Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

5.0 (45 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration3 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in just 3 unforgettable days. This trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through turquoise lagoons, glacier views, red valleys, and remote Andean landscapes with fewer crowds.

You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, visit the iconic Rainbow Mountain, and experience the culture of local Andean communities along the way. It’s the perfect short trek for active travelers who want adventure, nature, and authenticity in one powerful experience.

Highlights

- Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range
- Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca
- Hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain
- See turquoise lagoons, glaciers, red valleys, and alpacas
- Enjoy a less-crowded route through remote

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain
  • Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • Backpack rain cover and Sleeping pillow
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Private transport and transfers during the tour
  • Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first-aid kit available at all times
  • Morning tea service and afternoon happy hour
  • Porter team and pack mules
  • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
  • Basic personal hygiene items (soap and small towel)
  • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
  • Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 3)
  • Travel Insurance (recommended)
  • Gratuities (optional)

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha
  1. Cusco
    3h
    The adventure begins with early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m. We travel approximately three hours to Upis
  2. Pass by · Admission ticket included
    In Upis, you'll have breakfast and catch your first glimpse of Ausangate before setting out on the trek.
    After breakfast, we begin hiking with a gradual ascent through valleys and high-altitude landscapes, always accompanied by views of the Ausangate glacier.
  3. 15h
    We’ll stop along the way for a hot drink and lunch before continuing toward the highest point of the day.
    In the afternoon, we reach Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We then descend past Yanacocha and Hatun Pucacocha lagoons to our campsite at the foot of Ausangate. Upon arrival, hot drinks and dinner will be served before a well-earned rest.
Day 2: Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha
  1. 5h
    The day begins with a hot cup of coca tea to aid acclimatization, followed by a hearty breakfast. As you step out of your tent, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise illuminating the Ausangate glacier an unforgettable high-mountain moment before starting the hike.

    We begin with a two-hour ascent to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), crossing valleys, mountains, and glacial lagoons such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha. With some luck, you may spot the majestic Andean condor. We then descend to Anantapata, where lunch is served surrounded by stunning scenery.
  2. Nevado Ausangate
    12h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, we climb to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), offering breathtaking views of Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and the Vilcanota Range. From there, we descend to Surinecocha, where hot drinks and dinner await before a restful night.
Day 3: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco
  1. 2h
    After an energizing breakfast, we begin a two-hour ascent to the highlight of the trek: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Upon reaching 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of this natural wonder and its vibrant mineral-colored layers.

    Accompanied by your guide, you’ll learn about the cultural significance and geological formation of this unique landscape, shaped by natural erosion over millions of years. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and connect with the powerful energy of the Andean mountains—far from the crowds.
  2. 1h
    We then descend for about one hour to Llacto, where a delicious lunch awaits.
  3. Cusco
    2h
    Finally, we board our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon and concluding this incredible Andean adventure.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
The pickup time is between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (45)
From
$560.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Cusco
From
$560.00 per person
Check availability