Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 - Days

Tinki, Upis, Ausangate mountain, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Pacchanta

Physical Level

Challenging

Trip Style

Hiking, Trekking, Adventure

Max Altitude

5,053 meters/16,578 ft

Group Size

10 People

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Embark on one of Peru’s most breathtaking treks, circling the sacred Ausangate Mountain while exploring the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the surreal Red Valley, and the crystalline 7 Lakes of Ausangate. This 5-day trek takes you deep into the heart of the Vilcanota Range, where ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes, and serene solitude await.

Highlights

Trek beside the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,384 m)
Witness the spectacular Rainbow Mountain at sunrise
Explore the magical Red Valley and its vibrant hues
Visit the 7 glacial lakes of Ausangate
Relax in natural hot springs in Pacchanta
Experience authentic Andean culture and remote mountain life

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trekking Distance: Approx. 69 km / 43 miles
Max Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft (Palomani Pass)
Accommodation: Comfortable high-mountain camping (4 nights)
Group Size: Small groups or private service
Start/End Point: Cusco

Trip Details

Activities: Trekking Adventure
Difficulty Levels: 4 of 5
Departures Day: Daily Departures
Sites to Visit: Upis, Pacchanta Community, 7 Lakes of Ausangate, Ausangate lake, Pucacocha lake, Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, hot springs
Hike Distance: 69 km
Max Altitude: 5,100 msnm (16,732 ft)
Min Altitude: 4,650 msnm (15,250 ft)
Age Recommended: 12 Years
Altitude Acclimatization: Yes, required
Recommended Season: April to December
Tour Type: Trekking adventure

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Puca Cocha

Start your adventure with an early morning pickup and a scenic drive to Upis. Enjoy breakfast and begin your hike toward Arapa Pass (4,968 m), surrounded by alpacas, local farmers, and the stunning Ausangate Glacier. Camp at the peaceful Puca Cocha Lake with optional sunset hikes.

Distance: 15 km
Elevation: 4,600 m
Duration: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping

Day 2: Puca Cocha – Ananta – Qeullacocha

A challenging yet breathtaking day as you ascend Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m) and hike through the surreal Red Valley. Spot llamas and enjoy lunch in Ananta before reaching the Qeullacocha campsite. Optional sunset hike to Rainbow Mountain for a private view.

Distance: 14 km
Elevation: 4,900 m
Duration: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping

Day 3: Qeullacocha – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Lake

Early hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) to enjoy the colorful view before the crowds. Afterward, descend to Alqatari for lunch and continue to your lakeside campsite near Ausangate Mountain.

Distance: 18 km
Elevation: 4,650 m
Duration: 8–9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping

Day 4: Ausangate Lake – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Pinaya – Surapata

Trek to the highest point of the route: Palomani Pass (5,200 m). Admire panoramic views, spot wildlife, and pass remote Andean communities. After lunch at Huchuy Pinaya, continue to Surapata for a quiet night in nature.

Distance: 10 km
Elevation: 4,600 m
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping

Day 5: Surapata – Jampa Pass – 7 Lakes – Pacchanta – Cusco

Final day of trekking through the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, each with unique colors and reflections. Optional cold dip in the glacial waters. Finish in Pacchanta with a soak in hot springs and farewell lunch before returning to Cusco around 6:00 PM.

Distance: 12 km
Duration: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 – Days

Itinerary

Day 1:

Cusco - Tinki - Upis Community - Pucacocha

We begin our expedition with an early pickup from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive in our private van to Upis, the starting point of our trek at the base of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef before setting off on the trail.

Our hike commences with an ascent to Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,300 ft). Along the way, you’ll witness herds of alpacas, interact with local Andean farmers, and take in awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped Ausangate to your left. Your professional English-speaking guide will provide insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. With luck, we may spot vicuñas, condors, or chinchillas in their natural habitat.

Continuing onward, we pass vibrant glacial lakes before arriving at our campsite at Puca Cocha, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. Listen for the thunderous crashes of ice calving into the lakes below—a truly dramatic experience.

After tents are set up, you’ll have time to rest, change, or explore. In the afternoon, choose to descend to the lakes or hike to a scenic viewpoint offering spectacular photos of Ausangate Mountain with the turquoise lakes below.

Trekking Distance: 15 km
Elevation at Campsite: 4,600 m / 15,100 ft
Hiking Duration: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 2:

Puca Cocha – Anantapata – Qeullacocha

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging, but incredibly rewarding. We begin with the climb to Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m), surrounded by vibrant multi-colored peaks and glacier-fed lakes. Views of Ausangate continue to dominate the skyline, offering a backdrop of unparalleled beauty. As we enter the surreal Red Valley, you’ll be immersed in a natural canvas of crimson and ochre hues. Llamas graze peacefully along the path, adding charm to the journey. We stop for lunch at Ananta, a spectacular site surrounded by rocky formations. The trek continues with an ascent to Surini Pass (4,500 m / 15,090 ft), from where we catch our first distant glimpse of the legendary Rainbow Mountain. We then descend along a scenic trail, circle a mountain lake, and traverse a relatively flat section before reaching Qeullacocha, our next campsite.

If you’re up for it, an optional sunset hike to Rainbow Mountain offers a magical and crowd-free experience.

Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.65 miles
Elevation at Campsite: 4,900 m / 16,070 ft
Hiking Duration: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 3:

Qeullacocha – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Lake

Today is the highlight of the trek—Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). We begin early, waking at 6:00 AM with warm coca tea brought to your tent. A short 45-minute hike brings us to the summit where you’ll have ample time to photograph and explore the colorful landscape (weather permitting).

After this unforgettable experience, we descend for approximately 3 hours to Alqatari, where a well-earned lunch awaits. We then continue our journey toward Ausangate Lake, our serene campsite for the night nestled below the glacier peaks.

Trekking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation at Campsite: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Hiking Duration: 8–9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 4:

Ausangate Lake – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Pinaya – Surapata

Fuel up with breakfast before we tackle Palomani Pass, the highest point of the entire trek. As we ascend, you’ll pass serene highland lakes, marshy pampas, traditional Andean communities, and herds of alpacas and llamas. Locals dressed in traditional garments offer a glimpse into timeless Andean life.

After two hours, we summit Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), from where sweeping views of the Vilcanota Range and a crimson-hued Red Lake await. We then descend into the valley, arriving at Huchuy Pinaya for lunch. Our afternoon trek continues through breathtaking high-altitude terrain until we reach Surapata, a secluded site flanked by rock formations that are home to playful viscachas (Andean chinchillas).

Trekking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Elevation at Campsite: 4,600 m / 15,000 ft
Hiking Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 5:

Surapata – Jampa Pass – 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Pacchanta – Cusco

Our final day is a celebration of nature’s beauty. We begin early and ascend to Jampa Pass, continuing onward to the mesmerizing 7 Lakes of Ausangate, each with its own unique color and reflection of the surrounding peaks.

Feel free to take a dip in the glacial waters for an exhilarating experience. The imposing Ausangate Mountain remains a constant companion throughout the day, offering new perspectives at every turn.

Our trek concludes in Pacchanta, where we’ll relax in natural hot springs and enjoy our final lunch together. After bidding farewell to our chef and horsemen, we return to Cusco, arriving by approximately 6:00 PM.

Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Duration: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Inclusions

INCLUDED

Meals, 4 breakfasts + 5 lunches + 4 dinners and snacks
Boiled wáter every day and hot drinks in our camping site
Transportation Cusco – Upis – Pacchanta – Cusco.
Sleeping Tents for 4 Days + camping equipment
Muleteers and horses they carry foot, equipment and 6 kl of personal items.
Duffle bag top ut in 6 kl
Guides, with specific Mountaineering training ample experience in trekking, English and (or) Spanish-speaking.
For knowledge of any other language, please contact us.
Professional Trail Cook.

NOT INCLUDED

Extra drinks soda, Cerveza, Gatorade.
First Breakfast and last Lunch
Entrance fees to Ausangate, rainbow mountain, private lands and hot springs
Tips for the horse man, cooker and the guide
Trekking shoes.
Any personal equipment, clothing, backpack, etc.

What to Bring

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $3 in Cusco.
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk.Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
Small towel or sarong
Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
Copy of passport
Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you.

Why to Choose

Why choose “Illapa Peru Trip”?

“Illapa Peru Trip” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “Illapa Peru Trip,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “Illapa Peru Trip,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “Illapa Peru Trip” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“Illapa Peru Trip” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.

Travel Guide

Recommendations (Travel Tips)

Best Time to Trek

Optimal Season: April to December offers the best weather conditions with clear skies and stable temperatures.
Avoiding Rainy Season: January and February are typically wet, which can make trails slippery and increase the risk of landslides.

Booking in Advance

Reserve Early: Secure your spot well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability of guides and accommodations.
Local Guides: Hiring a local guide enhances your experience with their knowledge of the terrain and cultural insights.

Local Cuisine

Try Traditional Foods: Sample Peruvian dishes such as quinoa, alpaca, and traditional soups to fuel your trek.
Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle and ensure you stay hydrated throughout the trek.

Weather (Climate Information)

Temperature Ranges

Daytime: Temperatures can range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) during the day.
Nighttime: Expect colder temperatures, dropping to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), especially at higher altitudes.

Precipitation

Dry Season: Less rainfall from April to October, ideal for trekking.
Wet Season: Increased rainfall from November to March, making trails muddy and challenging.

Altitude Considerations

Extreme Weather: Higher altitudes can experience sudden weather changes, including strong winds and snow.
Sun Exposure: UV radiation is stronger at higher elevations, necessitating proper sun protection.

Tips (General Advice)

Acclimatization

Spend Time in Cusco: Arrive a few days early to acclimate to the high altitude before starting the trek.
Gradual Ascent: Follow the itinerary’s gradual elevation gain to help your body adjust.

Safety Measures

Stay with the Group: Always stay with your trekking group and follow the guide’s instructions.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest medical facilities.

Respect Local Culture

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the traditions and customs of the Quechua communities you visit.
Environmental Responsibility: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

How to Dress (Clothing Recommendations)

Layering System

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal underwear to keep you dry.
Middle Layer: Insulating fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against the elements.

Footwear

Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential.
Socks: Wear moisture-wicking socks and consider bringing an extra pair to prevent blisters.

Accessories

Hat and Gloves: Essential for warmth during cold nights and high-altitude trekking.
Gaiters: Protect your legs from snow, mud, and debris.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Protect against strong UV rays.

Restrictions (What’s Not Allowed)

Permits and Regulations

Trek Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits for Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain treks.
Protected Areas: Follow all regulations for protected areas to help conserve the environment.

Prohibited Items

Single-Use Plastics: Avoid bringing single-use plastics to reduce environmental impact.
Open Fires: Do not light open fires except in designated areas to prevent wildfires.

Wildlife Interaction

No Feeding: Do not feed or disturb wildlife to maintain their natural behaviors and habitats.

Physical Preparation (Fitness Requirements)

Cardiovascular Fitness

Endurance Training: Engage in activities like hiking, running, or cycling to build stamina.
Interval Training: Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to improve your cardiovascular capacity.

Strength Training

Leg Strength: Focus on exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups to strengthen your legs.
Core Stability: Incorporate core exercises like planks and sit-ups to improve balance and stability.

Flexibility

Stretching: Regular stretching can help prevent injuries and improve your range of motion.
Yoga: Practicing yoga can enhance flexibility and overall body awareness.

Health Recommendations (Altitude and Wellness)

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body acclimate.
Ascend Slowly: Follow the trek’s gradual elevation gain to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Medication: Consult with a healthcare provider about medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness.

Vaccinations and Health Checks

Routine Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
Consult a Doctor: Get a health check-up and discuss any medical conditions or medications you are taking.

Emergency Health Supplies

First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and any personal medications.
Altitude Sickness Remedies: Bring medications or supplements recommended by your healthcare provider.