Login

Login

Ausangate And Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 Days Economic

(15 Reviews)
  • Departure city:Cusco, Peru
  • Ends in the city:Cusco, Peru
  • Group Size:12 Per Group
  • Availability:Available
  • Trip Styles:Hiking
  • Max Altitude:5200 m. / 17060 ft.
  • Lodging Type:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate

Overview

Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain 5 Days

If you’re looking for the most authentic, challenging, and scenic trekking experience in Peru, the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights is without a doubt the best option. This unforgettable high-altitude adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Andes, through pristine alpine valleys, colorful glacial lakes, snow-covered peaks, and ancient Quechua communities, while offering you the unique opportunity to explore the majestic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the sacred Ausangate Mountain – one of the most revered Apus (spirits of the mountain) in all of Peru.

This is not just a hike — it’s an experience of a lifetime. Over five magical days, you’ll walk through landscapes so surreal they look like they belong to another planet. You’ll witness turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and the incredibly colorful formations of the Rainbow Mountain, while camping under star-filled skies and soaking in natural hot springs. This trek is perfect for those seeking adventure, connection with nature, cultural immersion, and an off-the-beaten-path experience far from the crowds of Machu Picchu.

Why Take the Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 5 Days?

  • Join us on this breathtaking five-day trek through the Andes Mountains.
  • Marvel at majestic snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and crystalline turquoise lakes.
  • Get in touch with indigenous people in rustic rural villages of the mountains.
  • Spectacular views from high altitudes, especially while crossing two passes: the Palomani Pass and the Q’ampa Pass.
  • Catch a glimpse of Andean wildlife – condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and many aquatic birds.
  • Hike with a real, direct & official local tour operator based in Cusco.
  • Camp beside stunning alpine lakes such as Pucacocha and Ausangate Cocha.
  • Soak in relaxing natural hot springs at Upis and Pacchanta.
  • Visit the famous 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, each with unique colors and legends.
  • Stand in awe at the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a must-see in Peru.
  • Enjoy delicious meals prepared by local mountain chefs during the trek.
  • Support sustainable and community-based tourism with every step you take.
  • Perfect for adventure lovers, photographers, and trekking enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Upismampa – Upis Hot Springs Camp

To embark on our unforgettable Ausangate Trek 5 Days adventure, our professional trekking guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 am. Even at this early hour, excitement fills the air—you are about to start one of the most breathtaking treks in the Peruvian Andes, an experience combining high-altitude landscapes, sacred mountains, and colorful Andean culture.

The drive from Cusco takes us through small traditional villages where life moves slowly. Women in bright woven textiles walk with their alpacas, children wave shyly from the fields, and farmers tend to their llamas, giving you your first glimpse of authentic Andean life. As the city disappears behind us, the immensity of the Andes unfolds, towering peaks and valleys stretching endlessly.

We reach Upis (4,250 m / 13,943 ft), a small but welcoming community that marks the official starting point of our Ausangate Trekking adventure. Here, a hearty Andean breakfast is served, prepared with fresh local ingredients by our professional chef, giving you the energy for the day ahead.

Our hike begins across the expansive plains of Upis Pampa, a landscape dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas under the watchful presence of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,906 ft), one of the most sacred Apus in Peru. Walking here, you can feel the spiritual energy of the mountains guiding your path, with every step revealing more of the grandeur of the Andes.

Along the way, we pause at Upis Lagoon (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), a turquoise glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks. The view is breathtaking—a hidden jewel in the Ausangate Peru region—and the perfect spot for photos, meditation, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air.

By midday, we arrive at Camp Upis Hot Springs (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), our first campsite and the location of the first buffet lunch. Here, you can indulge in freshly cooked Andean dishes while the nearby thermal springs invite you to relax. Soaking in the warm mineral waters, surrounded by glaciers and snowcapped peaks, is a magical way to recover from your first day of trekking.

As evening falls, we settle into our tents at Camp Upis Hot Springs, enjoy hot drinks, and gather for a hearty buffet dinner. Above us, the Milky Way lights up the sky, stretching its brilliance across the Andes—a perfect end to your first day on the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:8 km / 4.97 mi
  • Highest Elevation:4,480 m / 14,698 ft
  • Camp Altitude:4,400 m / 14,435 ft

Day 2Upis Hot Springs – Hatun Pucacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Anantapata Camp

After a nourishing breakfast at Camp Upis Hot Springs, we set out toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The trail winds through high Andean plains, passing grazing alpacas and remote shepherds. The crisp mountain air invigorates you, and the majestic peaks of Ausangate Perú dominate the horizon, hinting at the spectacular landscapes ahead.

At Arapa Pass, vast panoramas of multicolored valleys and snowcapped peaks unfold. Standing high above the Andes, surrounded by glaciers and vibrant terrain, is an awe-inspiring experience you will remember forever.

Descending from the pass, we encounter Yanacocha (Black Lake), whose dark waters beautifully contrast with the surrounding mountains. Next, we reach the turquoise Pucacocha Lagoon, framed by striking red and brown volcanic slopes—a true gem of the Ausangate Trek. Here, we enjoy a buffet lunch prepared by our chef, resting while soaking in the extraordinary scenery.

In the afternoon, we ascend Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of the trek. From here, you can admire vast glaciers of Ausangate Mountain and sparkling lagoons below, with alpacas grazing in the highland pastures.

We conclude the day at Anantapata Camp (4,750 m / 15,583 ft), nestled among red valleys beneath towering glaciers. Afternoon tea and a comforting buffet dinner provide time to reflect on the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ausangate Perú.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:15 km / 9.32 mi
  • Highest Elevation:4,870 m / 15,977 ft
  • Camp Altitude:4,750 m / 15,583 ft

Day 3 Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Cocha

Day 3 is one of the most iconic and memorable days of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days. We rise very early, around 4:30 am, for a light breakfast to prepare for the ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From this vantage point, the first breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft) appear—vibrant, majestic, and almost surreal. Our early arrival allows us to experience Rainbow Mountain in a serene and peaceful moment, before the area fills with other travelers, making it the perfect time to admire the sunrise and capture truly stunning photos.

At Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, the slopes are painted in striking layers of red, gold, turquoise, and green. These mineral-rich colors, formed over thousands of years, create an almost otherworldly landscape. Walking among the ridges, breathing the crisp Andean air, and connecting with the sacred energy of the Andes is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of Rainbow Mountain Peru and Ausangate Trekking.

If time and weather allow, we have the option to explore the Red Valley, a dramatic landscape of crimson hills and highland pastures dotted with grazing alpacas and llamas. Every step through this vibrant valley is a photographer’s paradise and an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ausangate Perú.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, we return along the same trail to Anantapata, where a well-deserved lunch is served. This provides the perfect chance to rest, recharge, and share experiences with your fellow trekkers while enjoying the flavors of local Andean cuisine prepared by our chef.

In the afternoon, we continue our trek toward Ausangate Qocha Camp (4,500 m / 14,763 ft). The trail winds through stunning green valleys surrounded by snowcapped peaks, where alpacas graze freely in the highland pastures. Along the way, you can admire the contrast between lush vegetation and the glacial mountains of Ausangate Perú, taking in panoramic views that make this section of the Ausangate Trek unforgettable.

Upon reaching Ausangate Qocha Camp, we are greeted by the serene turquoise waters of the glacial lake, framed by towering snowy mountains. The camp is a peaceful haven where you can relax, enjoy afternoon tea, and reflect on the extraordinary landscapes you have witnessed. Dinner at the camp completes this extraordinary day, leaving you with memories of vibrant colors, high-altitude lakes, and the iconic vistas of Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate Perú.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:17.5 km / 10.87 mi
  • Highest Elevation:5,100 m / 16,732 ft
  • Camp Altitude:4,500 m / 14,763 ft

Day 4Ausangate Cocha – Palomani Pass – Jampa Camp

After an early breakfast at our camp beside the beautiful Ausangate Cocha lagoon, we begin one of the most challenging and breathtaking days of the Ausangate Trek. Today’s goal is to cross Palomani Pass (5,200m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the entire circuit.

The uphill climb is tough, but the views are absolutely worth it. As we ascend, the landscape opens up into dramatic glaciers, colorful valleys, and towering snow-capped peaks—especially the impressive Ausangate Mountain, standing proudly above the horizon. Once at the top of the pass, we’ll take a well-earned break to rest, enjoy the views, and soak in the powerful Andean energy of this sacred place.

We then descend gradually into a quiet valley, where we’ll stop for lunch at a peaceful spot called Hucuy Pinaya. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge after the big climb.

In the afternoon, we continue our trek along a gentler trail, surrounded by green highland meadows where we often see alpacas, vicuñas, and even wild chinchillas. It’s a more peaceful stretch of the journey, ideal for enjoying the scenery and the silence of the Andes.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Jampa Camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), a tranquil campsite nestled in a wide valley surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Here we’ll have a hot dinner and settle in for the night under a sky full of stars.

This is one of the most intense but rewarding days of the Ausangate Trekking experience—full of adventure, beauty, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Ausangate.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:13 km / 8.07 mi
  • Highest Elevation:5,200m / 17,060 ft
  • Camp Altitude:4,700 m / 15,419 ft

Day 5Jampa – 7 Lagoons Circuit – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Cusco

Our final day is a journey through beauty and healing. After breakfast, we begin hiking through the mystical 7 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit. Each lagoon—Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, Azulcocha, and Alqacocha—has its own distinct color, energy, and story.

These lakes are a dreamlike setting, with reflections of glaciers and clouds floating above still, turquoise waters. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. This hidden gem is one of the most peaceful and sacred parts of Ausangate Peru.

Afterward, we reach the rural community of Pacchanta, where a soak in natural hot springs awaits. Surrounded by snowy peaks, the warm waters will relax your body and soul, a perfect farewell to your Ausangate Trekking journey.

We enjoy our final lunch together in Pacchanta, then take our private vehicle back to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 p.m. with your heart full of memories, your spirit refreshed, and your life changed by the mountains.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch.
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:14 km / 8.69 mi
  • Starting Elevation:4,700 m / 15,419 ft
  • Minimum Elevation:4,100 m / 13,451 ft
  • Highest Elevation:5,070 m / 16,633 ft

Trip Info

Inclusions
Packing List
Before You Go
High Quality Service & Safety
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Experienced Guide speaks English and Spanish
  • A professional cook only for our group
  • Motorola Talkabout Radio, for communication
  • Medical Kit – First Aid Kit
  • One duffle bag per person
  • Customer Service 24/7
  • Extra oxygen
Private Camping Equipment
  • We also include a large tent with table and chairs for you to enjoy your meal without worry-free, and all the cooking equipment, carried by our porters and horses
  • We also included a portable toilet
 
Transportation
  • Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trek.
  • Horses, and muleteers horses carry your 8-kg / 16-pound personal items.
  • Private transportation from the end of the trek to Cusco to your hotel.
Meals
  • Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
  • Meals: vegetarian and vegan
  • Water to drink on the trail every day
  • Wake up tea, every morning
  • Tea Time or Happy Hour, every afternoon
Accommodation
  • Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
  • 3-Person, 4-season tents, destined for 2 travelers
  • 1 Polar sheet per person
  • Pillows throughout the tour
  • Rubber warmers, for the night
  • Classic sponge mattress
 
What Is Not Included?
  • PRO Air sleeping pad, Therma-Rest brand $25  Dollars
  • Sleeping bag – 20 Degrees $25  Dollars
  • Trekking stick $20  Dollars
  • Entrance ticket to Ausangate Trek 
  • Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain 
  • Entrance ticket to Red Valley
  • Entrance to the Hot Springs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management
  • Original Passport
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film with extra batteries
  • Torch with spare batteries
  • Daypack

Information Before leaving for the Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain

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 + Rainbow Mountain 5 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!

Briefing or informative meeting

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.

Duffel bag or canvas case

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.

Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)

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.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

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.

Pick up of guests

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

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

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.

Lost objects

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.

-22%Economic
From€384€299
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
Full Name*
Email Address*
Your Enquiry*
* I agree with Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step
Select a Package
  • Classic group serviceGroup Service 12 people
    Adult: $350 Kids: $320
    Start Time: 04:30Available: 12 seats
  • Private serviceService with total flexibilit
    Adult: $520 Kids: $510
    Start Time: 05:00Available: 12 seats

Proceed Booking

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

1647
Reserve now with only a 20% deposit

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.

Visa Pay

BOOKING FAST & EASY

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.

Free cancellation
Change of plans? No problem. Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
15 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Anouk Y

Group Traveller

As a university student traveling South America on a tight budget, I always have to watch my spending. When I found this Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5-day trek at such a great price, I thought it might be “too good to be true.” But it turned out to be the highlight of my 3-month trip.

From the very first day, I felt like I was walking through a dream. Snowy peaks, mirrored lakes, fluffy llamas and alpacas – the landscape looked like something out of National Geographic. Every night, the stars were unbelievable.

Our guide was so kind and funny, and the cook even made me vegetarian options! The group was international and friendly, and the vibe was perfect.

I still don’t know how they can offer so much for such a low price. I’ll be recommending this trek to every traveler I meet.

June 28, 2025

Lukas P

Group Traveller

I had never heard of Ausangate before planning my trip to Peru, but now I honestly wonder how it’s not one of the most famous treks in the world. The Ausangate Trek 5 Days was simply spectacular. Each day was completely different – from turquoise lakes to snow-capped peaks, peaceful valleys with alpacas, and even natural hot springs under the stars.

The highlight for me was Rainbow Mountain on the final stretch. Seeing those unreal colors at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) made me feel like I was on another planet. Pictures just don’t capture the magnitude of the moment.

What made this trip even better was the affordable price. In Europe, a tour with this level of service would cost three or four times more. We had horses carrying our luggage, excellent meals three times a day, and a super knowledgeable guide who explained the history, geology, and culture.

Don’t think twice – this trek is the real deal if you’re looking for an epic experience without breaking the bank.

June 27, 2025

Johan N

Group Traveller

I travel with a low budget, so when I saw the price of the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5D/4N, I booked it immediately. I expected something simple, but what I got was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.

The landscapes are just unreal – glacier valleys, colorful hills, icy peaks. We hiked high passes, drank fresh mountain water, and watched the stars every night. The altitude was challenging, but our guide gave us good tips, and the pace was manageable.

The price was amazing. I paid less than half of what other companies were asking, and I never felt like we were missing anything. In fact, I think we got more – more time in nature, more connection with the locals, and more genuine service.

If you want to see the real Peru without spending all your savings, this is it.

June 26, 2025

Natalia U

Group Traveller

Everyone talks about Rainbow Mountain, and yes – it was spectacular. But the Ausangate Trek was the part that truly touched my soul. The 5-day journey was so peaceful, so colorful, so… alive.

Our group was small – just 6 people – which made it feel intimate and personal. The food blew us away (they even made fresh guacamole and pasta!), and the guide told us beautiful stories about Andean beliefs and Pachamama.

The low price worried me a bit at first – I thought maybe it would be rushed or unsafe. But it was completely the opposite: everything was well-planned, we had safety horses, and the camps were set up when we arrived, even at 4,800 meters.

The Rainbow Mountain on Day 5 was the grand finale, but honestly, the magic started on Day 1 with Ausangate itself. Don’t miss this.

June 25, 2025

Henrik W

Group Traveller

This was my second time in Peru, but my first time going into the Ausangate region, and it felt like entering a completely different world. For 5 days, we didn’t see cars or buildings – only mountains, sky, and nature at its purest.

The trek was intense but doable, and the 5,200-meter (17,060 ft) pass on Day 3 was the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done… but the view? Worth every breath.

The tour cost was so affordable, especially considering what was included: full meals, trained guides, entrance to Rainbow Mountain, and even a horse for emergencies. I was expecting basic service, but this was above and beyond.

If you want a real adventure and aren’t afraid of a little altitude, this is the best trek I’ve ever done.

June 23, 2025
123
9808 travellers are considering this tour right now!
From€384€299
Book Now