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Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain

Join us on the Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain, an unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular corners of the Peruvian Andes. Over four incredible days you’ll stand before the legendary Rainbow Mountain with its vivid seven-color hillside, explore the most iconic landscapes surrounding mighty Mount Ausangate, and discover why this trek has become one of the most sought-after adventures in all of Cusco.

Secure your spot today
$ 550
Cusco I Rainbow Mountain I Ausangate Mountain I 7 Lakes I Hot Springs
Physical level

Moderate

Trip style

Hike, Camping, Culture, Adventure

Max altitude

Pucacocha Pass, 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)

Group size

08pp Average.16ppl Max

Overview Ausangate trek 4 days

4-day adventure with the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain. The trek begins with a visit to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most renowned destinations. Continue your journey as you traverse the sacred and towering Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in Southern Peru.

For centuries, Ausangate has held deep spiritual significance for the Andean people, who make annual pilgrimages to its frosty slopes. With breathtaking glacial landscapes, pristine beauty, and a sense of solitude, this trek offers a perfect adventure for experienced trekkers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Click the link to learn more about our Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Experience!

Trip details of the 4 day Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain

Tour Name: Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
100% LOCAL COMPANY: A fully licensed, trusted Salkantay Trek Tour Operator. We are highly recommended by past travelers! Be sure to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor & YouTube to see firsthand accounts of our clients’ experiences.

Group Size: Typically 2 – 10 people (average), with a maximum group size of 16 people
Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request, with no additional charges
Starting Point: We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in the morning
Ending Point: Drop-off at your hotel or the airport at the end of the trek
Departure: Daily departures, available upon request. If you’re a group of 2, we’ll depart even if you’ve paid for a smaller group service, no need to worry about larger group options.

Unlike many other agencies, we NEVER transfer our guests to another operator, ensuring you get the full experience with us.
Transportation: We provide transportation via Bus, Hike depending on the segment of the trek
Accommodations: 3 Nights of camping in spacious tents (2 people per tent)

High Season: From March through January
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Permits & Tickets: All entrance fees and permits are included in the tour cost

Highlights

Highlights of the Ausangate trek 4 days

  • Early morning pickup from Cusco and scenic drive through traditional Andean villages
  • Hike through Pitumarca and Q’esuyuno surrounded by canyons, Inca terraces, and remote communities
  • Explore the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain and nearby glacial lakes
  • Cross Condor Pass at 5100 m with panoramic views of the Ausangate glacier peak
  • Spot native wildlife including alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and soaring condors
  • Trek beside turquoise lakes and waterfalls near the Ausangate glacier
  • Experience high altitude camping at Kayrawiry, Ausangate Lake, and Qampa
  • Relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta before returning to Cusco
  • Small group experience with professional guides, horsemen, and full camping support
DAY 1

Cusco – Pitumarca – Q’esuyuno – Kayrawiry

Your Andean adventure starts at 4:00 AM when your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Pitumarca Village to gather supplies, then continue for another hour to the Q’esuyuno community. Along the way, enjoy stunning canyons, Inca farming terraces, rugged mountains, and isolated communities.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet our horsemen and horses. Begin your hike gradually toward Kayrawiry community where we’ll have lunch. After lunch and a brief rest, continue towards Rainbow Mountain. Admire the colorful mountain and its stunning glacial lakes, where you might spot rare vicuñas or condors. Finally, descend to Kayrawiry, where our camping tents will be set up. Enjoy an afternoon tea and dinner.

  • Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft
  • Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping at Kayrawiry Lake
DAY 2

Kayrawiri – Q’esuyuno – Ausangate Lake

Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea to start one of the most memorable days of your trek. Relish the majestic views of high peaks and deep valleys. After breakfast, hike back to Q’esuyuno, then tackle a steep 2-hour climb to Condor Pass at 5100m/16,732ft. Enjoy spectacular views of blue lakes and the imposing Ausangate Glacier Peak.

Occasionally, you may witness avalanches crashing into the lakes below. Once at the summit, soak in the panoramic views of alpacas grazing in the valleys. After enjoying the scenery, descend to our lunch spot. Following a brief rest, hike for 3 more hours to Ausangate Lake, where you can relax with hot drinks during our daily happy hour and settle into our campsite for the night.

  • Elevation: 5100m/16,732ft
  • Hiking Time: 12 to 13 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping at Ausangate Lake
DAY 3

Ausangate Lake – Qampa

After a nutritious breakfast, prepare for another day of hiking. Today’s trek brings you close to the Ausangate Glacier Peaks, with incredible views of lakes and waterfalls. You might spot llamas, alpacas, wild vicuñas, and condors. Ascend for 3 hours to Abra Campo Pass at 5000m/16,404ft, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Snow may cover the landscape during certain months, but the dry season typically offers clear views. This is a prime spot to see vicuñas, which are among the most valuable wild animals in Peru. After taking some great photos, descend to our lunch spot, followed by a 2.5-hour hike to our campsite in Qampa.

  • Elevation: 5000m/16,404ft
  • Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping at Qampa
DAY 4

Qampa – Pacchanta – Cusco

On the final day, we’re ready for one last adventure! Enjoy an early breakfast and begin a 1-hour hike to the glacier base and summit. After soaking in the stunning views of the Vilcanota Range, descend to enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, continue your descent to Qomer Lake before arriving at Pacchanta after a 5-hour trek. Pacchanta, a small community, is known for its inviting hot springs where you can relax. Afterward, we’ll transport you back to Cusco.

  • Elevation: 4500m/14,763ft
  • Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Included in the Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain

  • Private transportation to the trek’s starting point
  • Professional guide fluent in English
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • 7kg personal luggage allowance on horses
  • Personal duffel bags for additional luggage on horses
  • Spacious tents; sleeping mats; dining tent; kitchen tent; toilet tent
  • Horses for carrying group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
  • Emergency horse for tired or ill trekkers
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit

Not included in the Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain

  • Breakfast on the 1st day
  • Dinner on the 4th day
  • Sleeping Bag – $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (professional, extendable poles)
  • Personal Tent – $30 USD (for solo trekkers)
  • Tips for crew, guide, cook, and porters of INCA EXPEDITIONS

Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain prices

  • $550 USD per person
  • This trek can depart any day of the week with a minimum of two participants.

Discounts:

  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD (book the trek together)

Extras:

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (professional poles)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD (for solo trekkers only)

Added values for free:

  • Comfortable foam mattresses
  • Camping pillow
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing
  • Personal pack horse included
  • Duffel bags and plastic liner bags
  • Thick warm blanket for your sleeping bag
  • Hot water bottles for your sleeping bag
What to bring

What to bring to the Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain

  • Original Passport (matching the one used for booking)
  • Comfortable Daypack (small is better)
  • Water Storage: 2-3 liters reusable bottles
  • Comfortable Hiking Boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping Bag (can be rented)
  • Headlamp
  • Toilet Paper

In your duffel bag

  • 2 T-shirts
  • 2 Hiking Pants
  • 4 Sets of Undergarments
  • 3 Sets of Hiking Socks
  • Bathing Suit (for thermal waters)
  • Fleece/Thermals
  • Warm Clothes, Down Jacket (second campsite around 3º Celsius)
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Comfortable Shoes for camp
  • Quick-dry Towel
  • Small Bottle of Soap
  • Battery Charger
  • Large Plastic Bags (provided)

Toiletries:

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit

In your backpack:

  • Water: Supply your own until the first lunch spot, then cold boiled water provided.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain Gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks (chocolate bars, dry fruits)
  • Rain Poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Toilet Paper and Small Plastic Bag for Waste
  • Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
  • Valuable Items
Travel guide
Aditional information

Important Information

Please read the following carefully to address any questions you may have about our services and the Ausangate Trek.

Welcome to Cusco

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted and transported to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before your arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS board at the arrival terminal exit.

The Briefing

A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office

Luggage Storage: Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Ausangate Trek.

Weather

  • The weather on the Ausangate Trek is unpredictable. You will experience various microclimates, so pack warm clothes and rain gear. High-altitude temperatures can be very cold.

Hiking the Ausangate Trek

  • The evening before the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for packing clothes for the next four days. The weight limit is 7 kg (14 lbs). Your day backpack should be large enough to carry essentials like a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, snacks, and water. A 30 to 40-liter backpack is usually sufficient.

Trek Difficulty

  • The trek is challenging, primarily above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Good physical fitness and acclimatization are necessary. Prepare by walking 15 km in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek.

Toilets

  • We provide private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities with an individual tent and camping toilet. The toilet is set up at a comfortable distance from the campsite and is accessible at night.

Inability to Finish the Trek

  • If you are unable to finish the trek due to health issues, we will assist with transportation to the nearest town. Oxygen is available, and in extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance required). There are no refunds for incomplete treks.

Tipping

  • Tips are appreciated but not compulsory. They are a significant part of the service industry in Peru and motivate our staff to provide excellent service. Tip as you see fit based on the quality of service.

Sustainability

  • INCA EXPEDITIONS is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We follow universal tourism principles to protect the environment and benefit local communities, with trained staff respecting local culture and traditions.
What our travelers say about us
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Ausangate trek 4 days and Rainbow Mountain in pictures

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and explore a landscape where snow capped peaks and colorful hills feel almost unreal. This gallery captures real moments from the Ausangate Trek 4 Days, from quiet glacial lakes and wandering alpacas to the stunning colors of Rainbow Mountain at sunrise.