Ausangate 4 Day / 3 Night Tour
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Max Group Size: 8
- Starts in Cusco
- Book all year round
- Regular & luxury tents available
- Ends in Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Introduction
The 4-day Ausangate trek is a perfect adventure for those who love the Andes, lagoons, and glaciers. It offers unique outdoor experiences and connects you with the mountain energy, helping you conquer every challenge along the way. This circuit provides breathtaking views of one of the most sacred glaciers of our ancestors (Ausangate) and leads you to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Embarking on the Ausangate trek means immersing yourself in one of Peru’s most stunning and culturally rich regions. The journey is both a physical and spiritual challenge, as you traverse landscapes revered by local communities for centuries. The Ausangate mountain, standing at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet), is considered a holy mountain or “Apu” by the Andean people, embodying a spirit of protection and fertility.
Throughout the trek, you will encounter pristine glacial lakes, vibrant turquoise in color, nestled amid snow-capped peaks and sprawling valleys. The nights spent under clear, star-filled skies offer a serene contrast to the day’s exertions. As you make your way through the trail, you will pass through traditional Andean villages, where you can interact with local Quechua-speaking inhabitants and gain insights into their customs and traditions.
The climax of this trek is the arrival at Rainbow Mountain, known as Vinicunca. This natural wonder, with its strikingly colorful mineral stripes, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Andes. Standing at 5,020 meters (16,466 feet), Rainbow Mountain provides a breathtaking and unforgettable end to your journey.
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Itinerary
The Ausangate trek is a four-day adventure through some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. This trek offers hikers the chance to experience stunning glacial scenery, interact with local communities, and visit the famous Rainbow Mountain. The journey is physically demanding but immensely rewarding, providing an unforgettable immersion in the natural and cultural beauty of the Andes.
On the first day, we start early, with our private transport and guide picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. We drive for about two and a half hours to Tinki, a small village where you can purchase basic supplies like water and snacks. After another 30 minutes of driving, we reach our starting point, Upis. Here, we meet our mules and muleteers, who will assist us throughout the trek. The initial part of the hike is a gradual ascent for about three hours until we reach the Upis hot springs at 4,450 meters (14,599 feet). After a short break, we continue ascending for 20 minutes to our lunch spot at Arapa Pampa (4,600 meters/15,092 feet), where we enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal prepared by our chef, with impressive views of Ausangate. Post-lunch, we hike uphill for two more hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4,800 meters/15,748 feet) and then descend gradually to our first campsite at Yanacocha (4,650 meters/15,256 feet), known for its stunning views of Ausangate and unique mountain landscapes.
With introductions exchanged and supplies loaded, we set off on foot towards our first camp, Chiquisca, situated in the shadow of the Padreyoc mountain. The trail offers glimpses of the Apurimac Canyon as we descend gradually, the terrain mostly downhill. As we walk, the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolds around us, creating a sense of connection to the natural world.
Arriving at our campsite, tired but satisfied, we gather under the evening sky. As darkness falls, we share stories and laughter, enjoying the simple pleasure of companionship in the wilderness. Tonight, as we settle in for the night, we look forward to the adventures that await us tomorrow, knowing that each step brings us closer to the heart of the Andes.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent, interspersed with small ascents, for about two hours until we arrive at the Pucacocha Lagoon (4,500 meters/14,764 feet). From here, we face a challenging two-hour ascent to reach Uchuy Azulcocha Lagoon (4,750 meters/14,927 feet), where we stop for lunch amidst a paradise-like setting. After lunch, we continue our ascent for another hour to the Cocha Ccasa Pass (4,930 meters/16,175 feet), where we are treated to a close-up view of Ausangate and its surrounding multi-colored lagoons. We then descend to our campsite at Ausangatecocha (4,700 meters/15,419 feet), where we can spot llamas and alpacas in the wild.
The third day starts leisurely as we explore the Ausangate Lagoon and its vibrant colors. After breakfast, we embark on a two-hour trek to Ananta (4,650 meters/15,255 feet), enjoying the colorful landscapes along the way. Here, we have lunch before starting a two-hour ascent to the Warmisaya Pass (5,000 meters/16,404 feet), where we get our first glimpse of the Rainbow Mountains. A steep one-hour descent follows, leading us to our campsite at Surine Cocha (4,800 meters/15,748 feet), located by the picturesque Surine Lake.
Our final day begins with a gradual two-hour hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 meters/16,466 feet). Here, our guide will show you the best spots to capture stunning photos of the multicolored landscape and explain the geological and cultural significance of the area. After spending some time at Rainbow Mountain, we descend for about two and a half hours through the Red Valley to the village of Quesiuno. Our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 6 PM. Along the way, we enjoy our last lunch of the trek, reflecting on the incredible journey we have completed.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and group preferences.
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What's Included?
Click on the tabs below to see what is included and what is not included as part of your trip. If there is something which is not mentioned here or your have any questions about what to bring, please get in contact with us on the contact page.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Transport from Cusco hotel to the trailhead (Upis) and from the end point (Quesiuno) back to Cusco
- Professional chef and assistant
- Muleteers and emergency horse
- Pack horses for equipment and personal items (8 kg/16 lbs per person)
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian/vegan options available)
- Boiled water and snacks
- Four-season tents (four-person tents for two people)
- Inflatable mattresses (Therm-a-Rest)
- Pillows
- First aid kit, including oxygen
- Pre-trek briefing
- Entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate, and campsites
- Private transport to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Meals and drinks not specified in the program
- Entrance fee to the hot springs
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Extra expenses during the trek (e.g., sodas, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks)
- Tips for guides, porters, muleteers (expected but not mandatory)
- Travel and health insurance (bring copies)
- A small backpack to carry a light coat in case the weather changes during the trek.
- Appropriate rain gear (raincoat) and a rain poncho.
- In the large backpack carry warm overnight clothes.
- It is advisable to place all your clothes and sleeping bag inside plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet if it rains.
- Original passport.
- Sleeping bag.
- Small towel.
- Trekking shoes, comfortable, it is recommended that they are waterproof.
- Sandals/ flip-flops
- Hats for sunny and cold weather.
- Sun block and moisturizing cream & after sun.
- Insect repellent (minimum 20%).
- Flashlight, camera, camcorder and batteries (with the cold weather they are consumed quickly).
- Toilet paper, wet wipes.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, cookies, etc.).
- 2 x 600 ml water bottles. You can refill it with boiled water during the trekking.
- Cash in soles and dollars.
- Hiking poles (recommended) or you can rent them from us.
- Pants
- Socks, polo shirts
- Underwear shorts
- Sweater, jacket.
- Towel, bathing clothes.
- Hat, scarf, sunglasses.
FAQs
We understand that sometimes your plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you make a booking but then wish to cancel it, the following cancellation policies apply:
[Insert Cancellation Policy Table here]
Yes. We always recommend that you take out an insurance policy before travelling. We do not cover you on our insurance policy and we require you to sign a waiver prior to travelling for any damages, injuries etc that may occur on your trip.
However, you can rest assured in the knowledge that our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.