Embark on an unforgettable high-Andean adventure with our Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days — a journey that blends the spiritual magic of the Andes, the serenity of remote landscapes, and the thrill of exploring one of the most sacred mountains in Peru. This trek is crafted for travelers seeking something deeper than just a hike — a true connection with nature, the Andean people, and the living spirit of Ausangate.
The Ausangate Trek Peru is one of the most breathtaking and less-crowded routes in the Cusco region. During these three days, you’ll venture around part of the mighty Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), revered by local communities as an Apu, or mountain deity, that protects life in the Andes. Along the way, you’ll traverse shimmering glacial lagoons, emerald valleys, and timeless Quechua villages where traditions have remained untouched for centuries.
This 3-day trek challenges you with spectacular mountain passes such as Arapa Pass, Pucacocha Pass, and Warmisaya Pass, each offering panoramic views that will leave you breathless — both from altitude and beauty. You’ll witness herds of alpacas grazing beneath snowcapped summits, hear the sound of glacial streams, and feel the crisp Andean air as you walk through landscapes painted by nature herself.
The highlight of this expedition is reaching the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at sunrise. While day-tour groups arrive later, you’ll be among the first to witness the first rays of sunlight reveal the mountain’s vibrant palette of reds, yellows, and turquoise — an awe-inspiring moment of silence and wonder at 5,100 meters. It’s the most peaceful and authentic way to experience one of Peru’s most iconic wonders.
Afterward, the path continues toward the Red Valley — a surreal landscape of crimson ridges and soft rolling hills that seem to belong to another planet. Few travelers venture here, which makes this part of the trek truly special. The contrast of the red earth, blue sky, and white peaks will make you feel like you’re walking inside a living painting.
Our Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 Days includes everything you need for a safe and comfortable adventure: high-quality camping equipment, delicious mountain meals prepared by our professional chef, certified local guides, and private transportation. This route is ideal for hikers who want to experience the essence of Ausangate Peru in a short but incredibly meaningful journey.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or an adventurous traveler craving something extraordinary, this trek delivers the perfect mix of challenge, culture, and natural splendor. From the sacred glaciers of Ausangate to the kaleidoscopic slopes of Rainbow Mountain and the mystical beauty of the Red Valley — this is one of the most magical and memorable adventures in all of Peru.
Our unforgettable Ausangate Trek begins bright and early at 5:00 AM, when your expert trekking guide and driver pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. As dawn breaks over the red rooftops of the city, we set off on a journey that will lead us deep into the heart of the Peruvian Andes—toward the mighty Ausangate Mountain, a sacred peak revered for centuries by the Quechua people.
The scenic drive winds through picturesque Andean villages and fertile valleys, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Women in colorful traditional clothing guide herds of alpacas, children run along dusty trails, and farmers plow their fields beneath the rising sun. Every curve of the road reveals new vistas of snowcapped peaks and ancient terraced slopes.
After approximately three hours, we reach the small highland community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,943 ft), the official starting point of our Ausangate Trekking adventure. Here, our trekking team welcomes you with a hearty buffet breakfast prepared from fresh local ingredients—perfect fuel for the day’s ascent.
The hike begins gently, crossing the wide open plains of Upis Pampa, where you’ll see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing under the watchful gaze of Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,906 ft), the guardian mountain of the Andes. The scenery becomes more spectacular with every step—rolling grasslands, crystal-clear streams, and the crisp Andean air that feels alive with energy.
After a few hours of walking, we arrive at Upis Lagoon (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), a brilliant turquoise lake reflecting the surrounding snowcapped peaks. It’s a perfect spot to rest, take photos, or simply soak in the tranquility of nature.
By midday, we reach our first campsite at Upis Hot Springs (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), located beside natural thermal pools that are perfect for relaxing sore muscles. Our cook will serve a delicious buffet lunch, followed by free time to bathe in the warm mineral waters surrounded by glaciers and alpine landscapes.
As evening falls, enjoy tea time and a freshly prepared buffet dinner while watching the sunset paint the mountains in golden hues. Later, as night blankets the Andes, look up—thousands of stars and the Milky Way will illuminate the sky, marking a magical end to our first day in the Ausangate Trek Peru.
By midday, we reach Camp Upis Hot Springs (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), our first campsite. Here, a buffet lunch awaits, followed by time to relax in the warm mineral waters of the hot springs, surrounded by glaciers and snowcapped peaks. In the evening, we enjoy buffet dinner and settle into our tents, with the Milky Way lighting up the Andean sky—a magical start to our trek.
After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast, we begin our gradual ascent toward the impressive Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The trail winds gently across the wide Andean plains, where herds of alpacas and llamas graze freely under the watchful eyes of local shepherds. Every step brings us closer to the heart of the Ausangate Peru range, with its snowcapped peaks gleaming in the morning light and its silence broken only by the whisper of the mountain wind.
As we reach Arapa Pass, the landscape opens up to spectacular views of colorful valleys and the majestic glaciers of Ausangate Trek. The contrast of red, ochre, and emerald hues creates an unforgettable natural palette that perfectly defines the high Andes. From here, we begin a gentle descent toward Yanacocha (Black Lake), a mystical lagoon whose dark, mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Our journey continues to the enchanting Pucacocha Lagoon, surrounded by dramatic red and brown volcanic slopes — a true hidden treasure of the Ausangate Trekking route. Here we enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch, freshly prepared by our trekking chef, while we relax by the turquoise waters and take in the peace of this untouched landscape.
In the afternoon, we ascend to Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), one of the most breathtaking vantage points of the entire expedition. From this high viewpoint, the glacial valleys stretch endlessly before us, while the mighty Ausangate Mountain towers proudly above. This section of the trail is perfect for photography lovers, offering panoramic views of rugged peaks, winding streams, and vibrant Andean pastures.
As the sun begins to descend, we make our way to Anantapata Camp (4,750 m / 15,583 ft), beautifully nestled among crimson valleys beneath the towering glaciers of Ausangate Peru. Upon arrival, our support team welcomes us with afternoon tea, followed by a warm buffet dinner prepared with local ingredients. The evening invites relaxation and reflection — a perfect opportunity to absorb the quiet magic of the Andes before resting under a sky filled with countless stars.
We wake very early at 4:30 AM at our peaceful campsite in Anantapata (4,700 m / 15,419 ft) for a light buffet breakfast to prepare for the final ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From this vantage point, we witness the first breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Our goal is to arrive early, ahead of the crowds, to enjoy the magical sunrise in complete serenity and capture dreamlike photos of Rainbow Mountain Peru bathed in morning light.
The slopes are painted in vibrant layers of red, gold, turquoise, and green — colors shaped by the mineral-rich earth over thousands of years. Walking among these natural ridges, breathing the crisp Andean air, and feeling the sacred energy of the Apus (mountain spirits) is one of the most unforgettable moments of the Ausangate Trek.
After visiting Rainbow Mountain, we continue our adventure toward the Red Valley (Valle Rojo), located just 30 minutes away on foot. The trail is a true spectacle — a path surrounded by vivid crimson hills and golden slopes that seem to glow under the Andean sun. Walking through this valley feels like stepping into another world, where the soil itself radiates deep red tones and the silence of the highlands is broken only by the gentle sound of the wind and the sight of grazing alpacas and llamas. It’s a place of pure wonder, offering unmatched panoramic views and one of the most photogenic landscapes in Ausangate Peru.
After fully exploring Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, we descend toward Llactoc (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) for a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our talented chef. Following lunch, private transportation will take us back to Cusco, enjoying the final breathtaking views of the Andes along the way.
This marks the end of an extraordinary high-altitude journey — a perfect combination of culture, nature, and awe-inspiring beauty — an experience that will stay with you forever.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Secure your trekking adventure by paying just 20% now, and complete the remaining 80% in Cusco 1 or 2 days before your hike begins. With a small deposit your spot is guaranteed, making the process simple, safe, and stress-free so you can fully focus on enjoying the trek of a lifetime.
Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
What an epic journey! The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 Days was one of the most rewarding treks I’ve ever done. We hiked through remote mountain passes, saw wild vicuñas, and soaked in hot springs at night. Reaching Rainbow Mountain on the last day felt like the perfect ending to a beautiful adventure.
Three incredible days on the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain! I wasn’t sure I could handle the altitude, but the guides were very supportive and gave us time to acclimate. The campsites were in stunning locations, and the service was top-notch. If you want to see the real beauty of Peru, this is the trek to do!
Three days of absolute magic on the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain! I’ve done treks in Nepal and Patagonia, and this one ranks right up there. The altitude was no joke, but the support and pacing made it doable. Rainbow Mountain at sunrise was the highlight — colors I didn’t think were real!
Such an amazing trek! The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 Days gave us the chance to explore parts of the Andes that most tourists never see. The diversity of the landscapes each day was mind-blowing. It’s definitely more challenging than a regular day tour, but 100% worth it for the incredible views and peacefulness.
I can’t recommend the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 Days enough. It was the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and peace. We didn’t see many other groups, which made the experience feel so personal and exclusive. Our cook prepared delicious hot meals, even at high altitude! I’ll never forget waking up to the view of the Ausangate glacier
