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Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain
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StartsStarts at
DurationDuration
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Soraypampa
Trip Overview
Some treks are made for travelers who want comfort. This one is made for travelers who want the Andes in their strongest form.
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude route through one of the most powerful mountain zones near Cusco. For six days, the trail moves through Quechua highland communities, alpaca fields, glacial lakes, cold camps, red valleys, high passes, and the mineral-colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
This is not a light walk. Most of the route stays above 4,000 meters, and several sections climb close to or above 5,000 meters. The air is thin, the nights are cold, and the terrain changes every day. For honest planning, this trek is best for travelers with hiking background, strong legs, and good acclimatization.
With Elvis Adventures, the trek is handled with a professional guide, cook, horsemen, camping equipment, meals, oxygen support, first aid kit, and local mountain logistics.
If you want a route with fewer crowds, real highland silence, and deep contact with the Ausangate mountain area, this 6-day trek is one of the strongest choices in Cusco.
Day by Day Schedule
Highlight of the day: Leave Cusco and begin the trek toward Upis, with the first highland views, alpaca fields, and hot springs near camp.
The day begins early in Cusco. Your guide and transport team will pick you up from your hotel or an agreed meeting point, then you will travel toward the southeast of Cusco.
The road passes through Andean towns, farming areas, and highland landscapes before reaching the Tinqui area. As the route gets closer to Ausangate, the land opens, the air becomes colder, and snow-covered peaks may appear in the distance when the sky is clear.
At the starting point, the team organizes the gear with the horses and horsemen. This is where the trek begins. You will carry only your day backpack, while the main camping equipment and the allowed duffel weight go with the horse team.
The first hiking section moves through rural paths, grassland, compact dirt, and small stones. The trail is not the hardest of the trek, but the altitude is already present, so the guide will keep a steady pace.
After lunch, the route continues toward the Upis area, where the first camp is usually set. The landscape feels wide and open, with alpacas, local homes, and views of the mountain range.
Near Upis, there may be time to use the hot springs depending on timing and local conditions. After sunset, the cold arrives quickly, so warm layers are important before dinner.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 9.65 km / 6 mi
- Altitude: Around 4,100 m / 13,450 ft
- Hiking time: Around 5 to 6 hours
- Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on final operation
- Accommodation: Camping
- Trail surface: Compact dirt, grassland, small stones, rural paths
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to altitude
- Transport: Tourist vehicle from Cusco to the trailhead
Highlight of the day: Cross high passes and walk near deep-blue glacial lakes, with close views of Ausangate’s mountain walls.
The second day begins with a cold morning at camp. The team usually serves a warm drink before breakfast, which helps before starting one of the stronger walking days.
The trail climbs toward Arapa Pass, a high mountain crossing that demands slow breathing and careful pacing. The ground can include compact dirt, loose stones, grassland, and exposed sections with wind.
After crossing the pass, the route descends toward a lake area near Puma Cocha or Pucacocha, depending on the route plan. This is a strong place for lunch because the lakes and mountain background give the day a deep highland feeling.
After lunch, the walk continues uphill toward another pass near the Pucacocha area. This section can feel heavy because the body is already tired from the morning climb.
From the pass, the views can include hanging glaciers, high lakes, and wide valleys. If weather helps, this is one of the best days for seeing the scale of the Ausangate region.
The descent to Chillca camp can be rough on the knees because of loose rock and uneven terrain. Walking poles are very useful.
At camp, tents will be ready, and the cook will prepare dinner. The night is cold and can be windy.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Camp altitude: Around 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
- High pass: Arapa Pass around 4,958 m / 16,266 ft
- Second high section: Around 5,000 m / 16,404 ft, depending on route
- Hiking time: Around 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Trail surface: Dirt paths, stones, loose rock, grassland, lake shore sections
- Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight of the day: Walk through Red Mountain Valley and reach Rainbow Mountain after a demanding high-altitude section.
Day 3 is one of the strongest days of the trek. The morning starts cold, and the route quickly asks for effort.
The trail begins by crossing a high section near Chillca Pass, where the landscape begins to change. Red and mineral-colored slopes appear, giving a first sign of what will come later near Rainbow Mountain.
After the pass, the route enters the Red Mountain Valley, a wide and dry-looking highland area with deep red tones, llamas, open slopes, and strong wind. The terrain can feel exposed, especially when clouds move fast across the mountains.
From this area, you continue toward the Rainbow Mountain sector. The final climb can feel hard because of the altitude and the walking distance already covered. The guide will manage the pace carefully.
At Rainbow Mountain, the slopes show red, green, yellow, brown, and pale mineral bands. Weather matters here. Sun can sharpen the colors, while clouds or snow can soften them. The guide will give time for photos and rest according to group condition.
After the Rainbow Mountain section, the route continues down through the valley and toward Lake Ausangate, where camp will be set. This area feels cold, open, and deeply tied to the mountain.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 20 km / 12.4 mi
- Altitude range: Around 4,300 m / 14,107 ft to 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Hiking time: Around 7 to 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Trail surface: Red soil, dirt paths, stones, slopes, loose sections, exposed terrain
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Important note: This is one of the most demanding days because of distance and altitude
Highlight of the day: Cross one of the highest sections of the trek and move through glacial valleys, river edges, and wide pampas.
After a cold night near Lake Ausangate, the day starts with breakfast and preparation for another high mountain crossing.
The route moves through glacial terrain, green pampas, rocky sections, and paths near streams or river edges. The walking distance is slightly shorter than Day 3, but the altitude remains very demanding.
The main challenge is Palomani Pass, one of the highest points of the trek. This section requires patience and slow movement. The wind can be strong, and the ground may include loose rock, stones, or wet sections depending on weather.
From the pass, the views can be wide and powerful, with glacier slopes, valleys, and distant peaks. The descent toward Pampacancha brings the route into a different mountain setting, with open grazing areas and possible wildlife sightings.
This is a good day to look for vicuñas, condors, and other highland birds, though sightings are never guaranteed.
At Pampacancha, the camp is set for the night. The body may feel tired after several days at altitude, so rest and hydration are important.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 17 km / 10.5 mi
- Altitude range: Around 4,300 m / 14,107 ft to 5,400 m / 17,716 ft, depending on route readings and local variation
- Hiking time: Around 7 to 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Trail surface: Stones, high passes, glacial terrain, grassland, river edges, possible mud
- Difficulty: Challenging to very challenging
Highlight of the day: Walk past deep-blue lakes and reach Pacchanta, where hot springs can ease the body after several hard days.
The fifth day has one main pass to cross, but after several days in the mountains, the body may already feel the accumulated effort.
The route moves through lakes, rocky slopes, open valleys, and highland areas with views of Ausangate from another angle. The morning can feel cold and windy, especially before the sun rises higher.
The trail climbs toward Qampa Pass, another serious high-altitude crossing. The guide will keep a slow, steady pace. Some sections may include stones, compact dirt, loose rock, and wet ground near lake areas.
After the pass, the trail descends toward the Pacchanta Valley. Views of the mountain range remain strong, and the landscape begins to feel more connected to community life again.
The goal of the day is Pacchanta, known for its thermal baths. When timing and local conditions allow it, travelers can use the hot springs after the hike. For many travelers, this is one of the best physical moments of the trek.
Dinner is served at camp in the Pacchanta area.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 16 km / 10 mi
- Altitude range: Around 4,300 m / 14,107 ft to 5,400 m / 17,716 ft, depending on route readings and local variation
- Hiking time: Around 6 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Trail surface: Dirt paths, stones, lake areas, high pass terrain, grassland, possible mud
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Optional: Pacchanta hot springs, depending on timing and local conditions
Highlight of the day: Finish the route with an easier walk toward Tinqui and return to Cusco after six days in the high Andes.
The final day is the easiest walking day of the trek. The path moves from Pacchanta toward Tinqui on flatter ground compared with the previous mountain passes.
Even though the terrain is easier, the body may feel tired from the past days. This is a day to walk calmly, look back at the mountains, and understand what the route demanded.
The trail passes through local highland areas, rural paths, and open land used by families and animals. Once you reach Tinqui, the team will organize the equipment and prepare for the return transport.
After lunch, the tourist vehicle returns to Cusco. The road back feels different after several days in remote terrain. Arrival in Cusco is usually in the late afternoon, depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic.
Technical details
- Distance: Around 16 km / 10 mi
- Altitude: Descending toward around 4,000 m
- Hiking time: Around 3 to 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Not included after return to Cusco
- Trail surface: Flatter dirt paths, rural roads, compact soil, small stones
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Transport: Tourist vehicle from Tinqui back to Cusco
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Pre-tour briefing in Cusco
- Hotel pickup in Cusco city center or agreed meeting point
- Tourist transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Return tourist transport to Cusco
- Professional trekking guide in English or Spanish
- Cook during the trek
- Horsemen and horses for camping equipment and main supplies
- Personal duffel bag for trek belongings
- Horse-carried personal allowance, usually up to 7 kg
- Camping tents
- Sleeping mat
- Dining tent
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent when included in the selected service
- Breakfasts during the trek, except those listed as not included
- Lunches during the trek
- Dinners during the trek, except the final dinner after return
- Hot drinks at camp
- Boiled water during the trek when operation allows
- First aid kit
- Oxygen for emergency use
- Emergency horse when included in the service
- Pre-tour assistance from Elvis Adventures
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1, unless stated in your confirmation
- Dinner on Day 6
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress
- Walking poles
- Personal tent for solo use
- Extra personal horse
- Travel insurance
- Local community entrance fees, unless stated in your confirmation
- Rainbow Mountain or Red Valley entrance fees, unless stated in your confirmation
- Pacchanta hot springs entrance, unless stated in your confirmation
- Water bottles or personal drinks
- Personal snacks
- Tips for guide, cook, horsemen, or driver
- Personal expenses
- Hotel in Cusco before or after the trek
- Services not clearly listed as included
More Tour Information
- Tour name: Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain
- Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
- Start: Cusco
- End: Cusco
- Main region: Vilcanota mountain range, Ausangate area
- Main places: Cusco, Tinqui, Upis, Chillca, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Ausangate, Palomani Pass, Pampacancha, Qampa Pass, Pacchanta Hot Springs
- Service type: Group or private
- Accommodation: Camping
- Transport: Tourist vehicle and trekking route on foot
- Support: Cook, horsemen, horses, guide, camping team
- Walking level: Challenging
- Physical demand: High due to altitude, cold, long walking days, and mountain passes
- Maximum altitude: Around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft, depending on route conditions
- Average altitude: Mostly above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
- Trail surface: Compact dirt, stones, grassland, loose rock, mud, stream crossings, steep climbs, descents, and possible snow or ice
- Climate: Cold, windy, dry, rainy, snowy, or foggy depending on season
- Best months: May to September for drier trail conditions
- Shoulder months: April and October can work, but weather is less stable
- Rainy season: Usually November to March
- Meals: Meals during the trek included, except those listed as not included
- Safety support: First aid kit and oxygen for emergency use
- Recommended acclimatization: At least 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek
- Recommended for: Experienced hikers or travelers with strong physical condition
- Not recommended for: Travelers with serious heart issues, severe altitude sensitivity, recent surgery, strong knee problems, major mobility limits, or pregnancy
Some treks are made for travelers who want comfort. This one is made for travelers who want the Andes in their strongest form.
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude route through one of the most powerful mountain zones near Cusco. For six days, the trail moves through Quechua highland communities, alpaca fields, glacial lakes, cold camps, red valleys, high passes, and the mineral-colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
This is not a light walk. Most of the route stays above 4,000 meters, and several sections climb close to or above 5,000 meters. The air is thin, the nights are cold, and the terrain changes every day. For honest planning, this trek is best for travelers with hiking background, strong legs, and good acclimatization.
With Elvis Adventures, the trek is handled with a professional guide, cook, horsemen, camping equipment, meals, oxygen support, first aid kit, and local mountain logistics.
If you want a route with fewer crowds, real highland silence, and deep contact with the Ausangate mountain area, this 6-day trek is one of the strongest choices in Cusco.
Special Requirements
If you need medical equipment, a service animal, crutches, professional filming gear, drones, or special photography equipment, you must inform the Elvis Adventures reservations team in advance.
Some items may require permits, special transport, route adjustment, or may not be allowed in certain areas.
Notes About Our Elvis Adventures Service
Hotel Pickup
Pickup is usually arranged from hotels in Cusco’s main tourist area. If your hotel is located on a narrow street where vehicles cannot enter, we will set a nearby meeting point.
For private service, pickup timing may be adapted to the route plan. For group service, pickup time is fixed and must be followed carefully.
Luggage Storage
Large luggage should stay at your hotel in Cusco or in a safe storage point arranged before departure.
For the trek, you will carry a day backpack with water, rain gear, warm jacket, sunscreen, snacks, camera, and personal medicine.
Your main trek items will go in the duffel bag carried by horses. The usual personal weight allowance is up to 7 kg. You will not have access to this duffel during the walking day because the horse team normally moves ahead of the group.
Payment Conditions
A deposit or full payment is required to secure guide, cook, horsemen, horses, transport, food, camping gear, local coordination, and operation space.
This trek requires more planning than a day tour. Food must be purchased, equipment prepared, horses assigned, local team confirmed, route logistics reviewed, and safety gear checked before departure.
Once the trekking team and equipment are confirmed, changes or cancellations may involve costs because local workers, horses, food, and supplies are reserved in advance.
The remaining balance, if any, must be paid before the trek or according to the agreement made with the Elvis Adventures reservations team.
Availability
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain is available most of the year, depending on weather, road access, camp conditions, local rules, guide availability, and horse team availability.
The best season is usually from May to September, when trail conditions are drier and visibility is usually better. Nights can still be freezing.
April and October can work, but weather is less predictable.
From November to March, rain, fog, mud, hail, and snow may affect the trek. During this period, route changes or cancellations may happen if the guide decides conditions are unsafe.
For private service, early booking is recommended, especially if you need special gear, another guide language, dietary adjustments, or a custom pace.
Useful Information
Ausangate Mountain
Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and belongs to the Vilcanota mountain range. For many Quechua communities, it is an Apu, a protective mountain linked to water, animals, weather, and local life.
This trek does not climb the summit. It follows highland routes around the mountain area, passing lakes, valleys, high passes, alpaca fields, and colored slopes.
Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is reached as part of the trekking route. The mineral bands show red, green, yellow, brown, and pale tones depending on light, weather, and season.
Weather changes the view. Some days colors look stronger, and other days clouds or snow soften the mountain.
Mountain Passes
The route may include high passes such as Arapa, Pucacocha, Chillca, Palomani, and Qampa depending on the final operating plan.
These passes are demanding because of altitude, cold wind, loose rock, and long uphill sections. The guide may adjust pacing or route sections for safety.
Camps and Nights
Camps are usually placed in remote highland areas. Nights can be very cold, especially above 4,300 meters.
Warm sleeping gear is essential. A sleeping bag, air mattress, and extra insulated layers can make a major difference.
Meals
Meals are included during the trek according to the itinerary. The cooking team prepares warm mountain food for high-altitude walking.
Typical trekking meals may include soups, rice, pasta, vegetables, potatoes, eggs, grains, hot drinks, pancakes, bread, fruit when possible, chicken, trout, or vegetarian options.
Dietary needs must be informed in advance. Private service allows better food adjustment.
Horsemen and Horses
Horsemen and horses carry camping gear, cooking equipment, food, and the allowed personal duffel weight.
Travelers must still carry a day backpack with personal items needed during the walk. Extra personal horse support can be requested in advance and may have an added cost.
Pacchanta Hot Springs
Pacchanta is known for its hot springs. After several cold trekking days, this stop can help the body recover.
Hot spring use depends on timing, local conditions, and final operation. Bring swimsuit, towel, and sandals if you want to use them.
Weather
Weather changes quickly in Ausangate. A single day may bring sun, cloud, wind, rain, hail, or snow.
The dry season usually gives better trail conditions, but cold nights remain serious. The rainy season can make trails muddy, slippery, foggy, or snowy.
Travel Restrictions
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and they may interrupt some tours and treks. Roads can be blocked, and transport may change without much notice.
If this happens, Elvis Adventures will try to keep your trek as close as possible to the original plan. In some cases, the route may be adjusted, delayed, or canceled.
In case of changes or cancellations, our operations team will coordinate with you directly. Your safety is always the main priority.
Lost Objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, campsites, tents, dining areas, restaurants, hot springs, or waiting points.
Each traveler is responsible for personal belongings during the trek. Elvis Adventures is not responsible for lost items left in public areas, vehicles, campsites, tents, hot springs, or route stops.
Health and Physical Conditions
This trek takes place at high altitude and includes cold nights, strong wind, uneven ground, uphill walking, descents, remote camps, and several days far from immediate city services.
It is not recommended for travelers with serious heart conditions, severe asthma, recent surgery, strong vertigo, severe altitude sensitivity, strong knee problems, back problems, or major mobility limitations.
Older travelers should have approval from their doctor before booking. Private service is usually better for older travelers because the pace can be adjusted.
Pregnant travelers should not take this trek due to altitude, cold weather, remote terrain, long walking days, and limited medical access.
If you feel headache, nausea, chest pressure, dizziness, strong weakness, confusion, or breathing difficulty during the trek, tell the guide immediately.
Emergency and Route Change Note
The guide may change the route, camp plan, walking pace, or return plan if weather, health, altitude symptoms, trail damage, snow, roadblocks, or community restrictions make the original plan unsafe.
In Ausangate, safety comes before keeping the exact route.
Final Booking Note
To book this trek, Elvis Adventures needs your full name, travel date, hotel name in Cusco, preferred service type, dietary notes, health notes, and any gear rental request.
Ausangate Trek 6 Days + Rainbow Mountain is one of the strongest high-Andean trekking routes near Cusco for travelers who want cold camps, glacial lakes, high passes, Quechua highland life, alpaca valleys, Rainbow Mountain, Pacchanta hot springs, and a route that feels far from ordinary travel.
Clothing
- Warm down jacket or heavy insulated jacket
- Fleece or thermal mid-layer
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Windbreaker
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Waterproof pants during rainy season
- Gloves for cold weather
- Warm hat
- Neck warmer or buff
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses with strong UV protection
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Extra trekking socks
- Sleepwear for cold nights
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Swimsuit for Pacchanta hot springs
- Small towel for hot springs
Travel Items
- Medium duffel bag or the provided trek duffel
- Day backpack, around 30 to 40 liters
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Power bank
- Personal snacks
- Dry bags or plastic bags for wet clothing
- Small towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Personal toiletries
- Camera, if desired
- Cash in Peruvian soles
Documents
- Passport or ID copy
- Travel insurance details
- Booking confirmation from Elvis Adventures
- Emergency contact information
- Medical notes if relevant
Personal Medication
- Personal medicine in original packaging
- Altitude support medicine, only if approved by your doctor
- Pain relief medicine recommended by your doctor
- Stomach medicine
- Motion sickness tablets, if needed
- Allergy medication, if needed
- Inhaler, if prescribed
- Blister care
- Small personal first aid items
Months Before the Trek
- Train with uphill walks before traveling. This trek includes long days, high passes, and cold camps.
- Spend at least 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek.
- Speak with your doctor if you have heart problems, asthma, blood pressure issues, anemia, vertigo, knee problems, back problems, or previous altitude sickness.
- Choose private service if you want a slower pace, more support, or better meal control.
- Buy travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
- Tell the reservations team about dietary needs, allergies, health notes, and previous altitude problems.
A Few Days Before the Trek
- Sleep well before departure.
- Avoid heavy alcohol before the trek.
- Eat light meals in Cusco the day before.
- Prepare warm clothing for freezing nights.
- Pack only what is needed. Extra weight makes high-altitude walking harder.
- Bring cash in Peruvian soles for local fees, snacks, tips, hot springs, or emergency needs.
- Attend the pre-tour briefing and ask about gear, route, weather, and duffel weight.
- Confirm your pickup point with Elvis Adventures.
During the Trek
- Walk slowly from the first day. A fast start can cause problems later.
- Drink water in small amounts throughout the day.
- Use layers. You may feel warm while climbing and very cold during stops.
- Tell the guide immediately if you feel headache, nausea, chest pressure, dizziness, strong weakness, confusion, or breathing difficulty.
- Respect local families, animals, campsites, and community rules.
- Do not leave trash on the trail.
- Stay on marked paths when possible.
- Do not walk alone away from camp.
- Keep your headlamp close at night.
- Protect your hands, ears, and face from cold wind.
- Accept route changes if weather, health, or trail conditions require it.
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