Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek

Treks In Cusco

Spain
0 booked

Duration:4 Days
Language English
Transport: Bus
Accommodation: camp
N. Pax: 10

Ausangate, considered the most imposing snow-capped mountain in the Cusco region, is one of the most important sacred mountains in the Andean worldview. For many local communities, this majestic Apu (mountain spirit) is seen as a protective spirit and a vital source of water that feeds rivers, lagoons, and irrigation systems used in traditional agriculture.

Day 1: CUSCO – TINKI - UPIS

Our pickup begins at 6:00 AM, and we’ll depart from Cusco heading south, passing through small villages for approximately two and a half hours. Away from the main road, we’ll be able to appreciate the imposing Ausangate mountain, which will be our destination for the next four days.
We’ll arrive in Tinki, a small village whose main characteristic is the trade among the local people. From here, we’ll begin our trek to Upis. The first day’s hike is relatively easy, as most of the trail is flat and there are no climbs that require significant physical effort. This first day will be ideal for acclimatization.
After approximately three hours of hiking, covering about 7 km and reaching an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, we’ll arrive at our campsite in the Upis sector, located at the base of Nevado Ausangate. This is where we’ll spend the rest of the day, afternoon, and night.

Day 2: TINKI – ARAPA PASS – HATUN PUCACOCHA

Our day will begin early with a hearty breakfast to fuel our trek, as this day will be much more strenuous than the first. We’ll depart from our campsite around 6:00 AM, ascending the right side of the Ausangate mountain range until we reach the first pass at 3,600 meters above sea level. From here, we’ll have a view of Pucacocha Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful due to its proximity to the Ausangate mountain. We’ll continue our ascent to the mid-mountain section, where our team of cooks and muleteers will be waiting with lunch. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon and evening there.

During the day, we’ll hike approximately 10 kilometers to reach our campsite at 4,500 meters above sea level in about 5 hours. This estimated hiking time is based on a normal pace, which may be shorter or longer depending on the clients’ physical condition.

Day 3: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCACOCHA PASS – ANANTA PATA - WARMISAYA PASS – SURINECOCHA

After breakfast at 6:00 AM, we’ll leave the campsite and continue our ascent for two hours to the Puca Cocha Pass, located at over 5,000 meters above sea level. The climb is quite technical and very steep in places; however, the fatigue is quickly offset by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
We’ll descend the other side of the mountain for an additional hour and a half to reach the Anantapata sector, where we’ll have a delicious lunch to replenish our energy. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue climbing for another two hours to reach the Warmisaya Pass, from where you can already see a small part of Rainbow Mountain. We’ll descend for approximately one hour to our campsite at Surinecocha, located at 4,900 meters above sea level.

If you still have energy, you can take a hike with our guide to Rainbow Mountain to watch the sunset. The mountain is only 40 minutes from our campsite. Afterward, we’ll return for dinner and spend the night.

Day 4: SURINECOCHA - RAINBOW MOUNTAIN - RED VALLEY - CUSCO

Would you like to wake up to a cup of hot chocolate served in your tent? Our team of cooks will bring you a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up before we head to the dining area for breakfast before starting our hike.
This tour gives you the opportunity to visit Rainbow Mountain with as few people as possible, since our camp is only 40 minutes away. On this last day, we’ll be able to see the sunrise at this location, considered the second most visited destination in Peru.

But our day doesn’t end there. After taking photos on the mountain, we’ll descend to the Colorado Valley. It’s a hike that doesn’t require much physical effort since it’s mostly downhill. Here, we can observe a group of mountains whose predominant color is red. We’ll continue along the path until we meet up with our team of cooks and board the transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:00 PM.

What’s Included

Briefing at your hotel one day before the trek at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Hotel pick-up to leave the city at the start of the trek.
Private tourist transportation from Cusco to Tinki.
Doite Kaylas 4-season tents.
1 Duffle Bag to leave personal items for the horses to carry (7kg).
Sea to Summit thermal sleeping pads.
Professional Spanish-speaking guide.
Meals throughout the trail (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + tea time every afternoon). (Optional: vegetarian, celiac option upon request).
First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.
Horses to carry tents, food, and kitchen equipment.
Emergency horse in case you are feeling ill.
Boiled water to fill your water bottles or Camelback from the second day until the last day after lunch.
Hot water first thing in the morning for personal hygiene.
Entrance tickets to Ausangate Park.
Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
Private transportation from Paqchanta to Cusco.
Dining and kitchen tents with tables and chairs for the group.
Chef and kitchen team.

Not Included

Sleeping bag.
Walking sticks.
Tips for the guide, porters, chef, and horsemen.

What to Bring:

A valid passport and any other necessary travel documents (e.g., visa).
A small daypack or backpack to carry essentials such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable camping gear including a tent (for those who choose to camp), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support; several pairs of hiking socks.
Sun hat/cap and sunglasses; a raincoat/jacket.
Headlamp or flashlight.
Waterproof cover for your backpack.
Necessary toiletries and personal items.
First aid kit.

Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Qué lugares se visitan durante la caminata Montaña de Colores 4 días?
Durante el trekking se recorren paisajes impresionantes alrededor del nevado Ausangate, pasando por lagunas de colores, comunidades andinas y finalmente la famosa Vinicunca, también conocida como la Montaña de 7 Colores.
How difficult is the 4-day Rainbow Mountain trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging, as it involves hiking for 6 to 8 hours per day and crossing mountain passes above 5,000 meters in altitude. Therefore, a good level of physical fitness is recommended.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?
During the hike, you'll reach mountain passes at approximately 5,000–5,200 meters above sea level before arriving at Rainbow Mountain, which stands at about 5,020 meters.
When is the best time to do this trek?
The best time for the tour is during the dry season between April and October, when the weather is more stable and the trails are safer for hiking.
What landscapes can be seen during the hike?
Along the route, travelers can see glaciers, turquoise lagoons, multicolored mountains, herds of alpacas and llamas, as well as communities that preserve Quechua traditions.