Private
Starting from 2 people
3 Days / 2 Nights
The Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain 3 Days is one of the most impressive and challenging trekking routes in Cusco, ideal for those seeking an authentic experience in the Vilcanota mountain range. This journey takes place around the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain, considered one of the most sacred mountains in the Andean world, surrounded by glaciers, glacial-origin lagoons, and vast high-Andean landscapes where the traditional life of Quechua communities is still preserved. The combination of snow-covered mountains, endless plains, and intensely blue skies makes this crossing one of the most complete adventures in the south of Peru.
The route allows you to appreciate less crowded natural scenery, offering a deep connection with nature and with the Andean worldview, which recognizes Ausangate as a protective and sacred mountain.
On the Ausangate Trek, you experience true trekking along the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit, which combines demanding hikes, campsites, natural hot springs, the crossing of imposing Andean passes, and a visit to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) along with the impressive Red Valley. It is a comprehensive experience that brings together physical challenge, glacial landscapes, and multicolored mountains, perfect for travelers who wish to push their own limits while discovering some of the most striking scenery in the Peruvian Andes.
Departure from Cusco at 5:00 a.m. heading to the community of Pacchanta in approximately 4 hours to enjoy breakfast with views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain; start of the hike toward the 7 Lagoons circuit with turquoise and emerald waters, time to explore and take photographs, return to Pacchanta for lunch and a 2-hour hike to the campsite in Upis, with the option to relax in the hot springs, hot dinner, and overnight camping under the stars.
The day begins with breakfast and a gradual ascent to Arapa Pass, one of the highest and most panoramic points of the route, with views of glaciers and reddish mountains; descent to Puccacocha Lagoon for lunch in front of a landscape of intense colors, continuation of the hike through high-Andean valleys to the Ananta campsite, tea time at sunset, hot dinner, and overnight camping.
Departure before sunrise after breakfast to hike up to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and admire its natural bands illuminated by the sun; time for photographs, hike to the impressive Red Valley, descent to the transportation point and return via Cusipata to Cusco, with approximate arrival at 5:00 p.m.
If you dream of walking among glaciers, turquoise lagoons, reddish mountains, and endless skies, this 3-day expedition is for you. You will explore the surroundings of the imposing Ausangate, discover the 7 Lagoons circuit, and cross high mountain passes until reaching the spectacular rainbow mountain. An authentic and challenging trekking experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where each day offers unique landscapes and unforgettable moments.
The Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days begins at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco to travel approximately 4 hours to the Andean community of Pacchanta, located on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a hot breakfast surrounded by mountains and high Andean landscapes that mark the beginning of this trekking experience in the Vilcanota mountain range.
From Pacchanta, we will begin the hike toward the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit, one of the most impressive natural settings of the Ausangate trek in Cusco. In approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach the first lagoons, whose turquoise and emerald waters contrast with the snow-capped peaks that surround them. During the journey, you will observe alpacas grazing freely while enjoying the tranquility characteristic of a hike in the Peruvian Andes. There will be time to explore, take photographs, and contemplate the landscape before returning to Pacchanta for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will begin the hike to Upis, a journey of approximately 2 hours that leads us across open plains with constant views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival at the campsite, we will set up the tents facing the mountains in a wide and peaceful environment. As part of this trekking experience, you may optionally relax in the natural hot springs of Upis while the sun sets behind the glacier, an ideal moment.
Later, we will share the traditional tea time, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our team. At night, the guide will share stories about Andean culture and the importance of Ausangate within the local worldview before resting under a star-filled Andean sky.
The second day of the Ausangate Trek begins early after breakfast at the campsite. We will start the ascent toward Arapa Pass, one of the highest and most panoramic points of the route, crossing high mountain trails characteristic of trekking in the Vilcanota mountain range. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens up revealing imposing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mountains in reddish and ochre tones contrasting with the Andean sky. This section requires a steady pace and close guidance from the guide, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
From Arapa Pass, we will begin the descent toward Puccacocha lagoon, one of the most impressive settings along the route. Its intensely turquoise waters, surrounded by reddish rock formations and snow-capped peaks, create a unique landscape in the Peruvian Andes. In this natural environment, we will have lunch at a strategic viewpoint that reflects the essence of this hike, far from crowded routes and in direct contact with the tranquility of the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we will continue hiking until reaching the Ananta campsite, located in a wide high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains and Andean grasslands. After settling in, we will enjoy the traditional tea time at sunset, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our cooking team. The night at camp will allow us to rest and recover energy for the next trekking day in Cusco, Peru.
The final day of the Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days begins before sunrise. After a hot breakfast, we will start the ascent toward Vinicunca, the famous rainbow mountain, one of the most impressive trekking destinations in Cusco, Peru. We will walk at a steady pace as the morning light begins to illuminate the mountains, aiming to arrive among the first visitors and enjoy the landscape with greater tranquility. Watching how the sun highlights the natural bands of reddish, ochre, green, and yellow tones is one of the most memorable moments of this high-altitude experience.
After enough time for photographs and rest, we will continue the hike toward the impressive Red Valley, a less crowded setting that perfectly complements the visit to rainbow mountain. This section crosses hills and formations of intense reddish tones that contrast with the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, offering a different and panoramic perspective of the Andean surroundings.
Finally, we will begin the descent to the point where our transportation awaits, which will take us first to Cusipata and then back to Cusco. The approximate arrival time in the city is scheduled around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of this adventure.
The Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain is not just a hike; it is an expedition that combines glaciers, high-altitude landscapes, and multicolored mountains, where the physical challenge transforms into a visual reward and a deep connection with Andean nature.
During this trekking expedition in the Vilcanota mountain range, every logistical detail is organized so you can focus only on hiking, enjoying the high Andean landscapes, and living an authentic experience around the Ausangate snow-capped mountain and rainbow mountain. This is what the tour includes:
Meals are designed for high physical demand trekking, providing the necessary balance between energy and nutrition
Although the tour covers most essential services for trekking to Ausangate and Vinicunca, there are some additional expenses you should consider:
Prepare for a demanding journey in the Vilcanota mountain range, with altitudes reaching 5,036 m above sea level at Rainbow Mountain, below-freezing nighttime temperatures, and constant weather changes. This section will help you pack the essentials to enjoy the Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain safely, comfortably, and without worries.
Temperatures can drop to -8 °C at night, and the weather changes quickly at high altitude.
If you are planning to do the Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days / 2 Nights in Cusco, Peru, it is completely normal for many questions to arise before taking the trip. Below, we answer your concerns so you can organize your adventure without worries.
The Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain takes place in the Vilcanota mountain range, southeast of the city of Cusco, in the Cusco region, Peru. The hike begins in the Andean community of Pacchanta (4,200 m above sea level), located in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchi. During the 3 days, high Andean areas around the Ausangate snow-capped mountain (6,384 m above sea level) are explored and the trek finishes at rainbow mountain (Vinicunca).
The maximum altitude is reached at rainbow mountain (Vinicunca), located at 5,036 m above sea level, in the province of Canchis, Cusco. Additionally, during the second day the Arapa Pass (4,850 m above sea level) is crossed, one of the most demanding points of the route.
It is a high-altitude trek, so it is recommended to acclimatize in the city of Cusco (3,399 m above sea level) for at least 2 days beforehand.
This trek is moderate to challenging level, due to the high altitude, long daily distances (between 10 and 16 km), and crossing passes above 4,800 meters. It is recommended for people with good physical condition and previous experience in mountain hiking.
The best season to do the Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain in the Cusco region is during the dry season, between May and September. During these months there is a lower probability of rain, clear skies, and better views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain and rainbow mountain.
The rainy season (November to March) presents wetter trails and more variable weather, although the landscape appears greener.
Yes, it is highly recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,399 m above sea level) before starting the trek. The route begins above 4,200 meters and reaches more than 5,000 meters, which can cause symptoms of altitude sickness if there is no proper prior adaptation.
The circuit of the 7 Ausangate Lagoons is located near the community of Pacchanta, district of Ocongate, Cusco, between 4,300 and 4,450 m above sea level. These glacial-origin lagoons stand out for their turquoise and emerald colors, surrounded by the glaciers of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
Yes. The third day of the Ausangate Trek includes the ascent to rainbow mountain or Vinicunca (5,036 m above sea level), located between the provinces of Quispicanchi and Canchis, in Cusco. It is visited early to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise over the Vilcanota mountain range.
Yes, on the first day there is the option to enjoy the Upis hot springs, located at approximately 4,400 m above sea level, near the campsite with a direct view of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. There are also hot baths in Pacchanta managed by the local community.
The weather is cold high mountain climate throughout the year.
The weather can change quickly, with wind, hail, or occasional snowfall.
The approximate distances are:
The hikes last between 6 and 9 hours daily, depending on the group’s pace.
It is not recommended for people without experience in high mountain hiking. Since the route takes place between 4,200 and 5,036 m above sea level, it is ideal to have previous trekking experience and good physical endurance.
For beginners, it may be advisable to first do shorter hikes in Cusco before taking on this challenge.
Yes. The entrance fees to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons, rainbow mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley, located in high Andean communities of the provinces of Quispicanchi and Canchis (Cusco), are not included in the tour price. The approximate payment is 30 USD in total, and it is made directly at the control points managed by the local communities.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
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