Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain 6 Days

Your journey begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 AM. From there, you’ll travel by private van to the trailhead at Upis Pampa, located at the base of the awe-inspiring Ausangate Mountain.

As you begin your trek, you’ll pass through remote Andean villages, cross sparkling mountain streams, and gradually immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the highlands. After a few hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the Upis Campsite, where you’ll spend the night in our exclusive private cabins—each one facing directly toward the Ausangate glacier.

From the comfort of your cabin, you can watch the sun set over Ausangate as the mountain turns shades of gold and pink—a truly unforgettable moment.

Our chef will prepare a delicious freshly-cooked lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, you can choose between a 2-hour hike to the serene Upis Lake, or simply relax and unwind with a long soak in the natural hot springs nearby.

As night falls, step outside and gaze up at your first starry Andean sky—an experience that many describe as one of the most magical of their lives.

Your day begins with a gentle wake-up at 5:00 AM, as coca tea or fresh coffee is delivered right to your cabin. After enjoying a hearty Andean breakfast, you’ll set off on the trail toward Arapa Pass (4,968 meters / 16,300 feet).

As you hike through the high Andean terrain, you’ll pass local farmers, herds of alpacas, and experience breathtaking views of Ausangate’s snow-capped peaks rising dramatically to your left. Along the way, your English-speaking guide will share insights into the unique flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Andean condors, chinchillas, or graceful vicuñas roaming freely through the landscape.

As you approach the spectacular Pucacocha campsite, you’ll be rewarded with views of vivid, colorful alpine lakes, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. You may even hear the thunderous roar of ice crashing into the tarns below—a moment that captures the raw power of the Andes.

At camp, your tent will be set up inside cozy mountain huts, allowing you space to change, rest, and recharge. Meanwhile, your professional chef will prepare a delicious lunch and dinner to keep you energized.

In the afternoon, you can choose to explore the nearby lakes, or take a short hike to the Pucacocha viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning photo opportunities of the trek: Ausangate towering above a chain of glacial lakes bathed in afternoon light.

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging—but also one of the most rewarding—of the entire journey. You’ll begin your ascent toward the Puca Qocha Pass (5,051 meters / 16,570 feet), surrounded by dramatic and colorful mountain scenery. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ausangate and a series of stunning glacial lakes, shimmering in shades of turquoise and emerald.

As you descend, you’ll enter the surreal Red Valley, an untouched landscape filled with vibrant mineral colors. Keep your camera ready—llamas and alpacas often graze right beside the trail, adding life to the breathtaking terrain.

Approaching Ananta, your lunch spot, the scenery continues to amaze, with jagged rock formations and expansive alpine views. A delicious meal prepared by your trekking chef will be waiting here—fuel for the second part of the day.

After lunch, a gradual but steady climb brings you to Surini Pass (4,500 meters / 14,763 feet). From here, you’ll catch your first magical view of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in the distance—a taste of what’s to come.

You’ll descend along a trail that skirts a serene lake and continue over gentle terrain (“Peruvian flat”) until you reach your campsite with shelter, tucked into the highland valley.

For those who still have energy, there’s an optional short hike to Rainbow Mountain for sunset—a peaceful and less-crowded way to witness this iconic landscape bathed in golden light.

Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

You’ll wake up early at 6:00 AM, greeted with hot coca tea delivered to your tent—a gentle and energizing start to a truly unforgettable day. After breakfast, you’ll begin a short but rewarding 45-minute hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

Arriving early gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder in peace, before the larger crowds arrive. You’ll have between 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your pace and weather) to explore the summit, take in the spectacular panorama, and capture your once-in-a-lifetime photos of the mountain’s vivid mineral stripes.

But the magic doesn’t stop there.

Afterwards, you’ll head on a 1-hour round trip hike to the stunning Red Valley—a surreal landscape of deep crimson and ochre hills, less visited but equally mesmerizing.

From there, you’ll begin your descent through remote mountain trails, hiking for about 3 hours until you reach Alqatari Campsite, where a well-earned lunch and rest await. Tonight, you’ll sleep in our sheltered camp, surrounded by peaceful highland scenery and the sense of accomplishment that comes from experiencing one of Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders.

This morning’s hike takes you through some of the most dramatic and remote scenery of the trek. As you begin your day, you’ll enjoy clear views of the snowy peaks of Tres Picos and Puca Punta, towering over the surrounding valleys.

You’ll continue your journey east through the wide green valley of Pampa Jutunpata, following the peaceful Rio Q’ampa valley as it winds through the mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass the small, isolated community of Q’ampa, where traditional Andean life carries on much as it has for centuries.

From there, the trail begins to ascend northwest toward the final high pass of the trek: Q’ampa Pass, standing at 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of a chain of stunning, multicolored glacial lakes, each with its own unique hue.

Your final destination for the day is the breathtaking Q’oma Q’ocha, a vivid green-turquoise lake tucked beneath rugged peaks. This magical spot will be your campsite for the night, offering a serene and unforgettable setting to rest and reflect on your incredible journey through the Andes.

Your final day begins with an early wake-up, ready to close this unforgettable adventure with one last immersion in the wild beauty of the Andes.

Today’s hike takes you through the magical circuit of the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, each one with its own stunning color and shape—ranging from deep sapphire blues to milky turquoise tones. With Ausangate Mountain still towering beside you, this is your last chance to admire its snowy peaks from a new and equally breathtaking perspective.

For the bold and adventurous, this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a dip in one of these icy alpine lakes—a refreshing (and brag-worthy!) memory to carry home.

From there, you’ll continue toward the highland village of Pacchanta, where you’ll be welcomed by its natural hot springs. Here, you can relax your muscles in the warm waters while gazing up at the glacier-crowned summit of Ausangate, one final time.

After a celebratory lunch—your “last supper” in the Andes—you’ll say farewell to your chef and horseman, the incredible team that made this journey possible.

By around 6:00 PM, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, with your heart full, your legs tired, and your spirit forever changed by the power and peace of the mountains.