Ausangate Trek + Rainbow Mountain 3 Days / 2 Nights

Our signature Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek is uniquely enhanced by the support of llamas, offering an extraordinary experience in Peru. Peru Trails is the only company that presents this journey with llama assistance. Our mission is to reintroduce these animals to the highlands while providing an adventure you will remember for a lifetime.

Peru Trails crafts exceptional adventures for every traveler. Now you can experience both Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in southern Cusco—a true paradise boasting refreshing mountain streams, turquoise lakes, charming villages, abundant llamas and alpacas, snow-capped peaks, and the vividly painted hills of Rainbow Mountain. It is one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth and the premier trek in Southern Cusco.

Highlights

• Trek with our dedicated local guides who have led over 500 treks
• Experience our top-quality camping gear
• Enjoy Peruvian cuisine crafted by our mountain chefs
• Hike around the majestic Ausangate and complete your journey at the iconic Rainbow Mountain

• Type of tour: Hiking, camping, scenic
• Distance covered: 6 miles
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Lowest elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 feet)
• Highest elevation: 5,010 m (16,437 feet)

Accommodation: Camping. We provide spacious 3-season tents for 2 people, with 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Solo travelers, please let us know so we can pair you with a companion or arrange a private tent upon request.

Our guides: Peru Trails was born in 2015 from the vision of Jose Condor, a seasoned guide since 2004 with over 1,000 visits to Machu Picchu. Today, our team of expert guides—both men and women—hold professional qualifications and receive annual refresher training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Wilderness First Responder. Since our treks lead you into remote areas, your safety is our priority. Our guides are fully equipped to attend to your needs while you explore. We invest in our team because we believe they are the heart of every unforgettable adventure.

Peru Trails is more than a travel company; we are passionate leaders dedicated to sharing our culture with every traveler.

Location: The trip begins in Cusco or the Sacred Valley based on your request. Travel from Lima, Peru’s capital, to Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, a small domestic gateway.

Departures: This hike is operated exclusively by Peru Trails. When you book with us, you join our direct tours—no third-party arrangements. We depart daily, year-round, with small groups averaging 2 to 5 people to ensure personalized service.

Bookings are accepted all year; this trek does not require advanced planning. When you’re ready, contact us for any questions at +51 987467790 or email us at info@perutrails.com.

Day 1. Cusco – Upis Bajo – Arapa Pass – Pukacocha

We depart from Cusco at 4 a.m. on a 3-hour journey to the trailhead at Upis Bajo. Upon arrival, we meet our horse team to load all necessary equipment and enjoy our first camping breakfast. The adventure begins with a gradual uphill hike toward Ausangate, accompanied by herds of llamas and alpacas. Although the ascent is gentle, the altitude may pose some challenges—but our enthusiastic guides will support you every step of the way.

After stopping at Upis Camp for lunch and a brief rest, we trek toward the first pass, Arapa, a sacred site for the local Quechua. Here, we perform a short ceremony honoring the mountains, reminiscent of ancient traditions, especially significant given our proximity to Ausangate—the most revered mountain for the Incas. Following this moment, we descend to a scenic lunch spot by the pristine Yanacocha Lake. After lunch and a refreshing rest, we continue to our next camp at Puka Cocha, nestled at the base of Ausangate, where you will spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our expert chef
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Lowest elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
• Highest elevation: 4,800 m (15,748 ft)
• Accommodation: 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel

Day 2. Puka Cocha – Ananta Pass – Huarmisaya

Wake up to a warm beverage and a hearty breakfast in the tents. Once packed, we begin the ascent along a steep switchback trail toward the second pass. Along the way, you’ll notice an ancient stone cairn, known as an Apacheta, crafted by the Incas to mark the trail. This area offers expansive views of snow-capped mountains, red-hued peaks, and vast plains, with the possibility of spotting wild vicuñas.

After a well-deserved rest at the pass, we descend to camp for lunch. The afternoon hike leads us toward Huarmisaya Pass, where we catch our first glimpse of the stunning Rainbow Mountain. From the pass, it’s just a 25-minute walk to the camp beside Huarmisaya Lake.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our expert chef
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.5 miles
• Lowest elevation: 4,500 m (14,763 ft)
• Highest elevation: 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Level of difficulty: Challenging

Day 3. Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Rise early for a hike to Rainbow Mountain, arriving before the crowds to fully appreciate its beauty. After exploring the area, we descend through the remarkable Red Valley and another secluded valley rarely visited by hikers. Our day concludes with a final camping meal prepared by our chef at 10 a.m., and we return to Cusco by noon.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch prepared by our expert chef
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Lowest elevation: 4,300 m (14,107 ft)
• Highest elevation: 5,010 m (16,437 ft)

Why Peru Trails

• Peru Trails offers tailor-made treks and tours that cater to your interests
• We are dedicated to delivering world-class adventures with outstanding customer service
• As a locally owned and experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru, we bring decades of first-hand expertise
• Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Quechua—the language of the Incas
• Our guides are professionally trained in Incan history, Peruvian culture, wilderness first aid, trekking, local fauna and flora, and tourism management
• We are committed to environmental preservation
• We support fair labor practices and treat all our employees with respect
• We actively invest in local communities through initiatives like tree planting, providing school supplies, and funding education for porter families
• A portion of every tour’s income is dedicated to our Education Fund, ensuring continuous community support throughout the year

Peru Small Group Specialists

Our tours are designed for adventurers who want to explore new landscapes, immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy authentic cuisine, and appreciate history—whether traveling solo or with friends. Small groups (averaging 4 to 7 people) allow us to offer a more intimate and flexible experience.