Choose the 5-day Ausangate Trek if you want to complete the full circuit, visit the 7 Ausangate Lakes, cross multiple passes above 5,000 meters, and experience the most remote and dramatic parts of the Andes.
Choose the 4-day Ausangate Trek if you want stunning mountain views, a beautiful section of the circuit, and a strong but more balanced high-altitude adventure that still includes Rainbow Mountain.
Choosing between the Ausangate Trek 4 days and the Ausangate Trek 5 days depends on your altitude experience, physical condition, and how deep you want to explore the Ausangate circuit.
Both treks start in Upis, both include Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), and both offer incredible glacier views, high-altitude lagoons, and remote Andean landscapes. However, the 5-day trek completes the full Ausangate circuit, while the 4-day trek finishes at Rainbow Mountain.
If you are looking for a more manageable high-altitude challenge, the 4-day trek is the better choice. If you want the full circuit experience and to cross the highest passes in the region, the 5-day trek is the ultimate option.
Ausangate Trek 4 days – overview
The Ausangate Trek 4 days follows part of the classic circuit and finishes at Rainbow Mountain. It does not cross Palomani Pass (5,200 m) or Qampa Pass (5,070 m), which makes it less physically demanding than the full loop.
It is ideal for:
- Trekkers with moderate altitude experience
- Travelers with limited time
- Those who want Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain combined
Daily statistics – 4 days
- Day 1: 8 km | Highest 4,480 m | Camp 4,400 m
- Day 2: 10 km | Highest 4,800 m | Camp 4,500 m
- Day 3: 10 km | Highest 4,985 m | Camp 4,800 m
- Day 4 (Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley): 6.5 km | Highest 5,100 m
Total walking distance: 34.5 km
Passes above 5,000 m: 0 (except Rainbow Mountain)
The first day is gentle, which helps with altitude adaptation. The pace is steady and moderate throughout.
Ausangate Trek 5 days – overview
The Ausangate Trek 5 days completes the full Ausangate circuit after visiting Rainbow Mountain on day 3. Instead of finishing there, it continues through remote valleys, crosses Palomani Pass (5,200 m), and Qampa Pass (5,070 m), the two most challenging passes of the region.
It is ideal for:
- Experienced high-altitude trekkers
- Adventurers wanting the full Ausangate circuit including the 7 Ausangate Lakes
- Those seeking more distance and remoteness
- Photographers and serious hikers
Daily statistics – 5 days
- Day 1: 8 km | Highest 4,480 m | Camp 4,400 m
- Day 2: 15 km | Highest 4,870 m | Camp 4,750 m
- Day 3 (Rainbow Mountain): 17.5 km | Highest 5,100 m | Camp 4,500 m
- Day 4 (Palomani Pass): 14 km | Highest 5,200 m | Camp 4,700 m
- Day 5 (Qampa Pass): 14 km | Highest 5,070 m
Total walking distance: 68.5 km
Passes above 5,000 m: 2 + Rainbow Mountain
This version is significantly more demanding. Days are longer, steeper, and at higher altitude.
Ausangate Trek 4 days vs 5 days comparison table
| Feature | Ausangate Trek 4 Days | Ausangate Trek 5 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Total distance | 34.5 km | 68.5 km |
| Highest pass | 4,985 m | 5,200 m |
| Passes above 5,000 m | 0 (except Rainbow Mountain) | 2 + Rainbow Mountain |
| Visit 7 lakes of the Ausangate | No | Yes |
| Rainbow Mountain | Yes (final day) | Yes (day 3) |
| Red Valley | Yes (final day) | Yes (day 3) |
| Full Ausangate circuit | No | Yes |
| Physical demand | Moderate | High |
| Campsites | Upis, Pucacocha, Surineqocha | Yanacocha, Qomer Qocha, Ausangate Qocha, Qampa |
| Best For | Moderate trekkers | Experienced trekkers |
| Wildlife & photography | Good | Great (more terrain covered) |
| Hot springs finish | No | Yes (Pacchanta) |
Which Ausangate Trek should you book?
Choose the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 days if:
- You want strong scenery with less extreme passes
- You prefer shorter daily distances
- You are unsure about trekking above 5,000 m
Choose the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 5 days if:
- You want the full Ausangate circuit (visit the 7 Ausangate lakes)
- You want to cross Palomani Pass (5,200 m)
- You are comfortable trekking long days at high altitude
- You want a deeper, more remote experience
Both treks are challenging due to altitude. However, the 5-day trek is clearly more demanding and better suited for experienced hikers.