About the Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek is one of the
most spectacular high-altitude trekking experiences
in the Cordillera Vilcanota of southern Peru.
This impressive route combines high mountain passes,
colorful lakes, remote valleys, traditional Andean
communities and spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain,
one of the most important mountains in the Cusco region.
Along the trail, trekkers can experience the unique
landscapes of the high Andes and may see Andean wildlife
including vicuñas, alpacas, llamas and native birds such
as Andean geese and wild ducks.
One of the highlights of the journey is
Rainbow Mountain, known as Vinicunca.
From the viewpoint, travelers can admire the naturally
colored mountain slopes and the impressive Red Valley
surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes.
Trek Program
Ausangate Trek Itinerary
The following itinerary describes the classic
four-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain route.
The program can be adapted according to weather,
trail conditions and the needs of the group.
Day 01:
Cusco 3,400 m – Upis 4,400 m
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, we travel
by private vehicle for approximately four hours
toward Upis. Along the way, we pass through small
Andean villages and enjoy beautiful views of the
surrounding mountains and countryside.
We continue to Tinki, where we can stop to explore
the village and its local atmosphere. From Tinki,
we continue by vehicle toward Upis, surrounded by
spectacular landscapes and herds of alpacas and llamas.
After arriving at our first campsite, we hike toward
Upis Lake for approximately one hour before returning
to camp. We spend the night in tents at approximately
4,400 m.
Day 02:
Upis 4,400 m – Arapo Pass 4,850 m –
Pumacocha Lake 4,585 m
After breakfast at Upis, we begin hiking toward
Arapo Pass at approximately 4,850 m. The ascent
takes around two hours and gradually reveals
spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain.
From the pass, we enjoy impressive views of the
surrounding high-altitude landscapes and colorful
mountains before beginning the descent toward
Pumacocha Lake.
Pumacocha is a beautiful high Andean lake where
we may observe native birds such as Andean geese.
Alpacas and llamas can also be seen around the
lakes and valleys.
We arrive at our second campsite and spend the
night in tents at approximately 4,585 m.
Day 03:
Pumacocha Lake 4,585 m –
Apachita Pass 4,780 m –
Altaquri 4,450 m
After an early breakfast, we begin hiking toward
Apachita Pass at approximately 4,780 m. The climb
takes around two hours.
From the pass, we enjoy impressive views of
Ausangate Mountain and Pumacocha Lake before
descending toward Altaquri, our next campsite.
During the day, we experience dramatic high-altitude
landscapes with colorful mountains and striking
red and ochre formations characteristic of the
Cordillera Vilcanota.
We spend the night in tents at approximately
4,450 m.
Day 04:
Altaquri 4,450 m – Rainbow Mountain 5,100 m –
K'ayrahuiri 4,630 m – Cusco 3,400 m
After an early breakfast at our final campsite,
we begin the final stage of the trek toward the
high point of the route.
We continue toward
Rainbow Mountain, known locally as
Vinicunca, one of the most famous natural
attractions in the Cusco region.
At the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, we have time
to appreciate the remarkable natural colors of
the mountain and the impressive Red Valley.
The surrounding high peaks create an unforgettable
Andean panorama.
After enjoying the scenery, we descend toward
K'ayrahuiri village, located at approximately
4,630 m.
From K'ayrahuiri, we travel by vehicle back to
Cusco. The journey takes approximately three hours,
arriving in Cusco in the afternoon or evening.
Experience the High Andes of Peru
The Ausangate region offers an opportunity to experience
a more remote side of the Peruvian Andes, away from the
busiest trekking routes. The combination of enormous
mountains, turquoise and colorful lakes, traditional
pastoral landscapes and high-altitude passes makes this
trek especially memorable.
Because much of the route is above 4,000 meters, good
acclimatization and preparation are important. Weather
conditions can change quickly in the high Andes, so the
itinerary should always remain flexible.
