Ausangate Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Itinerary

Short Itinerary

• Day 1: Cusco → Checacupe → Hanchi Pacha → Kairahuiri Alto (4 400 m)
• Day 2: Kairahuiri Alto → Rainbow Mountain (5 100 m) → Pucacocha Camp (4 600 m)
• Day 3: Pucacocha → Apacheta & Palomani Passes (5 200 m) → Huchuy Phinaya (4 500 m)
• Day 4: Huchuy Phinaya → Q’ampa Pass (5 000 m) → Pacchanta Hot Springs (4 010 m)
• Day 5: Pacchanta → Tinqui (3 800 m) → return to Cusco

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Checacupe – Hanchi Pacha – Kairahuiri Alto

We start our tour from Cusco, leaving early in the morning and heading towards the colonial village of Checacupe. We travel south of Cusco, arriving first at the colonial town of Checacupe, before continuing uphill toward Pitumarka. Here, there will be time to purchase snacks and last-minute supplies. From Pitumarka, we leave the main highway and follow dirt roads that wind through breathtaking valleys and dramatic canyons until we reach Hanchi Pacha. Along the way, we make some stops to photograph unique and fascinating rock formations.

After about 4 hours, we have our lunch. In this place we meet with our muleteers and the cook. After enjoying our meals, we start trekking for about 2 hours to K’airahuiri Bajo (4300m) where we will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and magnificent valley below.

From here, it’s just another 40 minutes uphill to the camp at Kairahuiri Alto (4400m), with views across the green valley. Most of the nights there are cold, so make sure you have  warm clothes and a high quality sleeping bag.

Total Walking Distance: 10 km
Total Walking Time: 5 hrs
Minimum Altitude: 3400m
Maximum Altitude: 4700m
Altitude of camp: 4700m
Approx. night temperature: -5°C at night

Day 2: Kairahuiri Alto – Rainbow Mountain – Pucacocha

After an early breakfast, we start our walk for about 1.5 hours towards Vinicunca Pass (5100m). As we gain altitude, breathing will become more challenging. Upon reaching the mountain pass, we may encounter cold, strong winds, so it is important to dress warmly and keep your head well protected with a wool hat.

Here, we will have the first views of the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, with its amazing colors: turquoise, orange, brown, and red. If the day is clear, we will also have amazing views of the snow-capped mountain of Ausangate, the tallest and most important mountain in the Andean cosmology.

After some time taking pictures, we continue to Pucacocha Lake over 4900m. It usually takes 4 or 5 hours to get to our campsite where we rest for the evening.

Total Walking Distance: 16 km
Total Walking Time: 8 hrs
Minimum Altitude: 4600m
Maximum Altitude: 5100m
Altitude of camp: 4600m
Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 3: Pucacocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya

After an amazing breakfast, we start walking with stunning views and with the great Ausangate Mountain on our left-hand side. On the way we will enjoy clear glacial lakes, herds of alpacas and llamas, and if we’re lucky, maybe even some wild vicunas (the national mammal of Peru).

We first reach the Apacheta Pass (4600m) before ascending to the Palomani Pass (5200m), the highest point on the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain. As we cross the pass, we will meet with spectacular breathtaking views of the southeast mountain range, including Mariposa (“butterfly”) and Caracol (“snail”) Peaks.

From here we follow the trail into the valley where we rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta mountains. Then, we continue through the green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q’ampa Valley, where we spend the night.

Total Walking Distance: 15 km
Total Walking Time: 9 hrs
Minimum Altitude: 4500m
Maximum Altitude: 5200m
Altitude of camp: 4500m
Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 4: Huchuy Phinaya – Pacchanta

This is our last full day trekking. As soon as we finish our breakfast we start hiking through the small community of Q’ampa. From there, we head northwest to the last pass of our journey, the Q’ampa Pass (5000m). We will pass by many different colored lakes and lunch beside the sparkling Qomer Q’ocha Lake (4704m).

After lunch we continue to Pacchanta (4010m). This traditional, high-altitude herding village has been transformed by tourism in recent years, and has adapted its activities to include various community rural tourism initiatives, including homestays and cultural demonstrations.

We may have the opportunity to go to the local hot springs, and even treat ourselves to a well-deserved beer! That night we camp in the Pacchanta village.

Total Walking Distance: 18 km
Total Walking Time: 9 hrs
Minimum Altitude: 4010m
Maximum Altitude: 5000m
Altitude of camp: 4010m
Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 5: Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco

This is our last day in this unique place. From Pacchanta, we hike for three hours to Tinki community where we will have free time to explore this traditional Andean village before returning back to Cusco.

We arrive in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 pm to drop you off at your hotel.

Total Walking Distance: 7 km
Total Walking Time: 3 hrs
Minimum Altitude: 3800m
Maximum Altitude: 4350m
Approx. night temperature: -5°C

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Private Transportation: Our vans are brand new, fully authorized for tourist use, and equipped with essential safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
• Professional Tour Guide: Our tour guides bring over fifteen years of experience, specializing in this Ausangate mountain range where rainbow mountain is located. Their extensive knowledge ensures that every aspect of the journey is carefully planned, providing travelers with a deeply enriching experience. Driven by their passion for the region, they are dedicated to sharing the beauty and history of this breathtaking destination.
• First Aid Kit: Our tour guides are always equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit to address any potential emergencies that may arise during the trip. This includes treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, and other minor ailments, ensuring prompt and appropriate care for all participants.
• Oxygen Tank: Given that this trek to rainbow mountain reaches an altitude of approximately 5,200m /17065ft, where the air is thinner and breathing may become difficult, our guides carry a metal oxygen tank at all times. This precaution ensures the safety and comfort of our visitors, providing immediate assistance if needed.
• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We pick you up from your hotel reception and at the end of the tour we drop you off at the hotel.
• Briefing: One day prior to your trip, the guide will meet you at the hotel to give you detailed information and answer any questions you may have.
• Customer Service: We offer you an emergency phone number available 24 hours a day to facilitate seamless communication with the Inka Expeditions team.
• Great Cook
• Camping gear: 2-people tents, mattresses, dining & kitchen tents.
• All meals: (4 B, 4 L, 4 D; vegetarian options) Boiled & hot water, hot drinks
• Muleteers
• Horses & muleteers for equipment
• Private transportation to Cusco

Exclusions:

• Sleeping bag: You can rent it in our office for $25 for the entire trip.
• Saddle horse: You can rent it on the way.
• Inflatable mattress: You can rent it in our office
• Walking sticks
• Personal Snacks: We recommend bringing extra snacks, such as energy bar
• Entrance tickets: S/ 10 or US$ 3
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

What to bring:

• Hiking boot: This is recommended, as the trail is dusty, grassy and slippery sections.
• Backpack o carry your personal items , snacks and water bottle.
• Waterproof Pants (Optional): Useful during the rainy season (December to March).
• Warm Jacket: Temperature at the summit is cold, so a warm clothes is advisable.
• 4-season sleeping bag: You can rent it in our office for $25 for the whole trip.
• Rain Jacket and Rain poncho: Recommended all year around because the weather is very unpredictable.
• Wool Hat
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Extra Money: Bring cash and small coins for purchasing snacks or drinks from local vendors along the way and to pay the entrance ticket to the Rainbow Mountain.
• Gloves
• Basic Medications: Under prescription of your doctor (for headaches and altitude sickness).
• Portable Charger
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Camera with extra batteries

Prices

Private Service:

This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.

Price 2026 (US$)

Booking Information

Choose in the Calendar the date of when you would like to start this Tour -select the month, year and the day, (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you, once you have finished and sent us your reservation, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% through paypal. Once we receive your payment, we will confirm the tour in your email and send you the rest of the details.

Booking deposite required – Online payments.

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 300+6% per person through Paypal.

FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.

Terms & Conditions:

1. You must inform us in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, or special health requirements. Participants must be in good physical condition. If you have any health concerns, we strongly recommend consulting a medical professional before booking. Guests aged 70 or older are required to present a valid medical certificate, as the Ausangate Trail reaches elevations of up to 5,200 meters above sea level. It is highly recommended that all travelers arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days in advance to properly acclimatize to the altitude.

2. You must notify your tour guide if you wish to leave the group or campsite for any independent walks. If you experience any issues or dissatisfaction with the service, please inform your guide immediately so that the matter can be addressed as quickly as possible.

3. Each passenger is allowed up to 10 kg of personal luggage to be carried by horses. We will provide a duffel bag for your sleeping bag, mattress, and personal clothing.

4. If you become ill or injured and are unable to continue the trek, a porter and mule will be provided to accompany you to the nearest area with emergency assistance. Any helicopter evacuation or medical services are at the passenger’s own expense. No refunds will be issued for incomplete tours; however, we will provide official documentation certifying the illness or injury, which may be used for travel insurance claims.

5. Our company takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and employs only qualified and experienced staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our employees; however, we cannot be held liable for unavoidable events or for the actions of third parties or clients themselves. Passengers are fully responsible for their personal belongings and any rented equipment.

6. Our agency is not responsible for additional expenses arising from adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal property. All clients are responsible for obtaining adequate travel insurance to cover such situations. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Cancellation Penalties:

• A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 300.00) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
• B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost…
• C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost…
• D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost…
• E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost…

Why Choose This Trekking With Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your trekking to Ausangate will be an unforgettable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all his knowledge of this Inca sites, flora and fauna of this region. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience, led by professional tour guides fully trained in first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek:

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?

The trekking to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain reaches 5200m (17056ft), so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is this trekking?

This trekking is considered moderately difficult, so recommend to bring hiking boots.

3.-Is it safe to travel to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery, so it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and rain poncho. The dry season (April to october) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.