Ausangate Trek. Embark on this incredible adventure with Pacha Expeditions through the heart of the Cusco region. Our Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Excursion spans four unforgettable days. Discover the majestic beauty of Apu Ausangate and its iconic rainbow mountain.
Our adventure begins in Tinqui, where we’ll meet to start our trek. As we progress, the breathtaking landscapes of the Ausangate Trek will unfold before us. We’ll make sure to traverse this mystical terrain, which offers both challenges and spectacular views.
The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain tour takes place amidst stunning scenery. Every step brings us closer to the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. Weather conditions can vary, so we’ll prepare for any eventuality.
Choosing Pacha Expeditions for your Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru guarantees an unparalleled experience. We will guide you through this ancient landscape with care and professionalism.
Overview
The Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 4 Days / 3 Nights is an extraordinary adventure that combines the remote beauty of the Ausangate region with a visit to the world-famous Rainbow Mountain. This trek takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, including snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, colorful valleys, high mountain passes, and traditional Andean communities.
Designed for travelers seeking both adventure and iconic scenery, this route offers a more comprehensive experience than a standard Rainbow Mountain day tour. By trekking through the heart of the Vilcanota Range, hikers enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain while exploring remote areas rarely visited by mass tourism.
The highlight of the journey is reaching Rainbow Mountain at sunrise or early morning, when the colorful mineral-striped slopes can be appreciated with fewer visitors and exceptional lighting conditions.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization
Useful Information
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Rainbow Mountain Elevation: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
- Trek Distance Approximately: 45–55 km
- Starting / Ending Point: Cusco
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best Season: April – October
- Physical Level: Good Fitness Required
- Coldest night, 1 about 0 ° C
- Meals – Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Overview Day to Day
- DAY 1: FROM CUSCO TO THE WARM WATERS OF UPIS
- DAY 2: UPIS TO THE GLACIAL BEAUTY OF PUCACOCHA
- DAY 3: THE JOURNEY THROUGH MINASNIYUQ TO SURINE COCHA
- DAY 4: THE GRAND FINALE AT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Itinerary
DAY 1: FROM CUSCO TO THE WARM WATERS OF UPIS.
We'll kick off our Ausangate Trek Peru with an early pickup from your hotel in the city of Cusco. Our journey to Tinqui takes us through the Vilcanota mountain range, where the scenery is just a teaser of what's to come. We'll pass traditional Andean villages, stopping for photo ops that you'll treasure forever.
In Tinqui, we'll fuel up with a hearty breakfast prepared by our talented chef. This is where our trek truly begins, as we organize our gear and set off through local communities. The views of the mountains as we trek will take your breath away.
After about 3 hours of walking, we'll pause for lunch, then continue for another 2 hours until we reach Upis. Here, at 4,100 meters (13,450 feet a.s.l.), our campsite awaits near hot springs, perfect for a relaxing dip before dinner. We'll spend the night under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of the mountains.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Highest altitude: Upis at 4,100 meters (13,450 feet)
- Lowest altitude: Cusco at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
DAY 2: UPIS TO THE GLACIAL BEAUTY OF PUCACOCHA.
With a delicious breakfast energizing us, we'll leave camp behind and start our ascent through the Arapa pass. The journey showcases the stark contrast between the arid landscape and the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Ausangate.
We'll discover the stunning lakes of Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. Each boasts unique shades of red, green, and turquoise. Our campsite for the night lies near the Ausangate glacier, offering incredible views and a peaceful night's sleep.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 – 8 hours
- Highest altitude: Arapa Pass at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)
- Lowest altitude: Upis at 4,100 meters (13,450 feet)
- Difficulty level: Challenging
DAY 3: THE JOURNEY THROUGH MINASNIYUQ TO SURINE COCHA.
"Room service" starts the day with a cup of hot coca tea. Today ranks among the trek's most picturesque. Rainbow mountains will appear in the distance, and we'll journey through Alcatauri.
We'll tackle an uphill climb for 1.5 hours to reach Paso Ausangate. Here, red mountains meet our gaze, along with vicuñas, chinchillas, llamas and alpacas.
Descending for 1.5 hours brings us to Alcatraz. We'll witness the Andeans' resourceful customs here. Without trees, locals craft homes from stone, mud, and animal dung for fuel.
Post-lunch, we ascend again for 1.5 hours towards Minasniyoq pass. Our first glimpse of the Rainbow Mountains awaits here. We'll honor Pacha Mama with a small offering before setting camp by Surina Cocha lagoon.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and a snack
- Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 – 9 hours
- Highest altitude: Minasniyuq Pass at 5,100 meters (16,732 feet)
- Lowest altitude: Pucacocha at around 4,600 meters (15,092 feet)
- Difficulty level: Demanding
DAY 4: THE GRAND FINALE AT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN.
We'll rise early and, after breakfast, begin a 2-hour trek to the iconic Rainbow Mountain. This marks the end of our 4-day Ausangate trek. The guide will find the best photo spots, getting us there before anyone else.
Our guide will reveal why these mountains are so special: their unique mineral composition creates colorful streaks.
After capturing the scenery, we'll head down to Quesiuno in a 2.5-hour descent. Lunch awaits us there, along with our ride back to Cusco. The journey will take about 3 hours.
We'll conclude this memorable adventure by dropping you off at your hotel. We’ll have an estimated arrival time of 6 PM. Thus, our Ausangate Trek Peru comes to an end.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Highest altitude: Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)
- Lowest altitude: Cusco at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Each day of the Ausangate Trek & Tour Rainbow Mountain offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Pacha Expeditions ensures you witness the beauty, culture, and spirit of these sacred mountains, making every step an adventure to remember.
- Group size: A customer’s choice
- Fixed departures: Depends on the client
Includes
What is included
- English-speaking bilingual guide, with an additional guide for groups of nine or more.
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trip.
- Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Tinqui (the start of the trail).
- Private transfer from Quesiuno Village back to your hotel in Cusco.
- High-quality camping equipment, including a four-person tent for every two participants.
- Thermarest inflatable mattress for added sleeping comfort.
- A kitchen tent for meal preparations.
- Services of a professional chef and kitchen assistant to prepare all meals.
- A dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for meal times.
- An Arriero (horseman) and horses to carry all equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.).
- A horse allocated to carry up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs) of your equipment.
- An emergency horse available if needed.
- Three breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners, ensuring you're well-fed throughout the trek.
- Hot water provided for personal hygiene.
- Boiled and cold water available for refilling bottles/canteens.
- An emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit for safety.
- Entrance to the hot springs of Upis for a relaxing soak.
- Meals described, plus tea and snacks every afternoon.
- Entrance tickets to the park ensuring access to all the sites along the trek.
- Extra oxygen bottle and first aid kit for additional safety measures.
* Vegetarian/special diet options available upon request.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast on the first day of the trek.
- Sleeping bags for the duration of the trek.
- Extra expenses, including tips for the guide and support staff.
- Trekking poles, which are available for rent upon request.
- Travel insurance, which is highly recommended for all participants.
More Information
THINGS TO CARRY
Clothing
- Waterproof, breathable jacket and pants
- Warm layers (thermal underwear, fleece/wool layers)
- Trekking pants and shorts
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Hiking boots with good ankle support
- Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
- Extra socks (wool or synthetic)
Gear:
- Backpack (30-40 liters capacity)
- Sleeping bag suitable for -10°C (14°F) (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir (2 liters minimum)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
Personal Items:
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Personal medication and a small first aid kit
- Earplugs
Additional:
- Camera with extra batteries or power bank
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Cash in local currency for tips and personal expenses
- Original passport
- Travel insurance information
Optional:
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Notebook and pen for journaling
- Lightweight book or e-reader
- Maps or trekking guidebooks
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND FAQs
Price & Add-ons
Group: U$: 550
Private: U$: 650
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Rentals
- Hiking poles - U$: 15 (pair)
- Sleeping bag U$: 25
- Extra Horse - U$: 100
- Single Tent U$.35
Map(Ausangate Trek Peru)
FAQs on Ausangate Trek Peru & Tour Rainbow Mountain Peru Hike
1. Do I need any previous trekking experience for the Ausangate Trek?
Yes, it is highly recommendable. The Ausangate Trek is challenging due to its high altitude, long distances, and the terrain. Previous high-altitude trekking experience will help.
2. What is the best time of year to do the trek?
The best time to trek is during the dry season, from April to October. These months offer clearer skies and less rain, making the journey more enjoyable.
3. How high does the trek go?
The trek reaches its highest point at Rainbow Mountain, approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
4. What should I do to prepare for the high altitude?
Acclimatize in Cusco or a similar elevation for at least 2-3 days before starting the trek. Stay hydrated, eat light but high-energy foods, and consider coca tea to alleviate symptoms.
5. Are permits necessary for the Ausangate Trek?
Unlike the Inca Trail, no permits are required for the Ausangate Trek. However, entrance fees to certain sites, like Rainbow Mountain, are necessary.
6. Can I rent equipment locally?
Yes, essentials like sleeping bags, trekking poles, and even hiking boots can be rented in Cusco. It's best to arrange these rentals in advance.
7. What kind of wildlife might I see on the trek?
The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including vicuñas, chinchillas, and possibly condors. The trek provides a great opportunity for wildlife watching.
8. How do I deal with altitude sickness?
Prevention is key; acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and move at a pace comfortable for you. Medications like Acetazolamide can be taken as a preventative measure under a doctor's advice.
9. What are the camping conditions like?
Campsites are basic but situated in scenic locations. You'll have a dining tent for meals and a four-person tent shared by two trekkers, with a Thermarest mattress provided.
10. Is travel insurance required?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
