Ausangate Trek and the Rainbow Mountain in 4 days / 3 nights

Physical Level:
Challenge
Max group size:
2 - 12 people
Distances:
37 km / 26.9 miles
Max. Altitude:
5,100 m / 16,732 ft

Trip Details

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Activities: Trekking, Camping
Average Group Size: 8 people
Difficulty: Challenge
Meals: 3 breakfast / 3 lunch / 3 dinner
Accommodation: 03 nights in camping tents
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Total Hiking Distance: 37 km / 26.9 miles
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)
Entrance permits: Rainbow Mountain
Starting Elevation: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
Minimum Elevation: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Rainbow Mountain – Logical Site Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft

OVERVIEW

Embark on the Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, a unique experience for hiking and nature lovers. Don’t miss this adventure if you are a passionate hiker looking to get off the beaten path and explore the stunning natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes and its small local communities.

The Ausangate Vinicunca Trek 4 Days 3 Nights is one of the best hikes in Peru, as it will take you through some of the most spectacular Andean landscapes. During the tour, you will be amazed by the imposing Ausangate Mountain, considered sacred by local communities, and the dazzling Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a natural gem that can only be seen in Peru and China.

Throughout this hike, you will see enormous glaciers, crystal-clear lagoons of intense colors, and herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep that beautify the landscape. The Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights invites you to live an unforgettable experience, where Andean culture, adventure, and nature merge in a magical journey through the mountains of Cusco.

TRIP ITINERARY

Begin the Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights with an unforgettable experience in the Andes of Cusco. We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. to begin our adventure to the town of Upis, on a journey of approximately three hours by private vehicle. Upis, located in the heart of the Cusco mountain range, offers stunning panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

Upon arrival, you will meet the team that will accompany you during the Ausangate Vinicunca Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, including local cooks and porters. From there, we’ll begin a hike along a wide trail that ascends to the northeast face of the spectacular Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

After about three hours of hiking through fields and traditional Andean houses, we’ll arrive at the Upis camp to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you can take an optional two-hour round-trip hike to Wayna Ausangate Lagoon, surrounded by a dreamy landscape.

Upon returning, we’ll enjoy tea time and then a hearty dinner. We’ll spend the night camping under the stars, protected by the imposing sacred mountains of Ausangate, the heart of this magical trekking route.

Total hiking distance:

10 km / 6.21 ml

Walking time:

5 hours

Campsite altitude:

4,400 m / 14,436 ft

Área:

Andes

Difficulty:

Moderate

Meals:

lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

camping tents

Weather:

sunny

We continue our adventure on the Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights waking up with a cup of hot coca tea or a delicious coffee to energize us before starting the hike. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast in the cool Andean heights, we will begin a hike of approximately two and a half hours through a beautiful high Andean valley towards the Arapa Pass, always accompanied by the impressive views of the Ausangate Glacier.

From the top of the pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), you will be amazed by the grandeur of the Andes and the power of nature. If you’re lucky, you might witness the majestic flight of the condor, the world’s largest flying bird. Our guide will share fascinating details about the flora and fauna that inhabit this sacred region.

Then we’ll descend to the shimmering Yanacocha Lagoon (Black Lagoon), where the reflection of the sky creates a landscape worthy of photography. We’ll continue for another hour until we reach Hatun Pukaqocha, enjoying spectacular panoramic views along the way, ideal for capturing unforgettable memories of the Ausangate Vinicunca Trek 4 Days 3 Nights.

Here we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the mountains, and in the afternoon we’ll explore the nearby lagoons while relaxing with hot mates. As night falls, we’ll enjoy a comforting dinner and share stories with the group before resting at our campsite, under the starry blanket of the Andes.

Total hiking distance:

11 km / 6.84 ml.

Walking time:

6 hours

Campsite altitude:

4,500 m / 14,764 ml

Área:

Andes

Difficulty:

moderate

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation:

camping tent

Weather:

sunny and dry

On our third day of the Ausangate Trek 4 days 3 nights, we will wake up with a revitalizing hot coca mate, an ancestral tradition of the Incas that will fill us with energy to face a spectacular day. After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the mountains, we will begin a two-hour hike to Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft).

During the ascent, we will enjoy breathtaking landscapes: resplendent glaciers, green valleys, and deep blue lagoons that reflect the majestic presence of Apu Ausangate, Cusco’s most sacred mountain. From the summit, you can feel the powerful energy of this protective apu and admire the immensity of the Chilca Valley, home to free-roaming llamas and alpacas.

Upon reaching the highest point, the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain Range is revealed before us, whose multicolored stripes announce the proximity of Vinicunca. After a short break for photography, we will slowly descend for an hour and a half to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by a dreamy landscape.

After a short break, we will continue the hike for two more hours to Warisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From here, the horizon opens up completely before our eyes, offering us one of the most sublime views of the Ausangate Vinicunca Trek 4 Days 3 Nights. Finally, we’ll descend for an hour to the Surineqocha lagoon, where our camp is located.

We’ll enjoy a magical sunset behind Rainbow Mountain, a perfect moment to connect with nature and find inner peace. We’ll close the day with a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest under the starry sky of the Andes.

Walking distance:

10 km / 6.2 ml

Walking time:

6-7 hours

Accommodation altitude:

4,800 m / 15,748 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate

Area:

Andes mountains

Weather:

sunny and dry

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

camping tents

On the last day of the Ausangate Trek 4 days 3 nights, we will wake up very early, at 4:00 a.m., to enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on the final hike to Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca. This will be one of the most anticipated moments of the entire trip: the sunrise dyeing the multicolored slopes of the Andean valley with golden light.

For an hour, you will have the opportunity to explore and photograph this natural spectacle without the large crowds. Our expert guide will take you to the best viewpoints and explain the fascinating origin of the mineral pigments that give life to the mountain’s vibrant colors. You’ll also learn how this destination was “discovered” just a few years ago and why it’s now considered one of South America’s most impressive natural wonders.

The landscape of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain seems otherworldly, comparable only to the geological formations of China. Here you’ll feel a deep connection with nature and the tranquility that only the Andes can offer. Take a deep breath, gaze at the horizon, and revel in the thrill of completing the Ausangate Vinicunca Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After enjoying the panoramic views from the lookout point (about a 45-minute hike), we’ll begin the two-hour descent to the traditional Andean villages of Llacto, where locals still preserve ancestral customs. Along the way, you’ll see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely.

To close out this unforgettable adventure, we’ll share a delicious final meal with our team before boarding the private transport that will take us back to Cusco, marking the end of a magical journey through Peru’s sacred mountains.

Note: You can book this tour even if you’re traveling alone, as services are shared and prices are in US dollars. For any additional questions, please feel free to email us.

Walking distance:

6.5 km / 4.04 mi

Walking time:

5 hours

Difficulty:

Moderate

Area:

Andes

Weather:

warm and dry

Meals:

breakfast

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

  • Pre-departure Briefing
    You’ll meet your tour guide and group for an orientation before the trek.
  • Permits & Entrance Tickets
    Entry to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
    As soon as we get your complete information and the payment required to book your reservation, we will purchase all necessary permits.
  • Experienced Tour Guide
    The official tour guide speaks both English and Spanish. All of our guides have finished a professional tourism program. We chose them for their knowledge, experience, responsibility, seriousness, boundless excitement for inquiry, and real desire to proudly share our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable throughout your travel, allowing you to enjoy yourself without worry!
  • Accommodation
    Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
    Night 1, 2 and 3.- Camping tents, spacious 4 season mountain cuadruple tents only for a double occupancy
    *Accommodation is double
  • Meals
    3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
    Our chef prepares the most delicious food in the center of the mountains. Our passengers love our food! We accommodate all diets (vegetarian, vegan, and special menus are available at no extra charge), so please specify any specific allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
  • Duffle Bag Service for 7 Kg
    During the informational session, you will be issued a duffel bag that can hold up to 7 kg of personal gear. Our personnel will transport these duffle bags on horses during the trek, and you will have access to them at each campground. This allows you to hike comfortably using only a daypack. When you finish your trek and return to Cusco, you can conveniently leave the duffle bags at your hotel.
  • Water on the trail
    From the first lunch until the final breakfast, we will provide you with lots of water. We’ll provide boiled water that has been filtered and cooled. Please bring a camel bag or an empty bottle. We propose a two-liter volume. You will be able to refill your bottles during each meal.
  • Wake up tea
    Every morning at the campsite, you will be awoken with a cup of steaming coca tea. Our crew will deliver the tea to your tent, ensuring that you are toasty from the inside out before starting your day.
    Tea Time or Happy Hour
    Every afternoon before supper, the kitchen will give you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, and hot water. After a long day of trekking, you won’t have to wait until evening to unwind, warm up, and eat!
  • Products for hygiene
    You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
  • Transportation
    Day 1: Transport from your hotel to Upis, the starting point of the trek
    Day 4: Transport from Llacto to your hotel in Cusco
    On days 1, 2, 3, and 4, cargo mules will haul all camping equipment as well as your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will take care of your duffel bag and personal things, which they will pass over to you when you arrive at each campsite.
  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
    Our guides have all had specialised first-aid training. We have mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. In the event of a minor emergency, your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen on hand. If necessary, we will immediately evacuate you from the path and bring you to a clinic for treatment.
  • 24/7 customer service.

What is not included?

  • Hiking equipment
    To camp, each of our travelers must provide a sleeping bag. Inflatable mattresses and hiking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but strongly encouraged. If you don’t have them, don’t worry; you can rent them from us.
    Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
    Trekking poles (pair): US$ 15.00
  • Tips for our staff
    Tipping is usual on all trips to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire staff well, any additional compensation is always welcomed, especially given how hard they work. Typically, group members gather their tips and distribute them to the porters and chefs together.
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control
    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

What to Pack?

If you’re planning to embark on the Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, you’ll need to pack what you need for the four-day trip. Below are some important items you should consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
  • Moisture-wicking hiking socks
  • Quick-drying pants
  • Lightweight t-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Fleece jacket or sweater
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Hat or cap
  • Gloves

SLEEPING GEAR:

  • Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you do not have you can rent one from the company
  • Pillow (optional)

TREKKING GEAR:

  • Backpack of 30 to 40 liters
  • Hiking poles, if you do not have you can rent from the company
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle or hydration system
  • Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Passport and necessary documents
  • Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
  • Portable charger for electronic devices
  • Lightweight towel

What our customers say on Tripadvisor

star rating  Bonita experiencia para los recuerdos el valle sagrado de los incas bellos lugares  - Vistas increíbles, bonitos lugares llenos de energía también excelente paisajes para tomar fotos con amigos y familiares

avatar thumb Joshua valentin V
July 17, 2025

star rating  Muy bueno - Muy bonito todo, muy amables todos. La guía espectacular nos explicaba cada detalle. Muy recomendado. Gracia a todos por su servicio

avatar thumb Jeison U
January 1, 1970

star rating  Excelentes planificando vacaciones, todo super genial  - Excelente para poder planear nuestras vacaciones en familia, los lugares muy mágicos y bonitos. Sin duda alguna super recomendado

avatar thumb Karen C
January 1, 1970

star rating  Todos fueron amables, fue divertido y la pasé bien.  - Fueron muy amables, la pase muy bien, todo fue tranquilo y divertido, recomiendo mucho a los que desean viajar con esta agencia.

avatar thumb ANGIE GUADALUPE C
January 1, 1970