Ausangate Expedition & Rainbow Mountain – 5-Day Trek

We begin our 5-day adventure through the Vilcanota Range with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. Our private transport takes us on a scenic 3-hour drive to Pacchanta (4,334 m), a traditional Andean village known for its hot springs and panoramic views of Nevado Ausangate. Here, we meet our support team of muleteers, cooks, and certified guides, who will help prepare the logistics and gear for the expedition.

After a nutritious Andean breakfast and equipment check, we begin a gentle 2-hour trek to Upis (4,426 m). The trail offers breathtaking views of the glacier-covered north face of Ausangate, and the gradual ascent helps with acclimatization.

Once at the Upis campsite, you can choose to rest or take a short optional hike to Upiscocha Lagoon, just 30 minutes away. Those looking to relax can also enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs of Upis, surrounded by snowcapped peaks.

We finish the day with a freshly prepared dinner under the stars before sleeping in our comfortable high-altitude tents.

Day 1 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)

• Ending altitude: 4,426 m (Upis)
• Maximum altitude: 4,569 m
• Distance: 5.5 km
• Trekking time: 3 hours
• Accommodation: Tents at Upis campsite
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Difficulty: Easy

After an energizing breakfast and warm coca tea to start the day, we leave the Upis campsite and begin our ascent to the first high pass of the expedition: Arapa Pass (4,848 m). The trail climbs gently through alpine meadows and offers sweeping views of the Ausangate massif and the glacier peaks that dominate the horizon.

From the top of Arapa, the scenery becomes even more impressive. We descend into a valley dotted with turquoise lagoons, including the mesmerizing Pucacocha Lagoons, known for their intense mineral colors and mirror-like reflections. This is where we enjoy a hot lunch in front of one of the most scenic Andean backdrops of the trek.

In the afternoon, we tackle the Apacheta Pass (4,917 m), the highest point of the day and a rewarding challenge for trekkers. The climb is steady, and the views from the top are jaw-dropping—glaciers, sharp peaks, and endless ridgelines surround us in every direction.

A 2-hour descent brings us to our next campsite at Ananta (4,700 m), where tea and a hearty dinner await. This peaceful valley is often visited by herds of alpacas and is ideal for a quiet night under the stars.

Day 2 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,426 m (Upis)
• Maximum altitude: 4,917 m (Apacheta Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,700 m (Ananta)
• Distance: 15.2 km
• Trekking time: 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tents at Ananta campsite
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

We wake up early for a warm breakfast before beginning one of the most spectacular days of the expedition. The trail ascends gradually to the Warmisaya Pass (4,960 m), where we get our first glimpse of the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), with its vibrant stripes of mineral-rich sediment.

Continuing from the pass, we reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (5,034 m) just after sunrise, ensuring we arrive before the crowds. This early visit offers the best light for photography and a peaceful atmosphere to admire the surreal landscape. From here, we also enjoy panoramic views of Nevado Ausangate, the highest and most sacred mountain in Cusco.

After soaking in the views and taking photos, we descend to the Ananta sector for lunch, retracing part of the route. In the afternoon, we head east towards Ausangate Lagoon (4,645 m), where we set up our high-altitude campsite surrounded by glaciers, turquoise waters, and the peaceful silence of the Andes.

Day 3 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,700 m (Ananta)
• Maximum altitude: 5,034 m (Rainbow Mountain)
• Ending altitude: 4,645 m (Ausangate Lagoon)
• Distance: 12.7 km
• Trekking time: 6.5 hours
• Accommodation: Tents at Ausangate Lagoon campsite
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After an energizing breakfast beside the Ausangate Lagoon, we begin our ascent toward the most demanding section of the expedition: the Palomani Pass (5,200 m). The trail climbs steadily for about two hours through rugged high-altitude terrain. At the summit, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Nevado Ausangate, its glaciers, and the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota.

This is the highest point of the entire trek, and reaching it is a true achievement. After a well-deserved break at the pass, we begin our descent through stunning glacial valleys filled with rocky landscapes, moss-covered hills, and streams of meltwater.

We continue downhill until we reach the remote area of Huchuy Phinaya (4,600 m), where we enjoy a warm lunch and set up our final campsite. The quietness and remoteness of this location make it perfect for stargazing and reflection after a challenging day.

Day 4 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,645 m (Ausangate Lagoon)
• Maximum altitude: 5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,600 m (Huchuy Phinaya)
• Distance: 11.6 km
• Trekking time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tents at Huchuy Phinaya campsite
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

We begin our final trekking day with a nutritious breakfast and an early start from Huchuy Phinaya (4,600 m). The trail climbs gradually toward Jampa Pass (5,052 m), the last high-altitude challenge of the trek. The ascent takes approximately 2 hours and offers spectacular panoramic views of Ausangate’s eastern face, snow-capped peaks, and the emerald valleys below.

After reaching the pass, we begin our long descent through vast Andean pastures and small lakes, crossing traditional herding routes where alpacas and llamas roam freely. As we approach Pacchanta (4,334 m), the familiar landscapes return — and with them, the sense of accomplishment.

In Pacchanta, we celebrate the end of the expedition with a hearty Andean lunch. You’ll also have the option to soak in the natural hot springs, a soothing reward after five days of trekking through some of Peru’s most remote and spectacular terrain.

Finally, we board our private vehicle back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with memories of glaciers, colorful mountains, and high-mountain adventure.

Day 5 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,600 m (Huchuy Phinaya)
• Maximum altitude: 5,052 m (Jampa Pass)
• Ending altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)
• Distance: ~17 km hike + 3.5-hour drive
• Trekking time: 7 hours
• Accommodation: Not included (return to hotel in Cusco)
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate