AUSANGATE + RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 4D/3N
Are you ready to explore the wild, untouched side of Peru? The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days is a journey designed for brave souls seeking more than just a hike; it is an expedition into the heart of the Andes.
This route is an out-of-the-ordinary adventure that will constantly take your breath away. Unlike crowded paths, the Ausangate trek offers silence and majesty. Each step takes you through a dramatic combination of wild desert landscapes, imposing glacial peaks, and rushing rivers.
Here, everything feels intact and undiscovered. Prepare to witness the Ausangate trek Cusco experience at its finest: remote trails, turquoise lagoons, and the colorful stripes of the Rainbow Mountain, all guarded by the towering Ausangate Apu (Sacred Mountain).
Why Trek with Us?
- Stargazing: Spend your nights under the brightest stars and a Milky Way so colorful it will leave you stunned.
- Small Groups: We limit groups to a maximum of 10 trekkers to maximize your experience and safety.
- Local Impact: We employ local guides and staff, directly supporting the Andean communities we visit.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS This trek is challenging (Grade 4-5/5). You will be hiking above 14,000 ft (4,200 m). We highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting.
Are you ready to explore the wild, untouched side of Peru? The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days is a journey designed for brave souls seeking more than just a hike; it is an expedition into the heart of the Andes. This route is an out-of-the-ordinary adventure that will constantly take your breath away. Unlike crowded paths, the Ausangate trek offers silence and majesty. Each step takes you through a dramatic combination of wild desert landscapes, imposing glacia See More
Locations Visited:
Ausangate Mountain, Pucacocha Lake, Rainbow Mountain
Starting Altitude:
3800 masl = 12464 Pieds.
Highest Point:
5020 masl = 16469 Feet
Group:
2 pax min, max 10 paxs
Physical Grading:
5/5
- We have competitive prices
- Fast customer service all the time
- Guaranteed lifetime experience
- We have social responsibility, we do social work
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis Hot Springs
Journey to the foot of the Apu Ausangate.
Early Departure: We leave Cusco very early in our private van towards the town of Tinqui. The drive offers impressive views of the Vilcanota mountain range and traditional villages where we will stop for photos.
The Hike Begins: In Tinqui, our team prepares the horses with the camping equipment. We begin our 3-hour hike passing through agricultural communities, surrounded by the towering Andes.
Lunch & Hot Springs: After a lunch break, we hike for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m). Here, you will have a unique reward: relaxing in natural hot springs with a view of the glacier.
Camping Under the Stars: We camp at Upis. Prepare for a cold night warmed by a delicious dinner and the most spectacular starry sky you have ever seen.
BEAR IN MIND – DAY 1
- Walking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Walking Hours: 6 to 7 hours
- Highest Point: 4,400 masl (14,432 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: Upis (4,100 masl)
- Highlight: Upis Hot Springs
Day 02: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha Lake
Three colorful lakes and the majesty of the glacier.
Morning Ascent: After a power breakfast, we start climbing towards the Arapa Pass (4,850 m).
The View: From the pass, the contrast is breathtaking: dry desert hills meet snow-capped peaks. We will see the magnificent Ausangate and Pucacocha mountains.
The Three Lakes: We descend towards a stunning location featuring three lakes with shades of red, green, and turquoise: Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha.
Camping at the Glacier’s Edge: We continue until we reach our second campsite near the Ausangate Glacier. Sleeping this close to the ice is an unforgettable experience.
BEAR IN MIND – DAY 2
- Walking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Walking Hours: 7 to 8 hours
- Highest Point: Arapa Pass (4,850 masl / 15,908 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: Pucacocha Lake (4,400 masl)
- Physical Grading: 5/5 (Very Demanding)
Day 03: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Surine Cocha
High passes, vicuñas, and the first glimpse of the Rainbow.
A Greeting to the Apus: We start with a hot cup of coca tea. Today is arguably the most beautiful day of the trek.
Crossing the Passes: We climb for 1.5 hours to the Ausangate Pass (4,930 m). Keep your eyes open for vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas roaming the red mountains.
Cultural Connection: We descend to Alccatauri Village, where we witness the traditional hospitality of the locals. We will make an offering of coca leaves to the Apus—a valuable treasure in these high lands.
The First Glimpse: After lunch in a rustic home, we tackle the second pass: Minasniyuq Pass (5,020 m). Here, you get your first exclusive view of the Rainbow Mountain. We will make a small offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) in gratitude.
Descent to Camp: We walk downhill for 1 hour to our campsite at Surine Cocha (4,800 m), located on the shores of a beautiful lake.
BEAR IN MIND – DAY 3
- Walking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Walking Hours: 8 to 9 hours
- Highest Point: Minasniyuq Pass (5,020 masl / 16,469 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: Surine Cocha (4,800 masl)
Highlight: Vicuñas & Cultural Interaction
Day 04: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
The summit of colors and the return home.
The Grand Finale: After breakfast, we gradually walk for 2 hours to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,020 m.
Exploration: Your guide will explain the geology that creates these vibrant colors. You will have plenty of time for photos.
- Optional: If you still have energy, you can visit the Red Valley for a Mars-like landscape.
Descent & Return: We continue trekking to Quesiuno Village. After a 3-hour walk, we enjoy our farewell lunch.
Transfer to Cusco: Our private van will be waiting. After a 4-hour drive, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, ending the adventure of a lifetime.
BEAR IN MIND – DAY 4
- Walking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Walking Hours: 6 to 7 hours
- Highest Point: Rainbow Mountain (5,020 masl)
- Activity: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley (Optional)
Why Choose the Ausangate Trek?
This is not just a walk; it is a pilgrimage through the wildest landscapes of Peru. The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days connects you with the spirit of the Andes, away from the crowds and closer to the sky.Are you tough enough for the challenge? Book your adventure with the experts in high-altitude trekking.
Map
Inclusions
Includes:
- Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
- Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth on the Ausangate Pass
- Entrance tickets to Ausangate Park, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
- A duffel bag where you can put inside 08 kilos from your personal stuff (it will be carry by the horses or mules)
- Horses or mules and muleteer to carry camping equipments and cooking stuff
- Private Transportation to back to Cusco.
- Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put things inside
- Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
- Mattresses
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Professional Cook
- Snack for each day of trekking
- Boiled water to drink during the trek
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
- A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group
Doesn’t includes:
- Extra expense if you want to buy things along the trail
- Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
- Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
- Mineral water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in some campsites)
- First Breakfast and last lunch and dinner
- Extra Horse or mule to carry extra backpacks or to ride, each horse cost (150 dollars per Horse or mule)
- Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)
packing list
- Original Passport
- A valid student card if you book this trek as student (25 years old as máximum)
- Travel Insurance card (you have to le tus know the name of your Travel Insurance company and you travel Insurance Number)
- A small Day Pack
- Rain coat or Rain Poncho
- Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
- Trekking shirts and trekking pants
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Bottle of Water
- Flash Light
- Towel
- Toilet Paper
- Sun Block
- Sun Glasses
- Caps or Hats
- Gloves (for the first and second day)
- Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
- Sleeping Bags
- Walking sticks
- Personal use stuff (Face moisturizer, Handsanitizer, Tooth brush and paste,etc)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra money, especially in soles, to buy extra necessities during the trekking, also to tip the team. (optional)
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.
Price
PRICES FOR 2025-2026
| Number of People for GROUP SERVICE : | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 550 USD$ | 550 USD$ | 530 USD$ | 510 USD$ | 490 USD$ |
| Number of People for PRIVATE SERVICE: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 750 USD$ | 750 USD$ | 730 USD$ | 710 USD$ | 690 USD$ |
