Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain

Your Ausangate Trek begins with an early pick-up from your hotel at 5:00 am. We drive for about 3 hours to reach the small Andean town of Upis (12,464 ft), where you will meet our muleteers and prepare the equipment for the adventure ahead.

The hike starts with a gentle ascent through scenic highland valleys, home to herds of llamas and alpacas, with breathtaking views of the snowcapped Andes.

By midday, we arrive at Upis Hot Springs (13,776 ft / 4,200 m), where a freshly prepared lunch will be served. Our campsite is located here, offering the unique chance to relax in natural thermal pools (optional entrance fee: 10 PEN) while enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate.

In the evening, capture the stunning Andean sunset over the Ausangate peak before dinner. All meals included.

Hiking Time: 5 hours approx
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles

We begin our hike by ascending the rugged slopes towards the Arapa Pass (14,760 ft / 4,500 m), where panoramic views of the Andes open before us. From there, we continue our journey to the stunning Pucacocha Lagoon, where we will stop for lunch. Here, the majestic western icefall of Mount Ausangate dominates the landscape, creating a truly unforgettable setting.

Afterward, we climb gently to the Apacheta Pass (15,420 ft / 4,700 m) before descending towards the mystical Ausangate Lake, our campsite for the evening. From this magical spot, you’ll understand why the Ausangate Mountain (20,945 ft / 6,384 m) has been revered for centuries by local communities as a sacred guardian of the Andes.

Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles

After a hearty Andean breakfast, we begin today’s adventure by climbing a steep series of switchback trails that lead us to the imposing Palomani Pass (16,404 ft / 5,000 m), the highest point of the trek. From here, the scenery is breathtaking: dramatic snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon, while the striking red valleys and colorful hills of the Andes unfold below.

We then descend into a beautiful valley and continue our hike toward Ananta (15,092 ft / 4,600 m), where we enjoy lunch surrounded by awe-inspiring highland landscapes.

In the afternoon, we ascend once more for about two hours to reach the Warmisaya Pass (16,404 ft / 5,000 m). From this vantage point, we catch our first distant glimpse of the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), along with sweeping vistas that highlight the natural grandeur of the region.

The final stretch of the day is a gentle 30-minute descent to Qomer Qocha (15,354 ft / 4,680 m), our third campsite, where we will rest beneath the stars.

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles

Our final day brings one of the most unforgettable highlights of the trek. From camp, we begin with a steady 1.5 hour ascent along a scenic trail until we reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,200 m / 17,060 ft). Known for its dazzling mineral-rich stripes of red, gold, and turquoise, this natural wonder is one of the most iconic sights in Peru.

We will have plenty of time to enjoy the panoramic views, take photos, and soak in the energy of this sacred Andean landscape. Afterward, we descend through the valley toward our final lunch spot, where we will share a last meal with our team and bid farewell to our muleteers and cooks.

Finally, we drive back to Cusco, where your adventure through the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek comes to a close.

​​​​​​Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.72 miles