The Ausangate Trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich high-altitude routes in Peru, offering a unique opportunity to explore the remote Vilcanota mountain range. Over four days, you’ll hike through untouched Andean landscapes, encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, pass glacial lakes of vivid turquoise, and cross dramatic mountain passes with sweeping views of snow-covered peaks. This trail immerses you in the true spirit of the Andes—both its raw natural beauty and its enduring traditions.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
The grand finale of this trek is a visit to the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), famous for its naturally vibrant mineral colors. Arriving at sunrise, you’ll witness the mountain’s layered hues at their most vivid, with few crowds and unforgettable panoramic views. This trek is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a remote, physically challenging route with once-in-a-lifetime scenery and cultural depth.
We depart early from Cusco in our tourist transport toward the small village of Tinqui. Along the way, we’ll enjoy views of the impressive Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages, stopping to take photos. Upon arriving in Tinqui (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a delicious breakfast will be prepared by our chef. Here, our horsemen will organize the group’s gear and load it onto the horses.
We begin the hike through farming communities, surrounded by mountain scenery. After 3 hours of trekking, we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), where we’ll have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner and overnight camping.
After a hearty breakfast, we leave our campsite and begin the ascent to Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From here, we’ll enjoy striking contrasts between arid desert hills and snow-covered peaks like Ausangate and Pucacocha. Along the trail, we pass three beautiful lakes with red, green, and turquoise hues (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha).
We’ll set up our second campsite near the Ausangate Glacier. The hiking distance for the day is 12 km, with an estimated walking time of 7–8 hours.
You’ll be woken with coca tea served in your tent—our version of room service! This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. We begin with a 1.5-hour uphill hike to Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft), with views of red mountains and the chance to spot wildlife like vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas.
From the pass, we descend for another 1.5 hours to the traditional village of Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). We’ll offer coca leaves in gratitude for their hospitality, as they live without access to many resources. After a short uphill hike, we’ll have lunch at a rustic lodge.
In the afternoon, we hike 1.5 hours uphill following llama trails to reach Minasniyuq Pass (5,020 m / 16,469 ft), where we’ll get our first views of the Rainbow Mountains. Here, we’ll offer a small ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth). A final hour-long descent brings us to our lakeside camp at Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft).
After breakfast, we begin a 2-hour gradual ascent to the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will lead you to the best viewpoints to capture the stunning mineral striations that give the mountain its unique colors.
After exploring and taking photos, we hike downhill for about 2.5 hours to the village of Quesiuno, where we will enjoy our final lunch. Private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM. End of services.
The “Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 4 Days” was an incredible journey through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. The combination of trekking around the majestic Ausangate mountain and visiting the colorful Rainbow Mountain made this trip truly unforgettable. The hikes were challenging but rewarding, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for an adventurous and scenic experience in the Andes.
