How difficult is the trek?

Moderate to challenging — high altitude and long walking days. Good physical preparation is recommended.

Are there hot springs on the route?

Yes, near Upis Camp, where you can bathe before dinner (optional entrance fee).

Trekking shoes, warm layers, gloves, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, and refillable water bottle.

What language is the tour conducted in?

In English and Spanish, led by certified mountain guides.

When is the best time to go?

The dry season (April – October) offers the best weather and visibility for trekking and photography.

Ausangate & Rainbown Mountain 3D/2N -

Maximum Altitude
4,200 – 5,050 m a.s.l.
Best Season
April – October
Guide
Professional bilingual mountain guide
Language
English / Spanish
Meeting Point
Hotel (Cusco city center)
Payment Method
Cash, card, or online booking before departure
Destinations
Cusco
Activities
Trekking
Trip Type
Mountains, Treks
Difficulty
Challenging
Trip Tag
Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

🧭 Overview

Embark on one of the most breathtaking short treks in the Andes — the Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain (3 Days / 2 Nights).
This adventure combines the sacred landscapes of Mount Ausangate (6,384 m) with the surreal colors of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), taking you through remote valleys, turquoise lakes, snow-covered peaks, and traditional Andean villages.
It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a true high-altitude trekking experience with local culture, spectacular scenery, and full camping support — all meals included and guided by experienced mountain guides.

✨ Highlights

Trek around the sacred Mount Ausangate (6,384 m)
Visit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the stunning Red Valley
Explore glacial lakes like Upis and Puca Cocha
Relax in natural hot springs beneath the Andes
Immerse yourself in remote Andean culture and landscapes

🏞️ Day 1 :

Cusco → Tinki → Upis: Gateway to Ausangate

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m., heading southeast in our private transport for about two hours to the town of Tinki. After stretching your legs and visiting the local market (if open), we’ll continue one more hour to Upis Pampa (4,220 m), where a warm breakfast awaits.
From here, begin your 3-hour trek to Upis Camp (4,320 m), surrounded by spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and local farmers dressed in traditional clothing.
After lunch at camp, you may choose to hike to Upis Lake for stunning photos of the glacier or relax in the natural hot springs nearby.
End the day with dinner and overnight in cozy mountain cabins, watching the sunset reflect off the sacred Ausangate peak.

Walking Distance: 7 km / 4.5 mi Hiking Time: ≈ 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Cabins (4,320 m / 14,100 ft)

🏔️ Day 2 :

Upis → Puca Cocha → Ananta: Lakes and Mountain Passes

Wake up at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of hot coca tea or coffee, followed by a hearty breakfast. Begin ascending to Arapa Pass (4,989 m / 16,567 ft), with panoramic views of colorful mountains and the Ausangate Glacier.
Descend to Puca Cocha Lake, where you’ll have lunch beside turquoise waters, then continue climbing to Puca Cocha Pass, from where three vibrant lakes and snow-covered peaks unfold below you.
The day concludes with a descent to Ananta Camp (4,700 m / 15,400 ft), where comfortable mountain huts and a freshly prepared dinner await.
If weather allows, you’ll see an unforgettable star-filled Andean sky before resting.

Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi Hiking Time: ≈ 8 hours Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain Huts (4,700 m / 15,400 ft)

🌈 Day 3 :

Ananta → Rainbow Mountain → Quesuno → Cusco

Today’s the highlight! We’ll wake you at 3:45 a.m. with hot tea to begin an early ascent to Ananta Pass (≈ 4,900 m) — where you’ll first glimpse the multicolored slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
Continue hiking across high plateaus, circling a small lake before the final climb to Vinicunca (5,050 m).
At the summit, enjoy 360° panoramic views of the Andes, Ausangate Glacier, and the iconic rainbow-striped landscape.
Afterward, you may explore the nearby Red Valley (optional) before descending about an hour to the trailhead at Quesuno, where our private transport awaits.
Enjoy your final boxed lunch and return to Cusco by evening (around 5 p.m.).