AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: THE ULTIMATE TREK
3 Days & 2 Night
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4200 m.
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
3 Days
THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE — TREK AUSANGATE & THE SPECTACULAR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN!
Discover one of the most breathtaking adventures in the Peruvian Andes! This trek is designed for travelers seeking more than the ordinary — an authentic journey far beyond the usual trails.
Over three unforgettable days, you’ll hike across four majestic mountain passes, marvel at ever-changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in the traditions of remote Andean communities. As night falls, the crystal-clear skies will reveal a blanket of stars unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
The highlight of your journey awaits with the world-famous Rainbow Mountain and the dramatic Red Valley, two of the most iconic natural wonders in South America. Stunning colors, spectacular vistas, and a sense of pure adventure make this trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Are you ready to go beyond the ordinary and discover the true magic of the Andes?
EXPERIENCE THE ANDES – 3-DAYS AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK 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
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.
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
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)
3-DAYS AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
3 Days/ 2 Night
Price
$
000
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 traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique experience and the most requested in Latin America, Machupicchu Condor Trek takes you on a trek of 04 days and 03 nights, where we will have the joy of enjoying a unique experience, there is no similar trek for its ecological and archaeological diversity.
It is a wonderful classic Inca Trail 05D/04N route and sleeps in quieter campsites away from the hustle and bustle of the other groups. It is also recommended for families with children and seniors, and it all culminates in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu, with the perfect guided tour.
This 7 day Salkantay and Inca Trail trek is the best for those who want to live a unique experience in the middle of nature, enjoying views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the original Inca Trail. In addition, you will visit Inca constructions such as Wiñay Wayna, a wonderful Inca city located on the side of a mountain near Machupicchu.
If your dream is to visit Machupicchu through the Inca Trail and you only have a few days, we offer you this exciting trip by train and trek to Machupicchu. The 2-day Inca Trail combines beautiful scenery and archaeological sites. This trek is ideal for those who have limited time to visit the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in only 2 days and see impressive Inca constructions. The ‘Inca Trail’ crosses the national park and enters through the Sun Gate, where you will see spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Excited to start the adventure trek, and camp in the dense vegetation.
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.
THEY SUPPORT US
www.machupicchu-condortrek.com