Itinerary

1. Day 1- Cusco - Upis

   • We will pick you up from your hotel at around 05:00 am and will take you for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Tinki. On the way, we will stop by the village of Ocongate, known for its unspoiled local culture.

   • Upon reaching Tinki, start trekking through the Vilcanota Valley before steadily climbing to high grasslands. Here, you will get the first glimpse of the Vilcanota Range, including Ausangate and Colque Cruz peak. We cross the Mapacho River before continuing through local community villages towards the base of the Ausangate glacier.

   • Enjoy camping near the thermal baths at Upis (4,400 meters). Once you are at the campsite, it will be a good moment to take out your camera equipment and start shooting the spectacular views of the sunset over the Ausangate mountains.

   Overnight stay at the camp.

2. Day 2- Larapa Pass - Puqa Q'ocha

   • After breakfast, we continue our hike for 3 hours to reach Larapa Pass (4,850 meters). The views of Ausangate from Larapa Pass are absolutely photogenic.

   • After stopping by for a short while to enjoy this unique view, we start descending down to the valley which is home to a variety of birds.

   • We will camp next to Yanacocha Lagoon, right beneath the crevasses of the glacier, after 6 or 7 hours of walking on a well-trodden gravel trail. On our way, we pass through the green lake of Puqa Q’ocha (4,556 meters).

   • Once we get back down in the valley, we will camp beside the gorgeous blue lake of Hatun Puqa Q’ocha. Enjoy photographing the picturesque beauty.

   Overnight stay.

3. Day 3- Yanaorqo Lagoon

   • After an early breakfast, we start the most exciting day of the tour with a trek up to the valley.

   • We hike up to an elevation of 5,200 meters only to be spellbound by the views of the majestic Ausangate snow-clad peaks. Enjoy taking nature walks before settling down for lunch.

   • After lunch, we continue walking and enjoying the spectacular landscape, meeting flocks of sheep herded by lamas. After 3 hours we will reach the campsite at Yanaorqo Lagoon.

   Overnight stay at the camp.

4. Day 4- Vinicunca Pass - Ausangate Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

   • We’ll have an early breakfast, and then we will set out for a two-hour walk towards Vinicunca Pass, the site famous for Ausangate Rainbow Mountain. At this point, our breathing will become increasingly laboured as we gain a lot of altitudes. Enjoy the scenic views and capture some great shots.

   • You will be rewarded for your trekking efforts when you finally see the incredible Vinicunca Mountain. Also known as Rainbow Mountain due to its vibrant multi-hued layers of rock sediments, the site offers majestic views of the Ausangate Range.

   • Enjoy photographing the spellbinding landscape before starting the descent. Have lunch once you reach the valley.

   • Travel back to Cusco.

   Trip ends.