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Ausangate trek Plus rainbow mountain 5 days: explore the unspoiled nature and remote Ausangate circuit, including the impressive rainbow mountain, on a 5-day trek around the foothills of the wonderful snow-capped sacred mountain (“Apu”) of Ausangate (6380 m / 20931ft), which is the highest mountain region of Cusco. Throughout the Ausangate circuit we will pass through local villages, where people dress in their typical local clothing. Our incredible and unique Ausangate trek itinerary will take you to discover the most beautiful landscape of the Peruvian Andes. with its dazzling Ausangate peaks and glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes, rainbow mountains, hot springs, where llamas and alpacas walk freely. In addition, the Ausangate trek is one of the most scenic, high altitude treks in Peru that traverses high altitude passes (5,000mt / 16,000ft).
Our Mother Nature will surprise you with an impressive display of vibrant and varied colors spread over the high peaks of Cusco. Remember that when you put your eyes on Rainbow Mountain, you’ll be contemplating millions of years of geological history and a natural wonder that’s not repeated on almost any other corner of the planet. You can also feel extreme tranquillity as you walk through the surreal Red Valley, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and beautiful slopes. At times, your only company will be alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Also, from time to time, you’ll be able to observe the daily life of the Andean communities that are located in that sector.
It is not easy to believe in the beauty of the Andean night skies if you do not see them with your own eyes. Let the constellations and shooting stars hypnotize you before sleeping in our comfortable tents that you will find ready, with mattresses and pillows, as soon as you arrive. So why not escape the hordes of tourists that saturate Cusco? Come and join us on this memorable route to one of the true wonders of Mother Nature.
To start our 5 day Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain, our expert trekking guide will pick you up at 5 am from your hotel in Cusco and then, we will drive in our private vehicle for approximately 3.5 hours to the trailhead of Ausangate trek. Along the journey, we will pass through different colorful villages following the highway to Puerto Maldonado. After driving for 3 hours, we stop at Tinque (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) to use a bathroom and buy something we forgot to buy in Cusco and then continue driving for 30 minutes on a dirt road to reach the beginning of the trail.
Upon arrival to the trailhead, called Upis Village (4,250m / 13.943 ft). We will have time to organize our daypack and duffle bags while our trekking cook prepares the breakfast and then, we will enjoy the first breakfast with spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and Apu Ausangate peak (sacred mountain) located just in front of our trekking trail, while our muleteers organize and pack the equipment for the hike. After breakfast, before starting the hike, the tour guide will introduce you to the staff of the company that will be on the Ausanagte Circuit with you.
Our trek to Ausangate begins on a small path that winds through the Andean potato and grain fields. The first three hours of hiking run over hilly pampa crossing some streaming and slight rise where you see some Andean row of houses built like in their ancestor’s time. As we hike through the spiky ichu grass of the pampa, we will have a chance to see some Andean gulls hovering on the wind, also we hike nearby of small ponds around Upis which is a perfect habitat for the Andean bird. Just before the community of Upis (4,400m / 14,435 ft), we will enter by broad valley heading towards the glacier where we’ll enjoy our lunch just right at the base of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m. 20,900 ft.).
After eating the delicious lunch, we will continue ascending for 2 hours to Arapa Pass (4,800mt./15,748ft.). At the top of the pass, we will have stunning views of eroded mountains, highland valleys and wonderful view of the Ausangate Mountain behind it. From the pass, we trek across an arid hillside for 20 minutes and then we descend, sometimes quite steeply, for 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to the first campsite, called Yana Qocha (4,570m / 14,993 ft ), which is a place with amazing views around of the Ausangate mountain. Once we get to the Yana Qocha camp, we will have free time to take a rest or walk around the campsite before the happy hours (afternoon tea), followed by dinner. Durant the dinner, the trek leader will tell you the scheduled wake time for the next day.
Our staff will wake us up and then, we will enjoy the nutritious breakfast. After breakfast, we will begin our hike along a gently sloping trail (up and down), into a valley blue glacial lakes and waterfalls. This section of the Ausangate trail is one of the most picturesque ones, which is located along the impressive Ausangate Mountain (6,384mt. / 20,945ft.). After hiking for 1 and a half hours along these beautiful and colorful glacial lakes, called Yana Qocha (black lake) and Puca Qocha (red lake), we will start hiking up on a switchback trail to Puka Qocha Pass (4,760 m / 15,616 ft).
At the top of the pass, we will be impressed by the beautiful views of Ausangante Mountain, the lagoons below, formed by a melting glacier. In front of us, we will have an extraordinary vantage point to look down and see the snow-capped mountains going in different directions and the red valleys of the highlands with colorful mountains and an untouched landscape. Afterwards, we will take advantage of some great photographic opportunities and begin our descent into the valley, walking close to some freely grazing llamas and alpacas.
Then we will climb to reach our lunch spot called Ananta (4750 m / 15,583 ft), located in a highland valley with incredible views everywhere and some llamas grazing nearby. Following lunch, we continue trekking uphill for 2 hours to reach to the Warmisaya Pass (5100 m / 16,732 ft), from this pass, we will be able to spot the Rainbow Mountain in a further distance and views are still very impressive. After witnessing the views and taking some pictures, we will walk the last 30-45 minutes downhill to reach the second camp located at Qomer Qocha (4,570m / 14,993ft). At the camp, we will enjoy afternoon tea and dinner and then go to sleep, because the next day we will get up early to explore the amazing Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
This morning, the wake-up time will very early to go and explore the painted hill or Vinicunca “Rainbow Mountain Peru”, to beat the large crowds and explore in solitude and take pictures. We only take what we need. Typically, the sky is clear and full of stars. The hiking path is uphill for about 1 and 30 minutes before reaching to the famous Rainbow Mountain.
When we arrive at the epic Rainbow Mountain, we will soak up incredible views of the Painted Hill or Vinicunca also called the 7-Color Mountain(5,100 m / 16,732 ft.), in the Vilcanota range and we will receive information from your tour guide as to why these mountains are unique! After exploring for approximately 45 minutes (depending on your trekking speed and weather conditions), we return to our camp by the same path we took, along the way, we will have the opportunity to see some farmers who still use llamas as in the time of the Incas.
Once we arrive at the camp, we will have time to rest and enjoy the delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will walk for 3 hours to the third camp, called Ausangate Qocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) following the path along the skirt of the colorful mountains. Subsequently, we will arrive at the camp where we will enjoy afternoon tea before being served an amazing dinner.
After another wonderful breakfast, we begin another challenging and rewarding day. We will climb steeply for 3 hours along the shores of the lagoon Ausangate Qocha and the glacial moraine to the highest point of the Ausangate Circuit, which is the Palomani Pass (5,200m / 17,060 ft). Besides, the trail ascends between the red bluffs of apacheta (mound of stones) and peaceful mountains. Where we will walk with our goal of reaching the highest point
At the highest point of the entire Ausangate trek 5-day, we’ll snap the unique pictures and soak up the gratification of our achievement. Looking down the stunning valleys and Peruvian Andes (The Andes Mountain Range). After taking pictures at the pass, we will begin our descent following the trail as it loops across the steep slope passing corrals and herds of llamas and alpacas.
After having lunch, we climb over the hilly terrain surrounding the peak of Ausangate, toward a marshy area to reach the upper level of the valley where is our basecamp. Upon arrival at basecamp of Qampa camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), we will rest and have hot drinks. Likewise, around the camp amid these rocks and bounders, you will have an opportunity to see viscachas muted brown in color (rodent in extinsión danger like a rabbit with a long tail). At dinner time, your guide will provide the plan for the next day.
After breakfast, this morning we leave Qampa base camp with beautiful views of Huayna Ausangate Mountain through the Andean typical houses ascending step by step for about 2.5 hours towards Qampa Pass that is an altitude of (5,070m / 16,633ft). Along the way, we will be amazed by snow-capped peaks and also is possible to see an ice-cape in the ravine below.
From the Qampa pass, we continue descending to gorgeous Qomercocha (green lake) located in the skirt of the Puka Moqo (Red Mountain). Finally, we reach to Pacchanta village to have the last lunch prepared by our chef, furthermore, at Pachanta you will have a chance to soak the natural hot spring before or after lunch, before taking transportation to Cusco. Our Ausangate Trek 5 Days to the Rainbow Mountain will end at your hotel in Cusco.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate trek + Rainbow Mountain 5 days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
I did the Ausangate trek 5 days and rainbow mountain with my girlfriend and we absolutely loved it. By chance, no one else had booked for the same dates as us and so we essentially got a private tour. Our tour guide, Adolfo, was absolutely brilliant in every way. He was extremely knowledgeable and informed about Peruvian culture and history, as well as the flora and fauna along the trek. He was also very passionate about sharing his knowledge, which both my girlfriend and I really appreciated. He was also patient when we needed a rest, always allowing us to continue along the trail at pace that we felt was comfortable. He was also just great company and had a great sense of humour, which was obviously really important as we spent the vast majority of the four days together. Adolfo was great and I really don’t think the tour would have been as good with a different guide!
We were also treated to amazing food three times a day by our head chef Elio and sous chef Julia. They worked tirelessly and wowed us with what delicious food they could produce in such remote locations, thousands of metres above sea level. They even made us a cake on our third day to our amazement! Finally, our horseman Toribio was extremely attentive, hard working and efficient, always having our campsite ready for us when we arrived for our rest each day. We loved this experience and its something we’ll never forget, thanks Adolfo and Peru Hike company!
From the start at pickup, to the time they dropped us off back in Cusco, the trip was extremely organized and ran like a well oiled “blue machine”. The entire team was extremely professional. Our guide Santiago made us feel like family, and took care of us like one. We were blown away by every meal created by the chef Tongo, and the horseman ensured everything ran smoothly. The Ausangate and Rainbow mountain trek 5 days was beautiful and the hot springs at the end of the trek was a lovely surprise. I can not say enough good things about this company and trail, and hope to join Peru Hike company on another expedition in the near future.
We booked Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek 5 days with Peru Hike company and can highly recommend it!
First of all, a HUGE thank you to the staff: Saul was such a caring guide and handled even difficult, unforeseen situations in the best possible way. We had a great time and really enjoyed the tour with him. Gregori, our chef, did an outstanding job and the food was just wow! Victor, our horseman, and Walter, our porter, were both very hard working and did great as well.
The hike itself was wonderful and adventurous. It led us through fantastic landscapes, stunning valleys and beautiful lakes. The last day of the trip, when we visited 7 lakes and pacchanta hot springs, was the absolute highlight.
We would like to thank “our” four guys again for their exeptional work so we could make unfortettable memories!
Far exceeded my expectations – great food and an authentic adventure. Hike was not necessarily easy, but every moment was worth it. The crew did a great job of providing an immersive experience I won’t soon forget. Lucio was the best guide for our Ausangate and rainbow mountain trek!
I went on the Ausangate trek 5 days with my sister, and though I did not totally know what she had signed me up for, it turned out to be an amazing and perspective-shifting experience. Thanks to Rony and the wonderful team of porters and chef, we were totally taken care of throughout the five days of high altitude hiking and exploring. We felt like, although we were all sticking to a schedule of where we would eat, sleep, and places we would go, we were able to go at our own pace, and take time to appreciate the beautiful journey we were undertaking. Highlights include meeting the Inca family in their home, running into a young Inca alpaca herder on a high mountain with her herd, the excellent meals provided day in and day out, the ausangate 7 lakes tour, and of course the pacchanta hot springs. So very recommended! We felt that the value of our trip was extremely high. And thank you to our guide Rony for his humor, care, and fortitude as he guided us through the mountains and answered any and all questions we had about Inca culture with grace! 10/10
