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If you are a hiker, nature lover, or want to live an adventure that almost no other destination can offer you, the Ausangate trek is just the experience you need because this snow-capped mountain south of Cusco has a height of 6,384 m where you will find beautiful Andean villages, part of its culture and history, crystal clear lagoons, its peculiar stone forest, the beautiful view of its colorful mountain.
hot springs and views that you will never forget.
Another experience that you will undoubtedly treasure on your trip with us will be at the end of each tour; you will enjoy delicious meals with elements grown in the area, as well as outdoor camping and the diversity of flora and fauna of the Apu Ausangate, which is simply magical.
If you want to embark on an unprecedented journey, live a rewarding experience, know one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and discover part of the rituals, beliefs, and how the Vilcanota Valley is today, do not miss our 4-day and 3-night trek to Ausangate!
Ready for a 4-day adventure on the Ausangate trail, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and then head south, passing through the town of Urcos, where we will appreciate the lagoon of the same name.
Then we will pass through CATTCA, an agricultural community. Here we will appreciate several spectacular views of the region, and finally, we will pass through Ocongate.
After 3 hours of travel, we finally arrived at “Tinki”. We will start with a slight to moderate ascent crossing “La Puna” (a high and dry area with little vegetation) and arrive at our lunch area (3 hours of walking). While enjoying lunch, we will have a wonderful view of Ausangate Peak (6,372 m/20,900 ft).
After lunch, we will continue on the trail for 2 hours until we reach the Upis camp at an altitude of 4400 masl – 14400 ft. Here in the afternoon, we will have tea time and dinner right in front of Ausangate Mountain.
DETAILS:
Walking distance: 7 km/4 miles.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,400 – 14,435 ft.
Minimum altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
After an appetizing breakfast served by our chef, we ascend by hiking for two hours to reach “La Arapa Pass” (4,850 m/15,908 ft.). Then descending to reach our lunch area. We’ll view Falcons, Vizcachas, or Andean squirrels and three beautiful lakes with shades of red, green, and turquoise (“Pukacocha”, “Hatun Pukacocha”, and “Qomerqocha”). Let’s not forget the spectacular landscape of the snow-capped peaks.
After lunch, we continue a slow, steady climb (2 hours), taking us to the foot of the “Abra de Apuchata” (4,900 m). Where we will finally descend to our camp in” Ausangate Cocha” (4,440 m).
DETAILS:
Today, you will be woken up with (coca tea). This is gonna be one of the most amazing days of the trek. We will see Rainbow Mountain from far away. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional local life, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer.
The day begins with a 2-hour descent until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this high point, we will see the red Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas. Originally from this área.
After a while, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alcatauri Village (4,410 m / 14,455 ft). During our time in the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them some presents (toys, books, and pencils). This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.
Following this amazing experience, we will walk a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic spot
After enjoying lunch, we will begin our hike uphill to the second pass. After 2 hours, we will follow the Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain(5,023 m / 16,489 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (our universe).
The remainder of the day´s hike is a 1-hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the best of the gorgeous Surine Lake
DETAILS:
Wake up, gonna be with coca tea. After breakfast, we hike gradually uphill for 1 and 45 hours until we reach the Georges Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m / 16,480 ft). Your guide will hike to the best spots to get amazing pictures of these incredible Vinicunca rainbow mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your tour guide will explain why the colors of these mountains so unique: in this área but we have in some parts of the world like China, Argentina
After taking pictures and enjoying the view, we will continue on the hike until we reach the end of the trek. This is a 2-hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
After lunc,h Will takes our transportation to get to Cusco and your hotel.
DETAILS:
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027 All prices quoted are in $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds, including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
What is the best time to visit the Ausangate Glacier?
The best time is from May to October, which is the dry season in Cusco, and therefore on this mountain. For the rest of the months, it is usually a colder climate, unexpected rains, and cloudiness; therefore, if you decide to go on these dates, we invite you to take your forecasts.
How can I prevent altitude sickness before the tour to Ausangate?
We recommend you arrive in the city of Cusco a day before, in order to help you acclimatize. Likewise, if possible, avoid eating fatty foods or alcoholic beverages, and, finally, you could try a drink widely used by the Incas (coca leaf tea) which will help you minimize and avoid dizziness, nausea, or fatigue that causes altitude sickness.
Is the trek to Ausangate difficult?
This route is considered somewhat difficult and demanding; since it has a high altitude, as well as ascents and descents that require good physical condition on the part of the tourist.
How can I physically prepare for the Ausangate route?
Regardless of whether you are a physically active person or not, we advise you to consider the following aspects to prepare for your tour of the Ausangate mountain:
How is the food they serve for the Ausangate tour?
One of the aspects that we take care of the most for this trip is food. During each day that the activity lasts, you will try a variety of dishes, typical of Peruvian cuisine, with local ingredients, created by nutritionists and chefs, which will provide you with all the necessary nutrients to enjoy the walk to this Apu every day.
Can I bring the children to the tour?
Due to how challenging the 5-day rainbow mountain hike and Ausangate can be, it is recommended not to take small children; since they are usually long walks and areas that must be traveled with caution. However, this trip is allowed for children over 12 years of age who are in good physical condition to complete the walk without problems.
is probably one of the most beautiful and complete trails that Cusco has, there is 55 km in total that you can do in 4 or 5 days, along this hike you can see turquoise lagoons, glaciers, llamas, alpacas running, chinchillas, and the imposing snowy Ausangate with an altitude of 6385 meters above sea level.
It is one of the best experiences to connect with nature and its enigma.
The perfect combination is to do this trekking with the famous mountain of 7 colors where you will spend 4 5, 6, and 7 incredible days.
without any doubt, the best recommendation is to do physical exercises before doing this trekking running ravines, going up and down hills if you have it in your country, or running at least 10 km per day, and thus be prepared to not have problems, and for people who suffer from the heart is not recommendable to do it because this trail is the highest in Cusco.
To be able to acclimatize is good to be in Cusco for 1 day or 2 days, and also the other option is to start your plans from Arequipa, Puno, and then come more acclimatized to Cusco and be better adapted to the altitude.
the best time for hiking is between the months of April to September, with very sunny days and perfect for taking good pictures and seeing the mountains more clearly in all their glory these months are the high season, and the months of October to March are the months of the rainy season and there are companies that still offer this trail and is not recommended because during the day is cloudy with rain and the road is slippery.
the answer is of course, yes, having good camping and trekking equipment and a GPS, with maps where that can help you in the right direction where to go, camp, etc.
The Ausangate trail is not well marked and unfortunately, you can get lost when it is cloudy.
The best option is to book with a company expert in this trekking and also to have a better experience as GO TREKS PERU has the best professionals.
In general, this trekking is to be able to learn and know more about the Inca culture.
The weather in the Andes is very unpredictable because of the geography that we have, in the Ausangate trek trail during the day are sunny days so you will need to use sunscreen, and during the night can reach temperatures below 0 degrees.
in general, is to have Good trekking equipment to not have problems with the cold and heat and it is always necessary to have enough water to drink, the recommendation is to have 2 liters per person to avoid dehydration.
The Ausangate trail is divided into two well-marked categories: short (2-4 days) and long (5-7 days) with colorful mountains. If you have time, we recommend that you choose a 5-7 day route. This option is the most complete because on this trail you will be able to visit beautiful lagoons and the snow-capped Ausangate and the incredible mountain of colors.
Also known as small Ausangate Treks, these shorter trails are intended to offer hikers a sort of “best of” sample of the Ausangate region in a shorter period of time. These routes usually focus on Lake Puca Cocha, the Ausangate glacier, and the Arco Iris mountain is somewhat complete.
Full Ausangate Trek (5-7 days)
The longer treks will take you through mountains and places that are rarely seen by hikers, a complete circuit so you can appreciate some of the high peaks from multiple angles and take amazing pictures. During the day you will see breathtaking views of glaciers and during the night, the milky way at its best from 4,000 meters to 5,200 meters.
For people who love to take pictures, this amazing trail will give you incredible gifts of turquoise lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, alpacas, and the popular colorful mountain
Different hotels have a place to leave your luggage when you go out for a day trip, the other option is to leave it at the GO TREKS PERU office and when you come back you can pick it up without any problem.
The main reason Ausangate is considered difficult is that the entire hike is at a high altitude. This route is probably not suitable for novice hikers. It is considered one of the most difficult, however, if you have done other treks before you should have no problem.
there are many places to rent in Cusco, the best option is to rent around the square and the best known for quality and price is the famous speedy Gonzales that is on Procuradores street.
Put your smartphone on airplane mode. no phone signal and to save battery life.
Drink enough water, it is very important to hydrate yourself as we will be walking at 4000 masl and during this trek, there are streams where you can recharge water and important to have purifying tablets is important when walking at high altitudes.
Be very attentive to the weather. Conditions can change for hours at high altitudes in the Andes. Always have warm layers and waterproof layers on hand. This is especially important when climbing and traversing high passes.
Carry a first aid kit, an equipment repair kit, and a blister treatment kit in your backpack, but we have them too.
Carry a good amount of your favorite sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses, and wear a buffalo to protect your head and neck and help block the wind.
This hike is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if your child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, you can do it.
The higher altitude also means colder, near-freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to hike for several days, be sure to bring very warm clothing.
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain will be in the morning or early afternoon, just after sunrise or before sunset.
Do not go to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon during the rainy season because of the lighting. Due to the high concentration of minerals. There is a high probability of being affected by lighting.
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Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
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