Day 1: Cusco – Alqatari – Ausangate – Ananta–Q’ellwacocha
Your adventure commences before dawn breaks, with a 4:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Our private van transports you on a 3-hour journey to the small village of Alqatari, the starting point of your trek. Here, amidst the quiet beginnings of the day, our chef prepares a warming hot breakfast to fuel the exciting journey ahead, while our guides share invaluable insights about the trek, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the adventure that lies ahead.
The trek begins in a sprawling green valley adorned with hundreds of grazing alpacas and local farmers tending to their lands. In the distance, the imposing figure of Ausangate Mountain serves as a majestic backdrop, hinting at the breathtaking landscapes you’re about to explore. As the trail ascends, you’ll approach the Puccacocha pass, sitting at an elevation of 5000m (16,400ft). Here, you’re greeted with a 360-degree view of unparalleled beauty, with the Ausangate glacier’s active presence creating a dynamic scene as it feeds into the lake below. This spot, arguably the most stunning on the entire Ausangate circuit, offers a moment of awe and reflection.
The journey continues towards Anata, where a well-deserved lunch awaits at 4,713 mt/15,462 ft. After replenishing your energy, the trek ascends further to Warmisaya pass (4,996m / 16,390ft), offering the first glimpse of the iconic Rainbow Mountain in the distance. The day’s hike concludes as you descend to the serene lake Q’ellwacocha, where camp is set at 4,796 mt (15,7342 ft). Here, under the vast Andean sky, you’ll indulge in the exquisite flavors of Peruvian cuisine, prepared by our skilled chef.
As night falls, the Andean wilderness transforms into an ethereal scene, with a sky brimming with constellations, the Milky Way, and shooting stars. Wrapped in the tranquility of the Andes and warmed by coca tea, you’ll sleep under a hotel of a thousand stars, enveloped by the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.
This first day of the Rainbow Mountain Trek is not just a journey through the Andes but a passage into the heart of Peru’s natural and cultural splendor. It’s an invitation to step away from the everyday and into a world where every vista tells a story, every step is a discovery, and every moment is an unforgettable adventure. Join us as we traverse this ancient land, where the spirit of the Andes and the beauty of the Rainbow Mountain await to transform your perception of the natural world.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Distance: 10.4 km / 7 miles
- Walking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Temperature: minimum 5 ° C (41 ° F) / max. 18 ° C ( ° F)
- Physical difficulty: Challange 4/5
