+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$365

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Length

3 Days, 2 Nights

Group

Min 2, Max 12

Trip Style

Trekking Tours

Diffciculty

challenging.

Overview

The Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain Trek is a spectacular 3-day hike in the Peruvian Andes. The Ausangate Mountain (6,333 m), considered a sacred Apu, offers breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and colorful mountains. The route starts in Tinki and requires good physical fitness due to high altitude conditions. Travelers experience living Quechua culture, ancient traditions, and the herding of llamas and alpacas, making it one of the most authentic, remote, and scenic trekking routes in Cusco, ideal for Peru trekking and high-Andean adventure lovers.

Highlights

Challenge yourself with a 3-day trek through the stunning Peruvian Andes, ideal for hikers in good physical condition.
Explore off-the-beaten-path routes and discover remote mountains and unique high-altitude landscapes.
Marvel at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and its vibrant natural colors.
Walk among herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas in their natural habitat.
Relax in natural hot springs in Upis after a day of trekking.
Discover glaciers and colorful alpine lakes, experiencing unforgettable Andean scenery.
Travel with professional local Andean guides.
Enjoy panoramic mountain views by day and a spectacular star-filled sky at night.

At a Glance

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights of unforgettable adventure through the Peruvian Andes, combining high-altitude trekking, stunning landscapes, and the iconic Rainbow Mountain experience.
Departure & Return: Cusco, Peru – begin your journey in the historic capital of the Inca Empire and return with unforgettable memories of the Andes.
Tour Type: Adventure & Eco-Cultural Trek – a perfect blend of challenging mountain hikes, remote landscapes, and authentic Andean culture.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – ideal for active travelers seeking high-altitude trekking and rewarding panoramic views.
Accommodation: Overnight camping in mountain campsites, surrounded by pristine Andean landscapes and star-filled skies.
Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners – freshly prepared traditional Andean meals designed to fuel your adventure.

Inclusions

Pre-trek briefing in Cusco (preparation + safety instructions)
Hotel pick-up in Cusco (Cusco city center)
Professional bilingual guide (English, Spanish & Quechua)
Private tourist transport to the starting point or trailhead (comfortable and safe travel)
Accommodation: 2 nights camping in comfortable tents at scenic Andean campsites.
Muleteers + horses: An experienced team transports all equipment and supplies on horses or mules, allowing you to enjoy the trek without carrying heavy loads.
Meals + chef: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners with vegetarian options, prepared by expert chefs at the campsite.
Duffel Bag Service: You only carry your daypack; we provide a 5 kg duffel bag, which is transported by horse to the campsites.

Exclusion

Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 / Lunch and dinner on the last day
Entrance Tickets: 20 soles per day (≈65 soles total), paid on-site to local communities.
Travel insurance: Not included, it is recommended to purchase it independently.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and staff not included (optional but appreciated).
Drinking Water: Daily refills provided; bottled water available (5–12 soles) or use purification tablets/filter.
Sleeping bag: 30 soles (rated to -10°C), available for rent from us.

What to Bring

Personal medication: Bring any required medication and a basic first aid kit.
Light backpack: Small, comfortable, and suitable for hiking.
Trekking poles: Recommended for the Salkantay Trek; also available for rent.
Water container: At least 2L capacity (bottle or CamelBak recommended).
Warm hat and gloves: Essential for cold temperatures, especially early mornings and high-altitude sections.
Headlamp: Essential for early morning hikes or nighttime use at the campsite.
Sleeping Bag (-10°C / 14°F): 40 soles (comfort rating up to -10 °C), available for rent from us.
Emergency cash: Recommended 300 soles or 90 USD in cash.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Camera/phone: Fully charged for photos.
First aid kit: Altitude meds, painkillers, plasters.
Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruit, or chocolate.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Tinki - Upis.

You will be picked up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. and begin a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the village of Tinki, where you will experience peaceful rural landscapes and get your first glimpse of vibrant Andean communities in the Cusco region of Peru.

Along the way, you will have time to stretch your legs, observe locals dressed in traditional clothing, and visit a local market—an ideal introduction to authentic Andean culture.

Next, a 40-minute drive along a rustic mountain road will take you to the starting point of your Ausangate Trek, where you will meet your muleteers and horses.

You will then begin your hike at around 4,000 m (13,200 ft) at approximately 9:00 a.m., trekking for about three hours to reach Upis (4,350 m / 14,270 ft). As you hike, you will walk beneath the majestic Ausangate Mountain, considered a sacred Apu by the local Quechua people.

This region, rich in Inca mythology and spiritual significance, is not just a destination—it is a deeply cultural Andean trekking experience in Peru.

Hiking distance: 8 km/4.9 miles.
Hiking time: Approximately 3 hours.
Trailhead elevation: 4,179 meters/13,710 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Campsite elevation: 4,432 meters/14,540 feet.
Highest point: 4,432 meters/14,540 feet.
Accommodation: Tents

Day 2Upis - Arapa Pass - Puca cocha - Ananta Pata.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a breathtaking sunrise and begin your day surrounded by the calm, majestic landscapes of the Andes. This region is rich in biodiversity, home to rare bird species and wild vicuñas.

You will hike along a rolling trail to Arapa Pass (4,989 m), where you will enjoy stunning views of the colorful mountains. From there, you will descend to Puca Cocha, passing llamas and alpacas along the way, with the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain on your left. Your guide will explain the local flora and fauna throughout the route.

Later, you will ascend to Puca Cocha Pass (4,915 m / 16,125 ft), where you will be rewarded with incredible views of Ausangate Mountain and its three turquoise lakes below.

You will then descend to Ananta Camp (4,708 m / 16,154.6 ft), where you will spend the night in tents. In the afternoon, you will settle in, rest, change clothes, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by your cook.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours.
Hiking Distance: 14 km/8.68 miles.
Trailhead Altitude: 4,400 meters/14,430 feet.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Campsite Altitude: 4,708 meters/15,460 feet.
Highest Point: 4,915 meters/16,125 feet.
Accommodations: Tents.

Day 3Ananta Pata - Ananta Pass - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco.

You will wake up early at 3:00 a.m., have breakfast, and begin your uphill hike to Ananta Pass (4,500 m / 14,000 ft), where you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Rainbow Mountain. This natural wonder is famous for its unique mineral composition, which creates its vibrant and colorful layers.

Once there, you will descend toward a small circular lake and continue along a flat trail before reaching the final ascent to Rainbow Mountain. At the summit, you will enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the spectacular Andean landscape.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain, you will have the option to continue to the Red Valley, a hidden gem known for its deep red tones, offering a striking contrast against the surrounding green mountains and creating an unforgettable natural scenery experience in Peru.

Return to Cusco:arriving around 3:00 PM.
Walking distance: 14 km/8.68 miles.
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours.
Trailhead altitude: 4,708 meters/16,125 feet.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Highest point: 5,036 meters/16,515 feet.

What to Pack

packing List

F.A.Q. ¿What should I pack in my backpack?

If you are travelling to a trekking destination, you should prepare your backpack and duffel bag in advance, especially for the Ausangate Trek. We recommend that you bring one or two large backpacks, depending on the length of your holiday. Carry only what you need for the 3 days of the trek, this means that any extra items or belongings you don’t need can be left at your hotel in Cusco or in our backpack storage room in Cusco.

what to pack in your personal Backpack?

During the days on the trek, Remember, you will be carrying your backpack with you for the entire trek, so you should carry a light, comfortable and good quality backpack.

here, we give you the list of items which you have to carry in your personal backpack.

Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense at high altitude and you should protect your eyes from the glare. Wear one that offers UV protection and is comfortable.
Rain gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike.
Warm clothing: During the Inca Trail, where the temperature fluctuates during the day and night, it is mandatory to have good clothing equipment such as: fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.
Sunscreen: Choose a good sunscreen (high factor) and apply it before starting the hike and regularly during the day if you are sweating.
Hand sanitizer: Carry a good hand sanitizer to disinfect hands before eating, drinking and after using the bathroom. We recommend carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer throughout the day.
Headlamp: carrying a headlamp is especially useful for those who hike the Inca Trail because it keeps your hands free for other tasks. It is useful to choose a headlamp for brightness, weight and comfort.
Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk.
Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

What to pack in your personal Duffel bag?

we will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your belongings that you don’t need during the day, Muleteers & horses will carry the duffel bag, and please note that it must have a maximum weight of 7 Kg, including your sleeping bag and your air mattress (if you bring or rent one). The duffel bag will be provided to you one day before the trek at your hotels or our office.

Sleeping bag: if you don’t have one, you can rent it from us; also if you want to buy it it has to have the estimated weight of 2 kilos and remember to pack it in a plastic bag to keep it during the excursion, we recommend a -10°C sleeping bag.
Rain Gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike
Warm jacket: The weather during the excursion fluctuates and can drop sharply during the day and night, so it is essential to bring layers of clothing for the sun and a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow
2 to 3 T-shirts: Absorbent T-shirts that dry quickly are recommended. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon are the best choice, as they will hold sweat and dry quickly, avoid cotton shirts as they retain moisture and cause chafing and are difficult to dry
1 to 2 trekking pants: there are a variety of types of trekking pants one of them is the cargo pants which have large pockets on the side of the legs and the convertible pants have legs that zipper at the knee, those are ideal especially in hot climates or changing conditions during the trail for women leggings or leggings work perfectly
2 pairs of underwear: wearing a sports bra and compression shorts will be helpful and keep you comfortable to avoid chafing. If you are hiking in cold weather, wear thermal underwear that will keep you warm
Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk
Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

Photos

Gallery

FAQs

1.How difficult is the trek and what is the highest altitude reached?

This trek is considered challenging due to its high altitude and steep terrain. The highest altitude reached is 5,000m at the Warmisaya pass on Day 2. Participants should be prepared for high-altitude hiking and be in good physical condition.

2.What kind of wildlife can be expected along the trek?

The trek offers opportunities to spot various wildlife, including rare bird species and wild vicuñas. Additionally, you may encounter llamas and alpacas grazing in the Andean landscapes. It’s a unique chance to immerse yourself in the natural biodiversity of the region.

3.What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?

Accommodation during the trek is camping in tents. The campsites are set up in scenic locations along the route, providing stunning views of the Andean landscapes and vibrant turquoise lagoons.

4.Are vegetarian/vegan dietary options available during the trek?

Yes, vegetarian/vegan dietary options are available. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance, and we will accommodate your needs.

5.What is the best time of year to embark on this trek?

The best time to embark on this trek is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During this time, you can expect clear skies and stable weather conditions, ideal for hiking and enjoying the stunning vistas of the Andes and Rainbow Mountain.

1 Review

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Mark D.

Solo Traveller

Embarking on the Ausangate Trek was a transformative experience that immersed me in the beauty and spirituality of the Andes. The journey began with a picturesque drive to Upis, where we commenced our trek amidst the towering peaks of Ausangate.

The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with each day offering new landscapes and adventures. From traversing mountain passes to marveling at the vibrant lagoons of Yana Qocha, every moment was filled with wonder and awe.

The highlight of the trek was undoubtedly witnessing the sunrise at Rainbow Mountain. The kaleidoscope of colors illuminated by the morning light was a sight I’ll never forget.

March 4, 2022

3-Day Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek