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Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights with Rainbow Mountain

Ausangate Trek 4 Days -- Rainbow Mountain & Glacial Lakes The Ausangate Trek 4-Day/3-Night is the shorter circuit around Peru's fifth-highest mountain (6,384m), combining the best highlights of the Ausangate range including Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), colorful glacial lakes, and d...See more

Ausangate Trek 4 Days — Rainbow Mountain & Glacial Lakes

The Ausangate Trek 4-Day/3-Night is the shorter circuit around Peru’s fifth-highest mountain (6,384m), combining the best highlights of the Ausangate range including Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), colorful glacial lakes, and dramatic high-altitude passes. This private trek takes you through some of the most visually stunning and least-visited landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.

The 4-day version focuses on the most spectacular sections of the Ausangate circuit, including the famous Rainbow Mountain, multiple glacial lagoons, natural hot springs, and encounters with remote Quechua herding communities. The mineral-rich terrain creates a psychedelic palette of reds, yellows, greens, and purples that must be seen to be believed.

Why Choose the 4-Day Version?

The 4-day Ausangate Trek covers the iconic highlights — Rainbow Mountain, glacial lakes, hot springs, and high passes — in a more compact timeframe. Perfect for trekkers who want the full Ausangate experience without committing to the longer 6-day circuit.

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Duration

4 Days

Group Size

2-12

Language

English / Spanish

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Preparing for Your Ausangate Trek Adventure

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most challenging organized treks in Peru, reaching 5,200 m (17,060 ft) at Rainbow Mountain. Thorough preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are key tips to help you get ready.

Physical Training

Begin training at least six to eight weeks before departure. Focus on cardio endurance through hiking, running, cycling, or swimming. Incorporate leg strength exercises for ascending and descending steep mountain passes. Aim for at least four to five hikes at progressively higher elevations to simulate trail conditions. This trek is significantly more demanding than the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.

Acclimatization in Cusco

Plan to arrive in Cusco at least two to three full days before the trek begins. Cusco sits at 3,400 m / 11,152 ft, and your body needs time to adjust before going higher. During this time, stay well hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. Coca tea is a traditional Andean remedy that many trekkers find helpful. Proper acclimatization is critical for this trek given the extreme altitudes involved.

What to Pack

Your main luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco. For the trek you pack a duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lbs maximum) carried by horses, plus a daypack you carry yourself. Essential items include very warm layers for sub-zero nights, a waterproof rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle, swimsuit for the hot springs, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list is provided after booking.

Meals and Dietary Needs

Our chef prepares all meals on the trail using fresh ingredients. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice. Meals include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with snacks, and dinner. Bring your own trail snacks if you prefer extra energy food during the hike.

Weather and Clothing

Weather at these altitudes is extreme and unpredictable. Daytime temperatures can be warm in direct sun but drop rapidly in shade and at altitude. Night temperatures at the highest camps regularly fall below freezing, sometimes reaching -10 C or colder. Dress in moisture-wicking layers you can add or remove throughout the day. A high-quality waterproof jacket and warm down jacket are essential.

Health and Safety

Our guides carry first aid kits with emergency oxygen and have training in high-altitude safety protocols. A satellite phone provides emergency communication in areas with no cell signal. An emergency horse accompanies the group throughout the trek. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking above 5,000 m is strongly recommended. If you take any prescription medication, bring enough for the entire trip plus extra days as a precaution.

Include/Exclude

  • Hotel pickup & drop-offPrivate transport from Cusco hotel
  • Professional bilingual guideEnglish/Spanish-speaking guide for entire trek
  • All mealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner prepared by professional trek chef
  • Camping equipment4-season tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, toilet tent
  • Horsemen & horsesTo carry camping equipment and up to 7kg personal items
  • First aid kit & emergency oxygenSafety equipment carried by team
  • Boiled water & hot drinksTea, coffee, hot chocolate throughout
  • Sleeping bagAvailable to rent for $25
  • Trekking polesAvailable to rent for $15
  • Travel insuranceStrongly recommended
  • TipsOptional but appreciated
  • Personal expensesSouvenirs, snacks, extras

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
Day 2 Upis - Arapa Pass (4,850m) - Pucacocha Lake
Day 3 Pucacocha - Rainbow Mountain (5,200m) - Pacchanta Hot Springs
Day 4 Pacchanta - Tinqui - Return to Cusco

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Person Info

Adults
$795.00
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Ausangate Trek 4 Days 3 Nights with Rainbow Mountain

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is rated 4.5 out of 5 for difficulty. It is significantly harder than the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek due to the extreme altitude, with passes reaching 5,200 m (17,060 ft). The trek requires excellent physical fitness, proper acclimatization in Cusco for at least two to three days, and experience with multi-day hiking at high elevations.
What is the best time of year for the Ausangate Trek?
The best time is during the dry season from May to September. June through August offers the most stable weather with clear skies, though nights are extremely cold. April and October are shoulder months with occasional rain but fewer trekkers. The wet season from November to March is not recommended due to heavy rainfall, trail erosion, and dangerous pass conditions.
Do I need a permit for the Ausangate Trek?
No government trekking permit is required for the Ausangate Trek, unlike the Inca Trail. However, there are small community entrance fees at several points along the route which are included in the tour price.
Is Rainbow Mountain included in this trek?
Yes. Day 3 of our 6-day itinerary includes a visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,200 m (17,060 ft). You will see the famous colorful mineral striations up close as part of the full circuit, rather than as a rushed day trip from Cusco.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
You sleep in high-quality expedition tents at designated campsites along the route. We provide two-person tents, thick sleeping mats, and a dining tent with tables and chairs. You need to bring or rent a sleeping bag rated to at least minus 15 degrees Celsius, as nighttime temperatures at camp regularly drop well below freezing.
Is there phone signal or electricity on the trek?
There is no cell phone signal and no electricity at any campsite along the entire Ausangate circuit. We recommend bringing a portable battery charger for your phone and camera. Our guides carry a satellite phone for emergency communication.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Our guides carry supplemental oxygen and first aid supplies for altitude-related issues. An emergency horse accompanies the group throughout the trek and can carry anyone who is struggling. In serious cases, our guides will arrange an evacuation to the nearest road. We strongly recommend spending at least two to three full days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.
How much weight can the horses carry for me?
Horses carry your duffel bag with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs). This must include your sleeping bag (approximately 2 kg) and sleeping pad (approximately 1 kg), leaving about 4 kg for clothing and personal items. Everything else goes in your daypack, which you carry yourself during the hike.
Are the hot springs worth visiting?
Absolutely. The natural hot springs at Upis on Day 1 and Pacchanta on Day 5 are highlights of the trek. The warm mineral-rich water is the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after a long day of hiking at altitude. Bring a swimsuit and small towel.
What meals are provided?
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6. Our trek chef prepares fresh breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with snacks, and dinner each day. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice. The food is hearty, nutritious, and designed to fuel you for high-altitude trekking.
Can I do this trek if I have never trekked at high altitude before?
While it is possible, this trek is not recommended as your first high-altitude experience. The Ausangate circuit reaches extreme elevations that are physically demanding even for experienced trekkers. If you are new to altitude trekking, we suggest starting with a shorter trek like the Salkantay 2D/1N or Lares Trek to test your body at altitude first.
What is the group size?
Our Ausangate Trek runs with a maximum of 8 trekkers per group to maintain a quality experience and minimize environmental impact. The small group size allows our guides to provide personalized attention and ensures a more intimate connection with the remote Andean landscapes.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during the peak dry season from June to August. The Ausangate Trek is growing in popularity as an alternative to more crowded routes, and group sizes are limited to 8 people.
What if I need to cancel or change my dates?
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the trek start date receive a full refund. Cancellations between 15 and 30 days receive a 50 percent refund. Cancellations less than 15 days before departure are non-refundable. Date changes are accommodated when possible at no extra charge, subject to availability.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking above 5,000 m is strongly recommended and we consider it essential for the Ausangate Trek. Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation by horse or vehicle from remote areas, trip cancellation, and medical treatment at high altitude.

Terms & Conditions

Essentials - What to Take With You

  • Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (30-40 L)
  • Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are HEAVILY encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support - broken in before the trek
  • Sleeping bag rated to at least -15 C (can be rented for USD 45)
  • Trekking poles (can be rented for USD 15) - highly recommended for steep passes
  • Headlamp: essential - no electricity at any campsite
  • Toilet paper
  • Good rain gear - waterproof jacket and pants
  • Swimsuit and small towel for the hot springs on Day 1 and Day 5

What to Put in the Duffel Bag

As a local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and include the services of horsemen to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear. This allowance covers your sleeping bag, mattress, and any extra clothing you may need. All bags will be weighed prior to acceptance. From the 7 kg allowance, allocate 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving approximately 4 kg for personal belongings.

  • 2-3 t-shirts (moisture-wicking)
  • 2 hiking pants
  • 4-5 sets of undergarments
  • 4-5 sets of hiking socks (wool recommended)
  • Fleece / Thermals - heavy-weight base layers for sub-zero nights
  • Warm down jacket - camp temperatures regularly below freezing
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes/sandals for camp
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery charger: No electricity along the entire trek
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15 C - This can be rented from us for USD 45

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer - essential at extreme altitude
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Lip balm with SPF - intense UV at 5,000 m+
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, blister treatment, etc.

What to Put in the Day Backpack

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

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses (UV-rated - essential above 5,000 m)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Wool hat and gloves (for passes and cold mornings)
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece or warm layer
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Valuables

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