The Extended Ausangate Rainbow Trek 7 days
General description
The EXTENDED AUSANGATE – RAINBOW TREK is our most epic high altitude adventure!
Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, wildlife, and the amazing Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. You’ll see the highest peak (Ausangate 6,385 m/20,948 ft) in the Cusco region. This adventurous trek is approximately 100 km/62 mi and goes up to 5,400 m/17,716 ft. Ausangate is an excellent and quiet/remote trekking circuit offering stunning features such as spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuña, picturesque villages, and traditionally dressed Quechua people.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Tinqui Village – Upis (Camping At Hot Springs)
Early transfer from your hotel in Cusco with 6:00 am departure. We drive for 4 hours on a new highway to Tinqui, passing Urcos Pass (4,000 m/13,123 ft) along the way. Tinqui is a village on the high plains “altiplano” east from Cusco and is where we will start our trek. We follow a wide, gently ascending path toward the northwest face of the impressive Ausangate mountain. We will have a small lunch around noon by the side of the trail.
We will continue walking through fields and by scattered stone farm houses, and later in the day we will begin to see llamas and alpacas. We ascend gently to the Upis pass (4,435 m/14,107 ft) and camp at Upis Hot Springs (4,250 m/13,779 ft) where we will be surrounded by snow capped mountains (Ausangate and Maria Huamantilla).There are thermal springs at Upis where we can enjoy a soak at the end of the day. Happy hour at 4:00pm and dinner at 6:00pm.
- Walking distance approximately 16 km/9.9 miles (6 hour acclimatizing hike)
- Camping Elevation: 4,250 m/13,779 ft
- Meals: box breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 02: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucaccocha
After an early breakfast we begin our second day of the hike. You will hike very close to the Ausangate Glacier Peak and will have incredible views of this mountain as well as beautiful lakes and waterfalls. We may see some llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca) and perhaps a rare condor soaring above. We will have a 3-hour uphill hike to reach the first pass (4800m/15,748ft) where you will have magnificent views of the surrounding area. After taking a few amazing pictures we continue hiking gradually downhill for another 11⁄2 hours to our beautiful lunch spot. After lunch we hike for another 21⁄2 hours to arrive at our campsite at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake). This spot is one of the most beautiful campsites located at the skirt of the Ausangate peak and at the bank of the lake.
- Approximate walking distance: 12km/7.5 miles (7-8 hours)
- Campsite elevation: 4300m/14,100ft
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 03: Pucaccocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya – Yanacocha (Sunset Hike To Rainbow Mountain Pass)
Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea to start one of the most beautiful days of the trek, enjoying majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes and depths of the beautiful valleys. This morning we will summit the Puca Pass. After an early breakfast we begin our 2-hour steep climb to the Puca Pass at (5050m/16,568ft). Along the way we have gorgeous views of turquoise lakes and the Ausangate glacier. Once you reach the summit of this mountain, you will be located right in front of the Ausangate Mountain and you can enjoy the views of Chillca Valley, with alpaca grazing along these hills. Also, from this pass you will see the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with their strikingly striated colors.
After taking some great pictures we continue gradually downhill for another 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot located at Anantapata 4400m/14,435ft with amazing views of green hills and snow-capped peaks. After lunch and a little rest and relaxation, we will hike gradually uphill for 11⁄2 hours until we reach the the Warmisaya (aka Pitumarca) pass 5050m/16,568ft. After enjoying the views at the top we descend for 20 minutes to Yanacocha lake where we set up camp for the night. After dropping our bags we take our gradual 1 hour sunset hike to the Rainbow Mountain Pass and watch as the sun sets over the stunning Rainbow Valley. Once we have finished enjoying the view, we hike 45 minutes back down to camp at Yanacocha to have happy hour (tea and snacks) followed by a hearty dinner.
- Approximate walking distance: 17.7 km/11 miles (about 7.5-8 hours)
- Campsite elevation: 4400m/14,435ft
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 04: Yanacocha – Rainbow Mountains (Sunrise Hike) – Quesouno – Ausangatecocha
After a very early breakfast (5am) we hike 1 hour up to the Rainbow Mountains (Vinicunca Mountains or Montañas de Colores) again to see the beautiful Rainbow Valley at sunrise! Enjoy the view for an hour without the crowds as we are one of the first groups to arrive. Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect postcard pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding peaks. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. This is definitely one of the most stunning places in South America and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru. There are Rainbow Mountains in only a few other locations in the world. After enjoying the sunrise view we hike downhill for approximately 3.5 hours until we reach Quesouno where we stop for lunch.
After a hearty lunch and a well-deserved rest, we hike 2 hours uphill to
Ausangatecocha (part of the Ausangate Trail). Along the way you will see beautiful mountain scenery, small streams, herds of llamas and alpacas and snow-capped peaks. At Ausangatecocha we camp by a beautiful dark blue/green lake for the night with views of the Ausangate Mountain.
- Approximate walking distance: 16 km /9.95 miles (about 6.5 hours)
- Campsite elevation: 4300m/14,108ft
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 05: Ausangatecocha – Palomani Pass – Comercocha
After breakfast we begin a steep climb for 2-3 hours on glacial moraine to the Palomani Pass (5,350m/17,552ft). From the pass there are extensive views of all the peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota. We then descend for 2 hours on a steep trail into the Huchuy Finaya Valley where we will stop for lunch, surrounded by beautiful mountain views. From our lunch stop we will
have a view of “Las Dos Gemelas” or the two twin mountains. After lunch we hike another 2 hours to our campsite, 45 minutes of which is a steep climb and the rest is a gradually uphill trail. Along the way you see streams and a small waterfall, chinchillas, llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped mountains (the three peaks). We camp tonight at Comercocha 4400m/14,435ft.
- Approximate walking distance 16 km/ 9.9 mi (7-8 hour hike)
- Campsite elevation: 4400m/14,435ft
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 06: Comercocha – Pampacancha – Qampa – Pacchanta (Hot Springs)
After some hot coca tea and a good breakfast we hike for 1 hour on a varied path through the Pampacancha Valley 4,300 m/14,107 ft where you will see wide open spaces and lots of llamas and alpacas. Once we pass through this valley we begin climbing up to the highest point of the trek, the Qampa Pass (5,400 m/17,716 ft) for 2 hours. At this pass we have incredible views of The Three Peaks, the Pacchanta Valley, and will hopefully get a glimpse of some wild vicuña and deer, and if we are really lucky, a condor. We then descend gradually through the Pacchanta Valley, walking between Ausangate Mountain and the Two Twin Mountains for 3 hours until we get to our campsite at Pacchanta (4200m/13,780ft). Along the way we see glacial moraines, beautiful lakes, and snow- capped peaks. This campsite is near the Pacchanta hot springs where you can take a well-deserved soak with stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain if you wish to (entrance fee – 10- 20 soles).
- Approximate walking distance: 15 km/ 9.3 mi (6 hour hike)
- Campsite Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp
- Overnight: Mountain Tent (double occupancy)
Day 07: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
After a good breakfast we begin hiking on a wide dirt trail (village road) for 3- 4 hours until we reach the small town of Tinqui (3600m/11,811ft). Along the way you will see a lot of local people, farms, farm animals and many children will come running up to greet you. Please do not give them sweets as they do not have access to dental care, but you are welcome to share other items with them (fruit, pencils, etc). At Tinqui we enjoy a nice lunch, after which we take our private transport back to your hotel in Cusco (arriving around 4pm) – about a 2.5 hour drive that provides nice views of the Andes, passing some traditional villages along the way.
- Approximate walking distance 9 km/5.6 mi (3-4 hour hike, 2.5 hour drive)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch
- Overnight: N/A
Included
- Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
- Collection from your Cusco hotel on the first morning
- Private bus transport to start of the trek (day 1) and back to Cusco (day 5)
- Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs
- Dry bag in which to put your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty on the trail
- 3 person, 4 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear Expedition tent)
- One inch thick mattress pad
- English speaking professional guide
- Full meals on trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, and snacks on the trail)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
- Dining tent with tables and stools
- Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
- Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
- Toilet, toilet tent, and toilet paper
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and your duffel bags)
- Hot water every morning and evening for hand washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and afternoon
- Entrance to the Ausangate trail
Not Included
- Flights
- Hotel before/after trek
- Dinner on the last day (day 7)
- Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
- Entrance to hot springs
- Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)\
- Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
- Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek
Recommendations
Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack that you carry because all the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring true hiking boots or trail running shoes as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.
- Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
- Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek
- Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
- Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
- Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
- Optional: microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)
- Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
- Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
- Hand warmers if you wish
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
- Daypack and rain cover
- Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
- Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
- Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
- Sandals
- Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu
- Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
- E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this
- First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
- Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
- Water bottle or water bladder to refill
- Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
- Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
- Power plug adapter
- Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)
- Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
- Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)
- Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day
What to bring: medications – medications are optional and depend on your specific needs
- Antibiotic for travelers diarrhea or UTI
- Antibiotic for a severe bacterial infection
- Medication for upset stomach/indigestion
- Medication for prevention of altitude sickness (requires a prescription from your physician and has contraindications for certain people and potential side effects)
- Anti-inflammatory medication (some people find this is useful for prevention of altitude sickness as well. Speak with your physician for more information)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Anti-nausea medication for motion sickness/altitude sickness if needed
- Cold/flu medication
- General pain killer/fever reducer
- Vaccinations – recommend bringing all boosters up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc)
Prices
PRICE AND NUMBER OF TREKKERS
A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.
- 6-10 trekkers: 850 per person
- 3-5 trekkers: 950 per person
- 2 trekkers: 1050 (per person)
Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize!
Extra information:
DIATARY NEEDS
Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!
WHEN TO GO AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
March/April to November or the dry season. (Dec to Feb/March or wet season: rainfall and snow can block the pass and cancel the trek though we can arrange the trek during the wet season). This trek is rated as a moderate to challenging (intermediate to advanced) hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. It is recommended that you acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.
WHAT TO CARRY – DAYPACKS
On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes, we can store your luggage for you during the trek. Most hotels/hostels also provide this service.
WEATHER & WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TREK
Weather on the trek and in Cusco
The weather varies a lot across Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the worlds 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) in the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from Mar/April to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being December through March. The weather for trekking is pretty much the same year round, with the main difference being the amount of rainfall. During the dry season, most days are dry and clear, but high- altitude mountains always have the potential for rain and/or snow so it is essential to come prepared for all types of weather regardless of the time of year.
The Ausangate trek is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Cusco weather: Cusco is always very cold at night due to the high altitude. It is regularly around 40F/4.4C at night so bring a nice warm jacket for nighttime walking in town. It is warmer in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes as these areas are lower altitudes than Cusco and the trek.
DONATING/VOLUNTEERING
Helping Local Children or Andean People (Optional) Along certain treks we may encounter some local children and Andean people. If you wish to lend a helping hand you may bring some clothes, toys, books and school equipment (used or new), toiletries and other essentials, and new/sealed medication for a variety of ailments. You will be rewarded with their
gratitude and beautiful smiles. Please do not give candy or sweets as they do not have access to dental/medical care and tooth decay can lead to serious illness.
For those who wish to help but take a trek that does not pass local people or villages you can leave your donated items with a Cachi Life Peru representative and we will distribute them to one of the local communities that we support. You can also set up a day to visit a local community to donate your items personally! There are a variety of other ways in which to lend a helping hand to local communities (charity events, building schools, and much more). We support several local communities so if interested please get in touch!
Starting from
Duration
7 Days
Destination
Cusco
Type of activity
Trekking in Cusco
Our team is ready to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp or contact us online — we’ll get back to you right away.
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What Our Travelers Say
Authentic stories from travelers who explored Peru with us.
EXCELLENT
Based on 135 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
lanahb304Verified
Machu Picchu and sacred valley We had an absolutely wonderful experience with David from the very beginning of planning our trip. As three ladies traveling together we couldn’t have had any smoother and safer experience. He was there for us throughout the entire process, spending countless hours helping us plan full 5 days, answering all our questions, and responding to our WhatsApp messages within minutes. His communication was truly amazing, and we always felt that we were in great hands. We visited Pisac, Chinchero ruins, Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. When we arrived, David was waiting for us at the airport. He even arranged for someone to help us with our luggage at the Cusco airport, drove us around, and gave us invaluable tips on how to adjust to the high altitude. He was always attentive, alert to our needs, and making sure we were comfortable. David also took us to authentic local places where we could experience things like traditional alpaca weaving, which made the trip feel much more genuine and special. Everything went exactly as planned. He also brought a driver along, which made getting around much smoother and easier. Our Machu Picchu experience, including Circuits 3D and 1B, was unforgettable. There were three of us, and one of us was having difficulty with the mountain climbs. David stayed right behind her throughout the journey, making sure she was safe and supported every step of the way. His care and patience really stood out. And as if being our guide and driver wasn't enough, David also became our personal cameraman! 😊 He was constantly directing us and helping us get the best photos and memories from our trip. On our last day, he took us to Rainbow Mountain and was once again incredibly patient and accommodating to our needs. Throughout the entire trip, David went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful experience. We are so grateful for everything he did for us and would highly recommend David to anyone planning a trip to Peru. If you want someone who is knowledgeable, caring, responsive, organized, and genuinely invested in making your trip special, David is your person! Thank you, David, for helping make our trip so memorable!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Ashley WVerified
Incredible Time with Frank! Frank was a fantastic guide, we are so happy we had him with us! He understood the pace that was best for our fitness level, and he would take breaks at good moments to teach us about local people, plants, animals, history, and culture, which we felt was all really interesting. We learned so much about Machu Picchu, the Incas, and each archaeological site, and we genuinely enjoyed listening to him. It felt like traveling with a friend, he was so nice and had a great attitude, we were always laughing together. He also had great English, we were able to laugh together at our joke that a sitting chinchilla we saw was "chinchilling." We were also really happy to support Cachi Life which is a Peruvian owned company. We did the 2-day trek, and we appreciated the amount of care put into each step. The hotel that was included in our tour package was very quiet, the bed comfortable, the shower hot, with good breakfast choices as well. Frank also took great photos of us, with good framing and angles, and he never rushed us. He was so knowledgeable and friendly that we would love to return someday and trek with him and Cachi Life again!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Charlene KVerified
An Exceptional Experience! We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Cachi Life during our time in Peru, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! We had created our own bespoke itinerary for our trip but we wanted a knowledgeable guide to bring the history to life when visiting the incredible ruins around Cusco and during our two days in Machu Picchu. After reading so many wonderful reviews from other travellers, we decided to use Cachi Life and we are so glad we did. We also used them for transportation throughout the Sacred Valley including journeys from Cusco to Pisac and Ollantaytambo as well as visits to Maras and Moray. From the very beginning, everything was handled with such warmth, professionalism and care. David came to meet us at our Airbnb the day before our tour to personally brief us on the schedule for the coming days. This was such a thoughtful touch and gave us a great sense of confidence that everything was organised and that we were in very good hands. Over the following days, we had the pleasure of spending time with David exploring the remarkable archaeological sites around Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, Q’enko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, as well as experiencing the incredible Machu Picchu. David was an exceptional guide. His knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history was impressive, but what really stood out was his passion and enthusiasm. It was very clear that this was far more than just a job for him. He genuinely loves the history, culture and heritage of Peru and that passion came through in every story and explanation. He had a wonderful ability to bring the ancient sites to life, helping us understand not just what we were looking at, but the people, culture and history behind them. We learnt so much from David and having him with us made the experience of visiting these extraordinary places even more meaningful and memorable. We also had the pleasure of having Frank (David’s brother) drive us from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Although we had not booked a guide for this particular day, Frank was incredibly generous with his knowledge and shared lots of interesting information about the places we passed along the way. It was very much appreciated and added another wonderful dimension to our journey. Both David and Frank were friendly, reliable, thoughtful and genuinely lovely people to spend time with. Their warmth and hospitality really captured what we had hoped to experience in Peru. We never felt like just another tourist booking. They took a genuine interest in making sure we had a fantastic experience and were always happy to help. Thank you so much, David and Frank, for making our time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu so special. Your knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness and hospitality made a lasting impression on us, and we would wholeheartedly recommend Cachi Life to anyone planning a trip to Peru.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Trail19335405803Verified
Rainbow Mountain private two days trip We had an amazing experience with Cachi Life travel agency in Peru! 🇵🇪 From the very beginning, David, our guide helped us create a fantastic and personalised plan for Rainbow Mountain. They took the time to understand what we wanted and made sure everything was well organised and suited to our needs. The communication was excellent throughout the whole process. They were always helpful, responsive and happy to answer our questions or make adjustments whenever needed. We really appreciated the personal approach and attention to detail. The whole experience was very well organised, and thanks to their support, we could simply enjoy the incredible views and the experience without having to worry about the logistics. 🌈⛰️ I would definitely recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Peru. They genuinely care about their customers and go the extra mile to make the experience special. Thank you for helping us create such an unforgettable experience! ❤️🇵🇪Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Cesco_FoodVerified
Unforgettable Spending two days in the Sacred Valley with David of Cachi Life has incredibly turned into positive our vacation in Peru. In this country you are pretty much jumping from one operator to another and we didn’t have good experience until we find Cachi. David has a natural passion and a great knowledge of the story of this country and his people, plus is also very friendly and curious by nature. If we ever come back to Peru I would avoid passing through internet and I will get in touch directly with Cachi to organize all my trip. Thank you David for guiding us and sharing your passion and Thank you Oscar for demonstrating that driving is an important part of the trip. Unforgettable.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Suman MaharjanVerified
Awesome Experience We did full day tour to Pallay Punchu with David from Cachi Life. David was professional, knowledgeable, and caring. My wife has fear of heights, and he made sure we felt safe the whole time. Highly recommended this tour for anyone looking for a less crowded hike with stunning views and also Cachi Life. We would definitely lgo with them again.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Rich CVerified
Fantastic experience! We had an excellent experience with Cachi Life. David was Extremely helpful and professional. We did the 5 day Salkantay Trek and it was fantastic, Taking us from the high Andes to the cloud forest and coffee growing region and on to Machu Picchu, it was amazing. The food prepared by Juan, our guide was exceptional. I highly recommend Cachi Life when trekking to any of the Cusco treks.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
MichVerified
Awesome Experience David is such a great tour guide and owner. He was always very communicative, accommodating, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. He treated my family and me with the utmost respect and kindness. His knowledge of Machu Picchu is excellent and we learned so much from him. He took care of us the minute we set foot in the Cusco region, including having a driver pick us up and take us to and from the train station in Ollantaytambo. He met us with us at our vacation rental the evening prior to go over everything with us. He even stopped at the store to buy us tea and sugar. He took care of everything for us and all we had to do was pay and show up. You will not find better service to see Machu Picchu than Cachi Life Perú.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Sara MVerified
Exceptional experience I thank David Aragon Villagra for organizing a fantastic three-day tour for us in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We were accompanied by the guide Frank, who skillfully and enthusiastically immersed us in the Inca world. Thanks to the super driver Oscar, who was cautious and attentive. Unbeatable value for money. I highly recommend Cachi Life Peru — with Cachi Life Peru.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Liz KVerified
Incredible trip, outstanding on every level David (Cachi Life) was recommended by friends when I decided to take a solo trip to Peru. I'm a woman in my mid-60's, fairly physically fit, who wanted to experience Peru's scenery, history, culture, and people. David helped to customize my 11-day trip to include exactly what I wanted (Manu/Amazon rainforest, Inca Trail hike to Machu Piccu, various day tours out of Cusco, etc.) Lodging and transportation arrangements everywhere were clearly arranged and communicated efficiently. Upon arrival he met me at the airport and drove me back at the end of the trip. The entire time David was always quickly responsive and communication was outstanding. This trip was utterly incredible (also exhausting!) in every way. Truly stellar. I will carry the experience with me always. I highly recommend David/Cachi Life to anyone considering a trip to this magnificent country. You will be in very good hands.
EXCELLENT Based on 9 reviews Posted on Facebook Giulio VecchirecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Bravissimi in tutto. precisi, corretti, puntuali. una menzione particolare a Frank, una guida stupenda che ci ha fatto vivere con passione ogni luogo, e ad Oscar l'autista, molto attento e prudente. complimenti a David e a tutto il suo gruppoPosted on Facebook Stephanie McQueenrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Just returned from an amazing 5-day trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Patabamba, and Palccoyo — perfectly organized by David Aragon Villagra at Cachi Life. David was super responsive and made planning easy, and everything ran smoothly throughout. My guide, Frankin Aragon Villagra, was knowledgeable, engaging, and truly passionate about sharing his culture. If you’re looking to support a local, family-run business that delivers a personalized and authentic experience, I highly recommend Cachi Life for your Peru trip!Posted on Facebook Joshua Clark-BellrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Frank was an amazing tour guide, extremely helpful, knowledgeable and kind. We had a great time with him and David was brilliant at fast communication. Cannot recommend more!Posted on Facebook Re StrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Gorąco polecam treking z Cachi Life. Razem z grupą przyjaciół przeszliśmy 6-cio dniowy trek Choquequirao zakończony zwiedzaniem Machu Picchu, gdzie przeszliśmy dwie trasy. Nie musieliśmy się o nic martwić, wszystko było przygotowane. 6 dni w górach, przepiękny czas! David jest świetnym organizatorem, wszystko działało bez zarzutu. Spanie w namiotach, transport- szły z nami muły niosące część bagażu, zapasowy koń. Kucharz Umberto, dokonywał cudów w tych trudnych warunkach. Wszystko było mega smaczne i przepięknie podane. Szedł z nami świetny przewodnik Marco. Potrafił dostosować tempo do naszych potrzeb, elastycznie zmieniał trasę tak żeby cały czas było to jednocześnie i wyzwaniem i przyjemnością. Dzielił się z nami opowieściami o obyczajach, tradycjach i kulturze tej dawnej inkaskiej i tej współczesnej. Nawet uczył nas języka Quechua . Cachi Life - sól życia - tak było🧡Posted on Facebook GoseeThis Nomadic-FilcanrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in this group who have been so incredibly helpful in answering my questions before I started my adventure. I truly appreciate each one of you! As I wrap up this unforgettable journey, I want to give a special shoutout to my amazing tour guide in Machu Picchu, David Aragon Villagra of Cachi Life. I had the best time with his service, and absolutely recommended to those looking for local guides. I chose to support locally owned businesses, which is why I booked the 2-day, 1-night Inka Trail to Machu Picchu. This experience allowed me to explore the stunning ruins along the way, including the breathtaking Wiñaywayna. David took care of everything—transportation, hotels, and all the necessary tickets for the tour—making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. What impressed me most was David's extensive knowledge. With years of experience under his belt, he is an expert guide who truly brings the history of the Incas and Peru to life. His insights into science and astronomy beautifully connect to Inca history and civilization, enriching my understanding of this magnificent country. I feel so fortunate to have learned so much from him, and I’m excited to share this knowledge and encourage others to experience the wonders of Peru for themselves. And if you're a foodie like me, be sure to ask David for his fantastic recommendations for local cuisine in Cusco—you won’t be disappointed! And yes David is a great photographer! My photos here are captured by him. Once again, thank you all for your support, and a huge thank you to David for making my adventure unforgettable! 🌄❤️Posted on Facebook Leah PumarenrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I have been in contact with so many tour operators but David from Cachi Life stood out! He was able to answer all my questions right away and all the information was explained well. When the time came to pay i was very hesitant because I didn't know him but have read all positive reviews from previous clients which gave me a peace of mind. I wanted to pay half but he said to just pay the deposit, which tells me that he will not run away with our $$ :) Prior to our arrival David informed us that Franklyn will be at the airport to pick us up, which they were and in time. Let’s just say that Franklyn and staff took care of us from start to finish! They were very accommodating, made sure we were comfortable, gave us coca leaves and other things so we don't suffer from acclimation. Because, i had issues with acclimation, Franklyn brought me oxygen, hiking sticks, carried our jackets, water and food which helped me climb Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. Mind you, we have been to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, UK, Iceland, Ireland, Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, Doninican Republic, etc.. but because of Franklyn, Peru is the most beautiful place we have ever been. Thank you so much Franklyn, David and Cachi Life, you made impossible possible! If you want to tour Peru, make sure you hire Cachi Life to make your trip unforgettable!Posted on Facebook Brandon BellamyrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I have never met more dedicated people David and Kevin. They truly love what they do.Posted on Facebook Kevin KingrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. My girlfriend and I were in Peru in March and Cachi set us up with a wonderful experience. David, our tour guide, is the guy you want. He's a true history buff and his years of experience really shows. We loved hearing about the history of Cusco, Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Incas. Seemed like David had an answer to every question we had! Plus, his English was great - a must have when spending money and time on a trip. Overall, Cachi provided us with everything we needed for our tour. Our shuttles, tour guide, and entry tickets to each place were included. WELL worth the price! We were also fortunate to meet the owners, who were great guys and walked us through everything we would get. Highly recommend Cachi if you're looking for a great, safe time in Peru!Posted on Facebook Lindsey ReneerecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Fortunately used Cachi Life for two different day tours during my stay in Peru. Took the vistadome/train/buses to Machu Picchu, and the process could not have been any smoother. They had everything perfectly coordinated to make the trip comfortable and easy to navigate. Also had the privilege of doing a tour in the local Rayan community, which was an amazing experience. David, our local tour guide was so passionate about his job and sharing with us the culture of his country. We hiked a mountain to the local community, offering beautiful views and a stellar waterfall. Spent the day learning how the families lived off the land and shared a meal with them that we helped them prepare. Would definitely recommend if you want to try something outside of the typical touristy things to do!
















