Are you planning a trip with your partner, family, or a group of friends? Join us on this getaway from the city to the snow-capped mountains of the Andes with the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain.
The 5-day Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain hike will immerse you in the pulse and spirit of the sacred snow-capped mountains and vibrant rainbow-colored peaks as you walk through high-altitude wilderness areas.
This Ausangate Trek is designed for a more peaceful and relaxed experience in the remote areas of Ausangate Mountain. The Ausangate trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (Ausangate, Peru) takes you along paths less traveled by tourists.
From the most iconic snow-capped peaks of the Andes to Rainbow Mountain, this is one of the best treks in the world, taking you through the rarely visited Ausangate circuit in the Peruvian Andes.
You will walk along sacred trails, glacier lagoons, colorful mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas, waterfalls, and the enigmatic peaks and glaciers of Ausangate Mountain (20,956 ft).
At the end of each exciting day, you will be welcomed at our unique campsites in spectacular landscapes. Each campsite is equipped with spacious private tents, a dining tent, a bathroom tent, and a kitchen!
Your greatest reward will be exploring the ethereal Rainbow Mountains & Red Valley at sunset and sunrise – an impressive natural formation of colorful mountains in Peru.
From the moment we begin our adventure with Tunqui Expeditions, we take care of every aspect of your trip down to the last detail.
All you have to do is enjoy!
The 5-day Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain hike takes us through a truly unique circuit, hidden within the Andes mountain range and at the foot of the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), the highest mountain in southern Peru. This mountain has been considered sacred for hundreds of years by the ancient inhabitants of the Andes.
Explore the heights on an Ausangate Trek that will be peaceful and enjoyable, but will also challenge your body and endurance.
All your effort will be rewarded with the most beautiful views in the world. What better way to end an adventure than by visiting Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain of Peru, and witnessing its fascinating natural colors on this sacred mountain.
Escape the tourist-filled city and connect with Mother Nature in absolute tranquility.
You won’t regret it!
DAY 01: CUSCO – UPIS – ARAPA PASS – HATUN PUCACOCHA
On this day, we head to Upis, where you will hike through stunning landscapes and observe Ausangate Mountain. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a crystal-clear lake before spending the night at the foot of the sacred Ausangate Mountain.
DAY 02: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANTAPATA – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNSET)
Today’s hike begins with a trek to Puca Pass, where you will witness stunning lagoons before lunch. In the afternoon, ascend to Warmisaya Pass and descend to our Surinecocha camp to visit Rainbow Mountain at sunset.
DAY 03: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNRISE) – ANANTAPATA – AUSANGATE COCHA
Wake up early with coca tea to avoid the crowds at Rainbow Mountain, then continue towards Red Valley. Hike to Quesiuno for lunch and camp at Ausangate Cocha.
DAY 04: AUSANGATE COCHA – PALOMANI PASS – HUCHUY PHINAYA – SORAPATA
Today, you will hike through stunning Andean landscapes, observing mountains and green or snow-covered scenery depending on the season. Enjoy lunch and, in the afternoon, spend time with local families to learn about their customs and traditions.
DAY 05: SORAPATA – JAMPA PASS – 7 AUSANGATE LAGOONS – PACCHANTA (HOT SPRINGS)
Wake up to beautiful landscapes and join the 7 Lagoons hike. Marvel at the lakes and participate in an Andean ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon and relax in the Pacchanta hot springs.
Highlight of the day: Hike through the Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Walk through the beautiful Andean landscape and breathe pure, fresh air.
Our Ausangate Trek adventure begins at 4:00 AM in the city of Cusco with private transport from Tunqui Expeditions, heading to the community of Upis.
A nutritious breakfast will be prepared by the talented hands of our professional chef, surrounded by the Andean landscapes of Ausangate. From here, we will begin the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, enjoying the stunning scenery.
Once ready with walking poles in hand, we will calmly hike for three hours to have lunch at Upis, surrounded by breathtaking views. Along the trail, you will see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas across this part of the mountains.
We will then continue with a two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike to Arapa Pass, where you will witness vibrant colors scattered across the mountains and a valley stretching before your eyes.
After reaching the highest point of our hike, we will begin our descent for approximately two and a half hours, passing by Yanacocha Lagoon until we reach our campsite near Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon.
Upon arrival, we will camp at the base of the sacred Ausangate Mountain, where you will be amazed by its snow-covered silhouette.
In the afternoon, our porters will surprise us with a tea time filled with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and other treats to satisfy your hunger. Later, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 17 km / 10.56 miles
Starting elevation: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Camp altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Highlight of the day: Stunning bright lagoons on our trek.
A day filled with lagoons and the sacred mountains of Ausangate awaits.
After a long night under the bright stars, we will wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef to give us the energy needed to start the day.
Our trek begins by filling our water bottles or canteens before hiking uphill for two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft).
We will descend for an hour and a half to have lunch at Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). Afterward, we will ascend for approximately two more hours to reach Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where we will witness the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding sacred mountains and Rainbow Mountain in the distance. The goal is to arrive in the afternoon to see the last rays of sunlight on Rainbow Mountain.
From there, we will descend for 45 minutes to our campsite near Surinecocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Upon arrival, porters will welcome us with hot water to refresh ourselves. After resting, we will take a short hike to Rainbow Mountain to enjoy the sunset, exploring this breathtaking site exclusively with your group.
Your expert guide will lead you to the best photo spots to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t worry – we will return the next day to witness the sunrise and the colors shining differently in the morning light.
After the afternoon visit, porters will prepare tea time with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, and more. Later, we will enjoy a delightful dinner before resting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.20 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Highest altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain, a masterpiece perfectly crafted by nature.
Today will be spectacular as we reach Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, witnessing the first rays of light and being the first to arrive.
The view is breathtaking – even if we don’t believe in God, we will feel the need to thank someone for these stunning landscapes, which feel like works of art.
Our adventure begins early with a delicious breakfast.
We will start with a gentle uphill hike that will lead us to enjoy the incredible natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Once we arrive, we will witness the sunrise, capturing incredible photos long before the other groups arrive.
After this magical moment, your guide will explain the significance of this site in Andean culture.
Later, we will visit the Red Valley viewpoint (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), where you can see the vast valley fading into the distance.
After exploring the Red Valley, we will return along the same path, gradually descending to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious Andean meal prepared by our trekking chef.
After lunch and a well-deserved rest, we will continue with a two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike, admiring the beautiful green valley filled with herds of llamas and alpacas. In the evening, our campsite will await us at Ausangate Cocha (4,500 m / 14,774 ft), where we will relax after another delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Minimum elevation: 4,376 m / 14,357 ft
Maximum elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp elevation: 4,500 m / 14,774 ft
Highlight of the day: Hike through vast landscapes and learn about local customs and traditions.
Immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the Andean people.
As every morning, you will receive a cup of hot coca tea in your tent to start the day, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our expert chef.
Today’s hike begins with a two-and-a-half-hour uphill trek to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the entire route.
After a short break to enjoy the incredible views, we will hike for another hour to reach the small Andean community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch surrounded by the vast Andean landscape.
What a great way to spend lunchtime!
We hold great respect for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who have preserved their ancestral traditions to this day. Learn from them and their admirable way of living in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Nature).
Today is the most challenging day, but the connection with the Andes and Mother Earth will make it worthwhile. Later, a gentle 2-hour hike will lead us to Sorapata, where our camp will be set and ready for your arrival.
After a delicious dinner, you will enjoy a peaceful night’s rest without the noise and hustle of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking distance: 16.5 km / 10.25 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Minimum elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Maximum elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Camp elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
Highlight of the day: Explore the stunning lagoons and offer a small tribute to Mother Nature.
Show gratitude to Pachamama for this epic journey.
After breakfast, we will begin a two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike to Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft). From here, you will witness breathtaking views of majestic, snow-capped sacred mountains.
Don’t forget to have your camera ready!
We will then descend along a smooth trail for approximately three hours until we reach our lunch spot at the Pacchanta camp. Along the way, we will pass through the famous 7 Ausangate Lagoons.
By one of the mystical and beautiful lagoons, such as Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo, we will have the opportunity to perform a small ceremony to Pachamama and the surrounding mountains, especially Ausangate, which has protected and guided us throughout the trek.
After lunch in Pacchanta, you will have a free afternoon to relax and rejuvenate your tired body in the medicinal hot springs of Pacchanta.
Later, we will bid farewell to the Tunqui Expeditions team, including the porters, muleteers, and our amazing chef.
Without them, this epic adventure would not have been possible!
Finally, after our farewell, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour return journey to Cusco, marking the end of this incredible 6-day Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain adventure. You will be dropped off at the door of your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Minimum elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Maximum elevation: 5,070 m / 16,634 ft
