Our Ausangate Trek 3 Days offers one of Peru’s most stunning adventure experiences in the highest mountain range. It is designed for travelers who don’t have much time in their itinerary but still want a meaningful, safe experience to explore Ausangate Mountain, one of the most sacred mountains in Peru.
On this Peru trek, you will hike across beautiful Andean scenery with high snow-covered peaks, clear lakes, and small traditional villages with friendly local families. Expert local guides will take you into the heart of Apu Ausangate.
They will familiarize you with the cultural practices of the local people, and you will discover what makes this part of the Andes so special. This trek is ideal for those who appreciate nature, the challenge of trekking, and authentic travel within the Peruvian Andes.
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Ausangate Trek 3 Days to Rainbow Mountain
Our trek to Ausangate Mountain in Peru is undoubtedly the best option for you. It’s not just about fitting it into your schedule, but also about offering you the safest and most meaningful experience of a crash course to Nevado Ausangate (the sacred mountain).
You will test yourself on one of the highest treks in Peru and experience the famous altitude of Ausangate with the full support of our team.
For three full days, you will feel immersed in the landscape of the Ausangate mountain in Peru: huge glaciers, hidden blue lakes, and the indescribable colors of the Rainbow Mountain.
We sincerely believe that this is the best route to experience the heart of the Andes when you have limited time, and we will take care of all the logistics so that you can focus solely on the challenge and the beauty.
The 3 Day Adventure: What You’ll Experience
Day 1: Getting Ready for the Mountain
In Cusco, we get going early! With a lovely drive and a quick, easy 3-hour hike to your first camp, the morning transfer is smooth. The key to a fantastic Ausangate trek is its moderate start, which is purposefully slow. In order for you to feel prepared and resilient for the days ahead, we want your body to adapt properly.
- Walking Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Cabins
Day 2: The Heart of Ausangate trek
Today is challenging, but that is where the magic is! You will the next hours hiking the distance across 2 major passes, taking in the unadulterated and raw beauty of the Ausangate mountain. Don’t stress about the distance either (as the crow flies 14 km); our fully qualified local guides will be with you the whole way, managing the pace of the group while you get to enjoy every view safely.
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles
- Hiking Time: 8 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Day 3: Sunrise Reward and Return
We’ve made it!! It’s an early start, but it’s worth it. We’ll be hiking in the dark to make sure we arrive at Rainbow Mountain for that little moment of reflection before the main crowds get there. After that amazing sight, we’ll start working our way back down.
You’ll be exhausted, but you’ll arrive back to Cusco early evening with a great sense of accomplishment and a longing for a hot shower.
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.08 miles
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Duration of Tour: 3 days
Location of the tour: South of Cusco, province of Quispicanchis, Paqchanta.
Nature of the Tour: Ground transportation, 4-hour hike, medium difficulty level, distance 5 miles, it is necessary to present good physical condition and health.
Limitations of the Tour: wild place, between 13800 and 14500 ft.
Operation subject to weather conditions.
Ausangate Itinerary
DAY 1- CUSCO – TINQUI - UPIS
We will pick you up at 05:00 am from your hotel, then we will drive in our private van for approximately 2 hours to Tinki where we will get off to stretch our legs and we will see the local people wearing their typical costumes and we can visit the local market if it is open.
After that, we will continue driving for about 1 hour on a bumpy and dusty road to Upis Pampa, there we will have our breakfast and then start the hike to Upis camp. The road is almost flat and some sections are uphill and downhill. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach the camp.
Along the way, we will have sensational views, including the spectacular Ausangate mountain 3 days, and we will meet local farmers dressed in their costumes. Once at Upis camp, we will have lunch. After our delicious meal, we will have the opportunity to hike to Upis Lake or take a dip in the hot springs near our private camp. The hike to Upis Lake takes 2 hours round trip. The trail is flat at the beginning and the last part is gradually uphill.
Once we reach the lake, you will see Ausangate from very close and time to take the most beautiful pictures then return to our camp where we will have our dinner then we will go to our cabins from where we will see how the sunset reflect the Ausangate Mountain.
Walking Distance: 7km/ 4,5 miles.
Hiking hour: 3 hours roughly.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,220 meters / 13,840 feet.
Difficulty: moderate.
Campsite Elevation: 4,320 meters / 14,100 feet.
Accommodation: Cabins.
DAY 2- UPIS – PUCA COCHA – ANANTA
We will wake you up at 5 am with coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin and you will be given a delicious breakfast for the day ahead. In the morning we will hike up to Arapa Pass which is located at 4989 masl (16567 ft) from where we will have an amazing view of colorful mountains then we will hike to Puca Cocha where we will have our lunch.
Along the way, we will observe Llamas and alpacas, snow capped Ausangate on your left side, and you will have English speaking guide explaining about the flora and fauna and talking about the landscape along the way. if we are lucky we might see condors, chinchillas and vicuñas.
After eating our lunch, we will climb to the Pucacocha pass, from where we will have an amazing view of the Ausangate mountain with 3 lakes below. We will then descend to our Ananta camp where we will spend the night in our mountain huts. As usual, tents will be set up for us to change, take a nap, and have our dinner prepared by our professional chef.
Walking Distance: 14 km/ 8,68 miles.
Hiking hour: 8 hours roughly.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,400 meters / 14,430 feet.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Campsite Elevation: 4,700 meters / 15,400 feet.
Accommodation: Mountain Huts.
DAY 3- ANANTA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – QESUNO – CUSCO
Today is the day you have been waiting for. We will wake you up at 03:45 am with coca tea delivered to your tent then we start with the first climb up to Ananta Pass (15,090ft-4500m-14,000ft) From where you are not quite there, but you can see this incredible rainbow mountain in the distance!.
From this place you go downhill to go around the lake and continue walking a Peruvian apartment until you reach the final climb to Rainbow Mountain then you have 360 views of the spectacular scenery around you, soak in the views and enjoy as much of the place as possible.
After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we have the opportunity to visit the Red Valley. Then we walk down for about 1 hour to the bus station, where we will say goodbye to our rider. We will then drive for about 3 hours and drop you off at your hotel around 5 pm.
Walking Distance: 13km/ 8,078 miles.
hiking hour: 6 hours roughly.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Included/Not Included
Included in the Ausangate Trek 3 Days
- Emergency Satellite Phone: Ensures safety during your Ausangate trek in remote mountain areas with no signal.
- Comfortable Lodging: Stay in cozy cabins near Ausangate Mountain Peru the first night and scenic mountain huts the second night.
- Professional English Speaking Guide: Local experts with radio communication for a safe and informative trekking in Peru experience.
- Pre Departure Briefing in Cusco: Receive detailed trip guidance before starting your Ausangate trekking tour.
- Private Portable Toilet Tent: Clean and hygienic setup for your comfort during the hike.
- Dining Tent and Rest Area: Relax with a sofa and enjoy shared meals after long hiking days.
- Experienced Mountain Chef: Freshly prepared Peruvian meals every day, adapted to your dietary needs.
- Wake Up Tea Service: Start your day with coca tea, coffee, or hot chocolate while admiring the Andes sunrise.
- Pack Mules and Porters: Mules carry all camping equipment and up to 7 kg of your personal belongings.
- Duffel Bag Provided: Durable duffel bag included for your Ausangate trek Peru essentials.
- Daily Drinking Water: Boiled, filtered, and cooled water provided to refill your bottles daily.
- Afternoon Tea Time: Enjoy hot tea, popcorn, and cookies each afternoon after hiking.
- Eco Friendly Snack Bag: Fabric snack bags are provided to eliminate plastic waste on the Ausangate mountain trek.
- Trail Snacks: Energy snacks every day to support endurance at high altitude.
- Entrance Fees Included: Access to Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and private sections of the Ausangate circuit.
- Full Camping Equipment: Dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen gear, and utensils for a comfortable camping experience.
- Spacious Sleeping Tents: Two person tents for solo travelers, three person tents for pairs, with Thermarest mattresses and foam pads.
- Private Transportation: Round trip transfers from and to your hotel in Cusco in a modern private vehicle.
- Meals Included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners with options for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free, or lactose free diets.
- Safety Equipment: Complete first aid kit, oxygen tank, and guides trained annually in high altitude emergency response.
- Personal Hygiene Kit: Wash basin and paper towels provided at each campsite.
- Weather Protection: Rain poncho and waterproof backpack cover included for wet weather conditions
Not Included in the Ausangate Trek 3 Days
- Sleeping Bags: Not included in the tour. High-quality Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags are available for rent at $20 for the entire trek.
- Trekking Poles: Black Diamond hiking poles can be rented for $20 for the full trip.
- Personal Riding Horse: Optional horse rentals are available if you wish to ride during sections of the Ausangate trek Peru. Prices vary depending on group size and trail conditions.
- Tips and Gratuities: Voluntary tips for your professional Ausangate guide, driver, and cook are not included.
- Travel Insurance: Not provided.
- We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and adventure insurance before joining your Ausangate mountain trek.
What to bring for Ausangate
- Daypack with Rain Cover: Essential for carrying personal items and keeping them dry during the Ausangate trek Peru.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Useful for early starts or nighttime use in campsites.
- Extra Wool Socks: Keeps your feet warm and dry during long hikes in the Andes.
- Layered Clothing: Hiking pants and shirts for easy temperature adjustment.
- Rain Pants: Protection against sudden Andean rain showers.
- Comfortable Camp Shoes or Sandals: Ideal for relaxing at camp after a full day of trekking.
- Camping Pillow: For added comfort during overnight stays in mountain huts or tents.
- Water Resistant Hiking Boots: Durable footwear suitable for the rugged terrain of the Ausangate mountain Peru.
- Warm Clothes: Thermal layers, fleece, gloves, and a hat are essential for cold nights at high altitude.
- Waterproof Clothing: Bring a poncho or waterproof jacket to stay dry in changing weather.
- Breathable Clothing: Synthetic or cotton pants, shorts, and t-shirts for hiking comfort.
- Sun Protection: Sunhat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are crucial for the strong Andean sun.
- Lip Balm: Prevents dryness and cracking in the high-altitude environment.
- Camera and Extra Batteries: Capture the incredible landscapes of Mt Ausangate Peru and Rainbow Mountain.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Such as Nalgene or similar, for refilling with boiled water provided each day.
- Basic Medications: Include altitude sickness pills, pain relievers, and any personal prescriptions.
- Trekking Poles: Recommended for stability on steep or rocky terrain.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Small essentials for comfort during camping.
- Trail Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or chocolates to keep you energized throughout the hike.
- Cash: For small purchases, souvenirs, or optional services during the trek.
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Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 420 USDYour price guarantees expert guides, oxygen support and personal care on the mountain.
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 02 people 450 USD
- 03 people 430 USD
- 04 people 420 USD
- 06 – 08 people 400 USD
Travel Information
Expert Planning Your Ausangate Trek 3 Day Guide |
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|---|---|
| Season and Weather Maximizing Views | |
| Best Time to Trek | The dry season (May to September) offers the best chance for clear, sunny days. This guarantees spectacular views of the Ausangate Mountain glaciers and Rainbow Mountain.
The rainy season (Oct to April) offers quiet trails, but expect wet, slippery conditions. |
| Difficulty and Physical Prep EEAT Expertise | |
| Fitness Level Required | This is a moderate to challenging trek. You must be ready for 6 to 9 hours of hiking daily over rugged terrain. We highly recommend training with endurance hikes before your trip to build stamina. |
| Altitude Management Your Safety Priority | |
| Maximum Altitude | We reach up to 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). Proper acclimatization is non negotiable for safety and enjoyment. |
| Acclimation Strategy | Spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or similar high altitude locations before you start the trek. Stay hydrated, and be mindful of symptoms. Your guide is there to help manage any issues immediately. |
| Comfort on the Trail Value and Experience | |
| Accommodation Style | You’ll stay in cozy private cabins (Night 1) and warm mountain huts (Night 2). This ensures a quality, restful sleep that simple tents often cannot provide. |
| Meals and Dining | Enjoy delicious Peruvian dishes fuel for the hike! All meals are prepared by an expert chef. Just let us know your dietary needs (vegan, gluten free, etc.) in advance. |
| What to Pack Do Not Forget These | |
| Essentials | Dress in layers (jacket, gloves, and hat are a must!). Bring waterproof gear for sudden weather changes. Strong sunscreen and well worn hiking boots are required for varied terrain. |
| Group Size and Final Tips | |
| Group Size and Guides | Our small groups (4 to 12 people) ensure personalized attention. All guides are highly knowledgeable local experts who share fascinating cultural insights throughout the **Peruvian hike**. |
| Health and Safety | Guides are First Aid trained and monitor the group constantly. We recommend you bring backup batteries, as electricity is not available on the trail. |
Frecuently Asked Questions
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The snowy Ausangate is known as the “Pollinator”. Thanks to the glacial masses, natural structures such as Pachamama, the masculine energy that fertilizes Mother Earth according to Andean mythology, and lagoons are formed, including the Sivinacocha Lagoon.
Location
The Nevado Ausangate is a natural attraction located in the Ocongate District of the Province of Quispicanchi Cusco. This eye is part of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and, according to an ancient legend, it was the brother of the Salkantay eye.
Ausangate Trek 3 Days is for those who have experienced trekking and don’t have much time; Basically, you will walk all day. You’ll cross 3 mountain passes, walk among hundreds of wandering alpacas and llamas, and traverse wonderfully diverse views that change daily, from snow-capped peaks to swampy lands. The real reward, however, is reaching Rainbow Mountain, hidden deep in the Andes.
Is for those with hiking experience and not a lot of time; basically, you will hike all day. You will cross 3 mountain passes, walk among hundreds of wandering alpacas and llamas, and traverse wonderfully diverse vistas that change daily from snow-capped peaks to neon red desert mountains to swampy pampas. The real reward, however, is reaching Rainbow Mountain, hidden deep in the Andes. This mountain, which represents a rainbow, is so impressive that it will leave you speechless.
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The Ausangate journey One of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in the Andes is in Peru. In a single route, it blends traditional Andean communities, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped summits. As they explore Ausangate Mountain, one of Peru’s most revered Apus, hikers encounter both adventure and culture. The amazing Rainbow Mountain, well-known for its vibrant mineral formations, is also part of the trip.
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The three day Ausangate trip is regarded as a difficult hike because of its high elevation of more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Most visitors can, however, finish it safely with the help of an experienced Ausangate tour guide and adequate acclimatization in Cusco. The walk is intended for physically fit hikers who like isolated scenery and genuine Peruvian trekking.
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April through November are the ideal months for the Ausangate mountain trek because of the dry weather and unobstructed views. You will experience clear blue skies, glaciers in view, and comfortable daytime temperatures during this time. It is not advised to go during the rainy season (January–February) because visibility is decreased and the trails become slick.
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Bring layered clothes, hiking boots, sun protection, waterproof gear, and a reusable water bottle for your Ausangate trek in Peru. Gloves and thermal apparel are necessary because Andean nights can be chilly. The scenery of Mount Ausangate, Peru, is among the most breathtaking in South America, so a camera is also essential.
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Making a reservation with a licensed Ausangate tour operator in Cusco guarantees comfort, organization, and safety. Expert guides give you meals, oxygen, first aid supplies, and dependable equipment so you may concentrate on the journey’s beauty. Additionally, you will help the locals in the Nevado Ausangate area preserve their old Andean customs.
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The best season to practice Ausangate Trek 3 Days is from April to November.
This is done to maximize the number of sunny days, since most of the activities we recommend are outdoors. However, the favorable weather attracts more hikers, and if you want to have these beautiful places to yourself, it is recommended to make the trip in the last days of March or in December.
Please note that you can choose the route to Ausangate Circuit (if you are traveling alone) at any time of the year and due to low demand, prices will increase (with agencies offering walking tours) as departure can be difficult.
January and February are the worst months to start this adventure.
Due to the constant rains (which is why the Inca Trail is disabled this season).
Hail and thunderstorms are also common and have become more intense, increasing the possibility of a frightening experience.
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If you want to do the Ausangate Trek 3 Days, we recommend you bring the following:
Medication for altitude sickness, coca leaves that can be chewed or injected.
Please prepare comfortable and warm clothing and trekking shoes.
Rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
Protect the environment with garbage bags to collect garbage.
Trekking shoes and pants.
The best way to visit the beautiful Ausangate Circuit is to hire a tour operator to ensure your safety and assistance during your trip.
Group Services
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