Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 3D/2N
3 Days
Overview
The 3-Day Ausangate Trek is one of the most breathtaking off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Peruvian Andes. Hike across high mountain passes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Rainbow and Red Mountain valleys, while experiencing authentic Andean culture and crystal-clear night skies. A once-in-a-lifetime trek for travelers seeking the true magic of the Andes.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – TINKI – UPIS – PUCA COCHA (THE GATEWAY TO AUSANGATE)
Start early with a 5:00 a.m. pickup from Cusco and drive to Upis (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), an Andean village near Ocongate. Meet your trekking team, enjoy breakfast, and begin a scenic hike past glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and grazing llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
Ascend to your first mountain pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) for panoramic views, then descend for lunch before continuing to Puca Cocha (Red Lake) campsite, one of the trek’s most spectacular spots. Relax, watch condors soar, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets over Ausangate Glacier.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner
DAY 2: PUCA COCHA – CHILLCA – YANA COCHA ADVENTURE
After breakfast, ascend to Alpaca Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), enjoying turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and Ausangate Glacier along the way. Descend to Chilca Valley for lunch, then climb to Vicuña Pass (5,300 m / 17,388 ft), the trek’s highest point, where condors soar and wild vicuñas graze.
End the day at Yanacocha Lake campsite, sipping coca tea, stargazing under crystal-clear skies, and enjoying dinner with panoramic Andean views—a true highlight of the journey
- Distance: 14 km / 8.5 mi
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner
DAY 3: YANA COCHA TO THE WORLD-FAMOUS RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – RETURN TO CUSCO
After breakfast and a warm coca tea, hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), capturing postcard-perfect views of its vibrant, multicolored peaks. Learn about the unique geology that creates this stunning natural wonder while taking plenty of photos.
Descend through Llacto Valley for a final celebratory lunch before a scenic drive back to Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages and arriving at your hotel around 4:00 p.m.—the perfect end to an unforgettable trek.
- Distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks
Inclusions
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco is optional
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Upis, starting point of the Ausangate trek 5 Days 4 nights.
- Upis entrance fee.
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee
- Campsite fees.
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
- One sleeping pad per person.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Kitchen tent.
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 9 people).
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping bag).
- 1 emergency horse every 8 persons.
- Accommodation for all our staff.
- Meals (03B, 03L, 02D.) – Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request.
- Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards.
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Private transport from Rainbow mountain to Cusco.
- All local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- First Breakfast and last dinner.
- Sleeping bag.
- Walking Stick.
- Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits.
- Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, tips and any extras.
- Tips for Guide, Cook and horsemen.
Packing Check List
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU ?
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L, please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG (Carried by the horse)
DUFFEL BAG INCLUDED – Travel light and hassle-free! We provide you with a 7 kg / 15 lbs duffel bag, carried by our pack horses. This covers your sleeping bag, pad, and still leaves about 4 kg / 9 lbs for your personal gear. Just focus on enjoying the trek—your essentials are taken care of!
Important: By Peruvian law, no duffel bag may exceed 7 kg (15 lbs). This rule protects the welfare of the pack horses and ensures responsible trekking. All bags will be weighed before departure.
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 3 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend bringing a small daypack (30–40 liters) to carry your daily essentials. the rest of your belongings will be transported in your duffel bag and available at camp.
water: please bring enough water for the first morning. from the first lunch stop onward, we will provide you with freshly boiled and cooled water at every meal. don’t forget your refillable canteen or water bottle.
recommended packing list:
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Price
AUSANGATE TREK 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS PRICE & BOOKINGS
THIS PREMIUM AND EXCLUSIVE AUSANGATE ADVENTURE is available all year round, with flexible departures designed around your travel plans. Enjoy the freedom of a fully personalized journey—confirmed with just 2 participants.
PRIVATE SERVICE (PREMIUM): CUSTOMIZED PRICE PER PERSON
USD 390 per person
These rates include the dedicated service of a pack horse to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings, making your trek lighter and more enjoyable. To keep everything organized, we’ll also provide a durable duffel bag for your gear—so you can simply focus on the adventure ahead!
PLEASE NOTE:
Pricing is determined by the number of participants, as this trek is more exclusive and typically operates with smaller groups of just 2 to 4 people — offering a more personalized and intimate experience
*Your rate includes an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. For your convenience, we’ll provide a durable duffel bag where you can safely pack your items.
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
Travelers under 18 years old – $30 USD off. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Children under 11 years old: USD 40 discount – Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Groups of 5 or more: USD 30 discount per person – simply book the trek together at the same time.
NOTE: Prices are based on the number of participants, as this trek usually has smaller groups (2–4 people).
INCLUDED: An additional pack horse to carry up to 7 kg ( 15.4 lbs) of your belongings. We will also provide a duffle bag for you to pack your gear safely and comfortably.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Sleeping Bag: USD 20 per person per trek (clean and warm!)
Inflatable Mattress: USD 20 per person per trek (Therm-a-Rest quality)
Professional Trekking Poles: USD 15 per pair per trek (adjustable & lightweight)
Single Tent: USD 30 (for solo travelers only)
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