Our 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Hike past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and remote valleys, arriving at Rainbow Mountain before the crowds. Enjoy high-altitude camping, local wildlife, and expert guidance for an unforgettable trekking experience in Peru.
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4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip details
The 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Upis Thermal Baths Camp
Morning
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM.
Three-hour drive to Upis, a small Andean town.
Meet the trekking team and enjoy breakfast.
Start hiking towards the northeast face of Ausangate Mountain.
Afternoon
Hike for three hours through farming fields and traditional villages.
Arrive at Upis camp and have lunch.
Optional short hike to Wayna Ausangate Lake.
Relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain views.
Evening
Enjoy tea time (happy hour) and a warm dinner.
Sleep in a tent under the Andean sky, surrounded by the sacred mountains.
Day 2: Upis Thermal Baths – Pucacocha Camp
Morning
Wake up with coca tea and a warm breakfast.
Hike for two and a half hours towards Arapa Pass (4,800 m).
See the stunning Ausangate glacier and Andean valleys.
Afternoon
Descend for one and a half hours, passing beautiful lagoons like Yanaqocha and Pukaqocha.
Stop for a delicious lunch near the lakes.
Arrive at Hatun Pukaqocha camp at 4,500 meters.
Evening
Explore the lakes nearby or relax at camp.
Enjoy tea time and a nutritious dinner.
Rest for the night in the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Day 3: Pucacocha – Abra Pucacocha – Surineqocha Lake Camp
Morning
Wake up early with coca tea and breakfast.
Start hiking uphill for two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m).
Take in breathtaking views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and deep green valleys.
Afternoon
Descend for one and a half hours to Anantapata, where lunch will be served.
Continue hiking uphill for two hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m).
Enjoy panoramic views of Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and the Vilcanota mountain range.
Descend for one hour to Surineqocha Lake camp.
Evening
Watch the sunset over Rainbow Mountain from camp.
Enjoy a warm dinner before heading to bed.
Day 4: Surineqocha Lake – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Morning
Early breakfast at 4:00 AM.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain to see the sunrise before the crowds arrive.
Learn about the unique mineral formations that give the mountain its colors.
Enjoy time for photos and taking in the stunning view.
Afternoon
Short hike to the Red Valley, a hidden natural wonder with deep red landscapes.
One-hour walk to a viewpoint with the best views of the valley.
Two-hour descent through Andean communities and llama herds.
Final lunch before returning to Cusco.
Evening
Drive back to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.
Accommodations for 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
Tents
Campsite
Our upcoming departure dates for 4-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 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 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 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain trip
Inflatable mattress ($15).
Sleeping bag ($15).
Trekking poles ($15).
Emergency horse ($80).
Entrance to Ausangate (60 soles).
Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (25 soles).
Private tents ($20).
What to bring on 4-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 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
Our 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is one of the most incredible journeys through the Andes. This trek offers breathtaking views of snowy mountains, turquoise lakes, and colorful valleys. You will walk through remote Andean villages, see hundreds of alpacas and llamas, and experience the energy of Ausangate, the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region.
Valleys, thermal baths, Ausangate lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley
This 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is perfect for travelers who want to explore more than just Rainbow Mountain. You will visit hidden, non-touristic places, camp in the mountains, and enjoy peaceful trails away from the crowds. Along the way, you will relax in natural hot springs, witness stunning sunsets, and wake up under the stars to the beautiful landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Visit Rainbow Mountain before the crowds
The highlight of the journey is Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca. Thanks to this itinerary, you will arrive early in the morning before most tourists. You will also visit the Red Valley, a hidden valley with deep red landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. Some people find this valley even more beautiful than Rainbow Mountain itself.
This trek is a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and nature. Whether you love hiking, or just want the full-experience of the Andes, this trek will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Activities on the 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain
High-altitude trekking through the Andes
Visiting Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
Camping near lakes and mountains
Enjoying natural hot springs at Upis
Seeing herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas
Learning about Andean culture and traditions
Watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets
Stargazing under the clear Andean sky
Enjoying traditional Andean meals prepared by a private chef
Facts about this trek
Ausangate is one of the holiest mountains in Peru. Andean people believe it is an Apu, or spirit protector of the region. From our 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain, you will have amazing views of this mountain.
Rainbow Mountain’s colors are natural. The red, yellow, and green stripes are formed by different minerals in the rock.
The trek takes you to 5,100 meters. This is one of the highest trekking routes in Peru.
The Red Valley is one of the least-visited places in Cusco. Many travelers don’t know about it, making it a quiet and peaceful place.
Locals still follow ancient traditions. The Andean communities along the route have lived in the mountains for centuries, raising alpacas and practicing their traditional way of life.
This 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is perfect for those looking for a unique adventure in the Peruvian Andes. It offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, Andean culture, and remote trails that allow you to experience nature without the crowds.
