Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain – 4 Days
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days Adventure in the Peruvian Andes is a unique adventure experience in the Andes, taking you through breathtaking landscapes with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and the iconic Rainbow Mountains. This classic trek offers stunning views and is perfect for those seeking an authentic connection with nature.
Throughout the trek, which reaches altitudes of up to 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level, you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and comfort with well-organized camps offering a “glamping” experience. The route passes by high peaks and scenic passes, such as the PukaCocha Pass and the Rainbow Mountain Pass, where you’ll be surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.
Along with stunning landscapes, you’ll also savor delicious Peruvian cuisine and spot native wildlife like wild vicuñas and majestic birds such as falcons. This trek is ideal for those who want to experience the true magic of the Andes.
Overview:
We will pick you up at 5:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco in our private van. After a 3-hour drive (about 100 km) northeast, we will reach the trailhead at Upis (4,226 m / 13,864 ft), where you will meet our trekking team (cook and horse driver). You will have breakfast here before starting the trek.
From the beginning, you will enjoy stunning views of the Ausangate Glacier and the Vilcanota Mountain Range. We will walk through gentle, undulating terrain for about 3 hours, with spectacular views of herds of llamas and alpacas, as well as Andean geese. We will arrive at Upis, where we will have lunch and set up camp. After a well-deserved nap, we will explore the Huayna Ausangate Lake, located at the base of the Ausangate Glacier. In the evening, enjoy hot drinks and popcorn during “Happy Hour” before a delicious dinner.
We won’t miss the nearby hot springs, where we will relax and spend the night under the stars, with a view of the Milky Way.
The day begins with a wake-up call and coca tea or coffee in your tent to start the day gently. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our excellent cook, we will begin our hike through the Andes, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and wildlife, such as llamas, alpacas, condors, and chinchillas. Your guide will share interesting facts about the area as you walk and enjoy the scenery.
We will start with a gentle 2.5-hour ascent to the highest pass, Arapa (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). From the pass, you’ll be treated to colorful mountain and lake views. After a short break, we will descend for 1.5 hours to reach PukaCocha Lake, where we will have lunch and set up camp. After lunch, you will have time to explore the area and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Wake up with coca tea and enjoy the stunning mountain views around you. After a delicious breakfast, we will start our hike to the PukaCocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), which will take about 2 hours. From the pass, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Ausangate Mountain and surrounding lakes. After taking some photos, we will head to Ananta (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for lunch and rest.
Afterward, we’ll continue with a gentle 2-hour uphill hike to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where we’ll catch our first glimpse of our destination: Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. We will then descend for an hour to reach SurineCocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where we will camp near the lagoon, just below Rainbow Mountain.
On the final day, we’ll have an early breakfast before hiking for 1 hour on a gentle path to reach Rainbow Mountain. We’ll be the first to witness the sunrise over the vibrant, multicolored slopes of the mountain. After enjoying this breathtaking view, we’ll hike for another 1.5 hours through the surreal Red Valley, where the landscape looks otherworldly.
Your expert guide will explain the geological formations of Rainbow Mountain, answering any questions you may have. After taking in the scenery, we’ll have lunch and then take the bus back to Cusco.
Field Staff:
High Quality Service and Safety
Permits and Entrance Tickets
Camping Equipment
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Camping Equipment
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Emergency horse in case we need it.
Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).
Emergency oxygen bottle.
Sleeping Bag.(US$15.00)
Trekking Stick(US$15.00)
× Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and Guide)
× Travel Insurance
× Extra expenses
Upgrades
× Private Tent – US$30.00
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
