Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
A tour just for your group
Private 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain?
Choose your own departure date, travel only with your group, and enjoy a pace shaped around you.
What is included
Included
Staff & safety
- Professional chef for the entire trek
- English-speaking guide
- Radio communication
- Emergency oxygen
- First aid kit
Meals & drinks
- Meals (vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available)
- Afternoon tea or “happy hour” every day
- Wake-up tea each morning
- Snacks during the trek
- 1.5 liters of water every morning for the trek
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing
Camping equipment
- Tents for 4 people, used by 2 travelers
- Camping equipment provided
- Portable toilet
- 1 foam mattress per person
- 1 blanket per person
- 1 pillow per person
- 1 hot water bottle per person (for the night)
- Duffel bags (8 kg) carried by our staff to each campsite
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fee Ausangate
- Entrance fee Rainbow Mountain
- Entrance fee Red Valley
- Entrance fee Upis hot springs
Optional rentals
- Sleeping bag (up to -20°C)
- Professional trekking poles
- LuxuryMap™ inflatable mattress
- Emergency horse
Optional extras
These optional extras are not included in the tour price. You choose them inside the WeTravel booking process: after you click Book now, the booking form lists every extra below with its price, and you add the ones you want before you pay.
| Extra | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
|
LuxuryMap™ inflatable mattress
Instead of a foam mattress, sleep on a LuxuryMap™ inflatable mattress for more comfort. |
$ 25.00 |
|
Sleeping bag up to -20 degrees celsius
Perfect for the cold nights |
$ 20.00 |
| Professional trekking poles | $ 20.00 |
|
Private tent for 1 person
A private tent for yourself |
$ 25.00 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Upis Hot Springs Camp
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. The drive to Upis takes about three hours. When we arrive, you will meet your guide and trekking team.
We will walk for about three hours through fields and small Andean villages, with views of Ausangate Mountain. Lunch will be ready when we reach our camp near the Upis hot springs.
In the afternoon, you can take an optional two-hour walk to Upis Cocha Lake or relax at camp. We will finish the day with tea and dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Highest elevation: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Day 2: Upis Hot Springs to Pucacocha Camp
We will bring you a hot drink in the morning, followed by breakfast at camp. Then we will walk through a high Andean valley toward Arapa Pass. The climb takes about 2.5 hours, with views of the Ausangate Glacier.
From Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), we will descend for about 1.5 hours past Yanacocha Lake, Pucacocha Lake and waterfalls. We will stop for lunch along the way.
In the afternoon, we will continue to our camp beside Pucacocha Lake. You will have time to explore the area or rest before tea and dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Highest elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Day 3: Pucacocha to Surineqocha Lake Camp
After an early breakfast, we will climb for about two hours to Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). Along the way, you will see glaciers, lakes and the slopes of Ausangate Mountain.
We will descend for about 1.5 hours to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for lunch. After a rest, we will climb for about two hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft).
From the pass, we will walk downhill for about one hour to our camp at Surineqocha Lake. Dinner will be served at camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Highest elevation: 4,985 m / 16,354 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley and Cusco
We will have breakfast at about 4:00 a.m. and start walking to Rainbow Mountain. Our early start gives us time to enjoy the views and take photos before it gets busy.
Next, we will walk for about 45 minutes to a viewpoint over Red Valley. We will then descend for about two hours through Andean scenery and small villages.
After lunch, our private transport will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi
- Highest elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Lowest elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 4 days
- Average group size
- 6 people
Where you will stay
Tents
Campsite
Full tour description
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.
What to bring
- Passport or valid ID (cooy or photo)
- Trekking boots with good grip
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Which Ausangate trek should I choose: 4 days or 5 days?
Choose the 4-day Ausangate Trek if you want a strong but more balanced high-altitude adventure that still includes Rainbow Mountain. This version follows a scenic section of the Ausangate circuit without crossing the most extreme passes above 5,000 meters. It is ideal for trekkers with moderate altitude experience who want glacier views, colorful lagoons, and a manageable pace. If you are considering completing the full circuit with longer distances and higher mountain passes, the 5-day Ausangate Trek may be more suitable. You can read a full breakdown of the differences on our detailed comparison page: Ausangate Trek 4 Days vs 5 Days.