Ausangate Lodge and Rainbow Mountain trek

Early morning departure from Cusco (08.30 approx.) along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe (1.5 hours, 100km).

After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, we jump back into the van and start ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca. When we arrive we will be greeted by the community before setting off on a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo”(45 minutes).

Once at the lodge there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings to the backdrop of music provided by the local musicians of Chillca.

Distance walked: 3.3km/2miles

Max height: 4,368m/14,331ft

Sleep at: 4,368m/14,331ft

We wake early for breakfast as our hike begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis. Here impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley, offering majestic views.

The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls that tumble from from the Santa Catalina mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area. When we reach the small Paloma lagoon, the countryside is dotted with these animals, along with a large number of alpacas.

After hiking past a second lagoon and crossing a series of moraines, we reach the Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate, where we spend the night.

Distance walked: 15km/9.1miles

Max height: 4,849mts/15,909ft

Sleep at: 4,815m/15,797ft

After breakfast is our first big challenge – a demanding crossing of the Palomani pass which sits at an elevation of 5,200m/17,060ft.

From the top, there are great views, and then we head down to Ausangatecocha. From here, there are tremendous views of the glaciated south face of Ausangate.

It doesn’t end there as we continue towards the striking red sandstone formations of the Nevado del Inca. Our Tambo for the night is Anantapata Tambo, where we enjoy a hearty meal. Batteries can be charged here as we have a solar panel for that purpose.

Distance walked: 11.6km/7.2miles

Max height: 5,150m/16,896ft

Sleep at: 4,750m/15,584ft

This day is a spectacular part of the trail. We hike between mountains of a myriad of colours, with red, ochre, and blue strata all shining forth. These mountains have become well known as the rainbow mountains of Ausangate and are one of the highlights of the trek.

It is an area of geological wonder and outstanding natural beauty. The fauna doesn’t disappoint either, so be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas as they are frequently spotted in this remote and isolated area.

We sleep this night in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where huallatas (Andean geese) make their nests.

Distance walked: 12km/7.2miles

Max height: 4,954m/16,253ft

Sleep at: 4,800m/15,748ft

Our last day sees us climb over our final pass, the Anta pass, and gradually make our descent from the mountains.

The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations of the rainbow mountains are followed by limestone, forming a unique stone forest, and a perfect habitat for vizcacha, members of the chinchilla family.

We walk through small farming communities, past large herds of llamas and alpacas, and small plantations of potatoes, beans and quinoa. The women from the communities lay out some of their weavings to sell.

By the time we get down to the valley, our bus will be waiting for our return trip to Cusco.

Distance walked: 10km/6.5miles

Max height: 4,908m/16,102ft

Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.

The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.

The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Overview

When planning for the climatic conditions encountered in the High Andes, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.  It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.

To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:

1. Breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat):
2. Isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces); and
3. Impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).

First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.

Mid layers: These isloating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.

Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down. Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• 2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax) and 2 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.
• Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support.
• Trainers/sandals for city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.
• Base layer leggings (1 pair).
• Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).
• Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).
• Trekking trousers (2 pairs).
• Shorts – wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.
• Thermal base layer shirts (2).
• Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).
• Shirt/t-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun
• Fleece jacket or similar (1).
• Warm jacket (down or synthetic). For camp and upper slopes.
• Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Warm hat, fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Light inner gloves
• Warm gloves, e.g. fleece, and outer waterproof gloves or mittens (1 pair)
• Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Pair of telescopic trekking poles (optional). Note: You must have rubber tips on your poles if you tour visits Machu Picchu.
• Duffel bag or large rucksack for extra clothing, carried by horse/mule/porter while you are trekking.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.).
• First-aid kit.
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 40+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.

All other non-personal trekking gear is provided at the lodges e.g. bedding, cutlery etc,

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.

In order to get the most out of a trek we classify as ‘moderate‘, you should be in good physical condition.

It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for any trek, since it is a subjective matter.

However, for treks classified as moderate, expect to trek 5-7 hours per day carrying only your day-pack, with several long ascents and descents.

Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.

However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.

On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).

To avoid AMS, you should:

• Rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days. Note: you may feel fine on arrival and tempted to exert yourself as normal. Don’t be fooled: you might be benefiting from oxygen brought in your blood from sea level.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (altitude is a diuretic). Coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms.
• Eat light meals, with high carbohydrate and low fat and protein content. Dine early, allowing digestion time pre-sleep.
• Avoid over-exposure to the strong highland sun (UV rays are very powerful) – especially in the early stages – making sure you wear a broad brimmed sunhat. Apply lip-salve to prevent chapped lips.
• Avoid or minimise consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. Avoid sleeping pills.
• If you do get AMS: Rest, take non-aspirin painkillers (for headache) and coca tea. Symptoms should subside after a day or two.
• Pregnant women, people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or blood disease or blood pressure problems, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude.

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.