Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 3 Days

At dawn, our team will gently wake us with a warm smile and a cup of coca tea. We’ll then enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast while gazing at the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft) glowing under the morning sun. Energized and ready, we start our journey across the vast plains of Upis Pampa, where the crisp Andean air fills our lungs and herds of alpacas and llamas wander freely through the golden grasslands.

As we move forward, the trail begins to rise gradually, taking us through valleys surrounded by colorful ridges and distant snow-capped peaks shimmering in the light. Our first stop is the beautiful Yanacocha, or “Black Lake,” a serene glacial lagoon framed by rugged reddish and brown mountains rich in volcanic minerals. After taking some time to relax and capture its peaceful beauty, we continue our trek toward the larger and equally stunning Pucacocha Lagoon, known for its surreal contrast of deep turquoise waters and vibrant red slopes.
Here, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch by the lakeshore, savoring each bite while soaking in one of the most enchanting mountain sceneries of the Ausangate region.

After lunch, the adventure continues as we climb steadily toward Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). The ascent is challenging, yet each step rewards us with ever-expanding views. From the top, the panorama is nothing short of breathtaking—towering glaciers, shimmering lakes, and a kaleidoscope of Andean colors stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a moment that invites silence, awe, and gratitude.

Descending from the pass, we enter a tranquil highland valley dotted with grazing alpacas and untouched wilderness. The soft sound of the wind accompanies us until we reach Hananta Camp (4,750 m / 15,583 ft), beautifully nestled between colorful hills and mighty glaciers. Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted with a comforting cup of tea and later enjoy a hearty buffet dinner. Under the starlit sky, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the Andes, we rest and prepare for another extraordinary day that will take us closer to the legendary Rainbow Mountain.

We rise before dawn, around 4:30 AM, at our serene mountain camp in Hananta (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), surrounded by the peaceful majesty of the Andes. After a comforting early breakfast, we prepare for the final push toward the legendary Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). As we ascend, the first light of day begins to paint the peaks in shades of rose and gold. From the top, the horizon reveals one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders — the majestic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft).

Our goal is to reach Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive, allowing us to experience its pure magic in total tranquility and capture the first golden rays of sunrise touching its colorful slopes. Standing there, breathing the thin, crisp Andean air while gazing at this kaleidoscope of colors, feels nothing short of spiritual. The land unfolds in waves of red, yellow, turquoise, and emerald — hues born from minerals that have shaped this sacred mountain for millennia. It’s one of those rare moments when time seems to stop — a true highlight of the Ausangate Trek.

From Rainbow Mountain, our journey continues to the enchanting Red Valley (Valle Rojo), just a 30-minute walk away. The trail is pure magic — winding through fiery crimson hills and golden slopes that shimmer beneath the highland sun. Each step feels like entering another world, where the silence of the Andes is broken only by the soft whisper of the wind and the sight of grazing alpacas and llamas. The views are absolutely surreal — a paradise for photographers and one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in all of Ausangate Peru.

After exploring both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, we descend to Llactoc (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), where our talented chef awaits with a well-deserved buffet lunch surrounded by mountain views. Afterward, our private transportation will take us back to Cusco, giving us one last chance to admire the stunning Andes through the window — a perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.

This marks the conclusion of an extraordinary high-altitude adventure — a seamless blend of culture, nature, and pure Andean wonder — an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.