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Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days / 2 Nights
The Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days 2 Nights is a high-altitude hiking route in the Andes of Cusco. This trek circles part of Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m/20,945 ft), the highest peak in southern Peru, and finishes with a visit to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
It is a demanding trek recommended for hikers with good physical condition and previous acclimatization to altitude. Over 3 days, you will cross four mountain passes above 4,500m (14,700 ft), walk alongside glacial lakes, and pass small Andean communities where herding alpacas and llamas is part of daily life.
Unlike the Inca Trail, this route is less crowded and more remote. The landscapes change constantly: snow-capped peaks, wide valleys, red mountains, and high-altitude plains. The final day includes an early arrival at Rainbow Mountain, allowing you to explore the area with fewer visitors.
This 3-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a challenging trek combined with one of the most famous natural attractions in Peru.
3-day Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude hiking tour in the Andes of Cusco, Peru. This 3-day route combines part of the Ausangate circuit with a guided visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley, making it one of the most demanding treks in Peru. The trail reaches elevations above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) and crosses remote landscapes, alpine lagoons, and traditional Andean communities with alpaca and llama herding. When you book the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days 2 Nights with Cusco Journeys, you travel with an experienced local operator specialized in high-altitude treks in Peru. This trek combines natural beauty, cultural discovery, and high-altitude hiking around Ausangate Mountain, including glacial lagoons and a visit to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Start with a private transfer from Cusco to Upis, meet your horsemen, and begin the trek to Red Lake campsite. Hike through alpine landscapes with views of Ausangate Glacier, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and soaring condors. Enjoy your first night surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Trek to Alpaca Pass and Vicuña Pass with panoramic views of glacier-fed lakes, the majestic Ausangate Glacier, and snow-capped peaks. Observe vicuñas grazing freely and condors soaring overhead. End the day at Yanacocha Lake campsite, an ideal spot for stargazing and enjoying the serenity of the Andes. Hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, famous for its vibrant mineral colors and panoramic views of surrounding peaks including Ausangate Glacier. Capture unforgettable photos, descend through Llacto Valley, and enjoy a scenic drive back to Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages.
Highlight of the day: First close-up views of Ausangate Glacier and trekking through high-altitude landscapes to the scenic Puca Cocha campsite. We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive privately to the trailhead at Upis, a small Andean village near Ocongate at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft above sea level. Here you will meet your horsemen and horses, who will carry your equipment during the trek. You will enjoy your first breakfast prepared by our trekking chef before starting the hike. From the trail, you will get your first close-up views of the Ausangate glacier peaks, as well as alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife including llamas, alpacas, wild vicuñas and possibly condors soaring above. The morning includes a 3-hour uphill hike to the first pass at 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. From here, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Depending on the season, you may see snow along the trail, but in the dry months the views are always spectacular. Keep an eye out for vicuñas, one of the most impressive wild animals in Peru; their fleece is highly valued worldwide. After photos at the pass, you will hike 1½ hours downhill to a beautiful lunch spot. The afternoon includes another 2½ hour hike to reach our campsite at Puca Cocha (Red Lake). This is one of the most scenic campsites on the trek, located at the base of Ausangate and along the lake shore. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and perhaps spot condors or eagles flying nearby. Highlight of the day: Cross two high mountain passes above 5,000 meters with panoramic views of glaciers, lakes, and the vast Andes. After an early breakfast, your high-altitude trek in the Ausangate region begins with a 2–3 hour steep climb to Alpaca Pass at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. Along the trail, enjoy panoramic views of glacier-fed lakes and the majestic Ausangate Glacier, a highlight of this Andes trek. Depending on the season, you may witness ice avalanches from the glacier cascading into the lakes below. At the summit of Alpaca Pass, you’ll overlook the Chilca Valley, where alpacas graze freely on the hillsides. After taking photos, continue a 2-hour gradual downhill trek to the lunch spot in Chilca Valley, surrounded by waterfalls, green hills, and distant snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, the route continues to the highest point of the trek, Vicuña Pass, at 5,300 m / 17,388 ft. This 1½ hour slow ascent offers opportunities to see wild vicuñas and soaring condors. At the summit, your porters will provide a cup of traditional coca tea to refresh you before the final 1-hour descent to our campsite at Yanacocha Lake. This campsite is a few hours from Rainbow Mountain, making it an ideal spot for stargazing in the Andes, where the Inka constellations can be admired. It is also the perfect place to relax and enjoy our daily happy hour of hot drinks. Highlight of the day: Visit Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley early in the morning with fewer crowds and breathtaking views. After an early breakfast with your trekking team and enjoying traditional warm drinks such as coca tea, the trek begins with a 1½ hour gradual uphill hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Your guide will lead you to the best viewpoints for postcard-perfect photos of Rainbow Mountain, the surrounding peaks, and the Ausangate Glacier in the distance. Along the way, your guide will explain why these mountains are unique. The vibrant colors of the Red Valley are created by a natural composition of minerals, forming striking stone striations that are unlike any other mountains in the Vilcanota Range. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most iconic natural attractions in Peru and a key highlight for trekkers exploring the Andes. After taking photos and soaking in the views, the trek continues downhill through the Llacto Valley for about 1 hour to reach the final lunch spot with your team. Following lunch, you will have a 3-hour drive back to Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages and enjoying scenic views of the Andes. You will arrive at your hotel around 4 pm, completing this unforgettable 3-day high-altitude trek. Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days 2 Nights trek daily, subject to availability. ✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service ⚠️ Limited availability due to campsite capacity. Early booking is highly recommended. To confirm your reservation for the Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights, a deposit is required in advance. We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you prefer another payment method, feel free to contact us for assistance. The Ausangate Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its high altitude, long hiking days, and steep mountain passes. The route reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, so good physical condition and proper acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended. This trek lasts 3 days and 2 nights, covering approximately 32.5 km (20 miles). Each day includes a combination of gradual ascents, high mountain passes, and scenic descents through valleys, lakes, and remote Andean landscapes. The trek includes views of Ausangate Glacier, Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and several glacial lakes. In addition, you will experience remote landscapes, traditional Andean villages, and wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and condors. The best time to do the trek is during the dry season from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and skies are clearer. These months offer better visibility of the mountains and safer trekking conditions overall. The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide, all meals during the trek, camping equipment, and mule support to carry up to 6 kg of personal belongings. This ensures a well-organized and comfortable trekking experience. Yes, this 3-day trek combines part of the Ausangate circuit with a visit to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. This allows you to experience glacier landscapes and colorful mountains in one complete itinerary. Yes, the Ausangate Trek is absolutely worth it for travelers seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Unlike more crowded routes, this trek offers remote landscapes, stunning glacial lakes, authentic Andean culture, and fewer tourists, making it one of the most rewarding treks in Peru. Yes, altitude sickness can affect some travelers, as the trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization in Cusco is essential, and our guides are trained to assist and monitor participants throughout the trek. Weather conditions are typically cold and dry, with daytime temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. Nights can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations, so proper layering and warm clothing are necessary. You should bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, trekking boots, sun protection, and personal essentials. A daypack is enough, as mules carry your main gear, allowing you to hike comfortably during the trek.
At Cusco Journeys, we want you to be fully prepared for your trekking adventure. This guide provides essential information to help you get ready for your Ausangate Trek , including logistics, altitude preparation, weather conditions, and practical travel tips. All briefings are held at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, one or two days before your trek. The session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. During this meeting, your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any questions. This is also the best time to review your packing list and confirm final details before starting your high-altitude trek. Proper acclimatization is essential before starting the Ausangate Trek, as the route reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), and we strongly recommend arriving at least 2 to 3 days before your trek. During this time, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and take it easy while your body adjusts to the altitude. During your acclimatization days, you can enjoy light activities in the region to gradually adapt to the altitude: These excursions provide a perfect balance between exploration and altitude adaptation, helping you prepare physically for the trek. If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 1 or 2 days before your trek. We recommend paying in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing. ATMs are available along Avenida Sol. Credit/debit cards and PayPal are also accepted, with a 5% service fee applied. Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. You will receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing. Your duffel bag will be carried by mules throughout the trek, allowing you to hike comfortably with just a daypack. We recommend packing only essential items. You may store your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate storage with us during your briefing. We recommend keeping valuables in the hotel safe and carrying only what is necessary for the trek. All pick-ups are arranged directly from your hotel in Cusco. We recommend staying in the historic center for easier access. Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before your trek. If your hotel has limited access, we will arrange a nearby meeting point. Weather in the Ausangate region can change rapidly. Days may be sunny, but temperatures drop significantly at night, especially at high campsites. You may experience rain, wind, or even snow at higher elevations. We recommend bringing layered clothing, a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and proper rain protection. Occasionally, strikes or weather conditions may affect travel logistics. If this happens, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly, always prioritizing your safety and ensuring the best possible experience. Travelers are responsible for their personal belongings at all times. We recommend keeping valuables secure and always checking your belongings before leaving campsites, transport, or rest stops. Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights in the Peruvian Andes is an incredible off the beaten path trek! past snow-capped mountains, turquoise… Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 4 Days 3 Nights is one of the most spectacular high-altitude trekking experiences in Peru and a top choice for travelers looking…Overview
Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Overview
⭐ Highlights
Ausangate Trek 3 Days Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Puca Cocha
Day 2: Puca Cocha – Chillca – Yana Cocha
Day 3: Yana Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco
Why Choose Our Ausangate Trek 3 Days
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Puca Cocha.
Day 2: Puca Cocha – Chillca – Yana Cocha.
Day 3: Yana Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco
Inclusions
✅ Included
❌ Not Included
🎒 What do you need to bring
Prices
💰 Prices
Price: USD $409 per person
✔ Professional guides and full trekking logistics includedBooking and Payment
🏕️ Rentals (Optional)
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ausangate Trek
1.- What is the difficulty level of the Ausangate Trek?
2.- How long is the trek and what distances are covered?
3.- What are the main highlights of the trek?
4.- When is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?
5.- What is included in the tour package?
6.- Can I see Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate on the same trek?
7.- Is the Ausangate Trek worth it?
8.- Is altitude sickness a concern?
9.- What kind of weather should I expect?
10.- What should I bring for the trek?
Before You Go
Travel Information – Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights
Pre-Trek Briefing
Acclimatization in Cusco
Recommended Activities Before Your Trek
Balance Payment in Cusco
Duffel Bag Information
Luggage Storage
Pick-Up Information
Weather Conditions
Strikes and Travel Disruptions
Personal Belongings
Contact Us
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