Ausangate Trek peru rainbow mountain 5 days
If you’re after a genuine escape, this is an adventure trip rather than hiking the 5 Day Ausangate Trek. This is the trip our team agrees on as the best option for its purity, tranquility, and admirable remoteness. We fully intend that you trek through mountains that feel spirit sacred, practically undiscovered.
Get ready to explore one of the best high-alpine hiking trips in Peru when you join our Ausangate Trek Rainbow Mountain Expedition. This memorable trip takes you to the heart of the Cordillera Vilcanota, featuring enormous ice caps, green lakes, off-the-beaten-path Andean villages, and stunning mountain landscapes. With our unique itinerary, you will have the pleasure of completing the Ausangate Circuit and visiting Rainbow Mountain early, well before most tourists reach the site.
You will get to explore the breathtaking mountains as you trek for five remarkable days. You will get to see marvelous frozen lakes, catch sight of numerous alpacas and llamas and spend time in natural hot springs. You will also get to camp under the most astonishing night sky. On your journey, you will visit local communities of Quechua people who have preserved their treasured traditions over time while your guides will help you learn about the culture and beauty of Peru.
US$ 599 / person
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The 5 Day Trip: An Expertly Coordinated Schedule
The 5 Day Ausangate Trek is an incredible journey into the heart of the Andes, not merely a route. Our team’s personal favorite is this trip since it’s unadulterated, peaceful, and incredibly remote from the masses. We’ve methodically prepared every step to make you feel protected while witnessing the majestic scale of the mountains.
Ripe glaciers, cultures and landscapes surround you, whilst getting to know the humble lifestyle of the indigenous Quechua neighborhoods. This has been pre arranged for you to entirely disengage and develop a long lasting connection to the earth. Hiking with us is not just in the Andes; it is on the mountains with people that know them, and care about your whole experience.
Tour Highlights
- Complete the spectacular Ausangate Trek over five unforgettable days.
- Visit Rainbow Mountain early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
- Cross four breathtaking mountain passes above 4,900 meters.
- Admire glaciers, turquoise lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and colorful valleys.
- Spend each night surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes.
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta after completing the trek.
- Observe alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, condors, and native Andean wildlife.
- Experience authentic Quechua communities and traditional mountain life.
- Professional trekking guides, cooks, and horsemen throughout the expedition.
Ausangate Trek at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis
Leave Cusco early in the morning and travel through the scenic Andean countryside to Tinki before reaching the trailhead at Upispampa. Begin your gradual hike through beautiful valleys, crossing streams and traditional farming communities before arriving at your comfortable cabin accommodation in Upis. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the beautiful Upis Lake while enjoying magnificent views of Ausangate Mountain.
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Puca Cocha – Ananta
Today’s adventure takes you across the spectacular Arapa Pass before continuing through breathtaking alpine scenery filled with glacial lakes, colorful valleys, and snow-covered peaks. After lunch near Puca Cocha Lake, continue over the Pucacocha Pass before descending to your mountain hut in Ananta for another peaceful evening in the Andes.
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Cocha
Start before sunrise and cross Surini Pass while colorful mountain landscapes gradually appear around you. Reach the famous Rainbow Mountain early in the morning to admire its incredible mineral formations before descending through remote Andean plains to your next mountain shelter near Ausangate Cocha.
Day 4: Ausangate Cocha – Palomani Pass – Jampa
Challenge yourself with the highest point of the expedition as you cross Palomani Pass at over 5,300 meters. Along the way, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Ausangate Glacier, dramatic valleys, crystal-clear streams, red lagoons, and abundant wildlife before arriving at your final campsite surrounded by impressive mountain scenery.
Day 5: Jampa – Pacchanta – Cusco
Complete the final section of the trek by crossing your last mountain pass while enjoying panoramic views of the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate. Descend to the traditional village of Pacchanta, where you can relax in the natural hot springs before enjoying a farewell lunch. Later, return by private transportation to Cusco, bringing your unforgettable Andean adventure to a memorable conclusion.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions?
The Ausangate Trek is one of Peru’s most demanding mountain adventures, requiring excellent planning, experienced guides, and reliable logistics. At Uros Expeditions, our mountain team is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trekking experience while allowing you to fully appreciate one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes.
- Professional bilingual mountain guides with extensive high-altitude experience.
- Early access to Rainbow Mountain before the majority of visitors arrive.
- Comfortable mountain cabins, huts, and quality camping equipment throughout the trek.
- Fresh breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and daily snacks prepared by professional trekking chefs.
- Experienced horsemen and pack horses for camping equipment and supplies.
- Private transportation between Cusco and the trailhead.
- Visit the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate and natural hot springs in Pacchanta.
- Emergency oxygen tanks and complete first aid equipment carried throughout the expedition.
- Small groups for a more personalized trekking experience.
- 24/7 assistance from the Uros Expeditions team before and during your adventure.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – OCONGATE – TINQUI – UPIS
We will pick you up at your hotel at 06:00 am and drive by private transport for about 2 hours to Tinki, where we will get off to stretch our legs and take the opportunity to visit the Tiki village, where we will see the people still dressed in their traditional costumes.
Then we will drive for another 1 hour approximately on dusty and bumpy roads. Once we arrive at the trailhead, we will have our delicious breakfast and then meet our riders. We will start the hike from Upispampa through many remote villages with many stream crossings until we reach the small village of Upis. The trail is almost flat with some ups and downs.
We will walk for about 3 hours until we reach our campsite. Here we have our private cabins where you will spend the night. Our chef will prepare a delicious lunch. After enjoying our meal, you have the option to hike to Upis Lake which takes 2 hours round trip.
The trail to this beautiful lake is flat for about 40 minutes and the last 20 minutes are a gradual climb. Once back from the lake, we will enter our cabins where we will have a chair to sit and enjoy tea looking at the impressive Ausangate through the window. Then we will have dinner and go out to enjoy the first starry night, you will remember it.
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 wake up early at 5:00 am with coca tea brought to your cabin. After that, we pack our belongings, have breakfast and start walking to Arapa pass, which is uphill at 4958m, then a slight descent to our lunch spot near Pucacocha lake.
After having the delicious lunch we continue walking uphill to reach the second pass called Pucacocha pass(5000m) then we will go downhill another couple of hours to our campsite called Ananta where we will spend the night in our mountain huts.
Along the way, we will appreciate different glacier peaks, rivers, small lakes, alpacas, local shepherds and llamas, of course, you will always be with your guide who will explain the area.
Walking Distance: 14km/ 8,660 miles.
Hiking hour: 9 hours roughly.
Difficulty:
Campsite Elevation: 4,420 meters / 15,400 feet.
Accommodation: Mountain Huts.
DAY 3: ANANTA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – AUSANGATE COCHA
You will be awakened at 4:00 am with coca tea. After our nutritious breakfast, we pack up, enjoy breakfast and then start hiking up to the Surini Pass, which is 5051m. from where you will enjoy colorful mountains all around you and see the Rainbow Mountain still in the distance.
Then we descend to the Circular Lake and continue walking through the Peruvian plains until we reach the Rainbow Mountain, where we will enjoy the amazing colorful mountains and their surroundings. We will arrive at Rainbow Mountain at 08:00 am.
We will then descend for approximately 2 hours to Alqatari where we will have lunch and dinner and then spend the night in our mountain huts. On the way, we will pass small villages and, of course, llamas and alpacas.
Walking Distance: 13km/ 8,345 miles.
Hiking hour: 7 hours roughly.
Difficulty: moderate/Difficult.
Campsite Elevation: 4,420 meters / 14,500 feet.
Accommodation: Shelter.
DAY 4: AUSANGATE COCHA – QUINSACOCHA – JAMPA
After our delicious breakfast, we start hiking up to the highest point of the Ausangate trail of our trip at 5300m called Palomani Pass. Therefore, you will feel like you are in heaven, higher than all other treks in all regions of Cusco.
You will appreciate the great canyons and valleys of the Andes, but be aware that some Condors might be flying nearby. Once you reach the top, you will be right at the foot of the Ausangate mountain which is considered the protector by the locals.
Along the way, we will appreciate different glacier peaks, bubbling streams, rivers, red lagoons, chinchillas, alpacas, local shepherds and llamas. We will then hike up and down and arrive at our lunch spot called Huchuy Phinaya. We hike for an additional hour to reach our campsite, Surapampa, after our delectable midday meal. This camp is located near the rocky area so we will see a lot of Chinchilas sitting on top of the rocks.
Walking Distance: 14 km/ 8,5 miles.
Hiking hour: 9 hours roughly.
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsite Elevation: 4,620 meters / 15,190 feet.
Accommodation: Tents.
DAY 5: JAMPA – PACCHANTA – CUSCO
Today we cross the last pass, we start walking uphill for about 3 hours in order to reach the last pass at 4900m. From here we can appreciate some more glacier peaks and the 7 lakes of Ausangate and then we will descend to our lunch place called PACCHANTA where our cooks and riders will make our last dinner.
In Pacchanta there is a beautiful natural hot spring in the middle of the mountain. So, after 5 days of hiking, you will love to take a bath in the hot springs and you could enjoy some beer. You will have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts made by local people. Then we will say goodbye to our horsemen and take our private van and drive for 3 hours back to Cusco. Finally, we will take you back to your hotel at 6 pm.
Walking Distance: 12km/ 7,5 miles.
Hiking hour: 6 hours roughly.
Difficulty: moderate/Difficult.
What's Included in Your 5 Day Ausangate Trek
Included
This list details the high quality services and gear covered in your tour, ensuring you travel with complete safety and comfort.
- Expert Guide & Support: Certified, English speaking guide with Satellite Phone and Radio Communication (vital for the remote Ausangate area).
- Medical Safety: Metal Oxygen Tank and comprehensive First Aid Kit carried by your guide (trained annually).
- No Heavy Lifting: Personal Porter Included to carry 7 kilograms of your gear (we provide the duffel bag).
Accommodation and Rest:
- Cabins / Mountain Huts for the first two nights, followed by quality, spacious Tents (3 person tent used for 2).
- Thermarest foam mattresses included for better rest.
- Large Dining Tent and private Portable Toilet Tent.
Food and Hydration:
- Gourmet Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 4 Dinners prepared by a Professional Cook.
- Dietary Needs Met (Vegetarian, Gluten Free, etc.).
- Daily Boiled Water for refills and evening Happy Hour (hot tea/biscuits).
- Eco Friendly: Cloth snack bag provided to avoid plastic waste in the Ausangate area.
Logistics and Prep:
- All Entrance Fees (private lands and Rainbow Mountain).
- Private Transportation to and from your Cusco hotel.
- Pre Departure Briefing at our office.
- Campsite Comfort: Wake Up Tea service, hygiene products (wash bowl/towel paper), and a Foam Mattress.
- Weather Backup: Plastic Poncho and Rain Cover for your backpack.
What’s Not Included in Your Ausangate Trek
These items are not covered in the tour price but are available for rent or are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Sleeping Bags: Not included (Available for rent: $25 USD, high quality Mountain Hard brand).
- Trekking Poles: Not included (Available for rent: $25 USD, Black Diamond brand).
- Personal Horse: Personal riding horse (can be rented upon request).
- Tips: Voluntary Tips for your Guide, Cook, and Driver.
- Travel Insurance: Not included (Strongly recommended to cover high altitude trekking).
Prices
Your Backpack Travels for You! This price includes a dedicated Personal Porter to carry your items. This means you can enjoy the hike with just your daypack, while we take care of up to 5 kilograms of your belongings (including your sleeping bag and mattress). You walk light, we carry.
- 2 People 980 USD
- 3 People 850 USD
- 4 People 800 USD
- 6 - 7 People 790 USD
- 8+ People BEST VALUE 599 USD
Travel Info
Essential Expert Tips for a Safe Ausangate Trek
The Sacred Mountain
Ausangate is known as the Creator of Water and is Cusco’s most revered peak. It is a natural sanctuary for wildlife such as the Andean condor and vicuñas, and it deserves respect from all who enter.
Q’ero Culture Encounter
This trek offers a genuine connection with Andean life. The Q’ero community preserves ancient traditions, where rituals like the Gratitude Ceremony create a deep spiritual bond with nature.
Altitude and Challenge
The trail starts at 4,200 meters and climbs to nearly 5,200 meters at Palomani Pass. Altitude is the main challenge, so careful planning and a slow pace are essential.
Acclimation (The Must Do)
Acclimatization is key for a safe experience. It is highly recommended to complete at least three easy practice hikes in Cusco beforehand, such as Cristo Blanco, to help your body adjust.
Best Time to Trek
The ideal season runs from April to November, with sunny and dry conditions. For fewer crowds, late March or December can also be good options. January and February should be avoided due to heavy rainfall.
Weather Preparedness
Conditions can change quickly. Days are usually warm, between 10°C and 20°C, while nights can drop below -10°C during the dry season. Warm, waterproof clothing and strong sun protection are essential.
Guided vs. Solo
A guided tour provides safety, support, and professional emergency logistics. If traveling solo, you should be ready to hire local mule drivers in Upis or Tinqui and have basic knowledge of Spanish or Quechua.
Getting to the Trailhead
The journey from Cusco to Tinqui takes around 4 hours by bus. Due to limited accommodation in the area, it is recommended to leave Cusco early and start trekking the same day to reach your first campsite in Upis, helping you make the most of your acclimatization.
Frecuently Asked Questions
The daily rewards of the Ausangate Trek Tour and the entire route above the tree line include panoramic views of the beautiful mountain landscape.
Of course, a good option for those who like to take photographs.
Leave your luggage during the Ausangate Trek Tour.
Most accommodation and travel agencies allow you to store your suitcases or large luggage in a storage room during your Ausangate walk and collect it upon your return.
At 6,384 meters (20,944 ft) above sea level, it is the fourth highest peak in the Peruvian Andes.
- Huascarán (elevation 6,768 m.a.s.l.) (22,204 feet)
- Yerupajá (elevation 6,635 m.a.s.l.) (21,768 feet)
- Coropuna (elevation 6,425 m.a.s.l.) (21,079 ft.)
Walking in Ausangate 7 lagoons can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken and the difficulty of the hike is underestimated.
But with good planning, an experienced guide, proper acclimatization, and taking the necessary precautions, hiking in Ausangate can be a safe and rewarding experience. It is important to remember that each person has different levels of skill and experience, so it is important to evaluate his abilities before embarking on a mountain hike.
One of the reasons why the hike to Ausangate is considered difficult is precisely because of its higher elevation.
It may not be suitable for hikers who have recently decided to take up this activity.
Therefore, it is recommended to do a moderate walk before the Ausangate Trek Peru.
Ausangate is located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco in the province of Cusco, Peru.
The exact distance may vary depending on the Ausangate Trek Tour route and the starting point used to measure the distance.
Hike:
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in snowy Ausangate.
There are many hiking trails to choose from, from day trips to multi-day adventures.
During the Ausangate Trek you will be able to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of mountains, glaciers, lakes and natural landscapes.
Climb:
Snowcapped Ausangate is also a popular climbing destination, especially the main peak, which rises to 6,384 meters/20,944 feet.
Climbing the snowy Ausangate requires good experience and physical condition, as well as adequate equipment and an experienced guide.
Wildlife observation:
The snowy region of Ausangate is home to a variety of animals such as llamas, alpacas, foxes, vultures and more. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity among tourists and can be done during a trek or at the base camp.
Visit local communities:
The local communities living near snowy Ausangate have a rich and unique culture and are famous for their handmade textiles and crafts.
Visiting local communities during the Ausangate trek 5 days is a great way to learn about Andean culture and support local communities.
Among the Sierra de Apus, or Andes, the Sierra Nevada Ausangate rises majestically, admired not only for its extraordinary beauty, but also for its importance in the Cuzco worldview: a sacred and snowy peak.
Watching the sunrise and sunset from all sides is an indescribable spectacle, admiring the turquoise lagoon like a giant mirror of the sky is something that remains engraved in the soul.
Mount Ausangate is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
But it may be the first time a visitor remembers it.
The Ausangate Trek is ideal for trekking enthusiasts as its challenging route incorporates beautiful landscapes, rewarding interactions with locals and a strong cultural component that easily surpasses the pinnacle of an epic trek.
What makes the Ausangate hike unique compared to other hikes in the Cusco area, including Inca archaeological sites, is that the hike starts at an altitude of 4200 m.
And climb almost 5200 m and enjoy the unique landscape everywhere; Lakes, virgin glaciers, jagged peaks and snow-capped peaks, valleys and colorful mountains allow you to come into deep contact with the harsh ancient nature.
In addition, it is possible to observe a group of 20 species of birds, the Andean black-winged goose, the majestic Andean condor, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas (wild relative of the alpaca) and vizcacha (a type of bird).
All of this combined creates a setup that can only be described as absolutely sublime.
In recent years, farmers around Ausangate have been charging access fees, allowing them to invest in security measures and infrastructure to make the area safer. Ausangate is not as famous as the Inca Trail and the Salkantay hiking trail.
Lately, fans have chosen this route because its natural environment is almost intact.
This makes this part of the Andes quiet and picturesque.
Ausangate Trek 5 Days offers you a true taste of Andean life, as you will find and see modest communities where the natives still speak the Inca language (Quechua) and where traditional ways of life are still used. In addition, you will see hundreds and hundreds of alpacas. So if you want to do some authentic Peruvian trekking off the beaten path, then this is the tour for you.
Our new itinerary avoids many of the areas that are becoming crowded with other hikers.
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