Ausangate Trek Rainbow Mountain to Sibinacocha Lake 8 Days This hike is very interesting as you will go around the Apu Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Peru Cusco region. The best Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha lake days gives you a true taste of Andean life as you will find and see modest communities where the natives still speak the Inca language (Quechua) and where traditional ways of life are still used. Also, you will see hundreds and hundreds of alpacas and llamas. So if you want to do an authentic Peruvian hike off the beaten track enjoy This alternative route to the classical circuit around Mount Ausangate still offers the most spectacular views of this sacred Andean mountain before it deviates towards the impressive Sibinacocha Lake, leaving tourist crowds behind and entering an almost uninhabited area where you can truly commune with nature.
We leave at 4:30 a.m. from Cusco towards the small community of Upis, where we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by the professional hands of our chef. We will begin our ascent gradually in order to acclimatize and continue with ease the subsequent hikes. Once near the base of the glacier, we will appreciate the northeast side of the impressive Ausangate snow-capped peak.
After three hours of trekking through beautiful fields of crops and beautiful typical houses, we will arrive at the campsite for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the Upis lake, a two-hour round trip exploration. On the way back to camp, we will enjoy tea time and dinner. We will end our day resting in the company of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
Today we will drink an energizing coca tea to help us warm-up. We will get ready to start the hike after enjoying breakfast, a boost we need to start the journey. We will begin with a two and a half hour trek through the Andean valley, arriving at the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), always in the company of the. Apu Ausangate. Take advantage of the strategic stops to contemplate it.
Once in the pass, we will appreciate the unique beauty of the landscape that multiplies with the passage of time, admiring the wonderful creation of Mother Nature. Along the trail, you will be able to see the unique fauna that is part of the landscape: llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and, if you are lucky, the condor flying around. Later, we will descend for an hour and a half to explore the beauty of the crystal clear lakes: Yanacocha and Pucacocha.
During the tour, we will appreciate impressive waterfalls; then, it will be time to have lunch and replenish We will continue for two hours to puca pass and 30 min. to camp in Anantapata, where we will have a short rest. In the surroundings, we will be able to discover beautiful views the mountains while enjoying tea time. After a few minutes, we will have the delicious dinner that will allow us to sleep pleasantly.
We will start ascending for two hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). Along the way, we will be able to see glaciers and deep green valleys in the distance. On arrival, you will see the huge Apu Ausangate right in front of you, and understand why the local people show so much respect to this imposing mountain that radiates its magic to many visitors. Also from this point, you will witness the beauty of the Chilca Valley. It is the ideal moment for some good photographs.
Then, we will descend gradually for about half an hour to Surinacocha. Afterwards, we will ascend for two hours until we reach Rainbow Mountain. From this point, you will feel like a bird trying to take flight over the vast horizon.
Upon arrival, we’ll observe the colorful valley with the first rays of the sun that will comfort us. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this beautiful paradise for an hour. Your expert guide will take you to key spots to take incredible photos. Enjoy this moment to the fullest, as more visitors will gradually arrive. The guide will explain in detail the reasons for the unique and different colors of the mountain, also known as Vinicunca and considered one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in Peru. Then, we’ll head to camp and have a delicious lunch for two and a half hours. Afterwards, you’ll have the afternoon free
After breakfast, we’ll begin a gradual.You will always see the enormous Apu Ausangate right in front of you and you will understand why the local people show so much respect for this imposing mountain.
four-hour ascent toward lunch and camp at El Paso del Condor. Here, we’ll be able to see herds of llamas and alpacas. We’ll then have the afternoon free.
After breakfast, we will continue with a gradual ascent through the valley that will take us to the Abra del Cóndor (5200 m / 17056 ft). From the pass, the highest point of our walk, we will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Sibinacocha Lagoon, and Vicuñas. Afterward, we will walk an additional 3 hours uphill to descend to the source of Lake Sibinacocha. We will camp next to the lagoon and very close to its source, where an impressive glacier meets and feeds the lake with its turquoise waters that contrast with the dark blue color of the lagoon. The lagoon has vast biodiversity, “Huallatas” or Andean geese, Andean ducks, and more.
This day, we leave early to walk along the shores of the Sibinacocha lagoon for 3 hours until we reach the Yayamari community, next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the lagoon (4500 m / 18040 feet). We will cross a pampa where we will have the possibility of seeing llamas, alpacas, then continue towards Abra Ccascana at 4900m / 16400ft, which will take us to the lagoon of the same name, where we will establish. Surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks such as Montura and Chumpi, inhabited by small rural communities, we will have the opportunity to see huallatas or Andean geese and perhaps flamingos.
On this day, we’ll set out early to hike along the shores of Sibinacocha Lagoon for three hours until we reach the community of Phinaya, next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the lagoon (4,600 m / 14,040 ft). We’ll cross a plain where we might spot llamas, alpacas, and, with luck. Then, we’ll continue the hike around the lagoon of the same name, where we’ll set up our last camp. Surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains like Montura and Chumpi, inhabited by small rural communities, we’ll have the chance to see huallatas, or Andean geese, and perhaps flamingos.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our entire team, who have accompanied us—cooks and muleteers—for several days of trekking. We will board our five- to six-hour transport to Cusco. During the trek, we will have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Cusco, arriving around 4 p.m.
