Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain
- 4 Days
- Challenging
- 4.99 (500 + reviews)
tour highlights
Ausangate Mountain
Pucacocha Lakes
Arapa Pass
Rainbow Mountain
Andean Communities
Hot Springs
Ausangate Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights – General Overview
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights is an unforgettable high-altitude trekking adventure through the spectacular Vilcanota Mountain Range in Cusco, Peru. This challenging route takes you through snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, colorful valleys, traditional Andean communities, and landscapes inhabited by llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
Throughout the trek, you’ll reach elevations of more than 5,000 meters above sea level, including the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The route also offers the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs of Upis and experience the spiritual connection between the Andean communities and Pachamama (Mother Earth).
The 4-Day Ausangate Trek is ideal for experienced hikers and adventure travelers looking for an authentic high-altitude experience away from the busiest tourist routes. Due to the elevation and demanding terrain, proper acclimatization and good physical condition are strongly recommended.
Duration
4 Days / 3 NightsDifficulty
ChallengingStarting Point
Cusco HotelAltitude
5,020 m / 16,470 ft – Rainbow MountainGroup Size
Small GroupsLanguage
English & SpanishTransportation
Tourist Transportation IncludedGuide
Professional Lares Trekking GuideAusangate Trek 4 Days – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis Hot Springs
Your Ausangate Trek begins early in the morning with private transportation from Cusco to Tinki, a traditional Andean village located near the starting point of the trek.
Cusco – Tinki
During the journey, enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and pass through traditional communities and highland landscapes. There will be opportunities to stop for photographs and appreciate the local scenery.
Breakfast in Tinki
Upon arrival in Tinki, enjoy breakfast while the muleteers organize the group's camping equipment and luggage.
Trek to Upis
The trek then begins through agricultural communities and impressive mountain landscapes. Hike for approximately 3 hours before stopping for lunch.
After lunch, continue trekking for approximately 2 more hours until reaching Upis (4,100 m / 13,451 ft).
Upis Hot Springs
In the afternoon, relax in the natural Upis hot springs, surrounded by spectacular views of the Andes. After dinner, spend the night at the campsite.
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha
After breakfast, begin one of the most spectacular sections of the Ausangate Trek.
Upis – Arapa Pass
The trail gradually ascends toward Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views contrasting the dry high-altitude landscapes with the snow-covered peaks of Ausangate Mountain, the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
Pucacocha Lakes
Continue through an area surrounded by beautiful glacial lakes, including Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha, whose waters display striking shades of turquoise, green, and red.
Camp Near Pucacocha
After enjoying the scenery and taking photographs, continue toward the second campsite near Pucacocha Lake, located close to the Ausangate Glacier.
Spend the evening surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery before dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Minasniyuq Pass – Surinecocha
Day three is considered one of the most spectacular stages of the Ausangate Trek.
Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass
After breakfast, begin an approximately 1.5-hour ascent toward Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,175 ft).
From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of colorful mountains and the surrounding high-altitude landscapes. Depending on conditions, you may also have the opportunity to observe vicuñas, alpacas, and other Andean wildlife.
Descent to Alccatauri
Continue descending for approximately 2 hours toward Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), a traditional Andean community where you can learn more about local life and culture.
Minasniyuq Pass
After visiting the community, continue with a short uphill section of approximately 30 minutes toward a rustic lodge where lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, continue toward Minasniyuq Pass, reaching approximately 5,020 m / 16,470 ft.
From here, enjoy your first impressive views of the colorful Rainbow Mountain landscapes and, according to local traditions, participate in a respectful offering to Pachamama.
Descent to Surinecocha
Finally, descend for approximately 1 hour toward Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you'll spend the night beside the beautiful Surine Lake.
Day 4: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Quesiuno – Cusco
After breakfast, begin the final day of your Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain.
Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain
Hike gradually uphill for approximately 2 hours until reaching Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, located at approximately 5,020 m / 16,470 ft.
Explore Rainbow Mountain
At the viewpoint, take time to admire the spectacular multicolored landscape created by different mineral deposits.
Your professional guide will explain the geological characteristics of the mountain and help you find the best viewpoints for photographs.
Rainbow Mountain – Quesiuno
After enjoying Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding Andes, begin the descent toward Quesiuno. The approximately 2.5-hour descent takes you through the impressive Red Valley, offering a completely different perspective of the high-altitude landscape.
Quesiuno – Cusco
Upon reaching Quesiuno, enjoy lunch before meeting your private transportation for the return journey to Cusco.
Arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-Day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain adventure.
Inclusions
What's Included in the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Included
- Airport transfer in Cusco, available upon request.
- Professional local trekking guide throughout the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek.
- Professional trekking chef to prepare fresh and nutritious meals during the trek.
- Porters and muleteers to assist with camping equipment, food, and trekking supplies.
- Horses and mules for transporting food, camping equipment, and designated trekking gear.
- 7 kg duffel bag for your personal belongings during the Choquequirao trekking route.
- Hotel pickup and return transportation in Cusco.
- All transportation required throughout the five-day Choquequirao Trek.
- Boiled drinking water provided during the trek.
- All meals during the trekking program.
- Special dietary options, including vegetarian options, available upon advance request.
- Comfortable camping equipment, including dining tents, tables, and chairs.
- Eureka tents shared by a maximum of two trekkers.
- Foam sleeping mattress for comfortable nights at camp.
- Hot-water bottles to help keep you warm during cold high-altitude nights.
- First-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication available during the trek.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, and trekking poles. These items can be rented through our service, subject to availability.
- Dinner on Day 5 after returning to Cusco.
- Tips for guides, chefs, porters, muleteers, and support staff (optional).
- Travel insurance. Comprehensive coverage for trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation is highly recommended.
- Personal expenses and services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time for the Ausangate Trek in Cusco is generally from May to September, during the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. These months usually offer less rainfall, more stable weather, and clearer skies for spectacular views of the mountains and glacial lakes. However, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, so warm thermal clothing and suitable trekking equipment are essential.
During the 4-Day Ausangate Trek, hikers typically walk between 5 and 8 hours per day, depending on the route, group pace, weather, and trail conditions. The total distance is approximately 40–50 km, with demanding ascents and descents at high altitude. Maintaining a steady pace and taking regular breaks is important to manage energy levels throughout the trek.
It is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and stay well hydrated throughout the trek. Depending on the tour operator, drinking water may be provided and treated using filters or purification tablets. Travelers should generally aim to drink around 2–3 liters of water per day, especially when hiking at elevations above 4,000 meters. Additional bottled water may be available for purchase at some points along the route.
The Ausangate Trek offers spectacular high-altitude landscapes, including the majestic Ausangate Mountain, colorful glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and native Andean wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Depending on the itinerary, travelers can also experience traditional Andean communities, natural hot springs, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Recommendations for the Ausangate Trek 4 Days
Aclimatación en Cusco
Aclimátese en Cusco durante al menos 2 días antes de comenzar el Ausangate Trek para adaptarse a la gran altitud.
Ropa térmica
Lleve ropa térmica y adecuada para el frío, ya que las temperaturas pueden descender considerablemente en las zonas de gran altitud.
Botas de trekking
Use botas de trekking cómodas, impermeables y con buena tracción para caminar sobre terrenos rocosos e irregulares.
Protección solar
Lleve protector solar, gafas de sol y sombrero o gorra para protegerse de la intensa radiación solar en altura.
Hidratación
Manténgase bien hidratado durante el trekking y siga las recomendaciones adecuadas ante posibles síntomas relacionados con la altitud.
Linterna frontal
Lleve una linterna frontal con baterías adicionales para las salidas temprano por la mañana y las noches en los campamentos.
Snacks y agua
Lleve snacks energéticos y una botella de agua reutilizable para mantenerse con energía durante las largas jornadas de caminata.
Saco de dormir
Se recomienda un saco de dormir abrigador con una temperatura de confort cercana a -10 °C para las noches frías en altura.
Turismo responsable
Respete el entorno natural y las comunidades locales, evite dejar basura y siga prácticas responsables durante el trekking.
Dinero en efectivo
Lleve dinero extra, preferiblemente en soles peruanos, para baños termales, gastos personales y servicios opcionales.
Equipaje esencial
Lleve únicamente lo necesario y utilice equipo adecuado para la ruta de alta montaña del Ausangate Trek y Rainbow Mountain.
$480 USD
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- Operador turístico local
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- Experiencia en grupos pequeños
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