Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain - Orange Nation Peru

Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain hike Included 4 days

4 Days

From

577

/ Per Person

Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru! Arguably the most difficult trek in Cusco. Its the highest trek in Peru with the entire circuit taking place over 4500 meters above  sea level.  For those looking for the ultimate challenge look no further, the Ausengate trek has it all and not for the faint hearted.

For centuries it has been very important to the religious beliefs of the Andean people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. With spectacular glacial views, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a must do trip for experienced trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, you will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including the Andean goose and the massive Andean condor with a wing span reaching 16 feet! As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native villages. In addition, you will get to enjoy the natural colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities and  witnessing the coolest natural phenomenon you will ever see! Rainbow mountain also offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas, and Cara Cara falcons. You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range created by the various mineral deposits.

 

Service Level:

Spacious and luxurious camping facilities. Private chef for the group. Emergency horse. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver

Difficulty:

The trail starts at a staggering 4200m above sea level and has consistent elevation gain. You need to be in good physical condition to join this trek.

Travel Style:

Adventure, Hike and Camping

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

The Ausangate trek is one of the most famous treks in Cusco, but despite this, it still sees relatively low foot traffic. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, ready for this incredible trek to begin.

We will drive for two hours until we reach the Pitumarca Village, the perfect spot to pick up some fresh local produce before continuing for another hour to the Qesuno community. The route we take passes by amazing canyons, ancient Inca terraces (which are still farmed today), rugged mountains and isolated communities. It’s a fantastic glimpse into rural Peruvians life.

Upon arrival to Qesuno, we meet our horsemen and horses and shortly after we begin our hike towards the Kayrawiry community, where we stop for lunch. We then continue our hike towards the famous RAINBOW MOUNTAIN.

Once there, we will enjoy the incredible colors of the mountain and the incredible natural landscapes, which is easily the highlight of the day. We will also see condors, Cara Cara falcons and picturesque lakes.

We finish off the day with a hike downhill to Kayrawiry Lake, where our camping tents will be ready and waiting for us. It is time to enjoy afternoon tea and appetizers before dinner.

  • Elevation: 4,800m/15,748ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping at Kayrawiry Lake
  • Difficulty: Challenging

You will wake up early to a hot cup of tea or coffee brought right to your sleeping bag, before we start one of the most beautiful days of the trek! The majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes and the depths of the most beautiful valleys are awestriking.

However, it’s not just nice views- they day starts with a 2-hour steep climb to Condor pass at (5,100m/ 16,732ft). Along the way, the gorgeous views of the turquoise lakes and the views of Ausangate Glacier Peaks surround you every step of the way, making the steep climb a little more palatable.

With a little luck, we will be able to see avalanches from the distant glacial hills and watch as the ice crashes into the lakes below.

Once we reach the summit of Condor Pass, we will be located right in front of the sacred Apu Ausangate. Take a moment to appreciate your achievement and enjoy the valleys of alpaca grazing in the hills. It is postcard perfect!

Once you have had your fill of the views, we head downhill to our lunch spot. After another delicious lunch and a little rest, we continue for 3 more hours to Ausangate Lake where we will enjoy hot drinks to fight the cold before settling into our campsite for the night.

  • Elevation: 5,100m/16,732ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping at Ausangate Lake
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After yet another delicious and nutritious breakfast, we begin to prepare ourselves for the third day of the hike. Today we will be hiking even closer to the wonderful views of the Ausangate Glacier Peaks, and experiencing amazing views of lakes and waterfalls.

The hike begins with a 3-hour climb to reach the Abra Campo Pass, which is at (5,000m/16,404ft). Once at the top of the pass, you will marvel at the unbelievable views of the surrounding areas.

It is possible that at certain times of the year there will be snow on the trail, but this seldom happens in dry season. There is a good chance you will see wild vicuñas- the rarest of the camelid family, and only able to live in the wild. These animals produce luxurious and extremely expensive wool that is exported all over the world.

After taking some incredible pictures, we continue with a gradual descent for another 1.5hours. Here, we arrive to our lunch spot- a beautiful area to relax in peace and tranquility. After lunch, it will be another 2.5-hour hike to arrive at our campsite in Jampa.

  • Elevation: 5,000m/16,404ft
  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping in Jampa
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Our fourth and final day brings another adventure! We have an early breakfast and begin our first leg of the hike. After an hour, we reach the base of the glacier. From there, there’s only one way to go. To the top of the mountain!

After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota Range, we descend back down to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we descend towards the Qomerqocha Lake just before arriving at Pacchanta after a 5-hour walk.

Pacchanta is a little community with beautiful and hot natural springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip to soothe aching muscles. Finally, we climb into our waiting van and head back to Cusco.

  • Elevation: 4,500m /14,763ft
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Difficulty: Challenging

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE AUSANGET TREK?

  • Private transportation to start of the trek
  • Professional English speaking guide
  • Meals as indicated
  • 7kgs personal luggage
  • Duffel bags will be handed at briefing for your extra luggage to be carried by the horses
  • Spacious tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent
  • Horses to carry the group’s equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
  • Emergency horse in case you are tired or feel ill
  • Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Breakfast on the 1st day
  • Dinner on the 6th day
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets
  • Sleeping Bag – $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therma–rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – $30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation

This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people!

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 8 people $ 577 USD per person

***This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7kgs. We provide you a duffel bag, in which to put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)

ADDED VALUES for FREE

  • Foam mattresses
  • Camping pillow
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
  • Boiled water for drinking purposes
  • Personal pack horse included
  • Duffel bags and liner bags
  • Thick warm blanket to put over the sleeping bag
  • Hot water bottles to put into your sleeping bag so you can sleep like a baby

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport: (it has to be the same as the used to book the trek)
  • Valid University card: (if you booked as a student)
  • Good Daypack: (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3L (Camelpaks are encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping Bag: (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain hike Included 4 days
From

577

/ Per Person
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

EXPERT GUIDES

Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS

Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE

With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Design Your Ideal Adventure

Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

 Orange nation Peru