Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights: From the Sacred Snow Peak to Rainbow Mountain

Cusco 3 Days / 2 Nights

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Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Panoramic View 2

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Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español, Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Not specified
Maximum altitude 4,989 m (16,370 ft) – Arapa Pass m.s.n.m.

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Recommendations
FAQs
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About this activity

The Ausangate Trek, 3 days and 2 nights, is the perfect route for travelers who want a full trekking experience in Cusco without giving up an entire week of their trip. Over three days you’ll circle part of the imposing Ausangate, the 6,384 m (20,945 ft) Apu most revered by Andean communities, and finish with the visual reward of the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most photographed landscapes in Peru.

This hike combines the best of two worlds: the authenticity of a true high-mountain trek (glacier lakes, mountain passes above 4,900 m / 16,000 ft, alpaca-herding communities, and starry nights with almost no light pollution) with the chance to reach Vinicunca via a route far less crowded than the single-day excursion most tourists take.

It’s a genuine physical challenge, best suited to motivated travelers with some prior preparation, but the payoff is worth every step: three days connecting with Ausangate’s sacred landscape, ending at one of the most iconic postcard views in the Peruvian Andes.

Itinerary

Day 01

Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

Your journey begins between 5:00 and 5:30 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we will travel by private transportation for approximately three hours to Tinqui and then continue to Upispampa. The trailhead is located at around 4,180 m / 13,700 ft above sea level.

After breakfast, we will begin an approximately 8 km hike, which takes around three hours. The route gradually climbs through high-altitude Andean landscapes until reaching the Upis campsite at approximately 4,430 m / 14,530 ft.

In the afternoon, you will have time to rest or take an optional walk to Upis Lagoon or the nearby hot springs. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a mountain cabin.

Day 02

Upis – Arapa Pass – Puca Cocha – Ananta

The second day starts at around 5:00 AM with an early breakfast. We will then begin the climb toward Arapa Pass, located at approximately 4,989 m / 16,370 ft. This is one of the most demanding sections of the trek.

After reaching the pass, we will descend toward the Puca Cocha area for lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy views of three mountain lakes and the impressive Ausangate massif.

In the afternoon, we will continue to the Ananta campsite, located at approximately 4,700 m / 15,400 ft. The total hiking distance for the day is around 14 km, taking approximately eight to nine hours. Dinner will be served at camp, followed by an overnight stay in tents.

Day 03

Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco

The final day begins very early, between 3:45 and 4:00 AM. We will head toward Ananta Pass and continue toward Vinicunca, aiming to reach Rainbow Mountain before the larger day-tour groups arrive.

During the morning, we will complete the final ascent to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. You will have free time to take photos, admire the colorful landscape, and optionally make a short visit to the Red Valley.

The hike on this final day covers approximately 9 km and takes around six hours. After the visit, we will descend toward Cusipata.

From Cusipata, we will return to Cusco by private transportation in a journey of approximately three hours. The estimated arrival time is around 5:00 PM, marking the end of this three-day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain adventure.

What's included

Inclusions

Included
- Round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional Spanish-speaking guide with radio or satellite phone
- Professional cook and support staff along the route
- All meals in the itinerary (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners; vegetarian option available)
- Overnight accommodation in a cabin (night 1) and mountain tents (night 2)
- Pack animals for camping equipment (limited personal baggage allowance — ask for details)
- Eco-friendly portable toilet and dining tent
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley
- Pre-departure briefing session

What's Not Included

Not included
- Sleeping bag and trekking pole rental (available on request for an extra fee)
- Additional personal riding horse rental
- Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen
- Travel insurance (recommended and required for high-altitude activities)
- Personal expenses, extra snacks, and drinks not included

Recommendations

Difficulty level: moderate to challenging. You'll hike on consecutive days above 4,500 m (14,750 ft), including one stretch above 4,900 m; a base level of fitness before arriving is recommended.
Acclimatization: spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley before this trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What to pack: layered technical clothing, a waterproof jacket, warm hat and gloves, high-SPF sunscreen, broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles (your own or rented), and a reusable water bottle.
Best season: April to October (dry season); the rainy months (November to March) bring a higher risk of lightning storms at altitude.
Cash: bring Peruvian soles in cash for tips and personal expenses, as there are no ATMs along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is altitude sickness on this 3-day trek?

It's one of the most important factors to consider, since you'll cross passes above 4,900 m (16,000 ft) on two consecutive days. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2-3 days early to acclimatize, staying well hydrated, drinking coca tea, and telling your guide right away about any symptoms. The whole team carries emergency oxygen.

What fitness level is required to complete the 3 days?

A moderate to good fitness level is recommended, since you'll be hiking 6 to 9 hours a day on mountain terrain at high elevation. No technical mountaineering experience is needed, but basic cardiovascular endurance helps.

What should I bring for this 3-day, 2-night trek?

Warm layered clothing, a rain jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, hiking boots, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a small daypack. Camping gear and meals are already included in the tour.

What's the weather like during the trek and at Rainbow Mountain?

Mornings tend to be clear and cold, with below-freezing overnight temperatures at camp. Vinicunca can be foggy early on, usually clearing by mid-morning. The dry season (April-October) offers the best visibility; during the rainy season the trail can get slippery.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking for this tour?

Yes, you can cancel or reschedule according to the timeframes in our booking policy in effect at the time of confirmation; the more advance notice, the more refund flexibility. If weather makes the route unsafe, we offer a free reschedule at no additional cost.

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