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.
Your unforgettable Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 Days begins early in the morning, around 5:00 am, when our professional guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco. The crisp Andean air fills you with anticipation as we leave the city behind, ready to immerse ourselves in some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
The drive takes us through charming traditional villages, where life moves at a gentle pace: women in vibrant textiles walk alongside their alpacas, children wave from the fields, and herders tend to their llamas. As the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, the towering peaks of the Andes come into view, signaling the start of your Ausangate Peru adventure.
Upon arriving at Upis community (4,250 m / 13,943 ft), a warm and welcoming mountain settlement, we enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared with fresh local ingredients to fuel the day. From here, the trek officially begins across the expansive plains of Upis Pampa, where llamas and alpacas graze beneath the watchful shadow of the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,906 ft). The spiritual energy of this Apu is palpable, inspiring every step of your Ausangate Hike.
Along the way, we pause at Upis Lagoon (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), a turquoise glacial lake reflecting the surrounding peaks. It’s an ideal spot to take photos, meditate, or simply absorb the serenity and grandeur of the Andes.
By midday, we arrive at Upis Hot Springs Camp (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), our first campsite. Here, you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and relax in the natural thermal springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. As evening falls, a hot Andean dinner under the stars completes the day, marking a comfortable and unforgettable start to your Ausangate Trek.
After breakfast at Upis Hot Springs Camp, we begin our hike toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The trail winds through high Andean plains, where alpacas graze and shepherds tend their flocks. The views of Ausangate Peru’s towering glaciers set a dramatic backdrop for your journey.
At Arapa Pass, the panorama of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and multicolored hills stretches endlessly. Descending from the pass, we visit Yanacocha (Black Lake), its dark waters offering a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Next, we reach Pucacocha Lagoon, framed by vibrant red and brown slopes—a highlight of the Ausangate Trek. Here, we enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and pause to take in the surreal highland scenery.
The afternoon trek takes us to Pucacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), an incredible viewpoint where the glaciers of Ausangate Mountain dominate the horizon and alpacas graze on the emerald pastures below. We conclude the day at Anantapata Camp (4,750 m / 15,583 ft), where afternoon tea and dinner allow time to reflect on the breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate Peru.
We rise very early, around 4:30 am, for a light breakfast to prepare for Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From this vantage point, the first spectacular views of Rainbow Mountain Perú (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft) appear. Arriving early gives us the privilege of experiencing the mountain’s incredible colors in peace, before the area becomes crowded with other travelers. It’s the perfect moment to witness sunrise and capture extraordinary photos.
Walking along Rainbow Mountain, layers of red, gold, turquoise, and green paint the slopes, shaped by mineral-rich sediments over thousands of years. If time allows, we also explore the nearby Red Valley, where crimson hills meet grazing llamas and alpacas—a photographer’s paradise and a serene connection to the sacred Andean environment.
Returning along the same trail, we stop for lunch at Anantapata. The afternoon continues toward Ausangate Cocha Camp (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), passing through green valleys and highland pastures with breathtaking views of Ausangate Perú’s glaciers.
At camp, the tranquil turquoise glacial lake offers a moment of relaxation and reflection. Dinner under the starry Andean sky completes a day filled with vibrant landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
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 Jampa 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 Jampa 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.
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.
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.
