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Contacto
- AAHH Señor de Torrechayoc M-5, Cusco 08002, Peru
- Ventas: +51 961 231 767
- Ventas: +51 992 881 899
- Correo: salastravelcuscoperu@gmail.com
- Correo: info@salastravelperu.com
4 Days 3 Nights
10+ Travellers
5200 m
Challenging
The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude adventure created for hikers who want to go beyond the typical routes and experience the raw beauty of the Andes. This journey takes you through remote valleys, glacial landscapes, and crystal-clear lagoons, with the imposing Ausangate Mountain always watching over you.
Along the way, you’ll cross dramatic mountain passes, encounter local Andean communities, and walk among llamas and alpacas before reaching the legendary Rainbow Mountain. A perfect combination of challenge, solitude, and unforgettable scenery this trek is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience in the mountains of Peru.
Official entrance ticket for the Ausangate Trek
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Pre-departure briefing at our office the evening before the trek (5:00 pm), including guide introduction and duffle bag delivery
Certified bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish) with extensive high-altitude trekking experience
First aid kit & oxygen, carried by your guide at all times
Satellite phone for emergency communication anywhere on the route
24/7 customer support before and during your trek
Spacious dining and kitchen tents with tables and chairs
High-quality sleeping tents (shared by 2 people, 4-person capacity)
Portable toilet for added comfort
Inflatable sleeping mattress
Extra comfort items: small pillow, backpack rain cover, and rain poncho
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, freshly prepared by our trekking chef
Special diets available (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) at no extra cost
Boiled, filtered drinking water during the trek (bring a 2-liter bottle or hydration pack)
Daily wake-up coca tea served at your tent
Afternoon tea time / happy hour with hot drinks and snacks
Daily trail snacks (fruit, cookies, chocolate, etc.)
Reusable cloth snack bag to reduce waste
Hand towel and soap for hygiene before meals
Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Upis (Day 1)
Private return transport from Llactoc to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
Pack mules & horsemen to carry all camping equipment and your personal duffle bag (max 5 kg / 11 lb)
Sleeping bag (available for rent: US$20 per person)
Trekking poles (available for rent: US$20 per person)
Dinner on Day 4
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen (optional but appreciated)
Any extra costs caused by circumstances beyond our control—such as weather conditions, landslides, itinerary changes for safety, health issues, strikes, political situations, or force majeure—are not included. As permits and logistics are paid in advance, any additional expenses resulting from these situations must be covered by the traveler.
Highlight of the day: First close encounters with Ausangate and a hike to Wayna Ausangate Lake.
Your journey begins early in the morning with a private pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco at 5:00 am. We’ll travel for approximately 3 hours through the Andean countryside until reaching the small rural community of Upis, located in the heart of the Cusco highlands and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Upon arrival, you’ll meet your trekking team—experienced cooks and horsemen—who will accompany you throughout the adventure. From here, the trek begins along a wide and gently ascending trail leading toward the northeastern face of Ausangate Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes.
After about 3 hours of hiking through traditional farmlands and rustic Andean houses, we’ll arrive at Upis Campsite, where a freshly prepared lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to enjoy a 2-hour round-trip hike to the beautiful Wayna Ausangate Lake, a peaceful turquoise lagoon nestled beneath the glaciers.
Upon returning to camp, enjoy a relaxing happy hour with hot tea, followed by a hearty dinner. Tonight, you’ll sleep surrounded by the towering sacred mountains of Ausangate, under one of the clearest night skies in the Andes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Camp Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Highlight of the day: High-Andean landscapes, glaciers, and crystal-clear lagoons.
Wake up to a warm cup of coca leaf tea or coffee, delivered directly to your tent to help you start the day energized. After breakfast, we’ll begin today’s trek through a stunning high-altitude Andean valley, with the imposing Ausangate Glacier accompanying us throughout the journey.
After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and—if luck is on our side—the majestic flight of the Andean condor. Your guide will share insights into the local ecosystem, including native flora and fauna.
From the pass, we’ll descend toward the striking Yanacocha Lagoon, also known as the Black Lagoon, famous for its dark, reflective waters. Continuing along the trail for another hour, we’ll arrive at Hatun Pukaqocha, where we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by colorful alpine lakes.
In the afternoon, we’ll settle into our campsite at 4,500 m / 14,764 ft, with time to explore nearby lagoons or relax with a warm mate tea. A nourishing dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a peaceful night in this remote Andean paradise.
Highlight of the day: Sunset views over Rainbow Mountain.
Today is one of the most spectacular days of the trek. After an early breakfast, we’ll begin a steady ascent toward Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, emerald valleys, and the turquoise lagoons that reflect the power of Apu Ausangate, a sacred mountain deeply revered by local communities.
From the pass, you’ll have a front-row view of Ausangate’s massive face and sweeping views of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas graze freely. In the distance, you’ll begin to spot the colorful layers of the Rainbow Mountain range.
We’ll descend gradually for about 1.5 hours to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), our lunch spot for the day. After a well-deserved break, we’ll continue with a 2-hour ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), the highest point of the entire trek.
From here, the views are truly surreal. A final descent of about 1 hour will take us to Surineqocha Lagoon, where our campsite awaits. As the day comes to an end, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunset behind Rainbow Mountain, bathing the landscape in warm, golden hues. Dinner will be served at camp before settling in for the night.
Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley before the crowds.
We’ll start early today to reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at sunrise, when the first golden light illuminates its vibrant mineral colors and the area is still quiet and uncrowded. This is the perfect moment to explore, take photos, and fully appreciate the natural beauty of this iconic destination.
After spending time at Rainbow Mountain, we’ll continue our trek through the breathtaking Red Valley, a lesser-visited area with deep red landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. Few travelers make it here, making this portion of the trek a true hidden gem.
Following the trail, we’ll descend toward Llactoc, where our private transport will be waiting. From here, we’ll drive back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with unforgettable memories of one of Peru’s most spectacular trekking experiences.
Passport
Bag
Bottle Water
Money Cash in Soles
Rain jacket or rain poncho
long-sleeve trekking shirts
short-sleeve shirts
Pants
Deport Pants
Rain Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Beanie
Gloves
Short
Shoes
Sunscreen
Insect Repelent
Proper acclimatization is essential for enjoying the trek safely. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days before the trek to allow your body to adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
If you’ve already been traveling at high altitudes elsewhere in Peru, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and explore the city before starting the trek.
To help with acclimatization, we suggest light activities around Cusco, such as:
Exploring Cusco’s Main Square and historic streets
Cusco City Tour or Walking Tour
Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray & Maras)
Super Sacred Valley Tour
Qeswachaka Inca Bridge excursion
These tours allow you to adapt gradually while enjoying Peru’s cultural highlights.
All briefings are held at 5:00 pm the evening before the trek, either at our main office in Cusco or at your hotel. The meeting lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and covers all important details about the trek.
If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate an alternative time with us in advance.
Any remaining balance must be paid at least 2 days before the trek, otherwise the reservation cannot be confirmed.
Preferred payment method: cash (USD or Peruvian Soles)
ATMs are widely available along Avenida El Sol
Credit/debit card or PayPal payments are accepted with a 5% service fee
Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted
You’ll receive a duffel bag or canvas case during the briefing. This will be carried by pack animals and delivered to you at each campsite.
Maximum allowed weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including sleeping bag and personal items
Duffel size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm (23.6 × 9.45 × 8.66 in)
Your main luggage can be stored free of charge at our office or at your hotel during the trek.
We recommend keeping valuables in your hotel safe and requesting a receipt if needed for insurance purposes.
Pickups are within Cusco city (historic center recommended)
Pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour
Due to traffic, pickup may vary by 30–45 minutes
Some streets in Cusco are narrow or inaccessible by car; we strongly recommend booking accommodation with good vehicle access
Group tours include travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Everyone is free to walk at their own pace.
Any route or itinerary changes will be decided by the guide, after consulting with all participants.
Strikes and demonstrations can occur in Peru and may affect transportation routes. If necessary, we may adjust departure times or routes to keep your trip running safely.
In rare cases of cancellation or major changes, our operations team will coordinate directly with you. Your safety is always our top priority.
Please keep track of your personal belongings at all times. You are responsible for your items during the trek, including in transport, campsites, and restaurants.
To book the 4-day Ausangate trek, click on the “BOOK NOW” button, select your preferred departure date, and complete the personal information for each participant. To confirm your reservation, only a deposit is required at the time of booking, which can be paid using a credit or debit card.
Optional services such as an emergency horse, sleeping bag, and trekking poles can be added during the booking process. The emergency horse requires a deposit at booking, while sleeping bags and trekking poles can be arranged up to one day before departure.
The remaining balance must be paid one day before the trek. Payment can be made in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) or by Visa credit card, which carries a 5% service fee.
Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Note: Cash payments must be completed at least one day before the trip.
At this time, we do not offer student discounts for the 4-day Ausangate trek.
No, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are not included in the standard itinerary. However, experienced hikers may request this addition.
Including the 7 Lakes requires a 3:00 am pickup and extends the first hiking day to approximately 7 hours.
Important: This option must be requested in advance. Last-minute changes are not possible.
Yes, skipping the Upis campsite is possible but only recommended for experienced hikers who have completed demanding treks such as Salkantay, Huaraz routes, or the 4-day Inca Trail.
Pickup will be at 3:00 am, and advance notice is required.
Yes, the Red Valley is included in our 4-day Ausangate trek, allowing you to reach Rainbow Mountain while avoiding large crowds.
Yes, the trek operates during the rainy season. The itinerary is slightly adjusted to improve safety and comfort, including earlier departures and a lower-altitude final campsite.
Yes, we provide filtered, boiled, and cooled water three times a day—after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Please bring a 2-liter bottle or hydration pack. Water is not provided on Day 1 until lunchtime, so bring water from Cusco.
Yes, departure dates can be changed with at least 48 hours’ notice. Last-minute changes are not accepted.
A passport is not mandatory. However, if you wish to receive a Rainbow Mountain passport stamp, you must bring it. The stamp costs 2 soles.
There are no permanent toilets along the trail. Natural areas are used during the hike, so please bring your own toilet paper and dispose of waste properly.
For your comfort, a portable toilet is provided at each campsite.
The trek covers approximately 40 km / 24.85 miles.
Mountain lions live in the area but are extremely rare and shy. Encounters are highly unlikely.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters.
Group size is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
No, there is no electricity along the route. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank. Devices can only be charged briefly in the transport vehicle.
Our team is trained to handle emergencies. If evacuation is required:
Day 1: Evacuation to Tinki, then Cusco
Days 2–3: Evacuation via Alqatari village, then Cusco
We strongly recommend spending at least 3 days in Cusco to acclimatize. The trek starts at 4,400 m and reaches over 5,000 m, making proper acclimatization essential.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to high altitude, steep ascents, and changing weather conditions. Average physical fitness is required.
On Day 4, we depart camp at 6:00 am and reach Rainbow Mountain at approximately 6:45 am.
Staying in the Sacred Valley is not recommended for acclimatization. If you choose to do so, pickup will be at 4:30 am and requires an additional $30.
No, horses must be booked in advance as they are not available at the trailhead.
The best time is from April to November during the dry season. December to March is the rainy season, with snow and limited visibility.
Yes. Night temperatures can drop to -10°C, while daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C. Warm clothing is essential.
There is no official age limit, but the minimum recommended age is 8 years. Participants over 50–65 years should consult a doctor beforehand.
We recommend booking at least one week in advance, or one month ahead during high season (May–August).
Yes, bring cash for snacks, drinks, handicrafts, and optional tips for the trekking staff.
Yes, private tours are available. Please contact us through the Contact Us page for a custom quote.
There are no charging stations during the trek. Bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
Yes, the trek is safe for well-prepared travelers who are properly acclimatized and physically fit.
We recommend at least 3 days in Cusco before starting the trek, even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere.
Most of the trail is wide and safe. One section after Warmisaya Pass is narrower but gently sloped and manageable with focus.
Yes, provided they are healthy, active, and medically cleared for high-altitude trekking.
Yes, airport drop-off can be arranged after the trek.
No, horses must be arranged before the trek starts.
No, horses cannot be rented for only one day.
Yes, camping gear and sleeping bags can be rented in Cusco. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated to -15°C or colder.
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