Overview
The 4 Days Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain offers a memorable experience across the Vilcanota Mountain Range. This trail takes you from the famous Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca to the natural hot springs in Pacchanta, over four days of adventure.
You will summit high altitude mountain passes over 5,000 meters and explore hidden glacier fed lakes nestled between the Apus. This is the best short Ausangate circuit for travelers who want Rainbow Mountain without the day tour crowds, plus true wilderness camping, Quechua culture and relaxing hot springs.
Operated by a licensed trekking company based in Cusco with professional mountain guides, horsemen, chefs and full camping logistics.
What To Expect
- Long trekking days of 5 to 8 hours
- Altitudes over 5,100m / 16,732 ft at Condor Pass
- Camping next to high lakes and with direct views of Apu Ausangate 6,384m
- Cultural encounters with local Quechua families, alpaca herders and textile artisans
- Wildlife including alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean geese and Andean caracara falcons
- Natural hot springs in Pacchanta on the final day
Main Challenges
- Altitude: Over 5,000m. Prior acclimatization in Cusco for 2 to 3 days is mandatory
- Physically demanding: Steep climbs, long uphill segments, rocky trails and loose gravel. Depending on the season you may encounter mud or light snow
- Weather and exposure: Very cold at night down to minus 10C, and extreme solar radiation during the day
Highlights
- Wildlife and living Quechua culture far from tourist routes
- Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca at 5,000m / 16,404 ft
- Apu Ausangate 6,384m / 20,944 ft, the most sacred mountain in Cusco
- Ausangate Lake and other turquoise glacier fed lakes including Qomer Lake
- Pacchanta Hot Springs with views of Ausangate Glacier
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – PITUMARCA – Q’ESUYUNO – KAYRAWIRY – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA
Welcome to day one of the 4 Days Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain.
This adventure starts before sunrise with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00am. Our private driver takes you on a 2 hour scenic drive to Pitumarca through the South Valley. This route offers extraordinary views of canyons, farming terraces and the rugged mountains of the Andes.
After a stop in Pitumarca for breakfast and last minute supplies, we continue for 1 more hour to Q’esuyuno at 4,326m / 14,189 ft. Here you meet our full expedition team. The team includes our professional mountain guide, horsemen, chef and cooks. We hand our duffel bags to the horsemen and check that we have the essentials for the first day of hiking.
From Q’esuyuno we start our trek to Kayrawiry, arriving by lunch time. Our kitchen team waits with a hearty hot lunch to refuel and prepare for the afternoon.
First Summit: Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
After lunch we continue the trek to Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca. This hike itself is a highlight. Following a stream to the summit, the mountains begin to show layering in red, amber and turquoise tones. At the top of Vinicunca at 5,000m / 16,404 ft, we have time to admire and photograph this unique landscape, recently revealed after the retreat of the glacier. You will be here with few trekkers, not the crowds of the day tour.
We descend back to Kayrawiry. Our team waits with tents ready, plus hot beverages and appetizers to welcome you. After time to settle in your tent, we call you for a nourishing dinner.
Key Statistics Day 1
- Highest Altitude: Rainbow Mountain 5,000m / 16,404 ft
- Lowest Altitude: Q’esuyuno 4,326m / 14,189 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Campsite: Kayrawiry 4,600m / 15,091 ft
- Meals: Breakfast in Pitumarca, Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 2: KAYRAWIRY – Q’ESUYUNO – CONDOR PASS 5,100M – AUSANGATE LAKE
The second day is the most scenic of the whole trek and the day with the highest altitude. Your guide wakes you up with a hot beverage served to your tent.
Condor Pass, highest point of the adventure
After an early breakfast we depart Kayrawiry. The first segment returns to Q’esuyuno, then we begin a 2 hour steep climb to Condor Pass at 5,100m / 16,732 ft. This challenging stretch rewards you with some of the most breathtaking views of the trek. You will see intense blue glacier lakes and the towering Apu Ausangate 6,384m / 20,944 ft, the most sacred mountain in Cusco.
After photos and rest at the pass, we start to descend to our lunch spot. After a hearty lunch to recharge energy, we trek for another 3 hours to Ausangate Lake at 4,550m. Our team is ready to welcome you at the lake with hot drinks and appetizers before a tasty dinner. This is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Andes.
Statistics Day 2
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Highest Altitude: Condor Pass 5,100m / 16,732 ft
- Campsite: Ausangate Lake 4,550m / 14,927 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 3: AUSANGATE LAKE – ABRA CAMPO PASS 5,000M – QAMPA VALLEY
The third morning starts with a hot beverage served to your tent and a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day.
Another day, another pass
We start the day with an exciting 3 hour ascent to Abra Campo Pass at 5,000m / 16,404 ft. The trail offers stunning scenery in the Andes. On the way to the pass we spot wildlife, especially vizcachas, llamas and alpacas, the national animal of Peru.
At the pass we admire panoramic views of valleys between the Apus. Take time to capture these unforgettable moments.
We begin a gradual 1.5 hour descent to our lunch spot, nestled in a picturesque area perfect for a relaxing break. Our expedition team is ready to spoil you with another tasty hot meal prepared fresh on the trail.
After lunch we continue hiking for 2.5 hours to Qampa. Our third campsite is ready and waiting in Qampa Valley. This spot is chosen for its beauty and tranquility, perfect to unwind and share stories of the day. Upon arrival we greet you with hot beverages and appetizers before dinner.
Statistics Day 3
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: Abra Campo Pass 5,000m / 16,404 ft
- Campsite: Qampa 4,500m / 14,763 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 4: QAMPA – AUSANGATE GLACIER BASE – QOMER LAKE – PACCHANTA HOT SPRINGS – CUSCO
Welcome to the final day of our Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain.
After 3 days in the backcountry your legs will be tired but your body is now adapted to the high altitude. Gear up for more stunning landscapes on the way to Pacchanta.
After a hearty breakfast we trek 1 hour to the base of Ausangate Glacier. We stop here to capture unique views of the Vilcanota Range with the glacier close in front of you.
After this stop we continue descending to our lunch spot where a delicious lunch awaits.
Qomer Lake and Pacchanta Hot Springs
The afternoon brings our last two visits, along some of the most beautiful scenery of the whole trek. First we descend to Qomer Lake, a stunning turquoise glacier fed lake where we stop to take in the beauty.
Continuing, the next stretch takes us descending for 2 hours to Pacchanta community at 4,300m / 14,107 ft. This small Andean community is famous for its natural hot springs. Here you can plunge into thermal pools at 38C and relax with direct views of Ausangate Glacier. The best reward after four days of trekking.
Finally our private driver takes you back to Cusco. The drive takes about 3 hours. We arrive around 6:00pm at your hotel in Cusco. End of an adventure of a lifetime.
Statistics Day 4
- Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
- Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles plus 3 hour drive to Cusco
- Highest Altitude: Ausangate Glacier Base 4,800m / 15,748 ft
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included, plus hot springs entrance
Included
- Private transport from Cusco to Q’esuyuno trailhead and return from Pacchanta to Cusco
- Licensed professional mountain guide fluent in English and Spanish, Wilderness First Aid certified
- Full team of local horsemen and horses to carry camping equipment and your duffel bag up to 7 kg
- 3 nights camping in 4 season tents with sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, afternoon tea with hot drinks and snacks. Boiled water daily
- All high-quality camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs and kitchen equipment
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter and satellite phone
- All entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate communities. No hidden fees
- Leave No Trace operation and support to local Quechua communities
Not Included
- Rated to minus 10C to minus 15C. Available to rent for 20 USD for the whole trek
- Mandatory and must cover trekking to 5,100m and emergency evacuation
- Hiking boots, daypack, trekking poles and personal clothing
- Meals in Cusco before and after the trek
- Optional and appreciated by our team
- Personal snacks and drinks outside included meals
- Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary
- Extra transfers or transport outside the trek
- Hotel nights in Cusco before or after the trek
- Emergency helicopter evacuation, hospital and medical costs
Pricing
Price – Ausangate 4 Days with Rainbow Mountain
$677 USD per person. Depart any day with minimum 2 people. Extra pack horse for 7kgs included. Large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
- 2 persons$677 pp
Depart any day, min 2 people
- 3 to 4 persons$677 pp
Depart any day, small group
- 5 or more persons$647 pp
$30 OFF when booked together
- Group of 5 or more$30 OFF
All you need is to book the trek together at the same time
- Sleeping Bag$20 USD
Per person per trek. Clean and warm, minus 10C
- Air Mattress$20 USD
Per person per trek. Therm-a-rest mattresses
- Walking Poles$15 USD
Per pair per trek. Professional extendable poles
- Personal Tent$30 USD
For solo trekkers only
- Comfortable foam mattresses – FREEFREE
Included for every trekker
- Camping pillow – FREEFREE
Included for every trekker
- Transfer from airport to hotel – FREEFREE
Cusco only
- Boiled water for drinking and washing – FREEFREE
Daily on the trail
- Personal pack horse up to 7 kgs – FREEFREE
Duffel bags and plastic liner bags provided
- Thick warm blanket – FREEFREE
To put over the sleeping bag
- Hot water bottles – FREEFREE
To put into your sleeping bag on cold nights
What To Bring
Complete packing list for Ausangate Trek 4 Days with Rainbow Mountain – 5,100m
- Backpack 30 to 40 Liters
Comfortable, well fitting daypack with good support system and hip belt. 30 to 40 liter capacity is sufficient for your daily essentials like water, layers and camera. Your main duffel up to 7 kgs goes on the horse.
- Sleeping Bag
Suitable for temperatures down to at least 0°C / 32°F, ideally minus 10°C to minus 15°C for high camps. Clean and warm bags available to rent from us for $20 if you do not want to bring your own.
- Trekking Poles
Highly helpful for steep and uneven terrain on Ausangate passes. They reduce impact on your knees on long descents and improve balance. Available to rent as a pair for $15.
- Footwear – Hiking Boots
Good quality, well fitting waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Make sure they are worn in before the trek to prevent blisters. Essential for rocky trails and loose gravel at 5,100m.
- Clothing – Layering System
Layering is key. Base layers: moisture wicking fabric. Insulating layers: fleece or down jacket for cold evenings. Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket. Also trekking pants and shorts and moisture wicking underwear.
- Hat and Gloves
Brimmed hat for strong sun protection during the day and warm beanie for cold evenings at camp. Plus a pair of warm waterproof gloves for passes and nighttime.
- Socks
Several pairs of thick wool or moisture wicking hiking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Bring at least 4 pairs for 4 days.
- Personal Medication and First Aid Kit
Include any personal medication, plasters for blisters, painkillers, altitude sickness medication if prescribed by your doctor, and basic first aid items.
- Hydration
Water bottles or hydration bladder with at least 2 liter capacity. We provide boiled water daily to refill. Water purification tablets or a water filter as a backup is recommended.
- Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen SPF 50 plus, lip balm with sun protection, and UV400 sunglasses. Radiation is extreme at 5,100m even on cloudy days.
- Insect Repellent
Especially important in the lower elevations on the drive to Pitumarca. Bring small spray or lotion.
- Headlamp or Flashlight
Essential for early morning starts and moving around camp at night. Bring extra batteries.
- Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items. Biodegradable soap is recommended for high mountain lakes.
- Snacks
Energy bars, trail mix, chocolate or your preferred high energy snacks to keep your energy up between meals on long pass days.
- Camera
With extra batteries or a power bank. Cold drains batteries fast at 5,000m. Capture Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate Glacier and turquoise lakes.
- Rain Gear
Good quality raincoat or poncho to protect against rain, wind and snow on high passes. Waterproof pants highly recommended.
- Cash
For tipping your guide and horsemen, extra snacks, souvenirs along the way and emergency needs. Bring small soles bills.
- Travel Documents
Passport original, travel insurance details and any other necessary documents. A copy in your duffel is recommended.
- Small Towel and Wet Wipes
Quick dry small towel and biodegradable wet wipes for personal hygiene at high camps where showers are not available.
- Warm Clothing for Nighttime
It can get quite cold in the evenings and at higher elevations down to minus 10C. Bring down jacket, warm thermal layers and warm sleeping socks for camp.
