Are you looking for an adventure that brings you challenging goals to achieve?
If so, this is the perfect 3-Day Ausangate Trek route to discover your ideal trekking experience. You will visit the Rainbow Mountain, witnessing both sunset and sunrise, as well as the most revered glacier in the Cusco region – Ausangate.
Tunqui Expeditions is the only operator and pioneer in creating marvelous routes, and now we present to you this Ausangate Trek combined with Rainbow Mountain. Our idea is to trek through Ausangate, experience the sunset at Rainbow Mountain, witness the sunrise, and visit the Red Valley. Camping near Rainbow Mountain, this adventure will be exclusively enjoyed by the Tunqui Expeditions group with our expert adventure guides.
Along the journey, you will witness stunning mountains, lakes, glaciers, and the Andes mountain range, with unique landscapes from the Quechua and Jalca regions.
This adventure with TUNQUI EXPEDITIONS will take us through extraordinary, spiritual, sacred, original places full of pure nature.
We will begin in the city of Cusco with our private transport and trekking team, heading to the community of Upis. On the first day of trekking, our steps will be slow and gentle during the uphill walk to reach the campsite and visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon.
The next day, we will hike uphill to Arapa Pass. During the descent, we will encounter traditional and beautiful lagoons known as Hatun and Huchuy Pucacocha. We will then ascend again to the second-highest point, Anantapata, from where part of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain can be seen.
Next, we will arrive at the Anantapata Valley and head towards Warmi Saya Pass to admire Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, in all its splendor from afar.
Later, we will camp near Surinecocha Lagoon to visit Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon.
On our final day, we will visit the magnificent Rainbow Mountain. We must arrive before sunrise to enjoy the view without many visitors.
After spending a good amount of time at the highest point of Rainbow Mountain, taking in the surroundings, we will continue with a short 30-minute hike to Red Valley.
Afterward, we will begin our descent to Llacto, where we will have lunch before boarding our private transport. Finally, we will return to Cusco.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – OCONGATE – TINKI – UPIS – UPIS CAMP – WAYNA AUSANGATE LAGOON
We will pick you up in Cusco and head to the community of Upis in our private transport to begin the hike. You will enjoy lunch among the mountains before starting the walk to Upis Camp. In the afternoon, there is an optional opportunity to visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon. We will return to our camp for dinner and sleep next to the sacred mountains.
DAY 02: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – YANACOCHA – HATUN PUCACOCHA
Today you will walk through impressive Andean landscapes, seeing Ausangate Mountain and beautiful turquoise lagoons among the sacred mountains. You might even spot an Andean condor. Spend the night at Pukaqocha in our private tents.
DAY 03: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANTA – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINECOCHA (SUNSET)
This morning, alongside the Tunqui Expeditions team, you will come face to face with Ausangate Mountain. In the afternoon, you will hike to Rainbow Mountain to witness a beautiful sunset. At night, you will sleep at Surinecocha near Rainbow Mountain.
DAY 04: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNRISE) – RED VALLEY – LLACTO – CUSCO
Wake up early with coca tea to avoid the crowds at Rainbow Mountain, then continue to Red Valley. Hike to lunch before our private transport returns you to your hotel in Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Discover the Andean communities and Wayna Ausangate Lake.
Explore and enjoy the beauty of Ausangate Mountain, with its snow-covered peak right in front of you.
Our Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain adventure will begin at 4:00 AM from Cusco, heading through the Andean landscapes to the small community of Upis, where we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by the professional hands of our chef.
We will begin our ascent gradually to acclimatize and continue the following hikes with ease. Near the base of the Ausangate glacier, we will admire the northeast side of the impressive snow-capped peak.
After three hours of hiking through beautiful fields of native potatoes and traditional houses made of adobe and straw, we will reach the camp for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit Wayna Ausangate Lake, a two-hour round trip exploration. Upon returning to camp, our porters will have prepared a surprise tea time with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and more to satisfy your hunger. Later, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night’s rest, accompanied by the majestic Ausangate.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Starting elevation: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest altitude: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Camp elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Highlight of the day: Discover the stunning Andean landscapes around Ausangate.
Witness impressive lagoons and the immense Ausangate glacier.
Today we will wake you up with hot coca tea, chocolate, or coffee in your tent to give you the energy you need to continue. We will then enjoy a delicious breakfast in the midst of Ausangate’s Andean landscapes and the cold mountain air.
Our 4-day Ausangate Trek will begin with a two-and-a-half-hour hike through a beautiful high Andean valley along the Andes mountain range towards Arapa Pass with spectacular views of the Ausangate glacier.
From the top of the mountain (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the beauty of the Andean landscape will multiply, leaving you in awe of the immense creations of Mother Nature. Even if we don’t believe in God, we will feel the need to thank someone for these beautiful natural landscapes, like works of art.
We will then descend to discover the beautiful Yanacocha Lagoon (Black Lagoon) with its crystal-clear waters. After an hour of hiking, we will reach Hatun Pucacocha and admire the fantastic Andean landscape.
Make sure to have your camera ready throughout the day to capture unforgettable photos of this epic journey in Cusco, Peru. Here, we will have a delicious lunch.
Later, we will reach our campsite at Hatun Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). Around the camp, we will explore the lagoons and relax with tea time, enjoying snacks, hot drinks, coffee, and more.
At night, a nutritious dinner will be waiting, prepared by our private chef. During dinner, you can reflect on the day’s hike with your fellow travelers and the team. Afterward, you will rest comfortably in your private tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Here is the translation of the text:
Highlight of the day: Walk along the slopes of Ausangate and visit Rainbow Mountain for the first time in the afternoon.
Ascend to the highest pass of the trek to catch your first distant glimpse of Rainbow Mountain.
Another day begins with coca tea, a drink enjoyed since Inca times – a natural remedy for energy and altitude sickness. This morning, you will rise early to begin one of the most beautiful days of our Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain adventure.
After a delicious breakfast, we will hike uphill for 2 hours to reach Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). Along this morning’s route, you will marvel at the impressive views of Ausangate’s glaciers and the deep green valleys.
Feel the powerful presence of sacred Ausangate Mountain and capture stunning photos of its turquoise lagoons. Upon reaching the summit, the immense face of Ausangate will be right before you, radiating energy. You will understand why it holds such significance for the Andean people.
We will also witness the vast beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze peacefully. From this point, you will catch the first glimpse of the Rainbow Mountain range, with its vibrant bands of color emerging in the distance.
After taking photos, we will descend for an hour and a half to our lunch spot at Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). After lunch, we will relax before beginning a 2-hour ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft).
From this vantage point, you will feel like a bird soaring between the mountains, gazing at the vast horizon.
We will then descend for 45 minutes to our campsite near Surinecocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where our private tents will be set up.
Upon arrival, our porters will greet us with hot water to wash and refresh. After resting, we will take a short hike to Rainbow Mountain to witness the sunset. Only you and your Tunqui Expeditions group will explore this magnificent site in the afternoon.
Your expert guide will lead you to the best spots for photos, ensuring you make the most of this unique experience. Don’t worry – the following morning, we will return to witness the mountain’s vibrant colors at sunrise.
After the afternoon visit, our porters will prepare a surprise tea time with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and more. Later, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highlight of the day: Explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley at sunrise, away from the crowds.
This natural wonder will captivate you, and the Red Valley feels like another world – many compare it to “Planet Mars.”
We will begin the Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain hike at 5 AM, heading towards the stunning site of Vinicunca. After a delicious and energizing breakfast, we will explore the famous Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain.
We will hike for two hours to reach the pass or the base of Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. From here, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which will make you feel as if you are in a dream, gazing at this masterpiece of Mother Nature.
Our expert guide will explain why these mountains are so unique and vibrant.
The impressive variety of colors is due to sedimentary layers of minerals exposed by erosion. This rare phenomenon can only be observed in two places in the world – Peru and China. Take your time to connect with the energy of the sacred Andean mountains and enjoy this truly unique landscape.
After appreciating this jewel in the middle of the Peruvian Andes, we will begin a 1-hour hike towards the fascinating Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). This place feels as if you have stepped onto another planet – many compare it to Mars, and few tourists visit. Tunqui Expeditions aims to take you to less-visited areas, avoiding crowds and providing a more personal experience.
You will be amazed not only by its striking color but also by the immense tranquility surrounding you. It only takes a 30-minute walk to reach the viewpoint, offering the best views of the valley. Enjoy every step of the way!
Finally, we will embark on a 2-hour hike through ancient Andean communities rich in history, culture, and tradition. Along the way, herds of llamas will accompany us, and with a bit of luck, we may spot some vicuñas – beautiful wild animals that have coexisted with the people of Peru since pre-Inca times.
At noon, we will enjoy a final delicious lunch before returning to Cusco in our private transport, dropping you off at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
