The Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley is one of the most spectacular high-altitude trekking experiences in Peru. This adventure takes you deep into the sacred Andes, combining dramatic mountain scenery, colorful glacial lakes, authentic Andean culture, and two of the most iconic destinations in the Cusco region: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the breathtaking Red Valley.
This carefully designed Ausangate trekking tour from Cusco allows proper acclimatization while exploring the heart of Ausangate Peru, home to the legendary Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft). Along the route, you will walk through remote valleys, cross high mountain passes, admire turquoise and multicolored lagoons, and encounter herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely in their natural habitat.
Unlike shorter day tours, the 4 day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain offers a deeper, more immersive experience. You will camp in stunning high-altitude locations, relax in natural hot springs, and enjoy peaceful nights under star-filled Andean skies. One of the highlights of this itinerary is reaching Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley early, allowing you to experience these incredible landscapes with fewer crowds and a more authentic atmosphere.
Throughout the trek, you will enjoy buffet-style meals every day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals are freshly prepared on the trail by our professional trekking chef, ensuring high-quality nutrition, variety, and comfort even in the most remote areas of the Andes. This makes our Ausangate Trek with buffet meals a premium option compared to standard trekking services.
This Ausangate Trek 4 Days itinerary is ideal for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Guided by an experienced local team based in Cusco, this trek guarantees safety, authenticity, and a genuine connection with the Andean mountains and culture.
At 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and begin our journey toward the remote and majestic Ausangate region. As we leave the city behind, the road takes us through quiet Andean villages and wide highland landscapes where alpacas and llamas graze freely, offering a beautiful introduction to the adventure ahead.
Upon arrival at the Upis Community (4,250 m / 13,943 ft), we enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast, specially prepared to provide the energy needed for the first day of trekking. The breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold options such as eggs, bread, pancakes, cereals, fresh fruit, hot drinks, and traditional Andean products. This relaxed breakfast moment also allows everyone to meet the trekking team while the guide explains the route, safety information, and what to expect during the trek.
After breakfast, we begin our walk toward the Upis Thermal Baths area, following a gentle trail ideal for acclimatization. Along the way, the massive presence of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft) dominates the scenery, creating unforgettable views and constant photo opportunities.
Once we reach our campsite near the hot springs (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), we enjoy a buffet-style lunch, offering a selection of freshly prepared dishes, salads, soups, and warm meals. In the afternoon, there is free time to relax in the natural thermal baths, surrounded by glaciers and pure mountain silence.
In the evening, our trekking chef prepares a buffet dinner, with a variety of nutritious options designed for high-altitude trekking. After dinner, we enjoy a peaceful night under a spectacular star-filled sky.
The day begins with a comforting buffet breakfast at camp, surrounded by fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Ausangate range. As the sun slowly rises, the glaciers glow with morning light, creating a magical atmosphere that sets the tone for the day.
We continue walking deeper into the heart of the Ausangate Trek, following wide valleys that gradually lead us toward higher and more dramatic terrain. Along the way, the landscape constantly changes: glacial streams cross the trail, colorful mountains rise around us, and herds of alpacas and llamas move freely across the plains. This section of the trek feels truly remote and untouched.
As we reach the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the panorama opens in all directions. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, vast valleys, and the colorful lagoons that lie below. This is one of the most impressive viewpoints of the entire trek and a moment to fully appreciate the power and beauty of the Andes.
Descending from the pass, the scenery becomes softer and more colorful as we approach the stunning Pucacocha lagoons. Upon arrival at Pucacocha Camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), we enjoy a generous buffet lunch, followed by free time to relax, walk around the lagoons, and take photos as the water reflects shades of red, green, and turquoise.
In the late afternoon, the area becomes incredibly peaceful, with only the sound of the wind and distant glaciers. As night approaches, our trekking chef prepares a delicious buffet dinner, perfect for recovering energy while enjoying a spectacular sunset over the lagoons and surrounding peaks.
After a nourishing buffet breakfast at Pucacocha Camp, we begin our trekking day by gradually ascending through the high Andean landscape toward Pucacocha Pass. This section of the trek offers spectacular panoramic views of glacial peaks, turquoise lagoons, and vast valleys that define the heart of the Ausangate region. The pace today is intentionally steady and relaxed, allowing proper acclimatization while fully enjoying the scenery.
From Pucacocha Pass, we descend gently into wide open valleys, following scenic trails surrounded by impressive rock formations and high-altitude plains where herds of alpacas and llamas graze freely. The silence and remoteness of this area create a deep sense of connection with nature, making this part of the trek one of the most peaceful sections of the journey.
Continuing along the trail, we reach the beautiful plains of Anantapata, an area known for its open landscapes and stunning mountain views. Along the way, our trekking chef prepares a delicious buffet lunch, served in a picturesque mountain setting with fresh Andean air and breathtaking surroundings.
After lunch, we continue our ascent toward the impressive Warmisaya Pass, one of the most scenic and important passes of the trek. From the top of Warmisaya Pass, we are rewarded with incredible views of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the surrounding colorful mountains, offering excellent opportunities for photos and quiet contemplation.
We then descend gradually toward Surinecocha Camp, located beside a beautiful high-altitude lagoon. Upon arrival at Surinecocha Camp (approximately 4,800 m / 15,748 ft), there is plenty of time to rest, explore the area, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the campsite. The reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lagoon during sunset create a truly unforgettable experience.
In the evening, we gather for a warm and satisfying buffet dinner, carefully prepared by our trekking chef. After dinner, we rest early, preparing both body and mind for the highlight of the trek the following day — the unforgettable visit to Rainbow Mountain.
We wake up very early, around 5:00 a.m., while the mountains remain silent and the sky is still illuminated by countless stars. After a light but energizing buffet breakfast, we prepare for the final and most anticipated day of our adventure in the Ausangate region.
From Surinecocha, we begin our hike toward Rainbow Mountain, aiming to arrive before the majority of visitors. As the first light of day slowly appears, the surrounding peaks begin to glow, revealing an impressive Andean landscape that feels peaceful and untouched. Reaching Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft) early in the morning allows us to enjoy this iconic destination in a calm and almost magical atmosphere. The famous mineral bands—red, yellow, green, and purple—shine intensely under the morning light, creating one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire trek.
After taking time to explore, enjoy the views, and capture photographs, we continue our journey toward the Red Valley, following a scenic trail away from the crowds. This section of the hike leads us through a vast and dramatic landscape dominated by deep red mountains, rolling hills, and wide open valleys. Walking through the Red Valley feels like stepping into another world, offering a unique and peaceful conclusion to the Ausangate experience.
Once we complete the trek, we enjoy a final buffet lunch, celebrating the successful completion of an unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular regions of the Peruvian Andes. In the afternoon, we begin our return drive to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we transfer you directly to your hotel or hostel, ending the adventure with incredible memories of the Ausangate Trek and 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 4 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.
