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
