Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

5.0
(37 reviews)
Cusco, Peru

3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

Discover Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in just 3 unforgettable days. This trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through turquoise lagoons, glacier views, red valleys, and remote Andean landscapes with fewer crowds.

You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, visit the iconic Rainbow Mountain, and experience the culture of local Andean communities along the way. It’s the perfect short trek for active travelers who want adventure, nature, and authenticity in one powerful experience.

Highlights

- Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range
- Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca
- Hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain
- See turquoise lagoons, glaciers, red valleys, and alpacas
- Enjoy a less-crowded route through remote

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain
Experienced Mountain Guide
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
Backpack rain cover and Sleeping pillow
Dinner (Optional[2])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Private transport and transfers during the tour
Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first-aid kit available at all times
Morning tea service and afternoon happy hour
Porter team and pack mules
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
Basic personal hygiene items (soap and small towel)
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 3)
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
The pickup time is between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha

    3 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    The adventure begins with early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m. We travel approximately three hours to Upis

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    In Upis, you'll have breakfast and catch your first glimpse of Ausangate before setting out on the trek. After breakfast, we begin hiking with a gradual ascent through valleys and high-altitude landscapes, always accompanied by views of the Ausangate glacier.

    Admission ticket included
  • 3

    We’ll stop along the way for a hot drink and lunch before continuing toward the highest point of the day. In the afternoon, we reach Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We then descend past Yanacocha and Hatun Pucacocha lagoons to our campsite at the foot of Ausangate. Upon arrival, hot drinks and dinner will be served before a well-earned rest.

    15 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha

    2 stops
  • 4

    The day begins with a hot cup of coca tea to aid acclimatization, followed by a hearty breakfast. As you step out of your tent, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise illuminating the Ausangate glacier an unforgettable high-mountain moment before starting the hike. We begin with a two-hour ascent to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), crossing valleys, mountains, and glacial lagoons such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha. With some luck, you may spot the majestic Andean condor. We then descend to Anantapata, where lunch is served surrounded by stunning scenery.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Nevado Ausangate

    In the afternoon, we climb to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), offering breathtaking views of Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and the Vilcanota Range. From there, we descend to Surinecocha, where hot drinks and dinner await before a restful night.

    12 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 3

    Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco

    3 stops
  • 6
    Vinicunca

    After an energizing breakfast, we begin a two-hour ascent to the highlight of the trek: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Upon reaching 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of this natural wonder and its vibrant mineral-colored layers. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll learn about the cultural significance and geological formation of this unique landscape, shaped by natural erosion over millions of years. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and connect with the powerful energy of the Andean mountains—far from the crowds.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 7

    We then descend for about one hour to Llacto, where a delicious lunch awaits.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Cusco

    Finally, we board our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon and concluding this incredible Andean adventure.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking
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Tags

Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 37 37 reviews
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