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.
Upcoming 4-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain departures
October 2026
- Guaranteed departure
- Need 2 more to confirm
Do not see your date? We are constantly forming new groups and can also arrange this tour privately. Contact us on WhatsApp
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Upis Thermal Baths Camp
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking distance: 8 km / 4.97 mi
- Highest elevation: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
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
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi
- Highest elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
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
- 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
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
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking distance: 6.5 km / 4.04 mi
- Rainbow Mountain altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Minimum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Highest elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
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.
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.