Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days / 2 Nights

If you dream of walking among glaciers, turquoise lagoons, reddish mountains, and endless skies, this 3-day expedition is for you. You will explore the surroundings of the imposing Ausangate, discover the 7 Lagoons circuit, and cross high mountain passes until reaching the spectacular rainbow mountain. An authentic and challenging trekking experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where each day offers unique landscapes and unforgettable moments.

DAY 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Lagoons – Upis

Turquoise lagoons and hot springs under the stars

The Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days begins at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco to travel approximately 4 hours to the Andean community of Pacchanta, located on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a hot breakfast surrounded by mountains and high Andean landscapes that mark the beginning of this trekking experience in the Vilcanota mountain range.

From Pacchanta, we will begin the hike toward the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit, one of the most impressive natural settings of the Ausangate trek in Cusco. In approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach the first lagoons, whose turquoise and emerald waters contrast with the snow-capped peaks that surround them. During the journey, you will observe alpacas grazing freely while enjoying the tranquility characteristic of a hike in the Peruvian Andes. There will be time to explore, take photographs, and contemplate the landscape before returning to Pacchanta for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will begin the hike to Upis, a journey of approximately 2 hours that leads us across open plains with constant views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival at the campsite, we will set up the tents facing the mountains in a wide and peaceful environment. As part of this trekking experience, you may optionally relax in the natural hot springs of Upis while the sun sets behind the glacier, an ideal moment.

Later, we will share the traditional tea time, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our team. At night, the guide will share stories about Andean culture and the importance of Ausangate within the local worldview before resting under a star-filled Andean sky.

• Difficulty level of the day: Moderate
• Minimum altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l. (Pacchanta)
• Maximum altitude: 4,450 m.a.s.l. (7 Lagoons of Ausangate Circuit)
• Approximate distance covered: 13 to 15 km (lagoon circuit hike and route to Upis)
• Predominant weather: Dry high mountain cold (41 °F to 64 °F during the day, dropping below 32 °F at night)
• Main activity: Hike to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit and camping in Upis with optional hot springs
• Notable wildlife of the day: Alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean geese (huallatas), high Andean ducks, and mountain birds
• Highlight of the day: Tour through turquoise lagoons beneath Ausangate and relaxation in the Upis hot springs at sunset

DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCCACOCHA – ANANTA

Crossing high mountain passes

The second day of the Ausangate Trek begins early after breakfast at the campsite. We will start the ascent toward Arapa Pass, one of the highest and most panoramic points of the route, crossing high mountain trails characteristic of trekking in the Vilcanota mountain range. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens up revealing imposing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mountains in reddish and ochre tones contrasting with the Andean sky. This section requires a steady pace and close guidance from the guide, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.

From Arapa Pass, we will begin the descent toward Puccacocha lagoon, one of the most impressive settings along the route. Its intensely turquoise waters, surrounded by reddish rock formations and snow-capped peaks, create a unique landscape in the Peruvian Andes. In this natural environment, we will have lunch at a strategic viewpoint that reflects the essence of this hike, far from crowded routes and in direct contact with the tranquility of the surroundings.

In the afternoon, we will continue hiking until reaching the Ananta campsite, located in a wide high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains and Andean grasslands. After settling in, we will enjoy the traditional tea time at sunset, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our cooking team. The night at camp will allow us to rest and recover energy for the next trekking day in Cusco, Peru.

• Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
• Minimum altitude: 4,400 m.a.s.l. (Upis Campsite)
• Maximum altitude: 4,850 m.a.s.l. (Arapa Pass)
• Approximate distance covered: 14 to 16 km (ascent to the pass and hike to Ananta)
• Predominant weather: High mountain cold, windy and variable (41 °F to 61 °F during the day, down to 17 °F at night)
• Main activity: Ascent to Arapa Pass and panoramic hike to Puccacocha and Ananta
• Notable wildlife of the day: Vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, huallatas (Andean geese), Andean caracara, and high Andean birds
• Highlight of the day: Panoramic view from Arapa Pass with Ausangate glaciers and Puccacocha lagoon with turquoise waters surrounded by reddish mountains

DAY 3: ANANTA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – RED VALLEY – CUSCO

Trekking to rainbow mountain

The final day of the Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain 3 Days begins before sunrise. After a hot breakfast, we will start the ascent toward Vinicunca, the famous rainbow mountain, one of the most impressive trekking destinations in Cusco, Peru. We will walk at a steady pace as the morning light begins to illuminate the mountains, aiming to arrive among the first visitors and enjoy the landscape with greater tranquility. Watching how the sun highlights the natural bands of reddish, ochre, green, and yellow tones is one of the most memorable moments of this high-altitude experience.

After enough time for photographs and rest, we will continue the hike toward the impressive Red Valley, a less crowded setting that perfectly complements the visit to rainbow mountain. This section crosses hills and formations of intense reddish tones that contrast with the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, offering a different and panoramic perspective of the Andean surroundings.

Finally, we will begin the descent to the point where our transportation awaits, which will take us first to Cusipata and then back to Cusco. The approximate arrival time in the city is scheduled around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of this adventure.

• Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
• Minimum altitude: 4,700 m.a.s.l. (Ananta Campsite)
• Maximum altitude: 5,036 m.a.s.l. (rainbow mountain – Vinicunca)
• Approximate distance covered: 10 to 12 km (ascent to Vinicunca, tour through Red Valley, and descent to the transportation point)
• Predominant weather: High mountain cold, dry and windy (36 °F to 59 °F during the day, lower wind chill during early morning hours)
• Main activity: Ascent to rainbow mountain (Vinicunca) and panoramic hike through Red Valley
• Notable wildlife of the day: Vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, huallatas (Andean geese), and high-altitude birds
• Highlight of the day: Sunrise at rainbow mountain with views of the Vilcanota mountain range and scenic hike through the impressive Red Valley

The Ausangate Trek + rainbow mountain is not just a hike; it is an expedition that combines glaciers, high-altitude landscapes, and multicolored mountains, where the physical challenge transforms into a visual reward and a deep connection with Andean nature.