Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Panoramic view from Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

Prices

From $975USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels / Camps

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Highlights

Experience Peru's most famous landscapes on this guided Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu Tour

Experience the incredible Andes mountains including Ausangate, the tallest mountain in the Cusco region.

Hike to the renowned Rainbow Mountain, popular for amazing views of colorful hills and glacial lakes.

Watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, then explore the ancient and mysterious Inca city with a guided tour.

Camp out under the stars, high in the Andes mountains, with views of incredible rugged peaks and stunning glacial lakes.

Trek through the Andes mountains in the Cusco region, exploring stunning views of Ausangate, the tallest mountain in the region. This Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek and Machu Picchu tour takes you over gorgeous mountain passes where you will see rugged peaks, colorful hills, and turquoise glacial lakes.

Hike to the popular Rainbow Mountain early in the morning and enjoy its tranquil beauty before the crowds begin to arrive.
And finally, no visit to Cusco would be complete without exploring the fascinating and historic city and touring the mysterious Inca city of Machu Picchu. This tour offers all of this and more!

In addition to experiencing the majesty of Ausangate, Rainbow mountain, and Machu picchu, you’ll sleep well in the crisp mountain air under the stars, enjoying delicious meals prepared by an expert outdoor/high-altitude chef. Every detail of the tour is taken care of for you so that you are free to fully enjoy the experience. The Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek and Machu Picchu tour is the adventure of a lifetime, so book your place now!

Ausangate

Situated in the Vilcanota range of the Andes Mountain, Ausangate is a striking mountain peak in Peru that has a significant place within Incan Mythology. With an elevation of 6,384m (20,945ft), the mountain is part of a high altitude region that is home to traditional llama/alpaca herding communities. One of the trails used by these communities, the road of the Apu Ausangate, is a highly-regarded trekking route within Peru.

Rainbow Mountain

Also known locally as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is a 5,200m (17,100ft) tall mountain peak within the Andes Mountains of Peru. The mountain gets its name from the striped layers of mineral deposits (7 different colours in total) that line its slopes. Due to its fascinating beauty, Rainbow Mountain has become a popular place for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, Peru at the Cusco International Airport. Transportation to your hotel is included, and at your hotel you’ll meet your guide for tour briefing. Depending on what time you arrive, you will probably have time to explore the city. The city of Cusco, high in the Andes mountains, was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. There are many remains left from the Incas and you can also see Spanish mansions and churches. Cusco also offers a vibrant nightlife and wonderful Peruvian restaurants.

Overnight Location
Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,400m, 11,200’)
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Explore Cusco

Today is free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace, wherever your interests take you. It’s also great to acclimatize to the elevation, as you’re at 3,399m (11,200’). There is so much to see, do, and learn here in South America’s oldest, continuously inhabited city. What was once the Inca’s capital city has now become the archaeological capital of South America.

To help you make the most of your visit, one additional tours is available. You have the choice between the Sacred Valley Tour and the Maras Moray Tour.

The Sacred Valley Tour is a full day of experiences. You’ll visit an Indian market in Pisac to experience this colourful tradition. You can barter with the local craftsmen to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs. You’ll then travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, a town of narrow streets and canals that are largely unchanged since the time the Incas inhabited it. Finally, visit the Chinchero market. This market is more authentic and less geared toward tourists. According to legend, Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow. When you are finished in Chinchero, return to Cusco.

The Maras Moray tour begins with a drive from your hotel to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours). Moray is known as the “Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory.” Here, the Incas carved amphitheatre-like terraces in a bowl shape. It is thought that these were used to test and determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. After exploring Moray, continue another two miles to visit the Maras salt mines. In this area, you can see a series of tiny channels carved so that the highly salty water coming from a natural spring would run into terraced ponds. Exposed to the sun, the water dries and leaves the salt behind. It is believed that salt was harvested in this way in this place since a time before even the Incas. After exploring the Maras salt mines, return to Cusco.

Overnight Location
Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,400m, 11,200’)
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Transfer to Upis, then hike to Yana Qocha

Get an early start today, meeting at your hotel at 4:30 AM for a 3.5-hour drive to the village of Upis. The drive itself is scenic, driving through several picturesque towns and stopping several times to enjoy scenic overlooks. Arriving at the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trailhead in Upis (4,350 m / 14,272 ft), your group will have breakfast and meet up with local muleteers and pack horses. Load up the gear and prepare to begin your trek! The trail begins with a gradual uphill climb for about 2.5 hours. You’ll follow a highland valley where you’ll likely see native llamas and alpacas. Majestic views of Ausangate Mountain and the surrounding mountains await you at Pampa Rapa (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), where you will stop for lunch. Energized by a delicious meal, continue hiking up for about 2 hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748) where you’ll find impressive views of highland valleys and eroded mountains. Descend again for about 1.5 hours to reach the Yanacocha campsite (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), where you’ll spend the night with a great view of Ausangate.

Overnight Location
Yanacocha Camp (4,600m, 15,100’)
Distance
6-7 hours hiking, 12km (7.5 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Hike to Qomer Qocha

Wake up to watch the sunrise over the massive and rugged mountains that surround you and continue to enjoy the view over breakfast. As you begin your trek for the day, the trail leads you up and down toward Ausangate. This is one of the more picturesque sections of the trail, as the brilliant turquoise lagoons around the base of Ausangate come into view. Ausangate grows more impressive the closer you come, and with an elevation of 6,384 m (20,945 ft), it is the tallest mountain in the Cusco region. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach a series of switchbacks that take you up to a pass at 5,000 m (16,404 ft). From this scenic overlook, take in the dramatic and impressive vistas of the colored hills and glacial peaks of the Vilcanota range. Hike down from the pass into the valley until you reach Ananta (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), where you will stop to rest and eat lunch. After lunch, another 2 hours of uphill trekking brings you to the Warmisaya Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). Here you’ll get your first glimpse of the impressive Rainbow Mountain in the distance. Just 30 more minutes of hiking downhill will bring you to your campsite for the night at Qomercocha (4,680 m / 15,354 ft).

Overnight Location
Qomercocha camp (4,680 m / 15,354 ft)
Distance
8-9 hours hiking, 12km (7.5 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Hike to Rainbow Mountain, then to Ausangate Qocha

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, preparing yourself to hike to Rainbow Mountain today. Get on the trail early and hike for approximately 1.5 hours to trek to the renowned Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). This popular peak is often crowded, but because of your early start, your group should have it mostly to yourselves for a little while. After enjoying the peak of Rainbow Mountain, return down via the same trail again to have lunch at Ananta (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), the same place you had lunch yesterday. Continue hiking for about 3 hours after lunch to reach your next campsite, Ausangate Qocha (4,700 m / 15,420 ft).

Overnight Location
Ausangate Qocha camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Distance
8-9 hours hiking, 15km (9.3 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Trek over Palomani Pass to Jhampapampa

Today on your Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain tour, continue to explore the exquisite and colorful hills surrounding Ausangate, including even more glacial lakes. After breakfast, today’s trail leads you up to Palomani Pass (5,130 m / 16,831 ft), which is the highest point on this tour. Pause here to enjoy the view, then descend down into the valley to enjoy lunch and a longer rest. Later in the afternoon, another 2-hour hike brings you to the Jhampapampa campsite (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) where you will enjoy tea time, followed by dinner, then spend the night.

Overnight Location
Jhampapampa Camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Distance
7-8 hours hiking, 10km (6.2 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Trek over Jhampa Pass to Ninaparayoq

Once again, your chef will provide you with a substantial breakfast to fuel your day of hiking, then hit the trail. Begin with a gradual climb up to the final pass of the tour at Jhampa Pass (5,060 m / 16,601 ft), which once again offers incredible views of the glacial peaks in this area. After crossing this pass, your trek leads downhill for about 2 hours until you reach your final campsite at Ninaparayoq (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Arrive here in time to eat lunch, then spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the campsite and its surrounding area.

Overnight Location
Ninaparayoq Camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Distance
5-6 hours hiking, 8km (5 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Hike to Pacchanta Town, Hot Springs and transfer to Aguas Calientes

Greet the morning with a hot cup of coca tea and another delicious breakfast, then hike the final stretch of trail for about 2.5 hours to the town of Pacchanta. Here at the end of the trail you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, which will feel amazing after all the hiking you’ve done. Eat lunch here before taking a 4-hour drive through the Sacred Valley from Pacchanta to Ollantaytambo. Take time to explore this lovely and historic town, walking in the footsteps of the Incas on their ancient cobblestone streets. Enjoy a celebration dinner and toast your completed hike with pisco sours. In the evening, say farewell to the muleteers, chef, and other staff that assisted on the trek, and take a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Overnight Location
Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Distance
2-3 hours hiking, 5km (3.1 miles)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Explore Machu Picchu

Once again, your day starts early, but with a great reward. After breakfast, meet your guide at 5:40 AM, ready to explore for the day. From Aguas Calientes, ride the bus (approx. 30 min) to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the ancient city. Begin with a guided walking tour of the Citadel that lasts about 2 hours, then explore the area freely on your own. With advanced booking, an optional hike to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, can be arranged for an additional fee. The Wayna Picchu hike shows you new perspectives on Machu Picchu, as well as fascinating steps that the Incas cut into the rocks. Permits are required, so book this tour as early as possible. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes to eat lunch, then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Transportation from the train station back to your hotel is provided.

Optional: You can also choose to climb to the top of Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, scenic mountain near Machu Picchu, that has amazing views of the site from another angle. Make sure to book this hike long time in advance, as there is limited number of permits issued for every day. Check Dates and Prices for more information about the price.

Overnight Location
Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 Departure from Cusco Airport

Sadly, the time has come for your Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek and Machu Picchu tour to end. After breakfast, depending on your flight times, you have free time to explore Cusco, and possibly to enjoy extra optional activities until it is time for your transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!

Overnight Location
N/A
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek Price and Dates

Pricing for this guided trekking tour to Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu is based on the number of guests on your trip.

The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Guided group of 2: $1,545USD per person
  • Guided groups of 4: $1,150USD per person
  • Guided groups of 6: $975USD per person
  • Guided groups of 7: on request
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Accommodation on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

This tour is based in hotels and camps. Four nights are spent in hotels and seven nights along the Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain trek are spent in camps.

Hotels on this trip are 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodations have been carefully chosen so you will feel comfortable and pampered. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a single supplement of $375USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco

A comfortable hotel in a great location for exploring the city. Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace for wonderful views of the city and don’t miss their excellent breakfast.

Night 3-7

Camping in the Andes

Sleep under the starry sky in comfortable tents in the Andes. Spend your nights in Yanacocha, Qomercocha, Qocha and Jhampapampa surrounded by stunning peaks of Peruvian Andes.

Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes

Stay in a suite room in this fabulous and luxurious hotel with mountain and river views. The location is convenient for exploring Machu Picchu and the decor will immerse you in Andean culture.

Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco

A comfortable hotel in a great location for exploring the city. Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace for wonderful views of the city and don’t miss their excellent breakfast.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and other various snacks along the trek. Snacks and hot/cold beverages are also available along the trek. Purified water is provided.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations for 4 nights, 3 in Cusco and 1 in Aguas Calientes. 5 nights of camping along the trek are included too.

Camping Gear Included

The group camping equipment you need is included for camping along the trek. Equipment included: 1 tent for every 2 people (private tent available for an additional charge), dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen equipment and utensils.

Note that you are responsible for bringing your gear, including sleeping bag, clothing and sleeping mat.

Transportation during the Tour

Planned transportation throughout the tour is included. This includes:

  • Transportation to/from the Cusco Airport at the beginning and end of the tour
  • Transportation from Cusco to Upis
  • Train tickets (expedition class) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back. (approx 25 min)
  • Transportation from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco

Also Included

  • Tour briefing on the day you arrive in Cusco
  • Professional, English-speaking guide (+ assistant guide for groups larger than 7 people)
  • A chef trained for cooking on trekking routes
  • Entrance fees to Salkantay Trekking Route, Choquequirao Archaeological Park, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu
  • Pack horses to carry cooking and camping equipment during the trek, as well as personal gear up to 7 kg.
  • First Aid kit / emergency oxygen bottles
  • 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the tour

Not included

  • Meals and drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary (extra meals can be arranged upon request).
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Personal items such as souvenirs or telephone calls
  • Personal camping and trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags or walking sticks (many of these items can be rented for an additional fee).
  • Any damages you might cause to the bus or camping equipment
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Evacuation in the event of a serious medical issue or injury
  • Entrance fees on the tour on Day 2. These range from $25 - $35 USD

Optional Extras:

  • Huayna Picchu hike on the last day of the tour - $80USD per person
  • Rental of camping or trekking equipment (sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, walking sticks, etc.)
  • Personal horse to ride during the trek (max weight - 110 Kg) - $200USD per person

Optional Tours:

All the prices below are per person:

  • Cusco City Tour: A tour of many different significant landmarks in and around Cusco - $40USD + $33USD entrance fees
  • South Valley Tour: Head south from Cusco to tour an Andean village with Pre-Incan architecture, plus the Incan Pikillagta (Temple of Water) and Tipon (the 17th Century “Sistine Chapel of Cusco”) - $50USD + $26USD entrance fees
  • Gastronomic Tour at Market & Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic, traditional local dishes from shopping at the market for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal - $60USD

Frequenty Asked Questions about Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek

How hard is this tour?

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes.

Do I need a Visa?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included?

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners are included. Additional meals can be arranged upon request.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?

Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Many international flights will connect through Peru’s capital city of Lima. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour.

Are tours in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends where it begins, in Cusco. Transportation from your hotel to the Cusco Airport is included.

What should I pack?

Don’t forget your passport (and visa if needed). Bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable as you are hiking, as well as warm enough on cold nights. This includes a fleece hat and gloves. Please keep clothing lightweight. Rain gear is important to keep you dry and warm on rainy days. Sun protection is very important, especially at higher elevations. Sun block, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. You may want to have a swimsuit for soaking in hot springs. You may also be glad to have insect repellent. Bring a backpack (preferably waterproof). Be sure you have sturdy shoes for hiking.

Do I need vaccines?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for this country?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

How can I prepare for trekking at high altitude?

First of all, you should consult with your doctor about trekking at latitude. This tour has two days in Cusco at the start of the tour to help with acclimitization, though if you have the time, we suggest adding more days. We can arrange an additional day or two of acclimitization from Cusco, which will help with your acclimitization.

What do I do do if I'm tired on Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek?

If you are concerned about the distances or elevation, you can rent a horse and a horseman. This way you can sit on the horse for days where you are tired. The price of the horse is $200 per person for the trek and the horse can carry maximum of 110 kg.

Reviews

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $975USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels / Camps

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Tour Difficulty

We rate the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek as a 4 / 5. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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