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Enjoy and explore the sacred peak of 4 Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Ausangate Peak 6372 mt) which is still one of the savage peaks of the peruvian andes and also as main lord of the locals from Cusco and ending in the natural multi colors of the Rainbow Mountain in peru (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). even recently ranked by national geographic as one of the best option in Cusco, that way we are lunching our hiking through some isolated communities, in which you may interact with local who are still keeping the culture and traditions alive! Where we have chance to see snow capped peaks around, herds of llamas and alpacas and vicunas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range. The Ausangate Trek Peru is one of the best option on the region and you’ll likely not see another trekker.
Ausangate Trek 4 Days Highlight
Itinerary
We set off early from Cusco driving to Upis Rainbow mountain by private van to the small village of Tinqui. Where will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional locals villages on the way we have time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui, 4 days Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain start, we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 3,810 m / 12, 564 ft
Maximum Elevation: 4,500 m / 14,532 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Early morning we wake you up with nice coca tea ,and then time to puck our staff for 40 minutes After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp site and get started on our hike to vinicunca rainbow mountain for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass which over (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 4,300 m / 13,560 ft
Maximum Elevation: 4,890 m / 15,909 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Today, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure. J.
The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red vinicunca rainbow mountain and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.
After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,410 m / 14,455 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.
Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.
After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the vinicunca Rainbow Mountain(5,023 m / 16,489 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The remainder of the day´s hike is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
Minimum Elevation: 4,410 m /14,455 ft
Maximum Elevation: 5,023 m / 16,489 ft
Walking Distance: 12 km/ 7miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Demanding
Wake up call with nicce coca tea , After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m / 16,480 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible vinicunca rainbow mountain and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Minimum Elevation: 5,030 m / 16,480 ft
Maximum Elevation: 11 km /6.4 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Group Service
Private groups Price
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Optional upgrade:
Optional upgrade (Need to book in advance):
Undoubtedly, the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is one of the wonders of Peru, and Andean Path Travel’s main priority is to make it a life-changing adventure, so every traveller wants to include it in their travel list. At Andean Path Travel, the mission extends far beyond just showing the amazing views of the Andes. We ensure that our guests’ comfort, health, cultural appreciation, and ecological impact are taken care of throughout their stay in the remote mountainous region. With Andean Path Travel, every traveller can enjoy their 4-day Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain tour with great comfort.
For trekkers looking to experience the pristine beauty of the Vilcanota Ranges, we present the 4-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain itinerary. This is no hastily put-together program; rather, it is a journey through one of Peru’s most iconic and breathtaking landscapes. On the Ausangate Hike and Rainbow Mountain Trek, each day brings new sights such as the shimmering turquoise of glacial lakes, thermal baths, highland Quechua villages, and, of course, the breathtaking view of the colourful slopes of Vinicunca at sunrise. Our local guides share not only the well-trodden paths but also the precious culture and rich biodiversity of the region.
We focus on sustainable travel and personalisation, which makes us different. Andean Path Travel is with you every step of the way, making this more than a hike. With us, you’ll experience travel that respects the environment, supports the residents, and nurtures the adventurous spirit. Our group travel policy is designed not only to reduce carbon footprint but also to reduce group size to guarantee a more personal experience, which is greatly treasured. You may find yourself sitting and breathing at a high altitude of 5000 meters, or during a one-on-one encounter with a local alpaca herder.
Our guides are locals from Cusco, making them certified experts in high-altitude trekking and the local flora and fauna. We have developed our Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain with gradual acclimatisation in mind so that you are able to fully appreciate the gorgeous scenery without the burden of altitude sickness. As part of our support team, we have professional cooks who prepare nutritious meals from local ingredients. Our pack animal handlers are trained in humane treatment and uphold these standards throughout your 4-day Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain adventure.
Most operators will quickly take you to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain; we, on the other hand, appreciate the beauty of the trek itself. In our Ausangate hike and Rainbow Mountain itinerary, we include rich cultural interactions with local communities, visits to the weaving schools, and lectures on Andean cosmology from those who practice these ancient wisdoms. Your trek will thus transform from being a physical challenge to a journey steeped in rich cultural immersion, allowing you to create unforgettable memories that go beyond the breathtaking pictures you will cherish for a lifetime.
It usually takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the 7 km Rainbow Mountain trek. The rounded off distance in the trek’s name, ‘Ausangate Trek’, is 7 km long (4 to 5 hours), with it having the additional perk of a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view. Rainbow Mountain is a portion within the context of a greater package of trek tours we offer in the Vilcanota Range. The tours we offer range from single-day hikes to multi-day tours around the area.
The route leading to Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate trek is tough. The rugged and challenging terrain, combined with the altitude exerted at 5200 meters (5,020 m / 16,466 ft), poses a fair challenge. It does require a good level of fitness and acclimatisation, but with the right pace and expert guides, it is manageable.
The classic 4-day itinerary is a 4-day trek around the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate. This is the most tourist-friendly setup since it helps in experiencing the beauty of the country. Four days is long enough to provide a good experience without excessive strain, and the itinerary is uniquely adaptable.
The dry season (May-September) is the best time for the Ausangate hike and Rainbow Mountain because of the increased chances of having a stable sky and trails without obstructions. Despite this, we take trips year-round and do take the weather into account.
While we don’t recommend it, it is possible. The Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is very high altitude and entails significant weather risks as well as difficult logistical considerations. Our guided trips provide safety, cultural interpretation, and responsible stewardship to this sensitive landscape.