes.
- Waterproof pants: Very useful during the rainy season or in wet areas.
- Thermal sleepwear: Important for cold nights in high-mountain camps.
- Comfortable clothes for Aguas Calientes and Cusco: For relaxing after hikes.
- Quick-dry underwear: Helps maintain comfort during several days of trekking.
Protection against cold and sun
- Warm hat: Necessary during nights and early mornings on the Ausangate Trek.
- Hat or cap: Protects against the intense high-mountain sun.
- Thermal gloves: Help keep hands warm during early hikes.
- Buff, scarf, or neck gaiter: Protects against wind, dust, and cold.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Important because of the strong solar radiation at high altitude.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: Essential to prevent sunburn in the Andes.
- Lip balm: Helps prevent dryness caused by cold and wind.
Camping and trekking equipment
- Trekking poles: Provide stability on steep ascents and descents.
- Headlamp: Very useful for hikes before sunrise or nighttime movements at camp.
- External battery or power bank: Recommended because there is no electricity at the campsites.
- Reusable bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 2 L): Essential for staying hydrated during the trek.
- Purification tablets or portable filter (optional): Useful for emergencies or long routes.
- Sleeping bag for low temperatures: Recommended for cold high-mountain nights.
- Inflatable travel pillow (optional): Provides extra comfort during camping.
Personal hygiene and health
- Toilet paper and wet wipes: Very useful during trekking and camping.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: Basic for daily hygiene.
- Biodegradable soap: Recommended to minimize environmental impact.
- Quick-dry towel: Lightweight and practical for travel.
- Hand sanitizer or alcohol gel: Important throughout the entire journey.
- Personal medication kit: Includes personal medications, pain relievers, bandages, and wraps.
- Altitude sickness pills: Recommended for hikes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft).
- Insect repellent: Especially useful in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Snacks and food
- Energy snacks: Bars, chocolates, nuts, or candies help during long hikes.
- Electrolytes or hydration salts: Help restore energy and maintain hydration at high altitude.
- Coca leaves or coca candies: Traditionally used to help with acclimatization.
Electronics and extras
- Camera or smartphone: To capture unique landscapes of Machu Picchu, Ausangate, and Rainbow Mountain.
- Chargers and adapters: Important for hotels and available charging stations.
- Waterproof bag for electronics: Protects phones and cameras from rain or moisture.
- Small notebook or travel journal (optional): Ideal for recording trekking experiences.
Final tips
- Prior acclimatization: It is recommended to stay at least 2 days in Cusco before starting the Ausangate Trek due to the altitude.
- Pack light but complete: Bring only what is necessary, prioritizing functional and quick-drying clothing.
- Prepare for extreme weather changes: During the tour you may experience intense sun, wind, rain, and below-freezing temperatures all in the same day.
- Stay constantly hydrated: Altitude can cause faster fatigue, so drinking water frequently is essential.
- Protect your electronic devices: Extreme cold can drain batteries faster than normal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour
If you are planning to take the travel package through Cusco’s main tourist attractions, it is normal to have questions. Below, we answer the most common concerns so you can be prepared and enjoy the adventure without worries.
1. What are the differences between Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in Cusco?
Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca stands out for its naturally formed multicolored mineral stripes. In contrast, the Red Valley is a less crowded landscape located near Vinicunca, characterized by its intense reddish tones and panoramic views of the Andean mountains in the Cusco region.
2. What is the best season to do the Machu Picchu and Ausangate Trek Tour in Cusco?
The best time to do this tour in Cusco is during the dry season, between April and October, when there is less rain and better conditions for the Ausangate Trek and the visit to Machu Picchu. The months of May, June, July, and August offer clear skies and excellent views of Rainbow Mountain and the Vilcanota mountain range.
3. What is the highest altitude reached during the Ausangate Trek and Vinicunca?
The highest altitude of the tour is reached at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), located at approximately 5,200 m (17,060 ft) above sea level. In addition, during the Ausangate Trek you will cross the Jhampa Pass, located at around 5,050 m (16,568 ft) above sea level.
4. Where is Pacchanta located and why is it important in the Ausangate Trek?
Pacchanta is an Andean community located in the province of Quispicanchi, in the Cusco region, at approximately 4,400 m (14,435 ft) above sea level. This small village is the starting point of the Ausangate Trek and is known for its high-mountain landscapes, its natural hot springs, and its impressive views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
5. Is previous trekking experience necessary to do the Ausangate Trek?
Professional trekking experience is not mandatory, but it is recommended to have good physical condition and do practice hikes before the trip. The Ausangate Trek in Cusco includes high-mountain routes with ascents, descents, and uneven terrain.
6. What type of accommodation is included in the Machu Picchu and Ausangate tour?
The tour includes one hotel night in Aguas Calientes with a private room and private bathroom before visiting Machu Picchu. During the Ausangate Trek, camps are set up in Pachaspata, Huchuy Phinaya, and Ausangate Cocha, using tents and full high-mountain camping equipment.
7. What wildlife can be seen during the Ausangate Trek and at Rainbow Mountain?
During the trek in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is possible to observe alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean ibises, and caracaras. The high-Andean communities around the Ausangate snow-capped mountain maintain a strong relationship with nature and the traditional breeding of South American camelids.
8. How far in advance should the travel package through Cusco be booked?
It is recommended to book the tour with a minimum of 1 to 2 months in advance, especially during the high tourism season in Cusco between May and September. This allows you to secure availability for Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train tickets, and spots for optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
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