5Days
Cusco
Group Size 8 person(s)
Adventure, hike
moderate
departure every day
The Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru! For centuries it has been very important to the religious beliefs of the Andean people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. With spectacular glacial views, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for experienced trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, you will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including the Andean goose and the massive Andean condor with a wing span reaching 16 feet! As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native indigenous villages. In addition, you will get to enjoy the natural colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping the culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range created by the various mineral deposits. The Rainbow mountain trek also offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas, and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest natural phenomenon you will ever see. Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate/Rainbow Mountain Trekking Experience..!
With this unique Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu, you will hike to the Rainbow mountain, the RED Valley, hike through the Ausangate Mt, explore the 7 lake and enjoy the natural hot springs at Pachanta.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00am to begin this incredible trek! We will drive for 2 hours until we reach the Pitumarca Village where we will stop to get some fresh, local produce and then continue for 1 more hour to Qesuno community. Along the way, we view amazing canyons, ancient Inca terraces which are still farmed today, rugged mountains and some isolated communities. Upon arrival, we meet our horsemen and horses. We begin our hike gradually heading up to the Kayrawiry community where we have lunch. After enjoying lunch and a little rest, we continue our hike towards RAINBOW MOUNTAIN. Once there, we will enjoy the amazing stripes of colors, which is the highlight of the day. We will also see condors, Cara Cara falcons and picturesque lakes. Finally, we hike downhill to Kayrawiry Lake, where our camping tents will be ready. It is time to enjoy afternoon tea and appetizers before dinner.
We wake up early with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast, then start one of the most beautiful days of the trek! You will appreciate the majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes and the depths of the most beautiful valleys. We will start with a 2-hour steep climb to Condor pass at (5,100m/ 16,732ft). Along the way, you will always have gorgeous views of the turquoise lakes and the views of Ausangate Glacier Peaks surrounding you. With any luck, you can see avalanches from the glacial hills with ice crashing into the lakes below. Once you reach the summit, you will be located right in front of the sacred Apu Ausangate. There, you can really enjoy the valleys of alpaca grazing in the hills. It is postcard perfect! After some time to enjoy the amazing views, we head downhill and reach our lunch spot. After another delicious lunch and a little rest, we continue with our hike for 3 more hours to Ausangate Lake where you will enjoy hot drinks and settle into our campsite for the night.
After another delicious and nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for the third day of the hike. Today, we will be hiking even closer to the wonderful views of the Ausangate Glacier Peaks, experiencing amazing views of lakes and waterfalls. You may even see some llamas, alpacas as well as condors and falcons soaring above. We will have a 3-hour climb to reach the Abra Campo Pass, which is at (5,000m/16,404ft), where you will discover unbelievable views of the surrounding areas. It is possible that in some months of the year, there may be some snow on the trail, but mostly in the dry season, the trail will be dry and you just get great views. There is a good chance you will see wild vicuñas, which are the rarest animals still living wild in Peru, which produce the finest and most expensive wool in the world. After taking a few amazing pictures, we continue to our lunch spot, with a gradual descent for another 1.5hours to a beautiful area where you will enjoy your lunch. After lunch, it will be another 2.5-hour hike to arrive at our campsite in JAMPA.
Day 4 brings another adventure! We have an early breakfast and begin our hike for approximately 1 hour to reach the base of the glacier and then to the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota Range, we descend back down to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we descend towards the Qomerqocha Lake just before arriving at Pacchanta after a 5-hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip.
It’ll be a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo where you’ll have some dinner before catching your 7 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes. Then you’ll have the opportunity to take a nice hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed in a local hotel..
Today’s highlight is the amazing Machu Picchu!
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour of about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | US$ 777 per person |
***This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7kgs. We provide you a duffel bag, in which to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading SAM CORPORATIONS outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
The Briefing takes place in our office the night before the trek at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
ABSOLUTELY! During the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
FIRST, to book your Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu entrance tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person ,in order,to purchase a permit for the Ausangate Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com.
Yes, but with some restrictions.
Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Ausangate Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
The expected weather in the area of Ausangate Mountain Peru usually is divided in two big seasons: dry and wet. As the zone of Ausangate forms part of the Cordillera Vilcanota in the Peruvian Andes, the dry season is considered from May to November mostly sunny days, with minimum percentage of rain or bad days, recommended time to trek to the Rainbow Mountains. But the rainy season usually is from December to April with hail storms, snowy, cloudy days and not much visibility on the mountains. During the winter season (June- August) the places in the proximity of the Mountain get warmer days but cold at night; Summer season (December- March) usually the trail gets wet, muddy and difficult to walk. Travelers visiting Ausangate should be prepared for the quick change of temperatures and climates even in winter, but much more in summer season. Due to the global warming the weather conditions in the Andes is becoming very changeable and very unstable. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. SAM CORPORATIONS specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Ausangate trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
Yes, it is a challenging trek with most of the you are over 4,ooo meters or 13,123 feet. You need to be in good physical condition and used to hiking.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, SAM CORPORATIONS will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
OF COURSE!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Machu Picchu
Ausangate Lake
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
hot waters
Cusco
Ausangate Lake
Machu Picchu
Cusco
Paquete turístico a Machu Picchu
Imperial City of Cusco
Sam Corporations has flexible departure dates, willing to accommodate your needs and travel requirements as far as possible. We guarantee exclusive luxurious tours of the hidden gems of Peru, whilst providing the best quality and personalized service.
You can book confidently knowing we offer the best value for your money
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
For those that are looking for an adventure and high altitude mountain landscapes that will challenge most trekkers, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your best choice. We have designed a trek with its own distinctive features, an exclusive trek into the diverse landscapes. See incomparable views of the towering snow-hooded mountain peaks of Humantay (5 473m/17 956ft) and Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft). Visit the picturesque deep blue, crystal-clear lagoons that are named after the great mountains that sustain them, Lake Humantay and Lake Salkantay. Encounter Amazon Jungle landscapes with several micro-climates, with their own exotic flora and fauna.
Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical trail. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata where you have an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu. For your last morning, visit the famous and mystical World Heritage site of Machu Picchu Citadel! Experience for yourself what sets our alternative treks to Machu Picchu apart from what other tour operators have to offer. All our treks are customized, unique and personalized to suite the individual.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you to a combination of amazing Inca ruins, secluded indigenous villages, incredible snow-capped mountains and exotic vegetation of different types and varieties. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high Andean passes, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its unforgettable scenic views, and visits both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. It ends at the destination you have been anticipating, The New 7 Wonder of the World Machu Picchu! It is believed that the archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo was built during the reign of the eighth Inca Ruler, Wiracocha. Inca rulers acquired large royal estates to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the estates. Royal estates served also as elegant country palaces and, at times, fortresses to fend off rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, was for a royal estate or government center modeled on the Inca capital.
Inca Quarry Trek Trail to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Our specialization is in trekking, “off the beaten track.” Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is a personally designed and unique trek taking you to remote and rarely visited Inca ruins. You’ll trek by beautiful waterfalls, view wild panoramic landscapes, ancient Inca aqueducts, and take yourself back in time to the Inca stonemason’s unmatched masterpieces. You will visit the old Inca quarry from where the Incas carved the rocks to build the important Ollantaytambo Inca city, the impressive gate to Machu Picchu. Take time to explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and hike up to the dusted remnants of the old Inca hillside storehouses. Then enjoy true luxury at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel! On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the magical UNESCO World Heritage site: Machu Picchu!
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨Lost City of the Incas.¨ The Inca archeological site is considered to be the sister to Machu Picchu. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last refuges for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.
Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. Its secret to keeping away the crowds is also part of its charm: it is only accessible by footpath. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25 mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.
*** The Km, time and campsite may change, depending of the speed of the group and the new regulation made by the government.
SAM CORPORATIONS is the only tour operator with its own scenic and cultural trekking route, that treks COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU. You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities that are still keeping their Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator ending the trek at the natural HOT SPRINGS of Lares. NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than SAM CORPORATIONS for this trek.
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