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Activity Cusco, Peru

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

5.0 (45 reviews) 3 days
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

About this activity

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
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At a glance

Duration
3 days
Confirmation
Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 12 people
People per booking
1–12
Audio guide
English, Spanish
Guide
English, Spanish
Written guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Salkantay Trekking

Ages: Adults (15–70 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Pre-departure briefing
  • Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Included: Entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain
  • Included: Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Included: Lunch
  • Included: Backpack rain cover and Sleeping pillow
  • Included: Dinner
  • Included: Breakfast
  • Included: Private transport and transfers during the tour
  • Included: Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first-aid kit available at all times
  • Included: Morning tea service and afternoon happy hour
  • Included: Porter team and pack mules
  • Included: Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
  • Included: Basic personal hygiene items (soap and small towel)
  • Included: Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)

Not included

  • Not included: Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 3)
  • Not included: Travel Insurance (recommended)
  • Not included: Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Day 1 · Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha

  1. Cusco

    3 hours

    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. Stop 2

    Passing by Admission 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. Stop 3

    15 hours

    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.

Overnight at Hatun Pucacocha Camp

Day 2 · Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha

  1. Stop 1

    5 hours

    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

    12 hours Admission 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.

Overnight at Surinecocha Camp

Day 3 · Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco

  1. Stop 1

    2 hours

    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. Stop 2

    one hour

    We then descend for about one hour to Llacto, where a delicious lunch awaits.

  3. Cusco

    2 hours

    Finally, we board our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon and concluding this incredible Andean adventure.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Estancia San Pedro Hotel
  • Kaaro House Cusco
  • Hotel Piedmont
  • Yuyay Apartaments Cusco
  • New Day Hotel
  • Sol Andino
  • Ayenda San Cristobal Premium
  • Luna De Oro Hotel
  • Cusco City Lodge
  • Runa's Inn Cusco
  • Casona Plaza Hotel Cusco
  • Anahuarque Hotel Boutique

and 227 more pickup points

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.

The pickup time is between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

Using your ticket

  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. Travelers must be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • It's recommended that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • You will have a briefing session, which will be held in our main office in Cusco at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Our travel specialists will send you a message from +51 974 727 031 via WhatsApp for easy and efficient communication. Contact us now, and let's get started planning your unforgettable adventure!

Cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • 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

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 45 reviews
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Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

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