Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain
4 Days 3 Nights
Up to 8 travelers
5,036 m
Challenging
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 days 3 nights
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.
Ausangate trek 4 days Inclusions
Included 23
- Official entrance ticket for the Ausangate Trek
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Pre-departure briefing at our office the evening before the trek (6:00 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
- Tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco to Upis (Day 1)
- Tourist 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 7 kg / 15.4 lb)
Not Included 7
- 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.
Packing List 17
- Passport
- Bag
- Water bottle
- Money Cash in Soles
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- long-sleeve trekking shirts
- short-sleeve shirts
- Pants
- Sport pants
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Short
- Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Ausangate Trek 4 days Itinerary
1
Day 1
Cusco | Upis Community – Upis Campsite – Wayna Ausangate
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 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: 4,420 m / 14,501 ft
2
Day 2
Upis Campsite | Arapa Pass – Hatun Pukaqocha
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 (4,745 m / 15,568 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.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 11 km / 6.84 mi
- Hiking Time: ~6 hours
- Highest Elevation: 4,745 m / 15,568 ft
3
Day 3
Hatun Pukaqocha | Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya – Surineqocha
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 (4,910 m / 16,109 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 pass of the 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.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Highest Elevation: 4,985 m / 16,355 ft
4
Day 4
Surineqocha | Rainbow Mountain (Sunrise) – Red Valley – Llactoc – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley before the crowds.
We’ll start early today to reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m / 16,522 ft), the highest point of the trek, 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 tourist 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.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (+ snacks)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.5 km / 4.04 mi
- Hiking Time: ~5 hours
- Highest Elevation: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
Route & elevation profile
- 32 kmhiking distance (19.9 mi)
- 5,036 mhighest point on foot: Rainbow Mountain (16,522 ft)
- +1,266 melevation gain from Upis community
- km 0 Upis community Trek start, meet the crew
- km 7.4 Upis camp Camp 1, hot springs; Wayna Ausangate side trip
- km 10.7 Arapa Pass First pass, glacier views
- km 16.6 Hatun Pukaqocha camp Camp 2 by the red lagoon
- km 19.6 Puka Pass Pass facing Ausangate's main face
- km 24.1 Warmisaya Pass Highest pass, after Anantapata lunch
- km 25.2 Surineqocha camp Camp 3, sunset over Rainbow Mountain
- km 27.5 Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca at sunrise, highest point
- km 32 Llactoc After the Red Valley; drive to Cusco
Good to know
Important Information about Ausangate Trek 4 days
How Many Days Should I Acclimate in Cusco Before the Trek?
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.
Recommended Activities Before the Trek
To help with acclimatization, we suggest light activities around Cusco, such as:
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Exploring Cusco’s Main Square and historic streets
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Cusco City Tour or Walking Tour
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Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray & Maras)
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Super Sacred Valley Tour
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Qeswachaka Inca Bridge excursion
These tours allow you to adapt gradually while enjoying Peru’s cultural highlights.
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at 6:00 pm the evening before the trek at our office in Cusco. 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.
Trek Balance Payment (Cusco)
Any remaining balance must be paid at least 2 days before the trek, otherwise the reservation cannot be confirmed.
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Preferred payment method: cash (USD or Peruvian Soles)
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ATMs are widely available along Avenida El Sol
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Credit/debit card or PayPal payments are accepted with a 5% service fee
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Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted
Duffel Bag & Luggage Storage
You’ll receive a duffel bag or canvas case during the briefing. This will be carried by pack animals or porters and delivered to you at each campsite.
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Maximum allowed weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including sleeping bag and personal items
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Duffel size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm (23.6 × 9.45 × 8.66 in)
Luggage Storage
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.
Pick-Up Information
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Pickups are from hotels within Cusco city (historic center recommended); Sacred Valley pickups require prior coordination
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Pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour
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Due to traffic, pickup may vary by 30–45 minutes
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Some streets in Cusco are narrow or inaccessible by car; we strongly recommend booking accommodation with good vehicle access
Group Tours
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 & Demonstrations
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.
Lost Items
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.
Shorter alternatives in the Ausangate area
Not ready for four days above 4,000 m? These full-day tours from Cusco visit the same mountains:
- Rainbow Mountain Tour (Vinicunca) — hike to 5,036 m and back in one day, from USD 70.
- Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour — a 13.6 km loop past glacial lakes at the foot of Ausangate, from USD 69.
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain — a gentler walk with fewer visitors, from USD 85.
Comparing longer treks? Read our guide Best Trek to Machu Picchu.
FAQs about Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 4 days
How To Book The 4-Day Ausangate Trek with Salas Travel
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.
What About The Remaining Payment?
The remaining balance must be paid up to 2 days before the trek. Payment can be made in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our office, or by card or PayPal, which carries a 5% service fee.
Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Is There A Student Discount?
At this time, we do not offer student discounts for the 4-day Ausangate trek.
Are The 7 Lakes Of Ausangate Included In The 4-Day 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.
Can I Skip The First Upis Campsite And Camp Farther?
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.
Is The Red Valley Included In The 4-Day Ausangate Trek?
Yes, the Red Valley is included in our 4-day Ausangate trek, allowing you to reach Rainbow Mountain while avoiding large crowds.
Do You Offer The Ausangate 4-Day Trek During The Rainy Season?
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.
Is Water Provided During The Hike?
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.
Can I Change My Departure Date After Booking?
Yes, departure dates can be changed with at least 48 hours’ notice. Last-minute changes are not accepted.
Do I Need To Bring My Passport For The Ausangate 4-Day Trek?
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.
What Are The Toilet Facilities Like?
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.
How Many Kilometers Is The 4-Day Ausangate Trek?
The trek covers about 32 km (20 miles) of trail, up to 38 km with the optional side trips.
Are There Any Dangerous Animals On The Ausangate Trek?
Mountain lions live in the area but are extremely rare and shy. Encounters are highly unlikely.
Do I Need Travel Insurance For The Ausangate Trek?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,036 meters.
How Many People Will Be In Our Group?
Group size is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
Is There Electricity During The Ausangate Trek?
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.
What Happens If I Get Sick During The Trek?
Our team is trained to handle emergencies. If evacuation is required:
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Day 1: Evacuation to Tinki, then Cusco
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Days 2–3: Evacuation via Alqatari village, then Cusco
How Many Days Should I Acclimatize Before The Ausangate 4-Day Tour?
We strongly recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize. The trek starts at about 4,150 m and reaches 5,036 m at Rainbow Mountain, making proper acclimatization essential.
How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain 4-Day Trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to high altitude, steep ascents, and changing weather conditions. Average physical fitness is required.
What Time Will We Reach The Rainbow Mountain Summit?
On Day 4, we depart camp at 6:00 am and reach Rainbow Mountain at approximately 6:45 am.
Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Ausangate Trek (4 Days)?
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.
Can I Rent A Horse At The Trailhead For The Ausangate 4-Day Trek?
No. Horses must be booked before the trek starts: they are not available at the trailhead, halfway through the trek or for a single day. Tell us when you book and we will reserve one for the days you need.
When Is The Best Time To Hike The Ausangate Trek 4 Days?
The best time is from April to November during the dry season. December to March is the rainy season, with snow and limited visibility.
Is It Cold During The Ausangate 4-Day Hike?
Yes. Night temperatures can drop to -10°C, while daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C. Warm clothing is essential.
Are There Any Age Restrictions For The 4-Day Ausangate Tour?
There is no official age limit, but the minimum recommended age is 8 years. Participants over 50–65 years should consult a doctor beforehand.
How Far In Advance Should I Book The Ausangate Trek?
We recommend booking at least one week in advance, or one month ahead during high season (May–August).
Do I Need Extra Money For The Hike?
Yes, bring cash for snacks, drinks, handicrafts, and optional tips for the trekking staff.
Can I Book A Private Tour Instead Of Joining A Group?
Yes, private tours are available. Please contact us through the Contact Us page for a custom quote.
Is The 4-Day Ausangate Tour Safe?
Yes, the trek is safe for well-prepared travelers who are properly acclimatized and physically fit.
Can I Still Join The 4-Day Ausangate Trek If I’m Afraid Of Heights?
Most of the trail is wide and safe. One section after Warmisaya Pass is narrower but gently sloped and manageable with focus.
Can My 65-Year-Old Family Members Do This Trek?
Yes, provided they are healthy, active, and medically cleared for high-altitude trekking.
Can You Take Me To The Airport After The 4-Day Trek?
Yes, airport drop-off can be arranged after the trek.
Can I Rent Camping Gear In Cusco If I Don’t Have Good Equipment?
Yes, camping gear and sleeping bags can be rented in Cusco. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated to -15°C or colder.
