Southern Peru Explorers
Hiking, Adventure, Camping

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5D/4N

5 Days / 4 Nights · Challenging?suitable for… ·
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Elevation
5,190 m / 17,028 ft
Activity Type
Hiking, Adventure, Camping
Difficulty
Challenging?suitable for trekkers in good physical condition
Distance
70 km / 43 miles

The experience

The less-frequented Ausangate Trek in Peru is a 5-day trek through the Vilcanota mountain range, featuring snow-capped Apu Ausangate, alpine valleys, turquoise lakes, and the famous Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. This Ausangate and Trek to Rainbow Mountain route offers impressive views of Ausangate, Ausangate Lake, and Ausangate?s rainbow, making it one of the best treks. The trek follows the classic Ausangate circuit, passing Arapa…

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Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Trek ? 5-Day Andean Adventure from Cusco

The less-frequented Ausangate Trek in Peru is a 5-day trek through the Vilcanota mountain range, featuring snow-capped Apu Ausangate, alpine valleys, turquoise lakes, and the famous Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. This Ausangate and Trek to Rainbow Mountain route offers impressive views of Ausangate, Ausangate Lake, and Ausangate?s rainbow, making it one of the best treks.

The trek follows the classic Ausangate circuit, passing Arapa Pass, Palomani Pass, and Vinicunca?the Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, hikers encounter lakes that surround Ausangate, Andean wildlife such as alpacas, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Vilcanota mountains. Our certified trekking company from Cusco provides expert guides, porters, and freshly prepared meals, ensuring a safe and immersive Ausangate trekking adventure. With 4 nights of camping and high-elevation trails, this trek is perfect for nature lovers seeking the spectacular Rainbow Mountain 5, majestic Ausangate Mountain, and an unforgettable Ausangate Trail experience.

Tour Overview

  • Tour Type: Hiking, Adventure, Camping
  • Difficulty: Challenging?suitable for trekkers in good physical condition
  • Distance: 70 km / 43 miles
  • Elevation: 4,000?5,000 meters above sea level
  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
  • Considerations: High-altitude trekking requires acclimatization; minimum fitness level recommended
  • Weather: Cold Andean climate; nighttime temperatures can drop below 0?C

Why choose this tour

Choose this 5-day Andean adventure from Cusco for an authentic and less-crowded trekking experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. The Ausangate Trek combined with Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, traditional Andean communities, and…

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Why Choose Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Choose this 5-day Andean adventure from Cusco for an authentic and less-crowded trekking experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. The Ausangate Trek combined with Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, traditional Andean communities, and diverse wildlife. Guided by experienced local professionals, this trek delivers a perfect balance of challenge, culture, and unforgettable scenery-making it one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Peru with us Southern Peru Explorers

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Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.

Itinerary to be confirmed

Please contact us for the itinerary and logistics of this tour.

What's Included & What's Not

Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.

Professional Tour Guides

Our guides all come from the local Ausangate area and are steeped in Andean culture and tradition. English speaking with many years of experience running multi-day treks in high altitudes, they are experts on each and every day of the Ausangate trek ? from Day 1 to Day 5. They know how to keep you safe, informed, and supported every day that you walk. This is where the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain treks start, in the Vilcanota mountain range.

Tickets & Permits

All entrance tickets and permits are included in the price for this Ausangate 5-day trek, including access to Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), all campsites, and hot springs. As an authorized trekking company, we manage all logistics in advance so you can focus on the journey. This also applies to travelers joining a Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco or a Cusco Rainbow Mountain tour extension.

Meals

We will organize tasty and healthy meals for you on our trek days in accordance with all your requirements. You will have an opportunity to enjoy dishes of Andean, Peruvian and international cuisines served to you three times per day from Day 1 to Day 5. Our meals are designed to provide you with enough energy that you require for your trek.

Horses & Wranglers

Your duffel bag can be taken by horses and experienced wranglers for your trek. The maximum weight of duffel bag is 7kg (14 lb), including your sleeping bag. Your duffel bag will be safe with us and it will be provided to you in camps every evening. Such service will suit you if you decide to have a 5-day trek or its variant of 4-day trek.

Camping Equipment

We use high quality 4 seasons tents for our camping. Two people stay in one tent; there is enough place in a tent for your equipment. We can offer you private tents at your request.

Drinking Water

Fresh, boiled, and filtered water is supplied on a daily basis from natural mountain sources. All trekkers are required to use their own water bottle or hydration system to limit plastic garbage produced during the trekking period.

Transportation

Transport from Cusco to the finish of the trek and vice versa is private. In the last day, transportation will be 4 hours driving from Cusco to Vilcanota mountain range starting point of the trek.

First Aid and Safety

Our guides have first aid certification and have oxygen and full medical kit available. Satphones can be used in case of emergency. This will provide us with safety in all trek days, including remote places.

Pre-Trek Briefing

Briefing will take place 1-3 days prior departure at your hotel or our offices in Cusco. In this briefing, we will cover itinerary day-by-day, give duffel bags and answer all your questions.

Packing List (What to Bring)

Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.

Packing List: Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain (5 Days)

Because you will be crossing multiple passes near glaciers, you must be prepared for sub-zero temperatures at night and intense sun during the day. Here is your professional gear guide:

Essential Documents & Logistics

  • Original Passport: Required for park entries and identification throughout the trip.
  • Cash in soles: Essential for the hot springs in Upis (Day 1) and Pacchanta (Day 5), as well as small snacks or handicrafts from local Andean communities.

Arctic-Level Layering (The Survival System)

  • The "Summit" Jacket: A high-quality down jacket (rated for -10?C or lower). The campsites are at very high elevations where temperatures drop below freezing as soon as the sun sets.
  • Hard Shell: A professional waterproof and windproof jacket. Wind at the Palomani Pass (5,190 m) can be very strong.
  • Thermal Base Layers: At least two sets of mid-weight thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool is highly recommended).
  • Trekking Pants: Quick-dry hiking pants. Avoid leggings alone, as they offer no wind protection.
  • Accessories: Waterproof gloves, a heavy wool beanie (covering ears), and a "buff" or neck gaiter to protect your lungs from the cold, dry air.

Footwear & Trekking Hardware

  • Advanced Trekking Boots: Waterproof (Gore-Tex) boots with excellent ankle support. The terrain on Day 3 and 4 involves steep, loose scree and rocky paths.
  • Trekking Poles: These are essential for navigating the steep ascents to Palomani and Ccampa passes and protecting your knees on the long descents.
  • Headlamp: High-lumen output with spare batteries. Necessary for the cold nights and early-morning starts.
  • Swimwear: Don?t forget your swimsuit and a small travel towel for the hot springs.

High-Altitude Health & Protection

  • Hydration: 3 liters of capacity (bladder + bottle). At 5,000m+, your body dehydrates twice as fast.
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with UV protection, and Category 3 or 4 sunglasses. The snow reflection at these altitudes can cause snow blindness or severe burns.
  • Electrolytes: Powdered supplements to help with hydration and mineral balance during the 9-hour trekking days.
  • Personal Hygiene: Wet wipes (for "mountain baths"), hand sanitizer, and biodegradable toilet paper.

Important Trek Notes:

  • Night Skies: The Ausangate region has zero light pollution. If you have a tripod for your camera, it is worth the weight for the astrophotography opportunities.
  • The Highest Point: On Day 3, you reach 5,190 m / 17,030 ft. Ensure you have spent at least 3 days in Cusco acclimatizing before starting this specific trek.

Before you travel

Guide languages
English
Pickup

early morning pickup from Cusco city at 5:00 am

Return

After finishing the trek in Pacchanta, we return to Cusco by private transport.

Pre-tour briefing

Briefing will take place 1-3 days prior departure at your hotel or our offices in Cusco. In this briefing, we will cover itinerary day-by-day, give duffel bags and answer all your questions.

Accommodation

Camp accommodation for 4 nights in top-quality 4 season tents. The campsites are in beautiful locations in Ausangate in lakes and valleys.

Food & dietary requests

Fresh and healthy food will be provided during the trek by our professional chefs, which includes Andean, Peruvian, and international cuisine. Special requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other types of meals can be provided with prior notice.

Luggage

Yes. Packhorses and wranglers are included to carry your duffel bag (maximum 7 kg / 14 lbs, including sleeping bag). Your bag is stored safely and available at camp each evening, allowing you to hike with just a daypack.

Booking Process & Policies

Booking information for this tour.

Thank you for choosing our Classic Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain Adventure, one of the most breathtaking high-altitude trekking experiences in Peru. This 5-day journey through the Vilcanota mountain range offers stunning landscapes, alpine lakes, Andean wildlife, cultural insights, and the unforgettable Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

How to Make the Booking for the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Booking for the Ausangate 5-day Trek couldn?t be simpler, safer, and faster! In order to ensure that your booking is completed successfully, you need to provide the details below.
Please make sure that all the information is identical to the one provided in your passport in order to avoid possible problems during the trek.

Passenger Details Required

In order to make sure that all the arrangements for your trek are made correctly, please provide the following information for each passenger:

  • Full name (as shown on passport)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth

All this information will help us arrange the services required for your trek.

Accommodations & Transport Information

In order to arrange convenient transport to and from Cusco, please provide the name and address of your accommodation in Cusco well in advance of the hike. We can ensure early morning pick-ups and drop-offs in Cusco.
The lodging facilities for the 5-day Ausangate trek are organized by us and chosen based on comfort, safety, and proximity to attractive locations.

Food & Special Diets

We value your comfort while hiking through this high altitude trek. Should you require any special food needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free diets, kindly let us know in advance.
The food will be freshly cooked by our expert trekking chefs every day.

Secure Payment and Trek Confirmation

Our payment process is entirely secure and encrypted. For confirming your Ausangate Trek, kindly make the payment via the secure link given below:
Contact us to confirm availability and request a payment link
After confirmation of your payment, we instantly guarantee all the following services for you included in your trekking package such as:

  • Transportation to and from Cusco
  • Trekking guided by professional guides
  • Porters and horses for your backpack (maximum weight of 7kg/14lbs)
  • Tents, sleeping bags, mat, and pillows
  • All meals during trekking days
  • Permits to enter Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and all campsites
  • Hot springs at Upis and Pacchanta

Please be aware of the availability of the trek based on limited campsite capacity.

Trek Booking Confirmation and Customer Support

Once the booking process is completed, you will receive a comprehensive confirmation email containing:

Complete itinerary and trekking schedule
A list of items to pack and necessary equipment suggestions
Safety precautions and acclimatization instructions
Our experienced support team at Cusco is here to help before, during, and after the Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain trekking experience to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.

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Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 5D/4N

From: USD $350 / person
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