3 Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain in Peru

If you are looking to see the best part of Rainbow Mountain and at the same time get to know the Ausangate mountain, this three-day trek is perfect for you, as you will be the first to arrive at Rainbow Mountain around 5:00 p.m. You will also enjoy the sunrise without people around you. The solid ice of Ausangate, the red valleys, the colorful mountains, the turquoise lakes, and the impressive peaks of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain make this adventure unique.

Due to its lesser-known location, the area receives relatively few visitors. This means that you can experience local history almost on your own, surrounded by nothing but spectacular views and mountains stretching across the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Spectacular views of the Andes are found throughout the trek in Ausangate, a journey full of incredible stories, breathtaking views, herds of llamas or alpacas, and a visit to Rainbow Mountain.

Why take the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek?

This area is simply stunning, with sparkling lagoons, Mars-like red valleys, and dramatic landscapes. If you enjoy hiking, this region certainly merits more of your time. You will quickly realize that while Rainbow Mountain may have become a popular tourist attraction for backpackers and daytrippers, few realize this part of Peru’s true beauty. Everyone dreams of wandering off the beaten tourist path, discovering hidden gems in a world region.

The earthly rainbow of vibrant colors is an indescribable visual feast, and the fact that it is also one of the least-known wonders of South America certainly adds to the appeal for discerning explorers. It is incredible to discover that this is one of Peru’s remotest and least-visited regions, although it is found only a hundred or so kilometers from Cusco, as the crow flies. Salkantay Trekking arranges a wide range of treks to Rainbow Mountain and the other natural highlights surrounding Ausangate.

• Maximum altitude: 5200 meters / 17060 feet

Briefing or informative meeting

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 or canvas case, in which you will put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that will not be in your day pack.

The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 centimeters / 2 feet long x 36 centimeters / 1 foot wide. A maximum of five kilograms is allowed for each duffel bag including the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes, and other personal items.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of Peru Hike's tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, they 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 canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by operations department. Your safety is their highest priority and their decisions will be made to protect it.

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Upis - Arapa Pass - Hatun Pucacocha

Peru Hike will pick you up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel. Your exciting experience begins today at 5:00 a.m. Peru Hike will stop by your hotel to pick you up and transfer you in private transport for three hours to the starting point of your trek in the small town of Upis. There you will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by a talented chef, and you will be able to look out in wonder at an amazing landscape. This meal will give you all the nourishment and energy you need to go hiking. After a short time, you will be on your way, and the adventure begins.

You will gradually ascend over three hours towards the place where you have lunch. During this part of the journey, you will be able to observe the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the distance, so be sure to have your camera in hand. The team will be waiting for you at your first stop with a hot herbal tea before you indulge in a delicious lunch. You will have time to enjoy a short rest and recuperate your energy before continuing the day’s hike. After lunch, you will start a two-hour uphill hike toward the Arapa Pass (4,800 meters / 15,748 feet).

Then you will descend for three and a half hours to Hatun Pucacocha Lake, where your camp is located. On the way, you will appreciate Yanacocha Lake as well. You will be at the very foot of the mighty Ausangate Mountain. You will be amazed at the size and sheer beauty of this icy peak. Once in the camp, you can serve yourself some hot chocolate or coffee, and then a little later, dinner will be ready. It will then be time to retire to your bed for some well-earned rest.

• Visit places: Cusco, Ocongate, Upis, Arapa Pass, and Hatun Pucacocha Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking distance: 17 kilometers / 10.56 miles
• Highest elevation: 4800 meters / 15,748 feet
• Campsite elevation: 4500 meters / 14764 feet

Day 2: Hatun Pucacocha - Pucacocha Pass - Anantapata - Surinecocha

They will wake you up this morning with a hot cup of cocaleaf tea to help you acclimatize and start the day in the best way possible. Did you know that this leaf has been used for centuries for the same purpose? As soon as you open your tent, you will get to observe the magical lights of dawn on the huge glacier that glistens and sparkles in the sunlight. Then you will enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast to help you on your way. Your walk will start with a two-hour uphill climb toward the Puca Pass (4,870 meters / 15,977 feet).

Along the way, you will be able to spot an amazing eroded mountain, beautiful high Andean valleys, and, if you are lucky, the majestic flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world. You will also witness the beauty of several glacial lagoons, such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha. Make sure you capture some memorable photos of these picturesque sights. A little later, you will descend for one hour and a half to Anantapata, your lunch spot, for another delicious meal and then ascend for two hours to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 meters / 16,354 feet).

From here, you will be able to appreciate the sacred mountain of Ausangate from a new angle and the Rainbow Mountain, as well as the endless Vilcanota mountain range. Then you will descend for one hour to Surinecocha (4,800 meters / 15,748 feet), where your camp is located. When you arrive, you will be greeted with a hot drink to warm you up. Before a highly-deserved night of rest, you will enjoy the dinner prepared by your chef and his assistant. You will be amazed at the delicacies they prepare so far up in the mountains.

• Visit places: Hatun Pucacocha, Pucacocha Pass, Anantapata, Warmisaya Pass, Surinecocha Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Walking distance: 10 kilometers / 6.21 miles
• Highest elevation: 4985 meters / 16354 feet
• Campsite elevation: 4800 meters / 15748 feet

Day 3: Surinecocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Llacto - Cusco

You are in for another early start today as your trek reaches a climax. After having an energizing breakfast, you will head out to explore the famous Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. You will start ascending for two hours to the pass located at 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet. From here, you will get a beautiful view of the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which you are sure to feel as though you are in a dream when looking at this creation of Mother Nature. The guide will explain why these mountains are so special. Its impressive display of colors is all due to sedimentary layers of minerals that were exposed by erosion.

Remember that this type of phenomenon can only be seen in two places around the world: Peru and China. Make the most of your time to connect with the energy of the mountains and enjoy this truly unique landscape. After spending plenty of time looking out over the surreal landscape, you will walk for an hour to Llacto, where a tasty lunch awaits you. You will finish your day and epic adventure with a three-hour drive in your private transport to drop you off at the door of your accommodation in Cusco.

• Visit places: Surinecocha, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Llacto, Cusco Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Walking distance: 6.5 kilometers / 4.04 miles
• Rainbow Mountain elevation: 5100 meters / 16732 feet
• Campsite elevation: 3630 meters / 15190 feet