Llama Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days / 3 Nights

Peru Trails is the only company that offers you this trek supported by llamas. Our goal is to reintroduce these animals as their numbers in Peru have declined, partly because mountain communities now use them less. In Incan times, llamas were primarily used for carrying loads, while alpacas were favored for their wool and meat. When we began our operations in Ausangate, families had alpacas rather than llamas. Then Paulo’s family acquired eight llamas, and to this day, these are the very llamas that accompany our guests on this spectacular journey. Experiencing a trek with llamas will be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Peru Trails is constantly curating extraordinary adventures for you. Now, you have the opportunity to experience both the Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain in Southern Cusco. Discover a true paradise filled with cool mountain streams, turquoise lakes, charming villages, and abundant llamas and alpacas, all set against snow-capped peaks and the iconic, vibrantly painted Rainbow Mountain – one of the most breathtaking sights on earth.

Highlights of the Llama Trek

• Hike with llamas and immerse yourself in the full Andean experience
• Trek with our passionate local guides, who have led hundreds of adventures
• Enjoy our top-notch camping equipment
• Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine prepared by our mountain chefs
• Trek around the towering Ausangate and culminate your adventure at the iconic Rainbow Mountain

• Type of Tour: Hiking, camping, scenic
• Distance Covered: 37 km (22.9 miles)
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Lowest Elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 feet)
• Highest Elevation: 5,010 m (16,437 feet)
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging, with our guide supporting and encouraging you throughout the journey
• Group Size: Our groups average around 7 hikers to ensure a personalized experience. Imagine trekking quietly along a remote trail with just a handful of fellow adventurers, allowing for an intimate encounter with nature and minimal environmental impact.
• Accommodation: Camping in spacious three-season tents for two. Solo travelers, please let us know so we can pair you with another guest or provide a private tent upon request.

Our Guides: Peru Trails was born from a dream realized in 2015 by Jose Condor, who has been guiding treks since 2014 and has visited Machu Picchu over 1,000 times. Today, our team of expert guides – both men and women – holds professional degrees, undergoes annual refresher training, and has trained in the USA with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). They are also certified Wilderness First Responders, ensuring your safety in the wild. We invest in our guides because they are the heart of every unforgettable journey.

Location: This trek starts in Cusco City or the Sacred Valley, based on your preference. You will fly into Lima, Peru’s capital, then catch a domestic flight to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport.

Departures: This hike is operated exclusively by Peru Trails. When you book your trek, you join us directly – no third-party rearrangements. We depart daily year-round with small groups of 2 to 5 people, ensuring a personalized service experience.

We accept bookings throughout the year, and this trek does not require long-term reservations. Whenever you’re ready, contact us for any inquiries at our 24/7 number +51 987467790 or email us at info@perutrails.com.

Day 1. Cusco – Upis Bajo – Upis Hot Springs

We depart from Cusco at 5 a.m. for a 3-hour journey to the trailhead at Upis Bajo. There, we meet our horse riders who load all the equipment and serve our first camping breakfast. Our adventure begins with a gradual ascent toward Ausangate Mountain, surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Although the hike is gentle, the altitude may pose some challenges; rest assured, our dedicated guides will encourage you every step of the way until you reach camp with joy.

Upon arrival at camp, take in the stunning views and enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs as you watch the sunset over the mountains.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our talented chef
• Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Lowest Elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
• Highest Elevation: 4,500 m (14,763 ft)

Day 2. Upis – Arapa Pass – Puka Cocha

Start your day with our signature coffee or coca tea served in your tent, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then embark on the trek toward Arapa Pass, a sacred spot for the local Quechua people. Here, we perform a brief ceremony to honor the mountains, especially as we approach the revered Ausangate Mountain. After this meaningful moment, we descend to a picturesque lunch spot by Yanacocha Lake. Following lunch and a refreshing rest, we continue to the next camp at Puka Cocha, nestled at the base of Ausangate Mountain – a truly spectacular setting to spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our talented chef
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
• Lowest Elevation: 4,500 m (14,763 ft)
• Highest Elevation: 4,800 m (15,748 ft)

Day 3. Puka Cocha – Ananta Pass – Huarmisaya

Wake up to a cup of coffee or tea prepared in your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast to energize your day. After packing up, we tackle a steep, winding trail towards the second pass, where you’ll notice an ancient Apacheta – a stone cairn constructed by the Incas to mark the trail. Enjoy more views of snow-capped peaks, red-hued mountains, and vast glacial plains, and keep an eye out for wild vicuñas. After a well-deserved break, we descend for a couple of hours until lunch is served at camp.

The afternoon trek takes you to Huarmisaya Pass, offering the first glimpse of the magnificent Rainbow Mountain. From there, it’s only a short 25-minute walk down to camp by Huarmisaya Lake.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our talented 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)

Day 4. Huarmisaya – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

An early morning hike brings you to Rainbow Mountain, arriving before the crowds to fully appreciate its beauty. After spending ample time here, we descend through the striking Red and Spectacular Valleys, which remain pleasantly uncrowded. Our journey concludes with a final camping meal prepared by our chef at around 11 a.m.

Following the trek, enjoy a comfortable 3-hour drive back to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch prepared by our talented 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, crafted to match your interests.
• We are committed to providing world-class experiences backed by exceptional customer service.
• As a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, we know the region intimately.
• Our team boasts decades of first-hand experience in Peruvian tourism.
• All our management and staff speak English, Spanish, and Quechua.
• Our guides are professionally trained in Incan history, Peruvian culture, wilderness first aid, and more.
• We are dedicated to protecting the environment.
• We believe in fair labor practices and empower local communities by creating jobs and supporting development initiatives.
• We support local communities through programs like tree planting and educational donations.
• A percentage of every tour’s income supports the education of porter’s children through our Education Fund.
• Our itineraries are diverse and customizable, ranging from 1 to 15 days to ensure a memorable experience.
• Peru Trails designs worry-free trips so you can fully enjoy your adventure.

Peru Small Group Specialists

Our tours are perfect for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, food lovers, history buffs, and photographers – suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, or friends. At Peru Trails, we intentionally keep our groups small, averaging between 4 and 8 people. Small groups allow us to offer flexible itineraries and access to exclusive spots away from the crowds.