Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain
6 days
Group up to 8 people
5,200 m.s.n.m.
Challenging
Experience one of the most spectacular trekking adventures in the Peruvian Andes with the Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain Trek, a six-day expedition that combines breathtaking alpine landscapes, remote Quechua communities and one of Peru’s most iconic natural attractions.
This unforgettable journey takes you around the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in southern Peru, crossing high mountain passes, turquoise glacial lakes and vast Andean valleys inhabited by llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional villages where local families continue to preserve centuries-old customs and traditions.
The adventure reaches its highlight with a visit to the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), famous for its vibrant mineral-colored slopes, before continuing through pristine landscapes of glaciers, crystal-clear lagoons and relaxing natural hot springs.
Organized by Auki Cusco Explorers, this trek is designed for travelers seeking an authentic high-altitude adventure while enjoying professional guides, carefully planned campsites and exceptional service throughout the expedition.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early in the morning as your Auki Cusco Explorers guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. Travel by private transportation through the scenic Andean countryside to the community of Tinqui, the starting point of the trek.
After meeting the horsemen and loading your personal duffel bags onto the pack horses, begin hiking through beautiful mountain landscapes surrounded by grazing alpacas and llamas. The trail gradually ascends toward the peaceful community of Upis, where you’ll stop for a freshly prepared lunch along the way.
Upon arrival at camp, enjoy some time to relax before visiting the nearby natural hot springs, an ideal place to soothe your muscles while admiring spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain. Return to camp for afternoon tea followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef.
- Distance: 9.6 km (6 miles)
- Elevation: 4,100 m (13,450 ft)
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Wake up early with a hot cup of tea or coffee delivered to your tent before enjoying a hearty breakfast in preparation for one of the most scenic days of the trek.
Today’s route crosses two spectacular mountain passes. Begin with a steady ascent to Arapa Pass (4,958 m / 16,266 ft) before descending toward the beautiful Lake Pumacocha, whose deep blue waters provide a perfect setting for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue climbing to Pucacocha Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). If conditions are favorable, you may spot soaring Andean condors, graceful vicuñas and other native wildlife that inhabit these high-altitude ecosystems.
Descend to the campsite at Chillca, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks and hanging glaciers. Relax while our staff prepares dinner and enjoy another peaceful evening beneath the stars.
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Elevation: 4,300 m (14,100 ft)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Today’s hike leads to one of Peru’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
After breakfast, begin climbing toward Chillca Pass (5,051 m / 16,571 ft) before entering the spectacular Red Valley, a striking landscape where colorful mineral formations create one of the Andes’ most unique panoramas.
Continue through this impressive valley until reaching the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). Take time to admire its vibrant natural colors, capture unforgettable photographs and enjoy the incredible scenery after completing one of the trek’s most rewarding climbs.
Following lunch, descend through the valley toward the beautiful Ausangate Lake, where your campsite will already be prepared. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing beside the turquoise waters while enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding glaciers.
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Elevation: 4,300–5,200 m (14,107–17,060 ft)
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, continue your adventure through one of the most spectacular sections of the Ausangate Circuit. Since the previous day includes the visit to Rainbow Mountain, today’s hiking distance is slightly shorter, allowing you to fully appreciate the incredible scenery that surrounds you.
The trail follows crystal-clear glacial streams, colorful alpine meadows and pristine lagoons while gradually ascending toward Palomani Pass (5,400 m / 17,716 ft), the highest point of the entire expedition. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Ausangate Mountain, nearby glaciers and the vast Andean landscapes stretching into the distance.
As you descend toward Pampacancha, keep an eye out for native wildlife including vicuñas, Andean geese and, with a bit of luck, the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead.
Upon arrival at camp, relax while our trekking staff prepares hot beverages and dinner before spending another peaceful night beneath the spectacular Andean sky.
- Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
- Elevation: 4,300–5,400 m (14,107–17,716 ft)
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Following breakfast, begin the day’s hike toward Qampa Pass, crossing another impressive section of the Ausangate mountain range.
Throughout the day you’ll pass beautiful turquoise lagoons, glacial lakes and open highland valleys where alpacas and llamas graze freely. The spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain continue to accompany the route from a completely different perspective, offering countless opportunities for photography.
After descending into the Pacchanta Valley, arrive at the famous natural hot springs. Here you’ll have time to soak in the warm mineral-rich waters while enjoying magnificent views of the snow-capped Ausangate peak, providing the perfect reward after several days of trekking.
Return to camp for dinner and your final night in the Andes.
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Elevation: 4,300–5,400 m (14,107–17,716 ft)
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
After your final breakfast in the mountains, begin an easy hike across the beautiful Andean plains toward the community of Tinqui, where your trekking adventure comes to an end.
This final section is relatively gentle, allowing you to fully appreciate the surrounding scenery while reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the previous days.
Upon arrival in Tinqui, enjoy your last lunch with the Auki Cusco Explorers team before boarding our private transportation for the return journey to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, bringing this extraordinary high-altitude adventure to a memorable close.
- Important: The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions, road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Auki Cusco Explorers will always prioritize the safety of all participants while making every effort to follow the planned itinerary.
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Elevation: Approximately 4,000 m (descending)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Included
- Pre-departure briefing with Auki Cusco Explorers before the trek.
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) trekking guide.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Tinqui and return.
- All meals indicated in the itinerary.
- Personal duffel bag with an allowance of up to 7 kg (15 lbs) carried by pack horses.
- Experienced horsemen and pack horses for transporting camping equipment and personal belongings.
- Spacious four-season camping tents.
- Foam sleeping mattress.
- Dining tent, kitchen tent and portable toilet tent.
- Emergency horse available throughout the expedition.
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen.
- Boiled drinking water provided during the trek.
- All camping logistics and cooking equipment.
- All local taxes.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Dinner on the final day.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Inflatable air mattress (optional rental).
- Trekking poles (optional rental).
- Private single tent (available upon request).
- Travel insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Tips for the guides, cooks, horsemen and Auki Cusco Explorers support team.
Recommendations
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate Trek
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange Auki Cusco Explorers board at exit from the arrival terminal.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Ausangate trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE TREK
FIRST, to book your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek entrance tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Ausangate Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the altitude. With the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some very warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE TREK?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Auki Cusco Explorers specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
HIKING THE TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Ausangate trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 40 litre backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Yes, it is a challenging trek with most of the trail over 4000 meters or 13123 feet. You need to be in good physical condition and used to hiking.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE AUSANGATE TREKS?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Auki Cusco Explorers toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE AUSANGATE TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Auki Cusco Explorers will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE AUSANGATE TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Auki Cusco Explorers destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we hav
Packing list
Essential Documents
- Original passport used during your reservation.
- Valid student ID (if applicable).
- Travel insurance information (recommended).
Clothing
- Hiking shirts.
- Hiking pants.
- Thermal base layers.
- Warm fleece jacket.
- Down jacket for cold nights.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof gloves.
- Wool hat.
- Sun hat.
- Hiking socks.
- Swimsuit for the Pacchanta hot springs.
- Comfortable camp shoes.
Equipment
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support.
- Small daypack (30–40 L recommended).
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Reusable water bottles or hydration system (2–3 liters).
- Trekking poles (recommended).
- Quick-dry towel.
- Portable charger (there is no electricity along the route).
- Camera or smartphone.
Personal Items
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Lip balm.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Wet wipes.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Personal medications.
- Small first aid kit.
- Toilet paper.
- Plastic bags for personal waste.
- Snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars or dried fruit.
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks and gratuities.
- Personal valuables.
🔒 Secure payment · Flexible cancellation
- Trips Managed by Local Experts
- Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
- Personalized Small Group Tour
- Great Value for Money
- Unique, Customized Itineraries
- Best Local Certified Guides.
You need assistance?
- Inquire Now
- +51 906 725 270
Join Auki Cusco Explorers for an Unforgettable
Travel Experience In Peru
Why Travel with Auki cusco Explorers?
- Superior Service
- Inca Trail Specialists
- 100% value for money
- Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Sustainable Travel
- Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
Recommended For You
Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Tour to Tour.