AUSANGATE TREK & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THE ANDES
4 Days & 3 Night
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4800 m.
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
4 Days
AUSANGATE TREK & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – ICONIC ANDES TREK & MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The 4-Day Ausangate Trek is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure in Peru, crossing high mountain passes, the Rainbow and Red Mountain valleys, glacial lakes, and remote Andean landscapes. Experience authentic Andean culture, towering snow-capped peaks, and unforgettable night skies on one of the most spectacular treks in the Andes.
4-DAYS AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK TRIP DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO – TINKI – UPIS COMMUNITY – UPIS HOT SPRINGS EXPERIENCE
Start early with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from Cusco and a scenic drive to Upis Community (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). Enjoy an Andean breakfast with views of Ausangate Glacier Peak (6,384 m / 20,940 ft) before setting out through valleys filled with llamas, alpacas, and vibrant local culture.
Reach Upis Village by midday for lunch, then relax at the campsite with optional natural hot springs and stunning sunset views over the snow-capped peaks.
- Distance: 7 km / 4.5 mi
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner
DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCA COCHA LAKE ADVENTURE
After breakfast, hike around the majestic Ausangate snow peak, reaching Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) for sweeping panoramic views and the chance to spot wild vicuñas. Descend to a scenic lunch spot before continuing to Pucacocha campsite (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), nestled by a crystal-clear lake at the foot of Ausangate Glacier. Enjoy unforgettable sunsets and watch Andean condors soar overhead.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner
DAY 3: PUCA COCHA – ANANTA PASS – CHILLCA VALLEY – YANA COCHA LAKE
After breakfast, climb to Alpaca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft) for breathtaking views of glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and the majestic Ausangate. Descend to Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for lunch before ascending to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), the trek’s highest point, with panoramic views and chances to spot condors and vicuñas.
Finish at Surineqocha Lagoon campsite, where a stunning sunset over Rainbow Mountain and clear night skies make for an unforgettable experience.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner
DAY 4: YANA COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE – LLACTO – RETURN TO CUSCO
After breakfast and a warm coca tea, hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), enjoying vibrant, multicolored peaks and stunning highland landscapes. Your expert guide will explain the unique mineral formations while you capture unforgettable photos of this iconic Peruvian landmark.
Descend through Llacto Valley for a final lunch before a scenic drive back to Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages and arriving at your hotel around 4:00 p.m.
- Distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Tea, and Dinner.
Note: Itinerary may change due to weather, strikes, or road conditions.
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.
- 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 (04B, 05L, 04D.) – 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 Pacchanta to Cusco.
- All local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles
- 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.
- Travel Insurence.
- Tips for Guide, Cook and horsemen.
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 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
THIS PREMIUM AND EXCLUSIVE AUSANGATE ADVENTURE is available year-round, with flexible departures tailored to your travel plans. Experience the freedom of a personalized journey—requiring only 2 participants to confirm your adventure.
PRIVATE SERVICE (PREMIUM): CUSTOMIZED PRICE PER PERSON
USD 550 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!
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)
4-DAYS AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
4 Days/ 3 Night
FROM
$
520
USD
Per Person
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
INCA TRAIL TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
Most of our team has been with us since the beginning, witnessing the growth of Machupicchu Condor Trek and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team that shares our mission to provide authentic, fun and unique experiences. With Machupicchu Condor Trek, you will not only explore Cusco, but you will also fall in love with the people who make it special.
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
Our Chefs
VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that travel can present logistical problems, so we are committed to making your experience as safe as possible. We have a detailed manual that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of camping equipment to recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our staff is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From your arrival to your last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Machupicchu Condor Trek is Latin America’s most sought-after 4-day trek, featuring unmatched ecological diversity and iconic Inca archaeological sites.
This Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N route follows quieter campsites away from crowds, making it ideal for families and seniors, and culminates with a perfectly guided tour of the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu.
This 7-day Salkantay & Inca Trail trek offers a unique adventure through stunning natural landscapes, featuring views of the snow-capped Salkantay, the original Inca Trail, and iconic sites like Wiñay Wayna near Machu Picchu.
Walk the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking through the national park, camping in lush vegetation, exploring impressive Inca ruins, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with spectacular views.
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers with limited time, combining scenic train travel, a short hike, and stunning Inca archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN TRIP ADVISOR
Machupicchu Condor Trek’s goal is to create the best experiences for all our clients. We organize trips to remember for a lifetime. Trips and experiences that can be shared with everyone.
OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
www.machupicchu-condortrek.com