Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days 3 Nights
Tour Overview
Tour Overview:
The 4-Day Ausangate Trek is an exciting adventure in one of Peru’s highest and most remote destinations. Located within the majestic Vilcanota massif in the Cusco region , this trek will take you through breathtaking landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, ice caves, and hot springs.
During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the mystical sacred mountain of Ausangate , one of the principal Andean deities, revered by local communities as a symbol of life and ancestral protection. You’ll also visit the famous Rainbow Mountains , or Vinicunca , a unique geological phenomenon that has become one of the major attractions south of Cusco.
This trek offers not only physical challenges and stunning natural landscapes, but also a profound cultural connection to the ancient traditions of the Andean people. Experience an unforgettable journey amidst nature and Andean spirituality on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinque – Pacchanta – 7 Lagoons – Upis
We depart from Cusco at 5:00 am from the hotel and travel along the Transoceanic Highway towards the towns of Ocongate and Tinque. There, we’ll take a detour to the village of Pacchanta, where we’ll have breakfast. Afterward, we’ll meet the team of muleteers and horses.
Afterwards, we’ll visit the Nina Parayoc lagoons, known as the Seven Lagoons . Following this tour, we’ll have lunch by the blue Cocha Lagoon. We’ll then continue to the village of Upis along a peaceful road that will allow us to appreciate the snow-capped peaks and Andean animals such as camelids and viscachas. Finally, we’ll descend to Surinacocha Lagoon.
Bus transfer time: 4 hours.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,300 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,630 meters.
Day 2: Upis – Arapas – Yanacocha – Puca Cocha
After enjoying a delicious hot breakfast, we’ll begin our trek. Our first destination will be the Arapa Pass , located at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level. Once we reach the pass, we’ll continue hiking alongside the Ausangate mountain until we arrive at Yanacocha .
We’ll stop there for lunch and a short rest.
Then, we will continue the hike, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain and the four main lakes: Yanacocha, Blue Cocha, Huchuy, and Puca Cocha .
Our camp will be located in a picturesque spot, surrounded by imposing Andean camelids (such as llamas and vicuñas), offering a magnificent view of the lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Bus transfer time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,400 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,800 meters.
Distance traveled: 7 km.
Day 3: Pucacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Ananta – Warmisaya
After breakfast, we will head to the Puca Cocha pass, which is located at the viewpoint of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, from where we can appreciate its perpetual glaciers.
Then we descend to Ananta, where we can rest and have lunch. Afterward, we’ll head to Warmisaya Pass, from where you can see the red valley and the famous Rainbow Mountain. Finally, we’ll descend to Surinacocha Lagoon.
Travel time by car: 00:00 hours.
Walking time: 7:00 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,500 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,970 meters.
Distance traveled: 7 km.
Day 4: Surinacocha – Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors)
After our well-deserved rest, we will begin our hike towards Mount Surina, which will be a more relaxed and flat hike, allowing us to regain our energy while enjoying beautiful views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the Rainbow Mountain, which we will reach very early in the morning.
After a 2-hour trek, we will try to arrive before the tourists arrive in caravans at the mountain, so that we can enjoy the mountain of 07 colors with few people.
Bus transfer time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Walking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Minimum altitude: 4,750 meters.
Maximum altitude: 5,035 meters.
Distance traveled: 3 km.
Inclusions
Included
- Private transport from the hotel to Upis.
- Round-trip private transportation from Rainbow Mountain to your hotel in Cusco.
- Entrance to Ausangate Park, Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain (7 colors).
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
- High-quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite Cima 4 model, ultralight / 4.5 kg for two people, sleeping mats, dining tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / vegetarian option available).
- Cook and kitchen team.
- Horses and mules for all participants (up to 7 kg per person) and for camping equipment.
- Emergency horse.
- First aid kit and oxygen cylinder.
- Extra blankets for cold weather.
- Boiled and cooled water.
What's Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one, we offer rental for $15 USD).
Pricing & Dates
Group versus Private Treks: Whatâs the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose âprivateâ, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Soncco travel is able to join that person with additional groups.
Optional Add-Ons
- Tour tools: Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles rentals
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles rentals
- Train upgrades: Vistadome, Observatory, Hiram Bingham
- Wayna Picchu mountain ticket
- Hotel upgrades
Vehicles Offered and Recommended Capacity:
FAQs
How far in advance should I book the Classic Inca Trail?
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited by the Peruvian government and sell out very quickly. We highly recommend booking at least 6 to 8 months in advance, especially if you plan to hike during the peak dry season (May to September), to secure your preferred dates.
Recommendations
Backpack
Sleeping bag
Clothing for cold and warm weather
waterproof jacket, wool clothing, trekking pants and footwear, t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, scarf
Sunscreen and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Water bottle and purification tablets
Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight, and batteries
Light foods
chocolate bar, nuts
Original passport and extra money in soles
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