Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
$650 USD per person
- Moderate
- 4 Days
- 12
- All Year
Experience an unforgettable 4-day adventure with the challenging trek through the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate and the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain!
Discover the unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, hike among sacred peaks, and be amazed by the stunning colors of the Rainbow Mountain. A journey full of adventure and culture is waiting for you! Often claimed to be an even prettier trek than Salkantay to Machu Picchu!
The average altitude of the area to be visited is 4,850 m (15,910 ft). It is very important that participants are well-acclimatized to the altitude before undertaking this hike.
Itinerary
We walk through agricultural communities and enjoy incredible views of the mountains and the lagoons below for about 3 hours before we stop for lunch. We then continue for another 2 hours until we reach Upis (4,100 m), where we relax in the hot springs before dinner. We end the day camping under the stars, the perfect start to a journey you won’t forget.
Meals: Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Start Altitude: 4,200 m
End Altitude: 4,100 m
Distance: ~5 hours
Be amazed by the vibrant colors of the Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha lakes, with their shades of red, green, and turquoise. At the end of the day, our campsite near the Ausangate glacier awaits to close the day on a high note. It will be an unforgettable experience with several stunning viewpoints!
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Min Altitude: 4,100 m
Max Altitude: 4,850 m
Distance: ~6 hours
After descending to Alccatauri (4,400 m), we share coca leaves with the locals, who reward us with their hospitality and a delicious lunch. We then begin another 1.5-hour ascent to Minasniyuq Pass (4,980 m), where the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m) are revealed to us. Here, we make an offering to Mother Earth, Pacha Mama. To finish, we descend for one more hour to the campsite by the beautiful Surinecocha Lake (4,800 m).
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Min Altitude: 4,400 m
Max Altitude: 4,980 m
Distance: ~6 hours
Afterwards, we descend for an hour to a parking (4,600 m) and a van that will take us to the village of Cusipata, where a delicious lunch awaits. When we feel full and content, we begin our return journey to Cusco, wrapping up an unforgettable experience. We’ll arrive at your hotel in Cusco around 6 PM — the perfect way to end an incredible day!
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch
Min Altitude: 4,600 m
Max Altitude: 5,020 m
Distance: ~3 hours
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel and transport to the trek
- 3 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 4 lunches, 3 teas and 3 dinners (vegetarian options)
- 3 nights accommodation in camp sites
- Horses and donkeys to carry additional equipment
- Entrance to Ausangate
- Entrance to Hot Springs
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain
- Certified bilingual guide
- Certified chef
- Tent and mattress
Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag
1. Rental Equipment
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -20°C (-0°F). Hiking Poles (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag $20 USD
- Hiking poles (pair) $15 USD
- Valid passport
- Trekking clothes (pants, socks, shorts, t-shirts, jacket)
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra cash (soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle
- Medium trekking backpack (25L)
- Toothbrush, toilet paper, medication
- Bathing suit and towel
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our offices or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimatize in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
Tour Consultant
Swedish travel and drone operator who has traveled over 55 countries!
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