Hiking, Adventure, Camping

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain: 5 Days

5 Days / 4 Nights · Challenging—suitable for… ·

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Max Elevation

5,190 m / 17,028 ft

Activity Type

Hiking, Adventure, Camping

Difficulty

Challenging—suitable for trekkers in good physical condition

Distance

70 km / 43 miles

The experience

This camping trek circles Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest mountain of the Cusco region, in the Vilcanota range south-east of Cusco. In five days and about 70 km it crosses five high passes, the highest being the Palomani pass at 5,190 m (17,028 ft), camps beside glacial lakes and reaches Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on day 3, arriving on foot from the Ausangate side. We drive…

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain in 5 days

We drive from Cusco to Tinki and walk to the Upis hot springs on day 1. Day 2 crosses the Arapa pass to the lakes of Pucacocha. Day 3 is the longest: two passes, Rainbow Mountain and the Palomani pass, down to Phinaya. Day 4 crosses the Ccampa pass to the lakes of Otorongo Cocha, and on day 5 we walk down to the hot springs of Pacchanta before the drive back to Cusco.

Horses carry the camping equipment and up to 7 kg of your luggage, and our cook prepares all meals on the trek. It is a remote, high and cold route for fit trekkers with some experience. Southern Peru Explorers is a local operator based in Cusco, running treks since 2009.

Tour overview

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights, all camping
Distance: about 70 km (43 miles)
Highest point: Palomani pass, 5,190 m / 17,028 ft
Passes: Arapa, Apacheta, Surimana, Palomani and Ccampa
Camps: Upis, Pucacocha, Phinaya and Otorongo Cocha
Difficulty: challenging; for fit trekkers who have acclimatized
Weather: cold; nights below 0 °C at the camps
Price: USD 650 per person, minimum 2 travelers

Why choose this tour

For trekkers who want high mountains and few people: five days around a glaciated peak, with Rainbow Mountain on the way. Only have one day? Our Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour goes from Cusco and back the same day. More about…

Why choose the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain?

For trekkers who want high mountains and few people: five days around a glaciated peak, with Rainbow Mountain on the way.

A full circuit around Ausangate: glaciers, turquoise lakes and herding communities, far from the busy routes to Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain on foot: you reach Vinicunca on day 3 from the trail, instead of on a day trip by road.
Two hot springs: Upis on day 1 and Pacchanta on the last day.
Horses for the luggage: you walk with a daypack; the horses carry the camp and your duffel bag.
Safety in a remote area: guides trained in first aid, with oxygen and a satellite phone.

Only have one day? Our Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour goes from Cusco and back the same day. More about the route in our Ausangate Trek map and Ausangate Trek FAQ.

GET A QUOTE

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.

DAY 01

Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis Hot Springs

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and drive about 4 hours south-east to Tinki, at the foot of the Vilcanota range, where you meet the horsemen and the cook.

We start walking near Qoñamuro across wide grassland with alpacas and views of Ausangate and its glaciers. On the way your guide explains why Ausangate is an apu, a sacred mountain, for the people who live around it. After about 6 hours, with breaks and lunch, we reach the Upis camp below the mountain, where you can soak in the natural hot springs.

Facts and figures

Walking: about 9 km / 5.6 miles, 5 to 6 hours
Night: camping at Upis, above 4,000 m
Meals: lunch and dinner

DAY 02

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass (4,800 m) – Pucacocha

After breakfast we climb to the Arapa pass, at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). It is a steady, hard climb, rewarded with views of Ausangate's glaciers and the red and ochre hills around it. On this side of the mountain you may see vicuñas as well as llamas and alpacas.

After about 8 to 9 hours, with breaks and lunch, we camp at Pucacocha, beside two lakes below the mountain. On clear nights the sky is full of stars.

Facts and figures

Walking: about 18 km / 11.2 miles, 8 to 9 hours
Highest point: Arapa pass, 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Night: camping at Pucacocha
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 03

Day 3: Pucacocha – Rainbow Mountain – Palomani Pass (5,190 m) – Phinaya

The longest day starts early with the climb to the Apacheta pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) and the Surimana pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), with views over the colored hills and the Ausangatecocha lake below the glaciers.

We then walk to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m), with its red, yellow and green mineral bands, and stop for photos. From there we climb to the Palomani pass, at 5,190 m (17,028 ft), the highest point of the trek, with a wide view of the Vilcanota range, before descending to our camp near the village of Phinaya, at about 4,500 m.

Facts and figures

Walking: about 18 km / 11.2 miles, around 9 hours
Highest point: Palomani pass, 5,190 m / 17,028 ft
Night: camping near Phinaya, about 4,500 m / 14,765 ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 04

Day 4: Phinaya – Ccampa Pass (5,180 m) – Otorongo Cocha

We leave Phinaya across high meadows and wetlands. After several hours comes the climb of about 3 hours to the Ccampa pass, at 5,180 m (16,995 ft), the last high pass of the circuit, close to the glaciers of Ausangate. Trekking poles help on the loose ground.

About 2 hours of descent take us to our last camp by the lake of Otorongo Cocha, one of the lakes below Ausangate that local communities hold sacred.

Facts and figures

Walking: about 9 km / 5.6 miles, around 7 hours 30 minutes
Highest point: Ccampa pass, 5,180 m / 16,995 ft
Night: camping at Otorongo Cocha
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 05

Day 5: Otorongo Cocha – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Cusco

On the last morning we walk down from Otorongo Cocha through high grassland to the village of Pacchanta, at about 4,200 m, with more views of Ausangate behind us.

In Pacchanta you can relax in the hot springs. Lunch in the village is optional, and then our vehicle takes you back to Cusco, about 4 hours away.

Facts and figures

Walking: about 18 km / 11.2 miles
End of the trek: Pacchanta, about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, with hot springs
Return: private transport to Cusco, about 4 hours
Meals: breakfast

What's Included & What's Not

Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.

What's included in the Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Briefing 1 to 3 days before the trek, at your hotel or our office in Cusco: route, weather, packing and safety. We give you the duffel bag there.
Professional guide in English and Spanish for the whole trek, with experience of high-altitude routes.
Private transport from Cusco to Tinki on day 1 and from Pacchanta to Cusco on day 5 (about 4 hours each way).
Entrance and community fees: the Ausangate route, Rainbow Mountain, the campsites and the hot springs of Upis and Pacchanta.
Cook and meals on the trek: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners; vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets on request.
Horses and horsemen for the camping equipment, the food and your duffel bag (maximum 7 kg / 15 lb).
Camping equipment: four-season tents, two people per tent; single tent on request (USD 80).
Drinking water, boiled and filtered, every day; bring your own bottle.
First aid: guides trained in first aid, with a medical kit, oxygen and a satellite phone for emergencies.

Not included

Breakfast on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 5
Trekking poles (rental USD 25)
Travel insurance that covers trekking above 5,000 m
Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
Tips for the guide, cook and horsemen

Packing List (What to Bring)

Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.

Packing List: Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain (5 Days)

Because you will be crossing multiple passes near glaciers, you must be prepared for sub-zero temperatures at night and intense sun during the day. This is what to pack:

Essential Documents & Logistics

Original Passport: Carry it for identification during the trip.
Cash in soles: For snacks, drinks or handicrafts from the local communities (the hot springs of Upis and Pacchanta are included).

Warm layers for nights below freezing

The "Summit" Jacket: A high-quality down jacket (rated for -10°C or lower). The campsites are at very high elevations where temperatures drop below freezing as soon as the sun sets.
Hard Shell: A professional waterproof and windproof jacket. Wind at the Palomani Pass (5,190 m) can be very strong.
Thermal Base Layers: At least two sets of mid-weight thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool is highly recommended).
Trekking Pants: Quick-dry hiking pants. Avoid leggings alone, as they offer no wind protection.
Accessories: Waterproof gloves, a heavy wool beanie (covering ears), and a "buff" or neck gaiter to protect your lungs from the cold, dry air.

Footwear & Trekking Hardware

Advanced Trekking Boots: Waterproof (Gore-Tex) boots with excellent ankle support. The terrain on Day 3 and 4 involves steep, loose scree and rocky paths.
Trekking Poles: These are essential for navigating the steep ascents to Palomani and Ccampa passes and protecting your knees on the long descents.
Headlamp: High-lumen output with spare batteries. Necessary for the cold nights and early-morning starts.
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit and a small travel towel for the hot springs.

High-Altitude Health & Protection

Hydration: 3 liters of capacity (bladder + bottle). You lose more water at high altitude.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with UV protection, and Category 3 or 4 sunglasses. The snow reflection at these altitudes can cause snow blindness or severe burns.
Electrolytes: Powdered supplements to help with hydration and mineral balance during the 9-hour trekking days.
Personal Hygiene: Wet wipes (for "mountain baths"), hand sanitizer, and biodegradable toilet paper.

Important Trek Notes:

Night Skies: The Ausangate region has zero light pollution. If you have a tripod for your camera, it is worth the weight for the astrophotography opportunities.
The Highest Point: On Day 3, you reach 5,190 m / 17,028 ft. Ensure you have spent at least 3 days in Cusco acclimatizing before starting this specific trek.

Photo gallery

13 photos from this tour.

Before you travel

Group size: Minimum 2 travelers
Guide languages: English and Spanish (other languages on request)

Pickup

Hotel pick-up in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. on day 1.

Return

After finishing the trek in Pacchanta, we return to Cusco by private transport.

Pre-tour briefing

Briefing will take place 1-3 days prior departure at your hotel or our offices in Cusco.

Accommodation

4 nights camping in four-season tents, at Upis, Pucacocha, Phinaya and Otorongo Cocha.

Food & dietary requests

Our cook prepares Andean, Peruvian and international dishes on the trek. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets are possible if you tell us when you book.

Luggage

Yes. Packhorses and wranglers are included to carry your duffel bag (maximum 7 kg / 14 lbs, including sleeping bag). Your bag is stored safely and available at camp each evening, allowing you to hike with just a daypack.

Booking Process & Policies

Booking information for this tour.

How to book the Ausangate Trek 5 Days

For each traveler we need the full name as it appears in the passport, passport number, nationality and date of birth, plus the name of your hotel in Cusco for the 5:00 a.m. pick-up.

Price

USD 650 per person, minimum 2 travelers
Private service: on request; tell us your dates and how many you are

Before you book

This trek is for fit hikers: four of the five passes are at 4,800 m or higher.
Spend at least 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to acclimatize.
Tell us about any diet, allergy or medical condition when you book.

Payment and confirmation

To confirm your Ausangate Trek, pay through our secure link: Contact us to confirm availability and request a payment link. After the payment we book the transport, the horses and the team for your dates, and you receive an email with the itinerary, the packing list and the briefing time. Our team in Cusco is available before, during and after the trek.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.

What is the Ausangate Trek?

A 5-day camping trek of about 70 km around Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest mountain of the Cusco region. It crosses five passes up to 5,190 m, camps beside glacial lakes, visits Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on day 3 and ends at the Pacchanta hot springs. It does not go to Machu Picchu.

How hard is the Ausangate Trek?

It is challenging, one of the hardest treks we run. You walk 5 to 9 hours a day, sleep above 4,000 m every night and cross four passes at 4,800 m or higher. It suits fit hikers with some multi-day trekking experience who have acclimatized first.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The Palomani pass, at 5,190 m (17,028 ft) on our route, crossed on day 3. Published figures for this pass range from about 5,100 to 5,200 m.

Do I need to acclimatize before the trek?

Yes. Spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley first; a day hike, for example to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, is good preparation. Walk slowly on the trek and drink plenty of water.

When is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?

From May to September, the dry season, with the clearest skies. April and October are possible but less stable. From November to March it rains and snows more. Nights at the camps are below freezing all year.

Is Rainbow Mountain part of the trek?

Yes. On day 3 we walk to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m) between the Surimana and Palomani passes. You arrive on foot from the Ausangate side, not by road like the day tours.

Who carries the luggage?

Horses carry the tents, the kitchen, the food and your duffel bag (maximum 7 kg, including your sleeping bag). You carry a daypack with water, snacks, warm layers, rain gear and sunscreen.

Are there hot springs on the trek?

Yes, two: at the Upis camp on day 1 and in Pacchanta on day 5. Both are included; bring a swimsuit and a small towel.

Do I need a permit?

No government permit is needed, as there is for the Inca Trail. The communities along the route charge entrance and camping fees, which are included in the price.

Can beginners do the Ausangate Trek?

We do not recommend it as a first trek. If you have never done a multi-day hike at altitude, start with a shorter route such as the Salkantay Trek or a day hike to Rainbow Mountain.

Is the Ausangate Trek safe?

Yes, with good preparation and an experienced team. The area is remote, so our guides are trained in first aid and carry a medical kit, oxygen and a satellite phone. Tell your guide at once if you feel unwell.

Can I combine this trek with Machu Picchu?

Yes. The trek starts and ends in Cusco, so you can add a Machu Picchu tour or trek before or after it. Tell us your dates and we plan the whole trip.