Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 3 Days: Embark on a breathtaking 3-day journey through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, exploring the magnificent beauty of Ausangate Mountain and the famous Rainbow Mountain. The trek begins at the serene Pucacocha Lakes (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), where you’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings of glacial waters and towering snow-capped peaks. As you ascend through the rugged Andean terrain, you’ll pass through picturesque Andean meadows, home to herds of alpacas and llamas, offering a truly immersive Andean experience.
The second day takes you through the challenging ascent to Anantapata Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. The trek continues as you descend to the peaceful Surimana Camp, where the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape and the clear night sky provide a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventure.
On the final day, you will reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), known for its vibrant, multi-colored peaks that offer a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. After exploring the colorful mountain, you’ll descend through the stunning Red Valley, a hidden gem of the region, known for its striking red hills and rocky formations. The trek concludes with a drive back to Cusco, where you can reminisce about the unforgettable adventure through some of Peru’s most remarkable landscapes.
This trek combines physical challenge with incredible natural beauty, offering a unique chance to explore remote Andean wilderness, cultural heritage, and two of the most famous natural wonders in Peru. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain provides an unparalleled trekking experience in the heart of the Andes.
Your adventure on the Ausangate Trek 3 days begins bright and early, around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We travel southeast through the Andes in our private transport, enjoying scenic views of remote valleys, traditional villages, and snowcapped mountains. After about 3.5 hours, we arrive at Upispampa (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), where a hot breakfast awaits us.
At Upispampa, we meet our team of friendly muleteers and the horses that will carry our gear during this Ausangate Peru trek. After a short briefing, we begin hiking toward our first highlight: the stunning Upiscocha Lagoon, a crystal-clear glacial lake sitting peacefully at the foot of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in southern Peru.
From here, the trail gradually ascends across the open Andean highlands. After a steady 3-hour climb, we reach the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) — the highest point of the day. From this windy mountain saddle, we’re treated to panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, multicolored hills, and turquoise alpine lakes scattered across the landscape. It’s the perfect place to pause, catch our breath, and take some unforgettable photos.
We then begin our descent through a wide, open valley full of color and life. Along the way, we pass by Yanacocha, a serene dark-water lagoon nestled between dramatic cliffs and rolling hills. This part of the trekking Ausangate route is diverse and scenic, with a mix of rocky trails, soft grasslands, and incredible views in every direction.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at our campsite beside Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon (approx. 4,500 m / 14,764 ft), one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots along the Ausangate trail. The lake’s deep blue waters reflect the snowcapped peaks above, creating a surreal and tranquil environment to rest after a rewarding day of hiking.
Our cook will prepare a nourishing hot dinner, and you’ll have time to relax and take in the stars. At this altitude, the night sky is crystal clear — millions of stars light up the Andes like you’ve never seen before.
Our day begins with the quiet stillness of the Andes at Hatun Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). After a hot breakfast and some time to enjoy the early morning light on the lake, we begin our uphill trek toward Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). The trail is steady, and as we climb, the massive Ausangate Mountain comes into full view. Its icy walls tower above a series of turquoise lagoons that sparkle below — one of the most breathtaking sights along the Ausangate Trek 3 Days.
We pause at the top of the pass to rest, take photos, and simply take in the silence and beauty of this wild, remote region of Ausangate Peru.
From the pass, we descend gradually into a wide, scenic valley filled with herds of alpacas and wildflowers. By midday, we reach Hananapata (4750 m / 15,583 ft), where we stop for a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by vast open spaces and rolling hills. It’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge before tackling the second part of today’s adventure.
After lunch, the trail leads us uphill once again, this time toward the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). The climb is challenging but steady, and as we gain height, we’re surrounded by colorful mountains and dramatic views that seem to go on forever. At the top of the pass, we get a preview of what’s coming on Day 3 — the first glimpses of Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
From Warmisaya, we begin a short descent, followed by one final gentle climb that takes us to our campsite beside Surinecocha (4,570 m / 14,993 ft). This small, high-altitude lake is peaceful and tucked beneath rainbow-colored hills — a truly magical setting to spend the night.
After setting up camp, you’ll have time to relax, explore the area, or simply enjoy the stillness of the high Andes. As evening falls, the sky fills with stars, and the air turns crisp and quiet — the perfect way to end your second day on the trekking Ausangate Peru route.
We wake up early at our beautiful campsite near Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), surrounded by colorful hills and the peaceful silence of the high Andes. After enjoying a delicious hot breakfast, we begin our final hike of the journey.
The trail starts with a 40-minute ascent toward the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Since we’re already camped close to the mountain, we’re able to arrive before the crowds, giving us the unique chance to witness the sunrise over Rainbow Mountain with just our small group. The first rays of light illuminate the mountain’s iconic stripes — a stunning mix of red, yellow, green, and purple — creating a moment that feels almost magical.
After plenty of time to enjoy the view, take photos, and celebrate reaching this iconic destination, we continue our journey by descending into the nearby Red Valley. This remote and lesser-known section of the Ausangate Trek in Peru is absolutely breathtaking, with its deep crimson hills, rugged cliffs, and quiet, otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a peaceful and scenic walk through one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Andes.
After exploring the Red Valley, we reach the end of the trail, where our private transport awaits. But before returning to Cusco, there’s one last highlight — our chef will be waiting for us in a green, secluded valley, far from the tourist crowds and traffic. There, surrounded by nature, we enjoy a fresh, home-cooked lunch in the open air — the perfect way to end this incredible adventure.
Finally, we begin our 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco, taking one last look at the Andes through the window. We’ll arrive in the early evening and drop you off at your hotel, filled with unforgettable memories of Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and the majestic Ausangate Trek 3 Days experience.
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 and 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.
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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
