Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

Your adventure begins with a 4:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive for three hours in a private van to the trailhead at the base of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. The hike begins at Upispampa, following scenic trails through remote Andean villages and crossing small streams on the way to the community of Upis.

Upon arrival, our team will set up your private campsite and prepare a fresh, delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two relaxing activities:

A 2-hour hike to Upis Lake, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Ausangate and the surrounding peaks.

A visit to the Upis hot springs, perfect for soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while admiring panoramic mountain scenery.

As evening falls, prepare to experience a breathtaking star-filled night sky—an unforgettable highlight of your first day in the Andes.

We wake you up at 5:00 AM with coca tea, followed by a nourishing breakfast to prepare for a full day of hiking. The morning begins with a steady ascent to Arapa Pass (4,968 m). On the way, observe local farmers, grazing alpacas, and the imposing snow-capped face of Apu Ausangate.

Your expert English-speaking guide will share insights about local flora, fauna, and Andean traditions. If we are lucky, we may spot condors, chinchillas, and vicuñas. We continue past colorful high-altitude lakes until reaching our campsite at Puca Ccocha, surrounded by towering mountains and hanging glaciers. Listen for the dramatic sound of ice crashing into the lakes below.

Since the campsite is located next to Puca Ccocha Lake, you can walk to the shore to spot ducks, Andean geese, and a variety of native bird species. We finish the day with dinner in our dining tent.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the Ausangate Trek. We begin with the ascent to Puca Ccocha Pass (5,051 m), surrounded by mountains painted in natural colors. From the top, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and its turquoise glacial lakes.

As we descend, we enter the stunning Red Valley, a landscape of vibrant red hills and grazing llamas. After lunch, we continue to our second pass of the day, Warmi Saya Pass (4,500 m / 15,090 ft), where you will get your first distant view of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

From here, we descend around a lake and follow a gentle “Peruvian flat” trail to our campsite at Kayrawiri. In the late afternoon, we hike to Rainbow Mountain for sunset, a quiet and unforgettable experience far from the crowds.

Today is the highlight of your trek. After waking up at 6:00 AM with coca tea, we hike for approximately 45 minutes to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Here, you will have 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the colorful landscape at your own pace.

Next, we continue to the breathtaking Red Valley, a secluded area with deep red and copper-colored hills that make this region feel almost otherworldly.

We then hike to the bus station, enjoy our final lunch, and say farewell to our horseman and chef. From here, we take our private van back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at approximately 3:00 PM.