- 7 Days & 6 Nigths
- Up to 12
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View Itinerary
AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 4 DAYS
The Ultimate Adventure Into the Peruvian Mountains If you’re an adventurous hiker and love getting off the beaten path to discover astounding natural beauty and visit small communities, don’t miss this trek! The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mo…
Duration
4 Days & 3 Nigths
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
23.3 mi / 37.5 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 4 DAYS
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN · Cusco, Peru
The Ultimate Adventure Into the Peruvian Mountains
If you’re an adventurous hiker and love getting off the beaten path to discover astounding natural beauty and visit small communities, don’t miss this trek! The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain is one of the best hikes in Peru and will take you through the most stunning landscapes in the Andes.
Not only will you be astounded by the gigantic Ausangate Mountain and the scenery that surrounds it, but you’ll also visit the world-famous Rainbow Mountain - a truly unique creation of Mother Nature that you’ll only find in Peru and China. On your trek, you’ll observe gigantic glaciers, crystalline lagoons, and herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep. Join us now on this oncein-a-lifetime experience in the mountains of Peru.
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco | Upis Community - Upis Campsite - Wayna Ausangate
Enjoy Your First Day With Ausangate in front of you
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation at 5:00 a.m. to start our rural adventure and drive for 3 hours, in our private transport, to the town of Upis. Upis is situated in the middle of the Cusco highlands and offers you impressive views of the horizon.
When we get there to the small town, we’ll introduce you to the rest of your trekking team of cooks and horsemen. We’ll then be on our way and start by hiking up a wide, ascending path to the northeast face of the impressive Ausangate mountain.
After three-hour walking amidst farming fields and beautiful traditional houses in a gentil up we’ll reach Upis camp where we’ll enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon we’ll have the option to walk in a twohour round trip to Wayna Ausangate Lake. Happy hour (tea time) will be ready at your return and then dinner. We’ll camp surrounded by the sacred mountains of Ausangate who’ll watch over you while you sleep.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 10 km / 6.21 mi
- WALKING TIME: 5 hours
- STARTING ELEVATION: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,250 m / 13,944 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
- CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 4 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Day 02: Upis Campsite | Arapa Pass - Hatun Pukaqocha
Witness Stunning Sites of Glaciers, Lakes, and Waterfalls
We’ll wake you up today with a hot herbal tea of coca leaves or coffee in your tent to give you the energy boost you need to get going. Then, we’ll savor a delicious breakfast in the cold of the high mountains that’ll warm you through.
We’ll begin our walk today for two hours and a half through a beautiful high Andean valley towards the Arapa Pass with the spectacular Ausangate glacier as a constant companion. From the top of the opening (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the landscape’s beauty will be multiplied, and you’ll stare in awe at Mother Nature’s humungous creations. You’ll observe the size of the mountain range and, if you’re lucky, the condor’s beautiful flight - the largest flying bird in the entire world. Our guide will also explain a little more about the impressive local flora and fauna.
Next, we will descend to discover the beautiful crystal clear Yanacocha Lagoon (black lagoon); then, we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha to appreciate the fantastic scenery. Be sure to have your camera ready throughout the day to take some fantastic photos to remember your epic journey. At this point, we will have a delicious lunch. Then, we will arrive at our campsite at Hatun Pukaqocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft).
Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you and you can discuss the day’s trek with your fellow travelers and the team. You will then head to spend a comfortable night at your campsite.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 11 km / 6.84 mi
- WALKING TIME: 6 hours
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Day 03: Hatun Pukaqocha | Puka Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya - Surineqocha
Observing Rainbow Mountain for the First Time and a Beautiful Sunset
There’s nothing better for your body than waking up to a hot herbal tea of coca leaves - it’s been drunk since the Inca times and is a great natural way to get an energy boost. You’ll get up early this morning to start one of the most beautiful days of the entire excursion.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll go uphill for 2 hours to Puka Pass ( 4,870 m / 15,978 ft). Along the route this morning, you’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the glaciers and deep green valleys. Feel the impressive presence of the Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons.
Once you reach the top, you’ll spot the giant face of the Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You’re sure to feel the immense energy it boasts and see why it means so much to the people in the Andes. You’ll also observe the extended beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas will be wandering around and grazing quietly. You’ll already be able to see the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with its striking stripes of colors from this opening.
After taking some more photographs, we’ll start with a gradual descent for one hour and a half to our lunch spot, located in Anantapata ( 4,750 m / 15,584 ft ). Once we’ve filled our hungry stomachs, we’ll take the opportunity to rest and relax a little before continuing with an ascent for 2 hours to the Warmisaya ( 4,985 m / 16,355 ft ).
From there, you’ll feel like you’re a bird flying through the mountains and can observe the vastness of the horizon. We only have to descend one hour to Surineqocha Lagoon, where our night’s camp will be waiting for you. You’ll be able to observe the incredible sunset behind Rainbow Mountain that’ll fill you with tranquility and a wonderful feeling of inner peace. After another excellent dinner, it’ll be time to head to bed.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- WALKING TIME: 6 -7 hours
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,985 m / 16,355 ft
- CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Day 04: Surineqocha| Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Llacto - Cusco
Visit to Rainbow Mountain Before Large Groups Arrive
After a tasty breakfast at 4:00 a.m., we’ll make our way over to the Rainbow Mountain to contemplate this colorful valley lit by the golden light of dawn. You’ll have time to enjoy this paradise for 1 hour before the large crowds begin to arrive. Our expert guide will take you directly to the key places so you can get the best pictures and make the most of your time on this beautiful site.
Your guide will explain in detail why this mountain has such unique colors and why it was only “discovered” in recent years. It’s one of the most amazing places in South America and one of Peru’s main natural attractions. The only other colored mountains that are remotely similar can be found in China.
After enjoying this gem from the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley.
Very few tourists visit this place that seems to be taken from another planet - almost like Mars. You’ll be surprised not only by its incredible beauty but also by the immense tranquility that’ll surround you. Take a deep breath and feel the joy of being alive. It only takes 45 minutes of walking to get to the viewpoint from where you’ll get the best views of the valley.
Finally, we’ll make a two-hour descent through ancient Andean communities and herds of llamas. You’ll notice these small communities still preserve ancient traditions to this day. After a delicious last lunch, a bus will be waiting for you to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 6.5 km / 4.04 mi
- WALKING TIME: 5 hours approx.
- RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance for the Ausangate Trek
- Entrance for the Rainbow Mountain
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Private Camping Equipment
You’ll have spacious kitchen and dining tents where you can enjoy your food comfortably. In addition, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our horses).
Portable Travel Toilet
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Inflatable mattress
Our camping mattresses will help you sleep comfortably whilst camping!
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a small sleeping pillow, and a cover to protect your backpack on the road.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
Best Sleeping Tents
Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people. » Meals • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your trek. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters). You’ll be able to fill your bottles during each meal.
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we’ll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Upis, the starting point of the trek.
- Day 4: Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
Personal Belongings Transportation
On days 1, 2, 3, and 4, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Day 4 Dinner
Hiking Gear & Clothes
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any hike in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services. Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
- City Tour
- Sacred Valley
- Maras Moray
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed. If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t 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 everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning 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, then 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, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common 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 trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything 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
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)aa
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Personal Care Products
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Pair of thermal pants
- Waterproof gaiter
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Waterproof or wool gloves
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Wool hat for the cold
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 550
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Visual journey
Gallery
Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
Leave the busy city behind and escape to the peaceful mountains.
Observe animals typical of the region, such as the chinchilla, condor, or vicuna.
Trek along the stunning Ausangate route, which is famous for breathtaking natural scenery, such as glaciers, enormous peaks, turquoise lakes, and grazing alpacas.
End your trip at the astounding Rainbow Mountain of Peru and be amazed at its natural color formation.
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