Get ready for mountains, lakes and glaciers, Peruvian style! Explore some of South America's grandest scenery and take advantage of the hiking and adventure activities available on this lodging tour. Walk to stunning Rainbow Mountain and colorful lakes, spot wildlife in wilderness parks and enjoy the spectacularly scenic snow mountain range of Vilcanota in Cusco-Peru. Add on as much adventure as you want, from zip lining to mountain biking, and white water rafting to canoeing. See Mt. Ausangate, the highest peak in the Vilcanota range, then return to Cusco. This 6- day Ausanagte Trek & Rainbow Mountain tour is one great big adventure, so what are you waiting for? Included Highlights Trek through the base of the Ausangate Mountain. Visit picturesque communities along the route. Visit the most famous mountain in Peru the Rainbow Mountain View Mt Ausangate, highest point in the Vilcanota range Visit stunning Lake on the route Relax at Sulphur Mountain hot springs Wildlife viewing opportunities Many scenic walks and exciting hikes Spectacular scenery and great photo opportunities
TIMING: 6 days 5 nights. STARTING POINT: Cusco Hotel. ENDING POINT: Cusco Hotel. TYPE OF TOUR: Adventure, Cultural and History. TRANSPORT: Trekking and bus. DIFFICULTY: Does involve some narrow trails, so sturdy footwear is required to help you enjoy it fully. It s rated as a moderate hike. WHEN TO GO: Best from April to October ALTITUDE: starting point at 3,800 masl - Maximum at Palomani pas 5,200 masl DAY TEMPERATURE: 15 ºC to 25 ºC / Night temperature: 4ºC to -10º C REMARK: 2-3 day acclimatization required. LOCATION: About 3-hour drive east of Cusco, leaves from the village of Tinki. Day 1: The adventure will start when we ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00am. We will take our tourist bus and head toward the south of Cusco; 40 minutes after we the village of Urcos. Then, we ll continue by bus zigzag up toward de Qosqo Qhawarina pass (4,200 masl) from where we can see the entire mountain range of Vilcanota from which the Mt. Ausangate is the highest. Continuing the trip by bus we will pass beautiful communities like: Catca, Caury, Ocongate, etc. Until we arrive to the small village of Tinki, we ll stop here for breakfast and purchase some items for the trek, we also meet here our trekking crew (horseman and horses). After breakfast, we ll start the trek at 09:30 a.m, we ll cross the bridge over Ocongate River and climb gentle up through spectacular green pastures mountain where Andean people live keeping their traditions and customs, you will see many llamas and alpacas which are used by them to transport their crops and belongings. Our trek for today will be for 5 hours and half approximately. At the campsite there is a volcanic hot spring. Meals: L - D Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Distance Travelled by bus: 120 Km Maximum Altitude: 4,435masl Minimum Altitude: 3,800masl Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 2 : Day 3 : We ll leave Upis camp early and start hiking through the spiky Ichu grass of the plains and pass herd of llamas and alpacas; the trail climbs up towards the Arapa Pass (4,900 masl). Afterwards, we ll continue the trek between Ausangate Mountain and Queullacocha Mountain observing multicoloured lagoons until we reach Yanacocha Lake (black lake) where we have our lunch, after the lunch we ll continue descend to the Lake of Hatun Pucaccocha. Then, we ll hike up to a second pass called Pucapunta Pass (5000m). Thereafter, we will continue to Anantapata (4500m/14763ft) where we will camp. Meals: B - L - D Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Maximum Altitude: 5,000masl Minimum Altitude: 4,900masl Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 Hours Climate: cold From Anantapata the trail continues toward another mountain pass. Dropping down, we'll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. After crossing the pass you enter into the Red Mountain valley, a wildly desert landscape with vibrant colors all around, and llamas roaming the ground below. When you approach the top of the pass you will see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain in the distance, but you not quite there! From here you descend to circle lake and continue walking a Peruvian flat until we are presented with one final climb to the Rainbow Mountain. Soak in the sights and enjoy what you ve worked so hard for. We will enjoy lunch in the surrounding area, and head back down the valley to make our way to the stunning Laguna Ausangate where camp will be set up and waiting for you to take a rest. Meals: B - L - D Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Maximum Altitude: 5,100masl Minimum Altitude: 4,300masl Trekking distance: 20 Km Approximate Walking Time: 8-9 Hours Climate: cold
Day 4: Meals: B - L - D Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Maximum Altitude: 5,200masl Minimum Altitude: 4,100masl Trekking distance: 16 Km Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 Hours Day 5: A fascinating trekking day. We ll pass the highest point on our circuit (Palomani Pass 5,200 masl). This is also an important place to leave offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits). At this point, you'll be rewarded by splendid views. Afterwards, we ll descend to the ancient farming area of Finaya where people live herding their llamas and alpacas. We will see native crops and visit a friendly family. Later, we will take a short walk to reach our campsite at Hampa community. Today, the trail climbs up to Hampa Pass which is the last pass of our trek before we descend through the ancient Moraine and rocky which is also a habitat for mountain Chinchillas (Andean rabbits). We ll continue to the Ausangate circuit amidst beautiful lagoons until we arrive at our campsite located in a colorful countryside community where people live in harmony with nature. At this place, there is natural hot springs where you can deservedly relax your muscles after this challenging trek. Meals: B - L - D Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Maximum Altitude: 5,000masl Minimum Altitude: 4,800masl Distance Travelled: 17 Km Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 Hours
Day 6: people who will greet you in their native language, Quechua. At Tinki, the bus will be waiting for us to return to Cusco and transfer you to your hotel. We ll leave our campsite early and continue towards Tinki. From Phacchanta camp, we ll continue downhill through a beautiful agricultural pasture where we will see native crops like potatoes, oxalis, beans, and quinua. The trail will descend, passing pastures and several communities of friendly Meals: B Accommodation: 2 People per Tents Maximum Altitude: 4,200masl/16,285ft Minimum Altitude: 3,800masl Distance Travelled: 12 Km Approximate Walking Time: 3 Hours End of the service
natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a moderate to difficult trek. Covering an average of 13 km each day is no easy feat. If you want to do this trek comfortably and enjoy all its glorious views, you will need to prepare well. There are three pass crossings on this trek. Every pass crossing day comprises an ascent and descent which can be tough on your knees. Being a trek which crosses 2 high passes, the highest of which reach to 4,200m Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a Vehicles take the group to the start of the trek and pick us up at the end. Porters carry all luggage, food and camping equipment. There are strict rules restricting the weight of
the load a Inca Trail porter is permitted to carry. Space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential the duffle backs that we provide for the trek which we ll give you at the briefing time one night before the trek. You should also bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day as you will not have access to your main luggage until the evening. town of Aguas Caleinets). All meals you have during your trip will be prepared from fresh local produce. Shopping for food will be done before the trip departs. Breakfasts and dinners will be served at camp, while lunches will tend to be packed to have en route while trekking. All evening meals will be hot and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. We believe that providing more than enough food while on such a trek is of the utmost importance, and as such you can be ensured that your cook and crew will provide enough quality food for you. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with radios and emergency satellite phones, extensive medical kit and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the city of Cusco. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. All meals on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are included (except the last lunch in the PLEASE NOTE: bottled water (both before and after the trek) is at your own expense, however, during the Salkantay trek you will be provided with drinking water. This water is collected from fresh mountain streams and then it will be boiled and cooled or to purified with tablets by your guides who will replenish your empty bottles/thermos flasks on a daily basis. For those not accustomed to roughing it for a few days we offer a full camping service, All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by SUNRISE PERU TREK staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and whilst there are times when the weather is fine and temperatures are pleasant, there may be days when it is foggy, rainy and cool. In certain locations there may also be a number of bugs. These
factors, however, should be seen as minor downsides to a camping experience which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful nature that Perú has to offer. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) for Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is supplied. We supply canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on the doors and windows. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable. While on the mountain, we provide fullservice at designated campsites. Your porters or your horse will be carrying your tents, which they will pitch for you at these sites. The campsites are fairly basic, and exposed to the elements. They will not have electricity, nor shower facilities, and toilet facilities are basic long drop latrines, which could become dirty at times (especially when it is raining), as many other hikers sharing the same facilities. Your crew will prepare basins of warm water for washing daily. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. All meals on the mountain will be prepared for you by your group s cook. The tents are twoperson dome tents which are assembled by the porters Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the communities that you visit. Your group will be assigned a Lead Guide, and a group of porters. The number of porters designated to your group will depend on the amount of baggage and equipment is taken on the trek; this typically works out to 2-3 porters per traveller, but this number will be confirmed by Machu Picchu National Park rangers at the gate once all baggage is checked. It is best to present your crew with the group s tip upon completion of your trek, during the last meal on the mountain. Tips should be placed in a group envelope and a member of the trekking team can hand the envelope directly to the Lead Guide. All SUNRISE PERU TREK travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide,
any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, SUNRISE PERU TREK reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor for travel in Peru. Be aware that Peru has regions where malaria is present, including the ones visited. We thus recommend that you take malaria medication; your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Travellers should also carry a basic travel first-aid kit as medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. An important item to include is a liquid or gel hand sanitizer and/or alcoholic/sanitary wipes, as they will aid in personal cleanliness and hygiene throughout the trip. The local tap water should not be consumed, so any water treatment tablets (ex. iodine), drops, etc, would help. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, you must inform SUNRISE PERU TREK prior to the purchase of the tour, and upon arrival, to the TOUR GUIDE so he/she can be prepared to help you. SAND FLIES AND MOSQUITOS.-Are found in the areas visited. Mosquitos are more prevalent in areas that receive more rainfall, and sand flies, though generally found on the coast, can also be found in dry & dusty conditions inland. Both tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Protective clothing, and insect repellent are highly recommended during these times. HYDRATION.- Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat. DIARRHOEA.- It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food. PHYSICAL FITNESS.- Although Salkantay trek is not a technical mountain trekking, it is a moderate challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. Remember that the Salkantay pass is 1,200m higher Cusco and 2,200m higher than Machu Picchu! The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the trek but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful.
CONTACT US Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following: Mauro Pedraza Operations Manager Mobile: +(51) 984 734633 Henrry Chauca Operations Mobile: +(51) 950 313131 Sharon Ovalle SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor Mobile: +(51) 974 359484 IN CASES OF EMERGENCY While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you. Cusco Office Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm. Telf: +51 84 237404 Emergency Contact If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +(51) 984 734633 Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.