Ausangate Circuit Trek + Rainbow Mountain 7 days: Embark on an awe-inspiring 7-day trekking adventure, delving into the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Traverse stunning landscapes, encounter high-altitude lakes, and immerse yourself in vibrant cultural experiences as you explore the Ausangate region and the iconic Rainbow Mountain.
Overview:
Day 1 – Cusco – Ocongate – Tinke – Upis Hot Spring
This itinerary stands out as one of the most breathtaking and less-explored routes to Ausangate.
Rainbow Mountain: This tour offers the chance to visit the renowned Rainbow Mountain, famous for its stunning natural color layers. This unique location attracts numerous visitors seeking an unparalleled visual experience.
Impressive Landscapes: The trek through the Ausangate circuit immerses you in some of the most stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciers, creating an unforgettable visual and natural experience.
Less Crowded: While Rainbow Mountain has gained popularity, the Ausangate region tends to be less crowded compared to the Inca Trail. This provides a quieter and more authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area without the typical crowds found in more popular destinations.
Itinerary
DAY 1Cusco - Ocongate - Tinke - Upis Hot Spring
Your journey commences with an early 5 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. Our private van will transport you on a scenic 3-hour drive to the Upis Trailhead (4,226 m / 13,864 ft). Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to our expert trekking team, including the Cook and Horsedriver, before enjoying a hearty breakfast.
Embark on a 3-hour trek across gently undulating terrain, offering spectacular vistas of the Ausangate Glacier and the Vilcanota Mountain range. Llama and Alpaca herds will dot your path as you make your way to Upis, your lunch spot and camping site. After a well-deserved nap, explore the stunning Huayna Ausangate Lake and unwind in the soothing hot springs. Indulge in hot drinks and popcorn during “Happy Hour” before a satisfying dinner. Camp under the Milky Way for a restful night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 4,226 m / 13,864 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Camping Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Accommodation: Tents
Distance to Walk: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Ausangate Mount, Huayna Ausangate Lake, Hot Spring.
DAY 2Upis - PukaCocha
Greet the day with revitalizing Coca tea or coffee, setting the tone for a day of exploration. After a nourishing breakfast prepared by our excellent Cook, embark on a 2.5-hour gentle ascent to the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Revel in the colorful landscapes and serene lakes that greet you at the pass.
Descend and traverse to Pukacocha Lake for 1.5 hours, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and set up camp. Spend your free time exploring the captivating lake under the guidance of your knowledgeable Guide. Afternoon tea and dinner await, followed by a night’s slumber beneath the starlit sky.
DAY 3PukaCocha - PukaCocha Pass - Ananta - SurineCocha
Awaken to a soothing cup of Coca tea and a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for an exceptional day of trekking. Embark on a 2-hour ascent to the Pukacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views of Apu Ausangate Mountain and its surrounding lakes. Capture stunning photographs at this vantage point.
Descend for 1.5 hours to the Ananta lunch spot (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), followed by a gentle 2-hour ascent to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). Revel in the striking vistas of the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in the distance. Descend for 1 hour to the tranquil SurineCocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you’ll camp for the night.
DAY 4SurineCocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley View - Quesiuno - Ausangatecocha
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 1-hour trek to the Rainbow Mountain. Be among the first to experience the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and its vibrant hues before the crowds arrive. Your knowledgeable Mountain Guide will provide insights into the natural formations of this unique wonder.
Descend and continue to Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,192 ft) for lunch. Afterward, trek uphill to Ausangatecocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), your camping site for the night. Explore the serene lake, indulge in “Happy Hour” with tea and popcorn, and savor a sumptuous dinner. Spend the night surrounded by the Milky Way’s brilliance.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Rainbow Mountain Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Accommodation: Tents
Camping Elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Distance to Walk: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Astral Night Sky
DAY 5AusangateCocha - Palomani Pass - Huchuy Phinaya - Sorapata
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast, and embark on a captivating day of trekking. Ascend for 2 hours to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), relishing panoramic vistas of the captivating mini-rainbow mountain and the Red Lake. Your Guide’s insights into the natural formations will enhance your experience.
Descend for 1.5 hours to the Huchuy Phinaya community (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), your lunch spot. Resume your trek to Sorapata (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), your overnight camp. En route, delight in the presence of alpacas, llamas, and the stunning Andean landscapes. The enchanting backdrop of snow-capped peaks will surround your campsite. Dine and rest in preparation for the next day’s adventure
DAY 6Sorapata - Jampa Pass - OtorongoCocha - Pacchanta Hot Spring
Awaken to the soothing embrace of the mountains and start your day with a revitalizing coca tea or coffee. Ascend to the Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft) over 2.5 hours, where panoramic views of glaciers await, creating a surreal snow-capped landscape.
Descend for 3 hours, passing by the stunning OtorongoCocha and Qomercocha Lakes, until you reach the quaint Pacchanta village. Indulge in the rejuvenating Pacchanta hot springs, a well-deserved reward after days of trekking. Relish a delectable dinner and spend the night in Pacchanta, surrounded by natural serenity.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Jampa Pass: 5,070 m / 16,634 ft
Accommodation: Tents
Camping Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Distance to Walk: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Glacial Majesty, Turquoise Lakes, Soothing Hot Springs.
DAY 7Pacchanta - Tinke - Cusco
Savor a hearty breakfast and embark on the final day of your trek. Traverse for 3 hours through charming Andean communities, offering insights into local textile craftsmanship using natural dyes and Alpaca wool.
Lunch in Tinke marks the conclusion of your journey. Bid farewell to your dedicated trekking team before being transported back to your Cusco hotel, where your unforgettable adventure concludes.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Lowest Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Distance to Walk: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Andean Communities, Cultural Insights, Natural Beauty.
What is included
Price Includes
Extra Service
Price Excludes
Field Staff:
Experienced Local English-Speaking Mountain Guide (Ambassador of our country, Peru).
Mountain Chef and Assistant Cook will prepare your organic and traditional food, accommodating vegetarian or vegan preferences at no extra cost. We also cater to your allergies.
Muleteers (Local Ausangate residents) responsible for managing your personal belongings, camping equipment, and trek meals.
High Quality Service and Safety
Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek
Duffle bag provided to store your personal belongings during the trek
First Aid Kit – Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
Private Camping Equipment tailored for your comfort.
Pad Mattress for a restful night’s sleep.
Costumer Service 24/7
Permits and Entrance Tickets
Entrance fee to Ausangate Trek.
Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain.
Entrance fee to the hotspring.
Camping Equipment
Tents and Private Camps.
Kitchen tent and Utensils.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Portable travel toilet.
Accommodation
Tents 4 capacity for 2 persons in private campsites.
Meals
7 breakfast, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
Vegetarian and vegan options with no extra cost.
Daily morning Wake up call with Coffee or Coca tea.
Tea time or happy hour every afternoon (pop-corn-cookies, hot drinks).
Snacks on the Trail.
Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
Hot water for washing every day.
Hygiene Products.
Transportation
Private van to Upis trailhead on day 1 (Pick up time from your Cusco hotel).
Private transportation back to your Cusco Hotel on day 7.
Muleteers and horses to carry all the equipment (Duffle bag, food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
Horse to carry 7 kg / 15.4 Pound of your personal belongings
× Emergency horse in case we need it.
× Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).
× Emergency oxygen bottle.
× Sleeping Bag.
× Trekking Stick
× Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and Guide)
× Travel Insurance
× Extra expenses
× Upgrades
× Private Tent – US$30.00
What To Bring
Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both).
Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag. (Can be rented from us $15 USD for the whole trek).
Trekking Backpack ( from 20 to 35 Liters is recomended).
Botlle of water or Camel bag to store water.
Trekking poles This is recommended especially for the steep descents. (Can be rented from us $10 USD for the whole trek).
Clothes (Sun hat, Winter hat, Buff or bandana, Gloves, t-shirt long sleeve, Warm fleece jacket, warm underwear, light long trekking pants, Rain jacket, trekking boots, Socks).
Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel).
Trekking Boots
Head lamp.
Camera with spare batteries.
First Aid Kit.
Extra cash Peruvian soles.
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Ausangate trek FAQ
What is the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco?
In the Cusco region, there are over thirty impressive snow-capped mountains with challenging access, spread across the Urubamba, Vilcabamba, and Vilcanota mountain ranges. The highest among them is Ausangate, reaching an elevation of 6,372 meters above sea level, ranking as the fifth highest peak in all of Peru.
Where is Ausangate located?
Ausangate is situated in the Andes mountain range, specifically in a segment known as the Vilcanota mountain range, part of the Cusco region in Peru. Its main summit stands at 6,372 meters above sea level, surrounded by large, luminous green/blue lakes.
Where does the Ausangate trek start?
The 5-day Ausangate Trek begins in the city of Cusco, nestled in the Andes mountain range, one of the highest and most captivating regions in Peru.
How long does the hike to Mount Ausangate take?
The duration of the hike can vary but typically spans from 4 to 7 days, depending on the chosen route and walking speed.
What is the best time to hike Ausangate?
The optimal time for the trek is generally during the dry season, from April to October. The months of June to August are particularly popular due to more stable weather conditions.
Do I need a guide for the hike, or can I do it on my own?
It is recommended to have a guide, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. At Andes Peru Expeditions, our professional tourism guides undergo updated first aid and rescue courses and have extensive experience on Mount Ausangate.
What are the physical preparation requirements for the hike?
It is advisable to be in good physical condition as the hike involves challenging terrains and high altitudes. Prior hiking training and acclimatization to altitude are beneficial.
What gear and clothing should I bring for the hike?
Appropriate clothing and gear include layers, hiking boots, a backpack, sleeping bag, food, water, sunscreen, and equipment for variable weather conditions.
Is camping necessary during the hike, or are there accommodation options along the way?
Andes Peru Expeditions offers a camping experience, as there are no accommodations or lodging options along this route.
How can I prevent altitude sickness during the Ausangate hike?
Gradual acclimatization, staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and consuming light meals are key preventive measures. Consider consulting your primary care doctor for altitude sickness medication if needed.
Is the hike to Ausangate difficult?
The difficulty of the hike varies based on factors such as the chosen route, physical condition, and altitude. Overall, the trek to Mount Ausangate is considered challenging, requiring proper preparation and physical fitness. Before embarking on it, an honest assessment of your physical condition, guidance from local guides, and adherence to safe high-altitude hiking practices are advisable. Gradual acclimatization is crucial to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and enhance the overall hiking experience.
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