Description

The Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lagoons of Ausangate (4 Days) tour is an challenging Andean trek 🏔️. It combines hiking at the foot of Mount Ausangate, exploring turquoise glacial lagoons, and reaching the famous Rainbow Mountain summit. High difficulty due to sustained elevation (up to 5,020m / 16,469ft). 🥾💦

Experience an unforgettable 4-day trek combining the demanding 7 lagoons of Ausangate circuit with the majestic Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca! Discover the unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, hike among sacred peaks, and marvel at the breathtaking colors of the Rainbow Mountain. An adventure packed with nature and culture awaits you!

If you are passionate about high-altitude trekking and spectacular Andean landscapes, we highly recommend complementing your adventure by visiting the famous Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour or taking the classic day trip to the beautiful Humantay Lake Tour, two of the most popular natural wonders in the Cusco region.

Aspect	With Inka Jungle Tour	On Your Own
Equipment & Logistics	Includes double thermal tents, premium inflatable sleeping pads, dining/kitchen tents, and a cook.	You must carry your own tents and cooking gear above 4,800 m / 15,700 ft or pay high local rentals.
Meals along the way	Professional chef prepares hot buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner using local ingredients.	Carrying cold canned food or cooking at extreme altitude under freezing Andean winds.
Transport & Horses	Pack horses included for your personal gear (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs) and private door-to-door transport.	Arranging local mules with inflated rates in Tinqui and taking multiple local minivans back to Cusco.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Tinqui Valley - Upis Hot Springs

🥾 Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 5 hours
⛰️ Maximum altitude: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch & Dinner

We depart from Cusco towards Tinqui, crossing the spectacular Vilcanota mountain range and passing through picturesque Andean villages. After a hearty breakfast in Tinqui, we begin our hike.

We walk through agricultural communities and enjoy incredible views of the mountains for about 3 hours before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), where we relax in the medicinal hot springs before dinner. We end the day camping under the stars, the perfect start to an unforgettable trip.

Day 2: Arapa Pass - Pucacocha Lagoon

🥾 Walking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 6 hours
⛰️ Maximum altitude: 4,850 m (15,912 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a nutritious breakfast, we prepare to start the trail towards the imposing Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). Enjoy the incredible views of the Mount Ausangate glacier and the stunning Pucacocha lake.

Marvel at the intense colors of Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha lakes, with their vibrant red, green, and turquoise tones. At the end of the day, our campsite near the Ausangate glacier awaits to close the journey in the best possible way. An unforgettable experience!

Day 3: Ausangate Pass - Minasniyuq Pass - Surine Cocha Lagoon

🥾 Walking distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 7 hours
⛰️ Maximum altitude: 5,020 m (16,469 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today begins with a smile and a hot coca tea to boost our energy. An incredible hike awaits us towards the Rainbow Mountains, passing through the small village of Alccatauri and its unique landscapes. The first challenge is ascending for an hour and a half to the Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,174 ft), where the reddish mountains welcome us and we can spot wild vicuñas, chinchillas, and alpacas.

After descending to Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), we share coca leaves with the locals, who welcome us with hospitality and a delicious lunch. Once again, we begin an hour-and-a-half climb to the Minasniyuq Pass, where the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft) are revealed. Here, we make a traditional offering to Mother Earth (Pacha Mama).

Finally, we descend one more hour to our campsite next to the beautiful Surine Cocha lake (4,800 m / 15,748 ft).

Day 4: Surine Cocha - Rainbow Mountain - Quesiuno - Cusco

🥾 Walking distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 4.5 hours
⛰️ Maximum altitude: 5,020 m (16,469 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we set off for a 2-hour hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft) to enjoy it before the large crowds arrive. Your guide will help you capture the best photos and share the secrets behind its vibrant colors, formed by unique minerals. This natural wonder is a true Andean treasure!

Afterwards, we descend for 2.5 hours to the village of Quesiuno, where a delicious hot lunch awaits us. Then, we start our journey back to Cusco in our private transport, closing an unforgettable experience. We arrive at your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 PM.

Tour Details

Below are the details, characteristics, and recommendations of our 4-day Rainbow Mountain & 7 Ausangate Lagoons trek:

The route goes through an average altitude of 4,850 m / 15,912 ft, reaching mountain passes of up to 5,020 m / 16,469 ft. It is very important that participants are properly acclimated in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before initiating the trek.

Start & Return

Cusco

Start Time

05:00 AM

Included

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Private round-trip tourist transportation
Certified professional bilingual guide
Official entrance tickets to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
Pack horses for camp equipment and food
Full camping equipment (double tent, inflatable sleeping pad, dining and kitchen tents)
Full board meals along the route (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and snacks)
Oxygen tank and first aid kit
Entrance fee to Upis medicinal hot springs

Not Included

Sleeping bag
Bottled water and alcoholic beverages
Optional tips for the support crew
Trekking poles ($10 USD optional)
Personal travel insurance

Recommendations

Warm clothing suitable for sub-zero temperatures (thermal jacket, gloves, beanie)
Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip and rain poncho
Hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent
Small daypack for daily trekking and water container
Swimwear and towel for Upis hot springs
Extra cash in soles for tips and local purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

🥾 How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lagoons trek?

It is of challenging difficulty. The hike requires good physical fitness since we trek at a very high altitude, crossing passes above 5,000 meters / 16,400 ft.

⛰️ How many days of acclimatization do I need for this trek?

It is highly recommended to acclimate for at least 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting to prevent severe altitude sickness (soroche).

💦 Is there access to hot springs during the tour?

Yes, on the first day we will camp in Upis, where you can relax in the natural medicinal hot springs with panoramic views of Mount Ausangate.

🎒 What personal equipment should I pack for this trek?

You must pack warm layered clothing, waterproof hiking shoes, rain poncho, a daypack, a sub-zero sleeping bag, and personal hygiene items.

🍽️ How are meals handled during the 4-day trek?

We have a professional cook who will prepare delicious buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with local ingredients. Vegetarian options are available upon request.