Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days, is a stunning geological formation located in the Andes of Peru. Here’s an overview of this remarkable natural wonder:

Quick Facts

• Difficulty: Challenging/Difficult (Extreme altitude).
• Distance: Approximately 36–38 km (22–24 miles).
• Max Elevation: 5,034 m (16,515 ft}) at Rainbow Mountain summit.
• Weather: Expect freezing nights (-5C to -10 C ). Dry season (April–October) is the best time to go.

Geography and Geology

• Elevation: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
• Geological Formation: The vibrant colors of Vinicunca are due to the sedimentary layers that have been exposed by erosion. These layers contain different minerals, such as iron oxide (red), copper sulfate (green), and other mineral deposits that contribute to the array of colors.

Climate

• Weather: The climate is harsh, with cold temperatures year-round due to the high altitude. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and snowfall is common.

Cultural Significance

• Local Name: The mountain is known as Apu Ausangate in the Quechua language, which translates to “Sacred Mountain.”
• Indigenous Importance: The area around Ausangate holds significant cultural and spiritual value for the local Quechua-speaking communities. It is considered a sacred site and part of their traditional territory.

Conservation

• Environmental Concerns: The influx of tourists has raised concerns about environmental degradation. Efforts are being made to manage tourism sustainably to preserve the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.

Preparation Checklist

• Acclimatization: Do not attempt this trek unless you have spent at least 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first. You will be sleeping above 4,500 m both nights.
• Physical Demand: This is a Level 4/5 difficulty trek. While not technical (no ropes), the combination of steep grades and low oxygen is punishing.
• Night Temps: It is common for temperatures to drop to -10 C / 14 f) at the campsites.

Would you like me to recommend a few local trekking operators that specialize in this specific 3-day route?

Ausangate is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Its vibrant colors and striking landscape make it a must-visit for those traveling to Peru.

DAY 01: CUSCO – UPIS- ARAPA PASS – HATUN PUCACOCHA.

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain. Your journey begins early with a drive through the Vilcanota Valley. The first day is about getting close to the glacier and testing your legs at altitude.

• Morning: Pick-up from Cusco (around 5:00 AM) and a 3.5-hour drive to the trailhead at Upis (4,150 m). After a fresh breakfast, you begin a gradual 3-hour ascent with a constant view of the Ausangate glacier.
• Lunch: Typically held at the Upis hot springs area, where you can soak your feet.
• Afternoon: A steady climb to the Arapa Pass (4,800), where you’ll see the terrain shift from green valleys to rugged alpine landscapes. You then descend to your first campsite near Hatun Pucacocha, a stunning turquoise glacial lake.
• Stats: 12–15 km; 7–9 hours of hiking; Max Alt: 4,800 m.

DAY 2: HATUN PUCACOCHA – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha

This is often considered the hardest day because you will cross two major passes.

• Morning: Start with a steep ascent to Puca Pass (4,870 m). From here, you’ll have a panoramic view of the turquoise lakes and the “red” side of the mountains.
• Lunch: Descend into the Anantapata valley for a high-altitude lunch.
• Afternoon: The “final boss” of the day is the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m). Once you reach the top, you’ll get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain in the distance. A short 30-minute descent brings you to Surinecocha, a high-altitude camp situated very close to the Rainbow Mountain entrance.
• Stats: 13–14 km; 8–9 hours of hiking; Max Alt: 4,985 m.

DAY 3: SURINECOCHA – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

The reward for two days of hard trekking is arriving at the summit before the crowds.

• Morning: Wake up at 4:30 AM to hike the final 2 hours to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) (5,034 m). By camping at Surinecocha, you usually arrive by 7:30 or 8:00 AM—nearly 2 hours before the 1,000+ people arriving on day-trip buses.
• The Hidden Gem: After photos at the summit, take the trail through the Red Valley. This side-trek is often cited as more beautiful than the Rainbow Mountain itself, featuring deep crimson slopes and a lunar-like landscape.
• Afternoon: Hike down to the transport point, have a final celebratory lunch, and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM. Finish our Ausangate trek and rainbow mountain.
• Stats: 10 km; 5–6 hours of hiking; Max Alt: 5,034 m.

SERVICES INCLUDING:

• Transportation: Round-trip private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead (Upis) and back.
• Professional Staff:
  • Bilingual Guide: Licensed mountain guide (English/Spanish).
  • Private Chef: Specialized in high-altitude cooking, providing all meals.
  • Muleteers (Arrieros): Locals to manage the pack horses.
• Camping Equipment: Usually 4-season tents (Doite or North Face) shared by two people.
  • Dining Setup: A dedicated dining tent with a table, chairs, and kitchen tent.
  • Duffel Bag: Provided by the company for you to pack your clothes/sleeping bag (usually up to 7 kg or 8 kg), which the horses will carry.
• Meals & Hydration:
  • Full Board: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners (including snacks and “Happy Hour” tea).
  • Dietary Needs: Most can accommodate Vegan, Gluten-Free, or Vegetarian with notice.
  • Water: Boiled and filtered water provided every morning and during lunch to refill your bottles.
• Safety Gear (Crucial):
  • Emergency oxygen tanks and a comprehensive first-aid kit.
  • Satellite phones or radio communication (since there is zero cell service).
• Entrance Fees: Totaling about 60–80 Soles ($15–$22 USD). This covers Ausangate Park, Rainbow Mountain, and the Red Valley. Some companies include these; others ask you to pay cash at the checkpoints.

What is ALMOST NEVER Included.

• Travel Insurance: Mandatory for most high-altitude treks.
• First Breakfast & Last Dinner: Usually eaten in Cusco before/after the trip.
• Tips: For the guide, cook, and muleteers (budget roughly 100–150 Soles per person for the total crew tip).
• Personal Gear: Hiking boots, down jackets, and rain gear.
• Extra Horse: The additional horse is not included; at the start of the trek you can request to rent one in case of an emergency, such as if you get sick or feel too exhausted.

WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:

Price: Season 2026

PRICES & ADD-ONS

Group Service: USD $.500
Private Service: USD $.650

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

• Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
• If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
• Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Salkantay Expeditions, is able to join that person with additional groups.

Rentals

• Hiking poles – USD $.15 (pair)
• Sleeping Bag – USD $.20