How difficult is this tour?

Moderate to challenging — suitable for travelers in good physical condition with some high-altitude experience.

Can I skip the hiking part from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes?

Yes, you can take a local train (extra cost) for more comfort.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

Yes, acclimatize in Cusco at least 1–2 days before starting this tour.

Are camping and accommodation included?

Yes — two nights in mountain huts or tents, and one night in a hotel at Aguas Calientes.

When is the best season to go?

From April to October, when weather and trail conditions are best.

Rainbow Mountain + Ausangate + Machu Picchu by Car (4D/3N) -

Maximum Altitude
2,040 – 5,050 m a.s.l.
Meeting Point
Hotel in Cusco
Guide
Professional bilingual mountain guide
Language
English / Spanish
Best Season
April – October
Payment Method
Cash, card, or online booking before departure
Destinations
Cusco
Activities
Culture, Trekking
Trip Type
Mountains, Packages, Treks
Difficulty
Challenging
Trip Tag
Adventure, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

🧭 Overview

This 4-day / 3-night adventure combines the high-Andean beauty of Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain with the jungly route to Machu Picchu by car — a perfect fusion of nature, culture, and adrenaline.
You’ll hike through glacial valleys, colorful mountains, and remote communities before descending to the tropical region that leads to Machu Picchu.
It’s ideal for travelers seeking a balance between trekking challenge and cultural reward, without the need for expensive train tickets.

✨ Highlights

Trek beneath the sacred Ausangate Glacier (6,384 m)
Witness the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Experience authentic Andean communities and highland culture
Reach Machu Picchu through the scenic jungle route
Combine mountain adventure, local life, and Inca heritage in one trip

🏔️ Day 1 :

Cusco → Tinki → Upis (Ausangate Base Camp)

Early pick-up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. for a scenic drive through the Andes toward Tinki (3,800 m).
After breakfast, continue to Upis Pampa (4,200 m), where you’ll begin your trek surrounded by llamas and snow-capped peaks.
Walk for about 3 hours to reach Upis Camp (4,350 m) with stunning views of Mount Ausangate (6,384 m).
After lunch, you can take a short hike to Upis Lake or relax in the natural hot springs near camp.
Dinner and overnight in mountain huts or tents under a starry sky.

Walking Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: ~3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Cabins or tents at Upis Camp (4,350 m)

🏞️ Day 2 :

Upis → Puca Cocha → Ananta (Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint)

Wake up with coca tea and breakfast before starting your ascent to Arapa Pass (4,850 m), enjoying incredible mountain scenery.
Descend to Puca Cocha Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by glaciers, for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue uphill to Puca Cocha Pass (4,900 m), with panoramic views of Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain’s colorful slopes.
Arrive at Ananta Camp (4,700 m) to rest, have dinner, and spend the night in cozy huts.

Walking Distance: 14 km Hiking Time: 7–8 hrs Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain huts (4,700 m)

🌈 Day 3 :

Ananta → Rainbow Mountain → Cusco → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes

Early morning departure (around 4:00 a.m.) to reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,050 m) at sunrise — the best time to admire its vibrant stripes.
After enjoying the panoramic view and taking photos, descend and transfer back to Cusco, then continue by private vehicle through the Sacred Valley and jungle region toward Hidroeléctrica (approx. 6-hour drive).
Lunch en route.
From Hidroeléctrica, walk along the train tracks for about 2.5 hours to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.
Dinner and overnight in a local hotel.

Walking Distance: 13 km Hiking Time: 6 hrs Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)

🏯 Day 4 :

Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco

Early in the morning, take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (2,430 m) for a 2-hour guided tour through the Inca citadel’s main sites:

Temple of the Sun
Intihuatana Stone
Temple of the Condor
Main Plaza and terraces

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and walk back to Hidroeléctrica, where our private transport will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 9:30–10:00 p.m.