Rainbow Mountain and the 7 lagoons of Ausangate

🫮 Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
⏱ Estimated time: 5 hours
🏔 Max altitude: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft (Upis Camp)
🍽 Meals: Lunch and Dinner

We depart early from Cusco in private transport toward the traditional village of Tinki (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Here we meet our horse wranglers and expedition chef to begin our trek into the Vilcanota Range.

We hike through rural Andean farming communities with expansive views of Mount Ausangate. After lunch on trail, we continue toward Upis (4,400 m), where we relax in natural thermal hot springs facing the glacier before enjoying a warm dinner and stargazing.

🫮 Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
⏱ Estimated time: 6 hours
🏔 Max altitude: 4,850 m / 15,912 ft (Arapa Pass)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we ascend steadily toward Arapa Pass (4,850 m), a panoramic vantage point overlooking the southern Andes and grazing alpaca herds.

We descend along a series of vibrant glacial lakes with intense turquoise, reddish, and emerald hues: Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha. We set up camp near the Ausangate glacier under some of the most pristine alpine night skies in Peru.

🫮 Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
⏱ Estimated time: 7 hours
🏔 Max altitude: 5,020 m / 16,470 ft (Minasniyuq Pass)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up with hot coca tea in your tent for the most scenic day of the trek. We climb first to Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,174 ft), surrounded by red sandstone peaks where wild vicuñas roam freely.

We descend into Alccatauri community (4,400 m) for a warm cooked lunch. In the afternoon, we tackle Minasniyuq Pass (5,020 m), where we perform a traditional coca-leaf offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) with sweeping views before camping beside Surine Cocha lake (4,800 m).

🫮 Hiking distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
⏱ Estimated time: 4.5 hours
🏔 Max altitude: 5,020 m / 16,470 ft (Vinicunca Summit)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We begin hiking early after breakfast toward Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m), arriving between 7:30 and 8:00 AM before day-tour crowds. You will have ample time to take breathtaking photos of the mineral stripes and the Red Valley.

After enjoying this geological wonder, we descend to Quesiuno village where our farewell lunch awaits. We board our private transport back to Cusco, dropping you off directly at your hotel around 5:30 PM.

The trek is rated challenging / demanding. You will hike 6 to 7 hours per day at high altitude, crossing two mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), requiring solid physical endurance and good cardiovascular condition.

We strongly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) doing light day-hikes before starting this trek to ensure proper oxygen adaptation and prevent altitude sickness.

We provide 4-season tents (2 people per 4-person tent) and a dining tent with tables and chairs. On Day 1, you can soak in the Upis natural hot springs overlooking the glacier; portable chemical camp toilets are provided throughout.

Yes, we include pack horses and local wranglers to carry all camping equipment, food, and up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings per trekker (warm clothes and sleeping bag), so you only carry a light daypack.

Essential items include broken-in waterproof hiking boots, a 4-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C / 14°F), thermal base layers, fleece jacket, wind/rain shell, warm gloves, beanie, 50+ SPF sunscreen, and trekking poles with rubber tips.