ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco– Pukutuni School – Pucaccocha
Your Ausangate adventure begins with a 4:00 AM pickup from your hotel. From Cusco, we drive for approximately 3 hours to the trailhead at Pukutuni School, where you’ll enjoy breakfast and meet your Apple Travel Peru team—including your guide, local chef, porters, and horsemen.
Trek Begins: Toward Ausangate
We start hiking with a 3-hour walk to our lunch spot in Upis village, located on the lower slopes of Ausangate Mountain. After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch, the trail climbs for 1.5 hours uphill to Vicuña Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). We take time at the pass to rest, hydrate, and take in the sweeping mountain views.
Afternoon Hike to Pucaccocha
From the pass, continue hiking for another 3 hours toward our campsite at Pucaccocha. This stretch offers some of the most striking scenery of the day—wide valleys, cascading waterfalls, and glacial peaks surrounding turquoise lakes.
Camp at Pucaccocha
Upon arrival, your chef and porters will already have camp set up. Relax, enjoy hot food, and take in the dramatic high-altitude landscape as night falls.
Day Statistics
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,200 m
- Campsite Elevation: 4,600 m
- Distance: 16 km
- Weather: Cold
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Pucaccocha – Condor pass – Alpaca pass – Sororni Lake
After an early, nutritious breakfast prepared by your Apple Travel Peru chef, the trek continues deeper into the Rainbow Mountain region.
Climb to Condor Pass
We begin with a 2-hour ascent to Condor Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft). Along the way, the landscape opens to wide views of Ausangate Mountain, shimmering high-altitude lagoons, and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely across the plateau.
Descent & Lunch
From the pass, the trail eases into a gradual 2-hour descent to our lunch spot. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal surrounded by vast Andean silence—this is one of the most peaceful sections of the trek.
Alpaca Pass & Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint
After lunch, a short uphill climb brings us to Alpaca Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft). From here, you’ll catch a partial view of Rainbow Mountain, offering a preview of the landscapes still ahead.
Camp Beneath the Stars
A final 1-hour downhill hike leads us to tonight’s campsite. Your Apple Travel Peru team will already have everything prepared—allowing you to relax, warm up, and take in one of the most beautiful night skies in the Andes.
Day Statistics
- Distance: 8 km
- Campsite Elevation: 4,700 m
- Weather: Cold
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Soroni Lake – Rainbow Mountain – Kayrawiri – drive to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes
Spending the night high in the Andes gives you a rare advantage—early arrival at Rainbow Mountain, before the crowds appear.
Sunrise Approach to Rainbow Mountain
Your morning begins with a warm breakfast and hot drinks prepared by the Apple Travel Peru team. From camp, we set out on a gradual 2-hour uphill hike toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Along the way, keep an eye out for vicuñas, the wild camelids of the high Andes, often seen grazing in this region.
Rainbow Mountain Experience
Reaching 5,030 m / 16,502 ft, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Rainbow Mountain’s mineral-rich slopes. Thanks to the early arrival, you’ll have time to take crowd-free photos and fully absorb the setting.
Your Apple Travel Peru guide will explain the natural minerals responsible for the mountain’s striking color bands before we begin our descent.
End of Trek & Transition
After approximately 1 hour of walking, we reach the end of the trail. Here, you’ll say goodbye to your trekking team and continue the journey with your Rainbow Mountain route guide.
Transfer to the Sacred Valley & Train to Machu Picchu
From the trailhead, we begin a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy dinner before boarding the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and rest comfortably—tomorrow brings your visit to Machu Picchu.
Day Statistics
- Walking Distance: 6 km
- Highest Elevation: 5,030 m (Rainbow Mountain)
- Weather: Cold
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Machu Picchu & return to Cusco
Today is the moment everything has been building toward—your visit to Machu Picchu.
To make the most of this experience, Apple Travel Peru starts the day early. After breakfast, you’ll leave your main luggage safely stored at the hotel and head out with just a day pack. We’ll board one of the first buses departing at 5:30 a.m., beginning the 30-minute ascent to the citadel.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to one of the best sunrise viewpoints inside Machu Picchu—perfect for photographs and a quiet moment as the light reveals the stone city.
Once the sun rises, your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour, covering Machu Picchu’s most important sectors and explaining the history, engineering, and cultural meaning behind this extraordinary site.
Free Time & Optional Hikes
After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu independently.
- Travelers who reserved Huayna Picchu in advance may begin the hike at this time
- Duration: approx. 2 hours round-trip
- Additional cost: USD 75 (limited availability)
- Alternatively, you may choose Machu Picchu Mountain, a more demanding hike
- Duration: minimum 3 hours round-trip
- Additional cost: USD 75
Your guide will clearly point out trail access points and timing recommendations.
Return to Cusco
We recommend returning to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your scheduled train departure. Your guide will confirm exact train times in advance.
The journey back follows this route:
- 2-hour train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (approx. 2 hours)
Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel—marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Andes.
Included
Professional Guides:
All of APPLE TRAVEL PERU’s guides on our Rainbow Mountain Trek studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. Additionally, they all grew up in the Cusco region and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. Not only are they fun, but they’re also professional and will ensure you are safe and happy on your Rainbow Mountain tour.
Briefing:
The night before your Lares Trek around Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate to Machu Picchu, you’ll come to APPLE TRAVEL PERU’s office at 6:30 p.m. for your briefing with your trekking guide. During this briefing, you’ll receive your APPLE TRAVEL PERU duffel bag for your items. This duffel bag must include your sleeping bag and air mattresses, which weigh 2.5 kg and 1 kg respectively. All duffel bags will be carried by your porters and will only be available at your campsite each day, both in the morning and in the evening. Therefore, any items that are needed while hiking should be packed in your daypack.
Porters & Horsemen:
As part of their service, APPLE TRAVEL PERU includes a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag containing your items. This is provided to you at no additional fee. At your briefing the night before your trek, your duffel bag will be provided to you and you should fill it with your necessities for the next night and day. However, it’s important to note that you will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your evening campsite.
Emergency Horse:
In addition, it’s worth noting that all of APPLE TRAVEL PERU’s alternative treks include an extra horse for our clients to use if they need a break from trekking
Transportation:
It’s important to note that all your transportation is included in this trek. Specifically, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:30 a.m. and brought to the trailhead to begin your trek. Then, once you complete the trek, you’ll be brought back directly to your hotel in Cusco for drop-off.
Equipment:
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that APPLE TRAVEL PERU has the best equipment. Specifically, we use Eureka Timberline 4-person tents that are shared by only two people. This allows for more space and comfort during your trek. Additionally, you’ll have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
Food:
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the chefs at APPLE TRAVEL PERU take great pride in their cooking and strive to create delicious meals for all trekkers. To ensure that all dietary restrictions are accommodated, it’s important to add them to the booking form and inform your guide during the briefing.
Throughout the trek, you can expect to be served breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, all of which are typically served family style. In addition, a happy hour of tea and snacks will be provided, along with a morning snack to enjoy during the hike.
As your trek comes to a close, you will have one final meal with your chef after breakfast on day four. However, it’s important to note that lunch on the last day is not included, so you may want to plan accordingly.
Water:
Furthermore, APPLE TRAVEL PERU takes great care in ensuring that all trekkers have access to safe drinking water throughout the journey. From the first lunch to the last breakfast, the company will supply all the water needed, which is boiled, filtered, and cooled before distribution.
To make the most of this service, it’s recommended that you bring your personal water bottles or a camelback with a capacity of approximately 3L. You’ll be able to refill your water at each mealtime and at various points throughout the trek, ensuring that you stay hydrated and energized throughout your adventure.
First Aid:
Additionally, it’s important to note that every APPLE TRAVEL PERU guide has received training in first aid from a physician. To ensure that all of our guides are up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and techniques, we conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every APPLE tour guide must attend.
Moreover, your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical situations, such as traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, and so on, as well as oxygen. In the event of an emergency, we will act quickly to get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible and ensure that you get directly to a clinic for treatment
Extras:
At APPLE TRAVEL PERU, we firmly believe that it’s the attention to small details that sets us apart from other tour companies. To ensure our trekkers have the very best vacation, we provide various amenities such as a small pillow for comfortable sleep, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their belongings while hiking, and a rain poncho. We work tirelessly to guarantee that every aspect of your trip is taken care of
Satellite Phones:
At APPLE TRAVEL PERU, the safety of our clients and team is our top priority. Although our guides are prepared and trained to deal with any issues that may arise during the trek, we understand the importance of having access to medical assistance or reaching out to loved ones in case of an emergency. To ensure this, we have equipped every guide with a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to reach us, regardless of how far the radios can reach. Additionally, clients can also use the satellite phone for non-emergencies or to check in with their loved ones at home. While the use of satellite phones is not cheap, we believe it’s a necessary investment to guarantee the safety and peace of mind of our clients
Not Included
- Rentals: Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent: Sleeping Bag: $20
- Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
- Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
Price
- $650 per person
Rentals:
Sleeping Bag (four seasons): $20 (Maximum size 1.95m / 6’4″)
Pair of walking poles (Black Diamond): $15
Inflatable air mattress (Thermarest): $15
* Foam mats and small pillows are provided for everyone.
Getting to Cusco for the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights. Therefore, all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options on airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima the buses in Peru are very well-maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
Luggage Storage:
Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the APPLE TRAVEL PERU office while you trek. We’ll store your luggage on the morning of your trek and return it once you’re back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have tags on them so they are easy to locate.
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitudes, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe please contact our office and we’ll help you get to a doctor.
Preventing Altitude Sickness: Tips for Easing Into High Altitude Activities
Most of the time these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into the activity slowly allowing your body time to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca-tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood. This helps your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee since they will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow and it’ll give your body time to adjust to the elevation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication such as Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude and continue to take it while you are at a high altitude. You must remember that this is your holiday and you don’t want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from it. Do everything slowly, drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything happens and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know immediately. APPLE TRAVEL PERU guides are trained to help you get through it.
Weather
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. The Cusco dry season is from April to October. Although this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves but being cold and wet makes hiking unpleasant.
Also, be ready for four seasons. Treks in the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared for each one. Layers are always vital since they easily adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
First Aid
Every APPLE TRAVEL PERU guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February and every APPLE guide attends. When guiding you they’ll have with them a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.
In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek they’ll figure out the safest and quickest way off the trail and to a clinic. You’ll never be left alone, you’ll have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until you are safe with a doctor. When you’re feeling up to it, we’ll make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and reconnect with your group. This way you can finish your trip traveling by train comfortably.
Travel Insurance
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Getting travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. We work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable. It’s an excellent way to protect yourself while you are visiting Peru.
Environmental Impact
APPLE TRAVEL PERU uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups, as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We strongly believe in leaving no footprint behind.
Community
APPLE TRAVEL PERU is proud of the work we do for our community as this is the main focus of our company. We’ve worked with villages directly to help supply them with the needs their families were missing. We’ve supported local schools by giving them computers and books. Apple Travel Peru also sponsors a teacher in the village. This is where most of our porters come from and ensures their children have the best opportunity for education.
We buy all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team including guides, porters, chefs, and drivers. We’re also building a house for our porters. By giving them a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks.
Twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. The men and women who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. So that makes this trip our favorite to do. It’s an honor to show them this place.
Personal Porter Included
All APPLE TRAVEL PERU camping treks include porters who’re responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They’ll additionally carry the duffel bag you receive at your briefing the night before your trek. Each duffel bag cannot exceed 7kg/14lbs and must include your sleeping bag and air mat. APPLE TRAVEL PERU gives each porter a proper uniform, salary, and insurance. They’re the backbone of our company.
Packing list for Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
- Day pack
- Copy of your passport
- Good hiking gear: hiking boots, warm jackets, gloves, hat, warm fleece, and socks
- Sleeping bag
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Hat and gloves
- Warm clothes: Layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable plastic/metal water bottles, or camel bags
- Water for the first four hours of the trek, then we’ll provide you with drinking water
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Walking stick
- Bathing suit for the hot springs
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
