The 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain offers a breathtaking journey through remote Andean landscapes. Hike quiet trails, visit Rainbow Mountain before the crowds, and explore the stunning Red Valley. Enjoy expert guidance, high-altitude camping, and authentic Andean culture on this unforgettable adventure.
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3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip details
The 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha
Morning
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM.
Three-hour drive to the small town of Upis, the starting point of the trek.
Enjoy a fresh breakfast prepared by the chef.
Begin the hike with a three-hour gradual ascent towards the lunch stop.
View the impressive Ausangate Mountain in the distance.
Afternoon
Enjoy a hot herbal tea and a nourishing lunch.
Continue hiking for two hours to reach Arapa Pass at 4,800 meters.
Descend for three and a half hours, passing Yanacocha Lake.
Arrive at Hatun Pucacocha Lake, where the camp is set up.
Evening
Relax with a hot drink at camp.
Dinner served by the chef.
Rest in your tent under a beautiful starry sky.
Day 2: Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Surinecocha
Morning
Wake up with coca tea to help with altitude adjustment.
Enjoy a warm breakfast while watching the sunrise over the glacier.
Start a two-hour hike up to Puca Pass at 4,870 meters.
See eroded mountains, high Andean valleys, and possibly a condor in flight.
Pass by glacial lakes such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha.
Afternoon
Descend for one and a half hours to Anantapata for a fresh lunch.
Continue hiking for two hours to Warmisaya Pass at 4,985 meters.
Enjoy new views of Ausangate Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, and the Vilcanota range.
One-hour descent to Surinecocha camp at 4,800 meters.
Evening
Receive a warm drink upon arrival at camp.
Dinner served by the chef.
Rest in your tent, ready for the next day’s adventure.
Day 3: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Llacto – Cusco
Morning
Early breakfast to prepare for the final trek.
Two-hour hike to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,100 meters.
Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the mountain’s unique mineral colors.
Afternoon
Walk for one hour to Llacto for the last lunch of the trek.
Drive for three hours back to Cusco.
Evening
Arrive at your hotel in Cusco and relax after the adventure.
Accommodations for 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
Tents
Campsite
Our upcoming departure dates for 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
The dates below are confirmed departures, but we have many more dates where we are still looking for people to join. Especially during high season, new groups are forming all the time. Don’t see your date? Contact us — we may still have a spot, or we can start a new group for you.
We also offer the option to do this tour privately. Contact us to learn more, and we’ll make an offer according to your needs.
Included on the 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Foam mattress
Eureka K2 XT tents (4-season, 2-person tents)
Rubber hot water bottles for the night
Polar fleece blankets
Full kitchen equipment and dining tent
Private cook
Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Tourist transport
Oxygen supply
Special dietary options upon request
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Portable toilet
Drinking water provided daily
Daily snacks
Morning wake-up tea
Warm water for hygiene every morning and evening
Communication radio
Excluded on the 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip
Inflatable mattress ($15)
Sleeping bag ($15)
Trekking poles ($15)
Emergency horse ($70)
Entrance to Ausangate (60 soles)
Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (25 soles)
Private tents ($15)
What to bring on 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
Passport or valid ID
Trekking boots with good grip
Warm and waterproof clothing
Hat, gloves, and scarf for cold temperatures
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm
Small backpack for essentials
Personal toiletries and wet wipes
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
Snacks for extra energy
Camera or phone for photos
Cash in soles for personal expenses and tips
Description of 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
The 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is a perfect adventure for those who want to explore remote mountain landscapes and experience Andean culture. This trek takes you through colorful valleys, glacial lakes, and high mountain passes. Along the way, you will see herds of alpacas and llamas, interact with local communities, and enjoy peaceful trails away from the crowds.
Witness the magic of Ausangate Mountain
Ausangate is one of the highest and most sacred mountains in Peru. Towering at 6,384 meters, it has been worshipped by Andean people for centuries. The trek offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peak and its surrounding turquoise lakes. It is a truly special place where nature and tradition come together.
Arrive at Rainbow Mountain before the crowds
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is famous for its unique colors created by mineral deposits over millions of years. Most visitors arrive on crowded day trips, but this trek allows you to visit in the early morning when it is peaceful and quiet. You will have time to enjoy the views, take photos, and connect with nature.
Discover the Red Valley with our 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain, a hidden gem
The Red Valley is one of the least-visited but most spectacular parts of the trek. With deep red mountains and rolling landscapes, it looks like something from another world. The short hike to the viewpoint gives you a perfect chance to admire this stunning location.
Activities on this trek
High-altitude trekking through the Andes
Visiting Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
Exploring remote Andean villages and their traditions
Seeing alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas in their natural environment
Camping beside beautiful glacial lakes
Enjoying traditional Andean meals prepared by a private chef
Stargazing in one of the most remote areas of Peru
Facts about the 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
Ausangate is considered an Apu, a mountain spirit that protects the local communities.
The trek reaches an altitude of 5,100 meters, making it one of the highest trekking routes in Peru.
Rainbow Mountain’s colors come from different minerals, including iron, copper, and sulfur.
The area is home to alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, which have been essential to Andean culture for centuries.
The night sky in this remote region is incredibly clear, making it a great place for stargazing.
The 3-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is an unforgettable journey for adventure seekers. This trek offers breathtaking landscapes, peaceful trails, and a deep connection to Andean culture.
