Ausangate Mountain is a majestic peak in the Peruvian Andes, reaching an impressive altitude of 6,384 meters (20,944 feet). Revered as a sacred mountain by local communities, Ausangate offers one of the most spectacular and challenging treks in Peru. The route takes you through breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and traditional Andean villages.

Along the way, you’ll walk past herds of llamas and alpacas in remote Quechua communities, and camp near natural hot springs and vibrant lakes inhabited by a variety of bird species, including the Andean goose and the mighty Andean condor. You’ll witness the stunning Ausangate Lake and the towering snow-capped peak of the mountain itself.

Nearby lies the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored slopes created by centuries of mineral deposits. Its striking colors and surreal beauty have made it one of Peru’s most iconic trekking destinations.

Together, Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain offer a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru’s high-altitude wilderness  a unique combination of cultural richness and natural wonder.

DAY 1:CUSCO – TINQUI – UPIS

Your adventure begins early, with your guide meeting you in Cusco at 6:00 AM. From there, we’ll take private transportation to the trailhead, where our team of muleteers will be waiting with the horses that will carry our gear throughout the trek.

Once everything is organized and ready, we’ll begin our hike with a gentle 3-hour ascent toward our first campsite in Upis, where your tents will be set up and waiting. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and have some time to rest.

In the afternoon, you’ll have two optional activities: relax in the nearby natural hot springs, perfect for easing into the journey, or take a short 1-hour hike to the Upis Cocha Lagoon, a beautiful spot for photos and panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain.

After soaking in the scenery, we’ll return to camp where hot drinks will be waiting. Later, we’ll gather for a warm and hearty dinner under the stars, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Andes.

.Distance: 9.65km/ 6 miles

.Elevation: 4200m/ 13,779ft

.Hiking time: 3 to 4  hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

.Difficulty: moderate

.Accommodations: camping

DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCACCOCHA

After an early breakfast, we begin our second day of trekking with a steady 2-hour ascent to the first mountain pass of the journey — Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). From the top, we’ll take a well-deserved break to rest and enjoy some snacks while taking in the high-altitude views.

We then continue for approximately 2.5 hours along a trail that gently ascends and descends through rolling terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass herds of llamas and alpacas, and may even spot native Andean bird species in their natural habitat.

After stopping for a scenic lunch surrounded by the Andes, we resume our trek with another 2.5-hour hike to our campsite at Puca Cocha (“Red Lake”), one of the most picturesque campsites on the route.

Nestled beside a serene lake and facing the majestic Ausangate Mountain, bordered by an immense glacier, this site offers an unforgettable setting. We’ll end the day with a warm dinner, enjoying the peace and beauty of the mountains and lagoons under the evening sky.

.Distance: 10km/ 6.21mls

.Elevation: 4300m/ 14,100ft

.Hiking time: 7 hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 

.Difficulty: moderate/difficult

.Accommodations: camping

DAY 3: PUCACCOCHA – PUCA PASS – ANANTAPATA – WARMISAYA – SURINECOCHA (Sunset hike to Rainbow Mountain)

We start the day early with a warm cup of coca tea, preparing for what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic days of the entire trek. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of towering Andean peaks and the deep, colorful valleys below.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin a steep 2-hour ascent to Puca Pass (4,990 m / 16,371 ft). Along the way, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of glacial turquoise lakes and the imposing Ausangate Glacier. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll find ourselves face-to-face with the majestic Ausangate Mountain, with the Chillca Valley sprawling out below — often dotted with herds of grazing alpacas. From this vantage point, we’ll also catch our first glimpse of the famous Rainbow Mountain range, with its vividly colored layers.

After soaking in the views and capturing some unforgettable photos, we descend gradually for 1 hour to a scenic rest stop at Anantapata (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), surrounded by rolling green hills and snow-capped summits — the perfect spot for a light snack.

We then continue with a 1.5-hour gradual ascent to the Warmisaya Pass, reaching 4,990 m / 16,371 ft once again. From the top, the views are spectacular, offering a sweeping look over the surrounding highlands.

A 30-minute descent brings us to Surinecocha , our campsite for the night, beautifully nestled beside the water and surrounded by dramatic peaks. Here we’ll have lunch and rest before setting off on an unforgettable side hike.

In the late afternoon, we embark on a 1.5-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain, timed perfectly to witness the sunset over the mesmerizing Rainbow Valley  a truly magical experience. After enjoying this natural wonder, we return to camp with a 45-minute downhill walk, where we’ll relax with a warm “happy hour” of tea and snacks, followed by a well-earned dinner under the stars.

.Distance: 9km/5.59mls

.Elevation: 4600m/15,091ft – 5000m/16,400ft

.Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 

.Difficulty: Difficult

.Accommodations: camping

DAY 4: SURINECOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – ALQATARI

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for!

We’ll wake you up at 6:00 AM with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent. After breakfast, we will beging a 1.5-hour uphill hike to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca),

 Once there, you’ll have time to explore, take unforgettable photos, and fully appreciate the incredible natural colors and sweeping views.

We’ll spend approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour at the summit, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

After soaking in the magic of Rainbow Mountain, we continue with a 1-hour round-trip hike to the stunning Red Valley, a lesser-known but equally impressive destination with vibrant red landscapes and fewer crowds.

Following our visit, we begin a 3-hour descent to Alqatari, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and spend the night in a comfortable shelter, surrounded by the peaceful Andean landscape.

.Distance: 18km/11.18 mls

.Elevation: 4600m/15,091ft – 5000m/16,400ft

.Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 

.Difficulty: moderate

.Accommodations: camping

DAY 5: ALQATARI – AUSANGATE LAKE – PALOMANI PASS – SORAPATA

Today we’ll reach the highest point of the entire trek: the breathtaking Palomani Pass (5.200 m / 17.060 ft). After a hearty breakfast, we begin our ascent, hiking through spectacular landscapes that include colorful lakes, lush green pampas, remote Andean villages, and herds of alpacas and llamas. You’ll also encounter friendly locals dressed in their traditional attire, offering a true cultural immersion.

After approximately 3 hours, we’ll arrive at Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and a glimpse of the striking Red Lake below.

From the summit, we begin a descent to Huchuy Pinaya, where we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, we continue hiking for another 2 hours until we reach our campsite at Sorapata.

Nestled near a dramatic rocky landscape, Surapampa is home to many viscachas (Andean rodents similar to chinchillas), which can often be seen perched on the rocks as the sun sets.

.Distance: 11km/6.83 mls

.Elevation: 4600m/15,091ft – 5200m/17,060 ft

.Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 

.Difficulty: Difficult

.Accommodations: camping

DAY 6: SORAPATA – QAMPA PASS –  SEVEN LAKES OF AUSANGATE – PACCHANTA – CUSCO

We start our final day early, ready to make the most of the breathtaking scenery that still lies ahead. Today’s highlight is the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, a stunning collection of turquoise and emerald glacial lakes surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks.

As we walk, the majestic Ausangate Mountain remains a constant presence to your left a final chance to admire its snow-capped summit from a new and unforgettable perspective. For the adventurous, there may even be an opportunity to take a quick dip in one of the lakes  a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Our journey continues toward Pacchanta, a peaceful Andean village known for its natural hot springs. Here, we’ll relax and soak in the warm waters while taking in the magnificent views of Ausangate above  the perfect way to end this epic trek.

After enjoying our final lunch together, we’ll say goodbye to our dedicated horseman and chef, then board our private transport back to Cusco.

We expect to arrive in Cusco around 6:00 PM, carrying unforgettable memories of an incredible adventure through the heart of the Andes.

.Distance: 17 km/10.563 mls

.Elevation: 4600m/15,091ft – 5100m/16,650 ft

.Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 

.Difficulty: Difficult

.Accommodations: camping