Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days
The Ausangate 4 Day Trek is one of Peru’s best options to explore remote areas at the high altitude of the Andes. It is well recommended for nature, mountain, and challenging hike lovers where not many people go.
On this incredible Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain, you will visit the highlands of Cusco, relax in the Andean hot springs with temperatures of 35°C, and explore the turquoise glow of beautiful lagoons in the middle of the Andes.
Be impressed by the Nevado Ausangate, at 6,385 meters (20,942 feet), the highest peak in the Cusco region, which nowadays represents “Apu,” the spiritual entity of the Andean people who believe that this mountain watches over the communities and their animals.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
During this Ausangate Trek 4 Days, you will enjoy the breathtaking vistas in one of the hardest treks that can be done in the Andean mountain range and even a high-Andean landscape.
With the Ausangate mountain as the highlight, there will also be many impressive glacier landscapes, almost dreamlike images such as the Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Seven-Color Mountain, with charming Andean villages. It is surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna native to the Andes.
The Ausangate trek is an exceptional experience in the most authentic nature; during this journey, you will marvel at brilliantly colored landscapes, turquoise high mountain lagoons, imposing white glaciers, rolling farmlands, and ice dunes, all part of the majestic Vilcanota mountain range.
Highlights: Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
Hiking distance: 48 km / 29.8miles
Considerations: Prior acclimatization required
Season: May to November
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Tinki - Pacchanta - Qampa Pampa
Discover the stunning high Andes Mountains of Peru.
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Day02
Qampa Pampa - Phinaya - Palomani Pass - Ausangate Qocha
Hike through herds of alpacas, snowy peaks, and turquoise lakes.
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Day03
Ausangate Qocha - Anantapata - Wamisaya pass- Suriniqocha
Learn the Andean culture and religion and recharge your energy from the Apus.
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Day04
Suriniqocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley – Cusco
Discover the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley early in the morning before the crowds.
Tinki - Pacchanta - Ausangate 7 Lakes - Pachispata
Walking Distance: 12 km /7.4 miles
Starting Elevation: 4, 200 / 13,779ft
Campsite Elevation: 4,620 / 15,157ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camp
Highlight of the day: Lakes and Ausangate
The first day of this adventure will begin with the pick-up from your hotel by your trekking guide. Then we head to the south of Cusco by the Inter Oceanica Highway towards Tinki, which takes 3 hours to drive.
Here we will have a short stop to explore this last village before heading to the beginning of the trail. From here, we will keep driving another 40 minutes to Pacchanta, where we’ll meet with the rest of our team, the chef, the horse driver, and his assistant.
Here we have the last time to pack all our stuff, then we begin our path gradually ascending between picturesque landscapes. After 2 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Azulqocha Lagoon, its turquoise colors surprising to everyone who explores this area.
Our team will set up the camp around here, enjoy lunch, and rest during the afternoon.
Pachispata - Qampa Pass - Sorapata - Machuraqay
Walking Distance: 15 km /9.2miles
Starting Elevation: 4,620 / 15,157ft
Campsite Elevation: 4,780 m / 15,682 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,030m / 16,502ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camp
On this day our team will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea and enjoy an energetic breakfast. Then we will start our hike to the first pass called Qampa, with 5,030 meters (16,502 ft). At this pass you’ll get dramatic views of lakes and towering snow peaks.
We begin descending for two hours toward Sorapata; along the way you will observe some herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Enjoy great lunch in Sorapata (4,620 meters)
After a well-deserved rest, we continue hiking for another 2 hours through picturesque mountain landscapes. Enjoy more lakes, snow mountains, and wildlife. Our next camp is in Sorapata and sits at 4,780 m (15,684 ft) at the base of Ausangate Mountain.
Enjoy the happy hour and get a well-deserved rest for the following days.
Machuraqay - Palomani pass - Ausangate Qocha - Anantapata - Wamisaya pass- Suriniqocha
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,780 m / 15,682 ft
Campsite Elevation: 4700 m / 15,419ft
Highest Elevation: 5,200m / 17,060ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camp
Highlight of the day: Ausangate Mountain
The most challenging day along the Ausangate Trek 4 Days, we wake up around 5:00am and enjoy our energetic breakfast. After, we begin ascending for about two hours towards the highest point on this trek. Palomani Pass is 5,200 m (17,060 ft).
Here is where you’ll be closer to the Apu Ausangate; our guide will make a small ceremony to the Apus (gods). This is the best way to appreciate what the mountains offer us. We then start going down to Ausangate Qocha, where we take a rest.
After we hike through herds of alpacas and picturesque Quechua communities, it will be around 2 more hours to reach Anantapata, where we get lunch. During the afternoon we walk to the next pass, Warmisaya, 5,000 meters (16,404 ft). From this pass you can see the Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
Our camp is just 20 minutes away, down there next to the lake. Once arrived, you will enjoy the tea time followed by dinner. Spend the night here.
Suriniqocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley – Cusco
Walking Distance: 13 km /8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,570 / 14,993ft
Campsite Elevation:
Highest Elevation: 5,036m / 16,522ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation:
Highlight of the day: Rainbow Mountain
Prepare for an early and exhilarating start as your Ausangate Trek reaches its most anticipated highlight. Following a hearty and energizing breakfast at camp, you will embark on a two-hour ascent toward the renowned Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, standing at an impressive altitude of 5,036 meters (16,522 ft).
Upon reaching the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders. Your expert local guide will share a fascinating explanation of the geological forces behind the mountain’s extraordinary and vibrant color palette. You will have ample time to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs before the area becomes crowded with other visitors.
After fully experiencing this remarkable and unforgettable landscape, your journey continues toward the equally spectacular Red Valley, a dramatic and otherworldly terrain that will leave you in absolute awe, with its vivid crimson hues making you feel as though you have stepped onto another planet entirely.
From the Red Valley, you will begin a scenic descent to your designated lunch spot, where a delicious meal awaits you. Once refreshed, your private transportation will be ready to comfortably transfer you back to the vibrant city of Cusco, bringing your extraordinary 3-Day Ausangate Trek to a memorable and fulfilling close.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and you don’t miss anything.
We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
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Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking
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Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service; Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the incredible Ausangate Mountain.
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Entrance Fees to Ausangate park, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek it will be for a specific date and will be in your name
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Accommodations
At Machu Picchu by Locals we include accommodations for 3 nights along the Ausangate trek, with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Mountain Gear or Doite Pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only by 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include an inflatable mattress. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
Transportation
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Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, and the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
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Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour; also, there will be a horseman. At Machu Picchu by Locals we know safety is first; it is for that reason that we include an emergency horse in case someone feels tired or gets altitude sickness.
Equipment
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Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 4-day Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at the Machu Picchu by Locals office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg/17 lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
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Toilet Tents
During our trek to Ausangate, we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important it is to protect our environment, and we are trained to leave no traces along the route.
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every 6 months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon of oxygen in the case that someone requires it.
Meals
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Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food you’ve ever had with local and organic ingredients.
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Water
Machu Picchu by Locals will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled, and cooled by our chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle, or CamelBak that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
WE NOT INCLUDED
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Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -20°C / 2° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
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Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits: they protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas, which are mostly up and downhill. Trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.
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First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ocongate where you will be able to purchase a breakfast.
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Travel Insurance
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We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
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Tips for our team
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Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team’s hard work.
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before you leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What do you need to pack?
Important
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: a water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- Trekking poles
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 3 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip-flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAY BACKPACK:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Snack (Chocolate, dry fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AUSANGATE 4 DAY TREK
What to know Before Joining Ausangate Trek 4 Days
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we create unforgettable hiking adventures in the high Andes mountains; that is why we provide detailed information about the trek.
What is the 4-day Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is a high-altitude trek in the mountains; this tour combines some of the most beautiful landscapes, from Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain to the Red Valley. However, it is very important to prepare properly before going there.
Does Machu Picchu by Locals contact us before departing the Ausangate Trek?
Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after they have confirmed the reservation. Please, you, ask to check your e-mail constantly, and also if you have some issue, let us know to solve it as soon as possible.
Where is the best place to stay before departing for the 4-day Ausangate Trek?
Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. Also, there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. We highly recommend staying close to the city center; this will allow us to pick you up directly from your hotel.
Useful information along the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Is there electricity along the trek of Ausangate Trek 4 Days?
Not because this trek is located in a remote place where there is no electricity; some local villages located along the trek have solar panels. Your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone. We recommend bringing your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
How challenging is the hike during the 4-Day Ausangate Trek?
This trek is particularly challenging, especially for people who do not have experience hiking in the mountains. We recommend training with some exercises a few times per week to not have problems. also, it is recommendable to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this trek are located over 4000m/13123ft
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
No worries, our guide and team are professional, and they know how to solve any issue during your trek. Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, and there will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the safest place where you can recover. Our team always has a radio, and they are trained for any emergency that happens during our tours.
Do I need hiking boots for this Trek?
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear a pair of lightning boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps and crossing some rivers, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights; the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
Does the 4 Day Ausangate Trek include the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley?
Yes, this hike will take you to explore the 7 Lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley. One perfect trip to combine the best highlights in the mountains.
Should I Use Walking Poles along the 4 Day Ausangate Trek?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus these will help you get up the mountain as well.
Can I store my luggage at the office?
In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you will change your hotel after the trek, we have available our storage in the Machu Picchu by Locals office; get more info from our office team.
What is the weather? Look like along the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days?
The weather in the Cusco region and parts of the Andes is unpredictable; even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season, and March and October are bridge months – a mixture of both.
But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.
From: USD 380.00 per person
USD 370.00: from 4 people to more
* Additional single tent: $20 USD
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $20 USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
4 Days / 3 Nights
Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain
What's it like!!
Map of Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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