Embark on an unforgettable 5-day trek through one of the most breathtaking and sacred regions of the Peruvian Andes. The Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek is a perfect blend of raw adventure, stunning landscapes, and deep cultural connection.
This journey takes you around the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), the highest and most revered peak in the Cusco region. Along the way, you’ll cross soaring high passes, walk beside vibrant glacial lakes, witness herds of alpacas in their natural habitat, and experience one of the greatest highlights of the Andes: the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)—a natural wonder with colorful mineral stripes that seem painted by magic.
Each day brings new surprises, from relaxing in natural hot springs and camping under a sky full of stars, to enjoying fresh, gourmet meals prepared by our professional chef right on the trail. You’ll be guided by a team of passionate locals who know every corner of this land, ensuring a safe, authentic, and heartwarming experience.
This trek is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking a deep, off-the-beaten-path connection with the Andes. Get ready to walk at the foot of sacred mountains, breathe the purest air, and live an adventure that will stay in your soul forever.
adventure bright and early. At 4:30 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive for about 3.5 hours through the beautiful South Valley, arriving at the small Andean village of Upipampa (4,400 m / 14,435 ft)—our starting point.
Here, you’ll be greeted by our expert trekking team and enjoy a freshly prepared Andean breakfast made by our professional chef. With full bellies and excitement in the air, we begin our trek heading toward Upis Lake (Upiscocha), a stunning glacial lagoon nestled beneath the imposing Ausangate Mountain, one of Peru’s most sacred peaks revered by local communities.
After visiting the lake, we start a gradual uphill hike along a scenic trail, surrounded by herds of alpacas and breathtaking views of snowy peaks. The trail climbs to the spectacular Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where the landscape opens to panoramic vistas of endless valleys, jagged peaks, and the vast wilderness of the Ausangate Trek region.
From the pass, we descend gently across Andean plateaus, passing crystal-clear streams and quiet open valleys until we reach Yanacocha, a beautiful dark-colored lake that invites a peaceful moment of reflection and rest.
Our final push takes us uphill again to our campsite near Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon (approx. 4,500 m / 14,764 ft), a dramatic high-altitude lake tucked under the glaciers of Ausangate. This is one of the most scenic spots of the trek, where the reflection of the glaciers dances on the lake’s surface at sunset. The calm and cold night here will be filled with stars above the sacred mountain.
After breakfast with glacier views, we begin a steep but rewarding ascent toward Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). This section of the Ausangate Trek offers unforgettable views of the eastern face of Ausangate, showcasing massive glaciers, dramatic ridgelines, and hanging icefalls.
As we traverse the trail, you’ll pass a series of brilliant high-altitude lakes such as Alqa Cocha, Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. These lakes shimmer in vivid shades of blue and green thanks to mineral deposits, creating a dazzling landscape unique to Ausangate Perú.
After descending into the red hills of Anantapata, we’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch surrounded by surreal landscapes. The trek then continues to the stunning Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft)—a vantage point with jaw-dropping views of Rainbow Mountain in the distance and layers of colorful valleys all around.
A final descent brings us to our peaceful campsite near Surinecocha (4,570 m / 14,993 ft), a hidden highland lake surrounded by mountains and silence. This remote and beautiful setting is a perfect place to reconnect with nature, watch the stars, and prepare for the big day ahead.
Today is one of the most iconic highlights of the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain. We wake up early and hike for about 40 minutes to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) viewpoint just in time to witness the sunrise over its surreal colors.
At a breathtaking 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, this geological wonder unveils its vibrant stripes—created by centuries of mineral deposits like iron oxide, sulfur, and copper. The colors seem painted by hand, and with fewer crowds in the early morning, it’s an unforgettable and tranquil moment.
After taking in the views and capturing plenty of photos, we descend toward Hananta for a well-earned lunch.
Our trail then winds through a quiet and less-traveled section of the Andes, passing red mountains and open valleys. Eventually, we arrive at Ausangate Cocha, a glacial lake nestled beneath the mighty face of Ausangate itself. The campsite here is peaceful and majestic—a place where the spirit of Ausangate Perú feels alive and present.
After a nourishing breakfast, we begin the most physically demanding section of the entire Ausangate Trek. The ascent leads us to the legendary Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft)—the highest point of the trek and one of the highest trekking passes in Peru.
As we climb, the dramatic scenery intensifies: glaciers drape from the mountains, herds of alpacas graze below, and every step brings us closer to the clouds. From the summit of the pass, the views are absolutely phenomenal. Towering peaks, snowfields, and endless Andean landscapes stretch in all directions.
We then descend into the lush green valley of Huchuy Finaya, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch beside the stream.
In the afternoon, we continue through an alpine valley known for chinchillas, vicuñas, and medicinal plants used by local Andean healers. A final gentle uphill brings us to our next campsite at Qampa Camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ft)—a serene setting nestled between snow-capped peaks and open skies.
Our final day on the Ausangate Trek 5 Days begins with a beautiful ascent to Qampa Pass (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). From here, we enjoy one last spectacular view of the Vilcanota Mountain Range before descending into a hidden valley filled with the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate.
These vibrant turquoise and jade-colored lakes are fed by glacial meltwaters and reflect the colors of the sky and surrounding peaks. This area is a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, with abundant wildlife and quiet serenity.
We continue descending until we reach the peaceful community of Pacchanta (4,100 m / 13,450 ft), known for its soothing hot springs. Soaking in the warm waters with a direct view of Ausangate’s snowy summit is the perfect way to close the journey.
While you relax, our team will prepare a delicious final lunch using local ingredients. After sharing a last meal together, we’ll board our private vehicle back to Cusco, arriving between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. Full of new memories, spiritual connection, and the magic of Ausangate Trekking.
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!
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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The 5-day Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain trek was simply breathtaking. Our group had amazing chemistry, and the guides made sure everyone felt safe and motivated. Camping at the foot of Ausangate was magical — waking up with that view was unforgettable. Highly recommend this trek for serious adventurers!
I ve done some serious treks before, but Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain 5 Days is on another level. It’s challenging, yes, but so worth it. The night skies were unreal — I saw more stars than ever in my life. Our cook made amazing meals, even at over 4,500 meters! Totally exceeded my expectations.
The Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain 5 Days trek was the most stunning and soul-refreshing experience I’ve ever had. From massive glaciers to colorful mountains, hot springs, and high alpine passes — it felt like walking through another planet. The team was professional, kind, and incredibly organized. I’ll remember this forever!
The Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain 5 Days trek was a true journey into the heart of the Andes. Each day brought dramatic scenery — glaciers, colorful valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. It felt remote, peaceful, and authentic. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about the mountains. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
This was hands down the best multi-day trek I’ve done in South America. Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain 5 Days is challenging but insanely beautiful. The campsites, the meals, the attention to detail — everything was top quality. Seeing Rainbow Mountain after so many days in the wild felt like the ultimate reward.
