Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days & 3 Nights
Embark on the ultimate adventure through the Peruvian highlands with our 4-day, 3-night Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek. This journey is one of the best tours in Peru, taking you through the most breathtaking Andean landscapes. You’ll be amazed not only by the gigantic Ausangate Mountain and its surrounding scenery but also by the world-renowned Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), an extraordinary creation of Mother Nature found only in Peru and China. Along this incredible adventure, you’ll witness immense glaciers, crystal-clear lagoons, and herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep. Forget the busy city and immerse yourself in a unique mountain experience. Observe local wildlife such as vizcachas, the magnificent condor, and vicuñas. Trek the stunning Ausangate route, famous for its imposing natural landscapes, enormous peaks, turquoise lagoons, and alpacas. Conclude your trip at Peru’s astonishing Rainbow Mountain and marvel at its naturally colored geological formations. Join us for this exclusive experience in the mountains of Peru!
4 Days
Treking
Moderate
Cusco
12 people
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 – Cusco to Upis Community & Wayna Ausangate Lagoon
Daily Highlights:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping (Upis Camp)
- Trekking: 10 km (6.21 miles), approx. 5 hours
Day 02 – Upis Camp to Abra Arapa & Hatun Pukaqocha
Day 03 – Hatun Pukaqocha to Abra Puka, Anantapata & Surineqocha
Day 04 – Surineqocha to Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley & Return to Cusco
Inclusions
What's included
- Ausangate trek entrance permit
- Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket
- Pre-departure briefing the evening before the trek (at 5:00 PM in our Cusco office or your hotel)
- Experienced, professional, certified bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish)
- Private camping equipment: spacious dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils
- Portable travel toilet
- Duffel bag (for personal belongings, max 5 kg / 11 lbs, carried by mules)
- Medical first-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Small sleeping pillow and backpack rain cover
- 24/7 customer service via phone
- Satellite phone for emergencies (carried by guide)
- High-quality camping tents (Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear, 4-person capacity shared by 2 trekkers)
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary menus available upon request)
- Hot drinks and snacks during meals
- Boiled, filtered, and chilled water provided daily (bring a 2-liter reusable bottle or hydration pack)
- Wake-up coca tea served in your tent each morning
- Afternoon tea time / Happy Hour with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, and teas
- Daily trail snacks (local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies)
- Fabric snack bag for keeping the environment clean
- Basic hygiene products: small towel and hand soap before meals
- Private transportation: Day 1 from your Cusco hotel to Upis (trek starting point); Day 4 from Llacto back to your Cusco hotel
- Mule support for carrying all camping equipment and your personal duffel bag (max 5 kg / 11 lbs) between camps
What's not included
- Sleeping bag (rental available for $20.00 USD)
- Hiking poles (rental available for $20.00 USD per pair)
- Dinner on Day 4
- Personal clothing and trekking gear beyond what is provided
- Travel insurance
- Tips for trekking staff (guides, cooks, muleteers)
- Additional costs or delays due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Any extra costs incurred under these circumstances must be covered by the traveler.
Packing List
What to Bring
- Passport or ID
- Small backpack
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
- Trekking pants
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves and warm hat
- Trekking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle or thermos
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medication
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank
- Cash
- Energy bars or snacks
- Extra clothes
- Small bag for personal belongings
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recommended booking window for this trek?
While it’s possible to book closer to your travel date, we highly recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season (May to October). This ensures availability, particularly for desired departure dates and any additional services. The tour is available from March to January, excluding February.
2. Are there any age restrictions or specific fitness requirements for this trek?
There are no strict age limits, but participants should be in good physical condition and have prior hiking experience at high altitudes. The trek is rated ‘Moderate to Challenging,’ requiring sustained effort over several days. We recommend consulting with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Children under 17 may qualify for a student discount with a passport copy.
3. What are the bathroom and showering facilities like during the trek?
During the trek, we provide a portable travel toilet for convenience and hygiene at our campsites. Showers are generally not available on the trail due to the remote nature of the camps and cold temperatures. Basic hygiene is maintained with warm water for washing hands before meals, and we recommend bringing wet wipes and hand sanitizer for personal use.
4. Can I charge my electronic devices during the trek?
Due to the remote mountain locations, there are no electrical outlets available at the campsites. We strongly recommend bringing a portable power bank or extra batteries for your camera and other electronic devices. Please ensure all devices are fully charged before starting the trek.
5. Is travel insurance mandatory for this trek?
While not strictly mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost luggage. Unforeseen circumstances can occur, and having insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection.
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]