It is challenging, with very high passes up to around 5,200 m and rugged terrain. Good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
A four-day trek combining Ausangate glaciers and the famous Rainbow Mountain. From $450 per person.
Pair the remote Ausangate Trek with the vibrant Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on this 4-day Andean adventure with INKANET ADVENTURE.
Trek glaciers, frozen rivers and colorful lagoons beneath the Vilcanota range, then reach the surreal mineral colors of Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 m — a once-in-a-lifetime high-altitude journey.
Trek beneath Ausangate (6,384 m), Cusco's sacred apu, through glaciers, high passes and windswept valleys.
Marvel at vivid red, green and turquoise lagoons such as Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha.
On the combined route, reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and its mineral-striped colors.
Spot llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and elusive mountain chinchillas in pristine high-altitude habitat.
Relax in natural thermal pools at Upis or Pacchanta after long days on the trail.
Visit traditional highland villages and share in living Andean culture far from the crowds.
Horses, a chef, a dining tent and a portable restroom keep this remote trek comfortable.
Certified bilingual guides and emergency oxygen ensure a safe, immersive wilderness experience.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A private van through the Vilcanota range reaches Tinki for breakfast, then you trek through farming communities about three hours to lunch and on to Upis (4,100 m), with hot springs to soak in before dinner.
You climb the Arapa Pass (4,850 m) for a striking contrast of arid hills and snow peaks, with the red, green and turquoise lakes of Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha, camping near the Ausangate Glacier.
Over the Ausangate Pass (4,930 m) you reach red mountains and the village of Alccatauri, then climb to the Minasniyuq Pass for first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m) and a Pacha Mama offering, camping by Surine lake (4,800 m).
A two-hour hike reaches the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m) for its mineral-striped colors and surrounding peaks, then you descend to Quesiuno for lunch and drive 3.5 hours back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Exactly what is covered in your Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $450 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $428 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $405 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days guides
