Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain – 04 Days
Ausangate Glacier, located in the Peruvian Andes, holds profound spiritual significance for the indigenous Quechua people. Revered as an Apu, or mountain deity, Ausangate is not only the fourth highest peak in Peru but also a central figure in Andean spirituality and culture. The Andean communities regard Ausangate Glacier as a living entity that embodies the spirits of nature. This belief is rooted in the idea that the mountain is a powerful deity deserving of respect and reverence. The Quechua people view Ausangate as a protector and provider, integral to their agricultural cycles and daily lives. Rituals and offerings, known as k’intus, are made to honor Ausangate and ensure his blessings for fertility and abundance in crops and livestock.
Join us to explore the holiest mountain of South America, the biggest spiritual epicenter of the Andes, where ancient rituals are performed to awaken its spiritual healing energy. Apu Ausangate bless your kids!
Join us to explore the holiest mountain of South America, the biggest spiritual epicenter of the Andes, where ancient rituals are performed to awaken its spiritual healing energy. Apu Ausangate bless your kids!
General Itinerary
04 days
Distance
38 kilometers / 23.6 miles
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1: Cusco or Sacred Valley Hotel – Tinki – Upis
- Morning Transfer: Depart at 6:00 AM from Cusco or Sacred Valley by van to Tinki (3,880 m).
- Hiking Begins: Gentle ascent to Upis (4,400 m), passing traditional Andean villages and farmlands.
- Lunch & Optional Hike: Lunch at camp followed by optional hike to Wayna Ausangate Lake (2.5 hrs round trip).
- Overnight: Camp at Upis; enjoy nearby natural hot springs.
- Distance: 08 km / 05 miles
- Min Altitude: 4200 masl
- Max Altitude: 4400 masl
Day 2: Upis – Pucaqocha Lakes Camping Area
- Morning Trek: After breakfast, hike to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) with views of glacier valleys, alpaca herds, and remote Andean life.
- Lunch: At Hatun Pucaqocha, surrounded by colorful lagoons and waterfalls (note: mosquito area).
- Afternoon: Free time to explore or rest.
Overnight: Camp at Hatun Pucaqocha (4,600 m)
Min Altitude: 4400 masl
Max Altitude: 4750 masl
Day 3: Hatun Pucaqocha – Rainbow Mountain – Qelwacocha Camping Site
- Early Start: Ascend to Puka Pass (4,870 m), a challenging climb with scenic views.
- Highlights: Enjoy the most iconic views of the Ausangate trek—colored lakes, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes.
- Rainbow Mountain Visit: Hike to Vinicunca and admire its vibrant colors.
- Lunch at Camp: Followed by optional hike back to Rainbow Mountain for sunset.
- Overnight: Camp at Qelwacocha.
Day 4: Ananta – Pacchanta – Cusco
- Early Morning Visit: Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain for those who want a second chance to experience it in solitude.
- Lunch & Hot Springs: Lunch at Pacchanta; optional soak in hot springs.
- Return to Cusco: Afternoon van transfer back to the city.
Highlights of the Trek
- Experience diverse ecosystems and stunning Andean landscapes.
- Encounter local wildlife including llamas and alpacas.
- Visit natural hot springs and enjoy traditional Andean hospitality.
- Explore both Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in a single, immersive journey.
Recomendaciones of the Trek
- Experience diverse ecosystems and stunning Andean landscapes.
- Encounter local wildlife including llamas and alpacas.
- Visit natural hot springs and enjoy traditional Andean hospitality.
- Explore both Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in a single, immersive journey.
Include
- Briefing one day before the trek
- Transportation from your hotel (Cusco or Sacred Valley) to Tinki and back
- Professional certified English-speaking mountain guide
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
- All meals during the trek (03 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 dinners)
- Boiled water every day
- Professional camping equipment (tents, foam mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, etc.)
- Duffel bag for your belongings (up to 7 kg / 15.4 lbs, waterproof)
- Horses to carry equipment and personal items
- Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket
- Ausangate entrance permits
- Chefs and porters
- Snacks during the hike
- Natural hot springs experience (if time permits)
- Optional emergency horse for uphill section on Day 1
- Campsites with impressive views of lakes and snow-capped peaks
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (rental available for $25 USD)
- Air mattress (rental available for $25 USD)
- Trekking poles (rental available upon request)
- Personal horse (if required, inquire for cost)
- Final dinner in Cusco
- Tips for guides, cooks, and horse handlers
- Travel insurance
- Additional personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Entrance to hot springs in Pacchanta if not enough time
JOEL BEJAR ESPINOZA
Contact a specialist
Recomendations
It was spectacular!! Beautiful views!! I loved it. I recommend them, excellent guide!! If I were to return, I would hire them again.
It was wonderful how they explained everything, the attention they paid, how quickly they resolved any problems. In short, I loved it, and my friends recommend them 100%. Thank you so much, we felt safe at all times.
Excellent service, responsible, super punctual, excellent guides, very knowledgeable and respectful, they know what they're doing and take beautiful photos, 100% recommended
Very great time and appreciated all Mijail did for me and everyone else. Truly made it a magical experience and we felt cared for the whole way