Ausangate and the Mountain of Colours 4 days/3 nights
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N
The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 days and 3 nights tour is one of the most impressive trekking adventures in the Peruvian Andes. During this experience, you will hike around the majestic Apu Ausangate (6,384 m), one of the most sacred mountains in the Andean world, enjoying spectacular landscapes of multicolored lakes, snow-capped peaks, remote valleys, and high-Andean communities.
This journey combines untouched nature, cultural connection, and one of the most visited destinations in Peru: the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a unique natural setting that captivates visitors with its mineral colors and panoramic views.
Why take this tour?
⭐ Scenic route considered one of the most beautiful in Peru
⭐ Panoramic views of the Ausangate Snow Mountain
⭐ Turquoise lakes, natural hot springs, and high-Andean wildlife such as alpacas and vizcachas
⭐ Hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain
⭐ An ideal experience for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and unique landscapes
General information
Days: 4-day / 3-night activity
📍 Location: Vilcanota Mountain Range – Cusco – Rainbow Mountain
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Places you will visit on this tour
- Tinki Village
- Upis – Hot springs
- Ausangate Snow Mountain
- Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha Lakes
- Arapa Pass
- Warmisaya Pass
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
What makes this tour special?
- ⭐ Trekking around the most important Apu in Cusco
- ⭐ Unique high-mountain landscapes in Peru
- ⭐ Final hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain
- ⭐ Campsites surrounded by nature and privileged views
Itinerary – Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis (Hot Springs)
Departure from Cusco
We begin very early with pickup from your hotel and head toward the village of Tinki, located at the foot of Apu Ausangate. Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful highland landscapes, crop fields, and traditional communities.
Start of the hike
From Tinki, we begin the hike toward Upis. The trail follows a wide valley surrounded by mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas, in a natural setting ideal for starting this adventure.
Camp at Upis
After several hours of hiking, we arrive at Upis, where you can optionally enjoy the hot springs. Here we will set up the first camp with a privileged view facing the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
Day 1 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 7 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Upis
🍽 Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha
Ascent to Arapa Pass
We begin the hike toward the first high pass of the trek: Arapa Pass. From this point, the views are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks, open valleys, and an incomparable Andean atmosphere.
Lake complex
We continue toward the Pucacocha lakes, known for their intense turquoise tones. This section is one of the most photographed parts of the route due to the beauty of its landscapes.
Camp at Pucacocha
At the end of the day, we set up camp next to the lake, enjoying a spectacular view of Apu Ausangate reflected in the water.
Day 2 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 10 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Pucacocha
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,850 m
Day 3: Pucacocha – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain – Ananta
Climb to Warmisaya Pass
We ascend to another of the most important passes on the route: Warmisaya Pass. From here, you can admire reddish mountains, deep valleys, and truly impressive high-mountain scenery.
Arrival at Rainbow Mountain
From the pass, we begin the descent toward the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). We arrive via a scenic route, surrounded by mountains naturally colored by minerals and with fewer visitors than other conventional routes.
Descent to Ananta
After enjoying the viewpoint and taking photos, we descend to Ananta, where we will set up camp for the last night of the trek.
Day 3 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 12 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Ananta
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🎨 Highlight: Rainbow Mountain
Day 4: Ananta – Cusco
Final hike
After breakfast, we take a short hike to the point where our tourist transport will be waiting to begin the return to the city of Cusco.
Return to Cusco
Finally, we return by vehicle to Cusco, arriving approximately between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., bringing this extraordinary Andean adventure to an end.
Day 4 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 5 km
🚌 Return: Transportation to Cusco
🕒 Approximate arrival: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Includes and Not Included – Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N
What’s included
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis
- Pickup: From your hotel in Cusco.
- Transportation: Cusco – Tinki.
- Professional Guide: Specialized in high-mountain trekking.
- Camp: Setup in Upis.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha
- Guided route: Assistance throughout the entire day.
- Camp: Overnight stay in Pucacocha.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Safety: First aid kit and oxygen.
Day 3: Pucacocha – Warmisaya – Rainbow Mountain – Ananta
- Entrance: Admission to Rainbow Mountain.
- Professional Guide: Specialized in mountain trekking.
- Camp: Overnight in Ananta.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Ananta – Cusco
- Breakfast: Before starting the final hike.
- Transportation: Return to Cusco.
- Assistance: Ongoing support throughout the tour.
General services included
- Full camping equipment: Personal tents (2 people per tent).
- Kitchen and dining tent: For greater comfort during the expedition.
- Sleeping pads: Included for resting during the nights.
- Horses: For luggage and logistical assistance.
- Snacks: During the route.
Not included
- Entrance to the Upis hot springs.
- Sleeping bag (rental available).
- Personal horse (optional).
- First breakfast.
- Last lunch.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
- Personal expenses not specified.
It is recommended to acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco before doing this trek, as the route reaches high altitudes and requires good physical condition.
Additional Details
Recommendations
- Bring thermal and waterproof clothing.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable trekking shoes.
- Have good prior acclimatization (2 days recommended).
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Carry cash for additional expenses.
- Stay well hydrated before and during the hike.
What to bring
- Thermal jacket
- Rain poncho
- Gloves and hat
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
- Camera
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Water bottle and personal items
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made 30 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Cancellations 5 days before: no refund.
- Tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N Tour
What is the difficulty level of the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N tour?
This trek is of moderate to challenging difficulty. It includes high passes such as Arapa and Warmisaya, so it is ideal for travelers with good physical condition and prior acclimatization.
What exactly is included in the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N tour?
It includes a professional guide, transportation, camping equipment, horses for luggage, full meals, entrance to Rainbow Mountain, and campsites in Upis, Pucacocha, and Ananta. It does not include the hot springs entrance fee, sleeping bag, or the last lunch.
Is it necessary to acclimatize before the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N trek?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The trek goes above 4,800 m in several sections and reaches very cold altitudes. Ideally, you should acclimatize for 1 to 2 days in Cusco before starting.
How cold are the nights during the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N trek?
Temperatures can drop to -5°C or lower during the night, especially in Upis and Pucacocha. It is recommended to bring thermal clothing, a hat, gloves, and a good sleeping bag.
How many kilometers are walked during the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N trek?
In total, approximately 34 km are covered over the 4 days, passing by lakes, high viewpoints, and unique Andean landscapes.
Is Rainbow Mountain visited on this tour?
Yes. On day 3, you will arrive at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) via an alternative and less crowded route, enjoying spectacular panoramic views without the crowds.
What should I bring for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N trek?
It is recommended to bring a thermal jacket, waterproof clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, hiking poles, water, snacks, a camera, and cash for additional expenses.
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