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, and witness the sunrise, along with a visit to 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.
If you want to visit one of the most incredible places in Cusco with Tunqui Expeditions, specialists in Trekking and Expeditions, you will need to challenge yourself and conquer the mountains on your own.
It won’t be impossible since, from the beginning of your journey, our guides and porters will support you, always by your side to provide the best service so you can fully enjoy your adventure in the Andes on the Ausangate Trek.
You won’t regret it!
It will be an unforgettable trek. This famous Ausangate Trek will take you to the most amazing tourist attractions in all of Peru.
You will travel from Cusco, the capital of the Incas, to the starting point of the hike at Upis. We will reach Arapa Pass, and then, we will be near the impressive water spring, Hatun Pucacocha, which, translated into Spanish, means “Immense Lagoon.” Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, we will cross beautiful passes, wetlands, and Andean grasslands filled with alpacas. From these places, you will see the peak of Rainbow Mountain in the distance and the immense Ausangate Glacier.
In the afternoon, you will witness the close-up beauty of Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, which attracts thousands of tourists with its uniqueness and incredible natural charm.
Even if we don’t believe in God, we will soon feel the need to thank someone for these beautiful natural landscapes that look like works of art.
Finally, we will head to the Red Valley viewpoint and return to Cusco in the afternoon after enjoying a high-altitude lunch prepared by our experienced chef.
We assure you that this will be an epic excursion with the Tunqui Expeditions team – one you won’t want to miss!
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – UPIS – ARAPA PASS – HATUN PUCACOCHA
On this day, we will head towards Upis. You will walk through wonderful landscapes and observe Ausangate Mountain. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a visit to a crystal-clear lake before spending the night at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain.
DAY 2: HATUN PUCACOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANPATA – WARMISAYA PASS – SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNSET)
Today, the hike begins with a trek to Puca Pass, where you will witness impressive lagoons before lunch. In the afternoon, we will ascend to Warmisaya Pass before descending to our Surinecocha camp and visiting Rainbow Mountain in the evening.
DAY 3: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SUNRISE) – RED VALLEY – LLACTO – CUSCO
This morning, head to Rainbow Mountain to explore stunning landscapes and learn all about the region, followed by a visit to the Red Valley. We will descend for lunch, and then our private transport will return you to your accommodation in Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Hike through the Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Walk through the beautiful Andean landscape and breathe pure, fresh air.
Our journey to Ausangate Trek begins from the city of Cusco at 4:00 AM, in private transport by Tunqui Expeditions, heading to the community of Upis.
We will have a nutritious breakfast prepared by the talented hands of our professional super chef, in the middle of the Andean landscapes of Ausangate. From here, we will begin the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, admiring the stunning landscape.
Once we are ready with walking sticks in hand, we will calmly walk for three hours to have lunch at Upis, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Along the way, you will see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas throughout this part of the Ausangate mountains.
Afterward, we will continue with a two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike to Arapa Pass, where we will witness a multitude of colors spread across the mountains and a valley stretching before our eyes.
After reaching the highest point of our hike, we will begin the descent and walk for approximately two and a half hours, passing by Yanacocha Lagoon until we reach our campsite next to Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon. Upon arrival at our camp, we will be at the base of the sacred Ausangate mountain, which will amaze you with its beautiful snow-covered silhouette.
In the afternoon, our porters will have a surprise ready at the table for our tea time 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 night’s 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: Bright, stunning lagoons await us on today’s trek.
A day filled with lagoons and the sacred Ausangate mountains.
After a long night spent under the bright stars, we will wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, providing the necessary energy to start the day.
Our impressive hike will begin after filling our water bottles and canteens. We will hike uphill for two hours until we reach Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft).
Then, we will descend for an hour and a half to have lunch at Anantapata. After lunch, we will hike uphill for approximately two more hours until we reach Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where we can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding sacred mountains and Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
The goal is to arrive in the afternoon to witness the last rays of sunlight on Rainbow Mountain.
From that point, we will descend for 45 minutes until we reach our campsite next to Surinecocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where our tents will be ready.
Upon arrival, our porters will greet us with hot water to wash and freshen up. After resting, we will take a short hike to Rainbow Mountain to witness the sunset. You and your group will be the only ones exploring this impressive place in the afternoon.
Your expert guide will lead you to the perfect spots for the best photos, ensuring you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t worry – the next day, we will witness the sunrise at this impressive site, where the colors shine differently in the morning light!
After the afternoon visit, our porters will have prepared tea time with snacks, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and more to calm your hunger. 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: 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: Explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley with an impressive sunrise in the Andes, away from the crowds.
This natural wonder will captivate you, and Red Valley, often compared to Mars, feels like another world.
We will wake you up very early this morning, at 4:00 AM, with a hot cup of coca leaf tea in your tent. This will provide the energy boost you need to start the day and warm up in the cold mountains.
Afterward, you will enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef.
Get ready because soon you will discover Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, as well as the spectacular Red Valley!
We will hike for 2 hours to reach the viewpoint of the stunning Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). You will have time to explore and enjoy breathtaking views, not only of Rainbow Mountain but also of the powerful Ausangate Glacier and the other snow-capped peaks surrounding the area.
The 360° view from here is fantastic, and you will appreciate it fully before the large crowds arrive, as Rainbow Mountain is the second most-visited destination in Cusco.
Open your heart to the mountains – they will reward you for all your efforts.
After enjoying this Andean gem, we will begin our hike towards the fascinating Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). This place feels like stepping onto another planet – many compare it to Mars – and very few tourists visit it. Tunqui Expeditions aims to take you to less-visited places, away from the crowds.
The vibrant colors and the immense tranquility will surprise you. It only takes a 30-minute walk to reach the viewpoint, offering the best views of the surrounding valley. Enjoy every step!
Finally, we will take a two-hour hike through ancient Andean communities filled with history, culture, and tradition, alongside herds of llamas. If you’re lucky, you may spot vicuñas, beautiful wild animals that have coexisted with Peru’s inhabitants since pre-Inca times.
At noon, we will enjoy a final delicious lunch before returning to Cusco in our private transport, which will drop you off at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the Ausangate trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
All equipment will be carried by our horses.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Like our ancestors, we have a great respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our tents are adapted to the environment to avoid any negative impact. Tunqui Expeditions uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g., Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents).
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Ausangate Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Plastic-Free Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Ausangate Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 3 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 450.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 100.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 350.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
