Trek Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain: The Best Hike in the Peruvian Andes
Discover the sacred trail to the Apus on this five-day trek to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain. This trek is one of the most spiritual hikes in Peru...
Description
The Trek Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain is one of the most scenic and rewarding adventures in the Andes of Peru. This 5-day hike takes you through remote highland landscapes, where you’ll witness colorful mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks—all while immersing yourself in authentic Andean culture.
Ausangate Mountain has been considered a sacred peak since Inca times and is still revered by local communities today. It is believed to be protected by the Apus, the mountain gods of the Andes, who play a vital role in local spiritual traditions. As you hike through this sacred region, you'll encounter traditional villages, grazing alpacas, and pristine natural beauty.
This all-inclusive trek includes high-quality camping equipment, a professional and experienced tour guide, and a dedicated trekking chef who prepares hearty and nutritious meals throughout the journey. Our skilled muleteer is responsible for caring for the horses that carry the equipment during the 5-day trek to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.
Are you ready to experience this sacred journey to the Apus and witness the Andes in a whole new way? Book now and live the magic of the Andes!
What to Expect
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01: Cusco - Tinki - Pacchanta - Qomerqocha
Day 02: Qomerqocha - Abra Janca - Huchuy Phinaya
Day 03: Huchuy Phinaya - Abra Palomani - Ananta
Day 04: Ananta - Rainbow Mountain - Ananta - Yana Qocha
Day 05: Yana Qocha - Upis - Cusco
Itineray Details
Day 01: Cusco - Tinki - Pacchanta - Qomerqocha
We will leave at 6:30 a.m. In the direction towards the south of Cusco. On the way we will make short stops until we reach Tinki to see some old buildings and enjoy excellent panoramic views. Tinki is a small town where you can see the customs and ancient traditions. It is also the last place to stock up on some supplies and from here we will leave the paved road to continue our trip to the community of Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,776ft).
When arriving at Pacchanta, while our chef prepares lunch, we will have a moment of relaxation in the thermal waters medicinal springs, this moment will be the only experience in this adventure of Ausangate trek - Mountain of Colors.
After our delicious lunch, we will start walking for 2 and a half hours to our Qomerqocha camp (4,400 m / 14,432 ft).
Travel distance: 2 hours and a half.
Approximate walking time: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 02: Qomerqocha - Abra Janca - Huchuy Phinaya - Huchuy Phinaya
At 6:30 AM. Our challenge will begin, because today we will ascend to the first highest point of our trek, Abra Janca (5,015 m / 16,450 ft). From here, we will have wonderful views, then we will go down to Hampa Pampa to have lunch. Undoubtedly, while we have lunch we will enjoy a beautiful landscape of the Andes where llamas, alpacas, vicunas, deer, etc. they live under the careful care of the snow-covered high mountains, then we will continue descending until we reach Huchuy Phinaya, our second night of camping.
Travel distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 03: Huchuy Phinaya - Abra Palomani - Ananta
Today we will have beautiful sunrise with excellent views towards the high mountains covered with snow.
At 6:30 am, we will start the moderate hike until we reach the highest point of hiking, Abra Palomani (5,130 m / 16,825 ft) . Here, we will be very close to the glacier and we can take many photographs.
After appreciating the scenic beauty, we will descend to the Ausangate lagoon for lunch.
After lunch, we will continue our tour until we reach the Ananta camp where we will spend the third night of Ausangate trek Rainbow Mountain.
Travel distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 04: Ananta - Rainbow Mountain - Ananta - Yana Qocha.
Today, we will visit the busiest and most colorful place of this hike, Rainbow Mountain (5,000 m / 16,400 ft).
To be the first tourists to visit, we will have breakfast at 5:30 a.m. At 6 am. We will start 2 and a half hours walk towards the Rainbow Mountain, we will arrive at the viewpoint at approximately 8:30 a.m., we will take many photographs without tourists, then we will go to the red valley (optional). It is another natural wonder and, finally, we will return by the same road to our Ananta camp, where we will have a 1 hour break for lunch.
Passing lunch, we will complete the small part of the walk that we need to get to Yana Qocha, which is the place of our fourth and last camp. In this part of the walk, we will cross Abra Chillka from where we will have fantastic views with many colored lagoons and snow-covered peaks.
Finally, we will arrive at our campsite where we will spend the night among beautiful and rugged mountains formed by rocks.
Travel distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 05: Yana Qocha - Upis - Cusco
Today is the last day of our 5-day adventure. We will have breakfast at 6:00 a.m. then we will begin to enjoy the last part of our expedition.
Then, we will walk 4 hours to the Upis community, where we can enjoy the thermo medicinal waters, it will be totally healthy to relax after a long walk.
After our last lunch, we will say goodbye to our muleteer and finally we will take our private mobility to the city of Cusco.
We will arrive at the city of Cusco - hotel at approximately 6 p.m.
Travel distance: 9 km / 5 miles
Approximate walking time: 4 hours
Included
Included
- Briefing
- Private mobility round trip. Cusco - Pacchanta and Pampachi - Cusco
- Guide specialist in hiking, cook and assistant for groups more than 8 people
- Sleeping bag
- Horses to load all the camping equipment
- Food: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners (vegetarian optional at no extra cost)
- Hot drinks: coffee, tea, coca, etc. 1 tent for 2 people plus mats
- Large dining tent, kitchen and bathroom
- Chairs and dining table
- First Aid Kit and Oxygen Balloon
- Entrance ticket to the Ausangate Peru Rainbow Mountain
- Duffel bag
Not Included
- Travel insurance: it is recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of the walk
- Additional horses if you have more than 6 kilos
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Tips (optional)
Essential Information
Packing list
- A personal light backpack
- Sweater and jacket
- Personal stuff
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Poncho for rain
- Hiking shoes
- Water bottles
- Repellent
- Toilet paper
- Energy bars
- Lantern
- Lipstick
- Sunglasses
- Plastic bag
- Camera with charger
- Extra money (soles)
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