Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain

Ausangate trek 4 days to Rainbow Mountain overview:

Experience the stunning Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain hike. during this 4-day hiking adventure through the mountains.

Be encouraged on a journey where each day brings a new trail to conquer and an impressive natural wonder to contemplate. Marvel at the majestic summit of Ausangate, rising to a height of 20,956 feet, surrounded by towering glacial peaks that drop thousands of feet from the edge of the mountain range.

This adventure hike is designed to provide a peaceful and pleasant experience in the remote Vilcanota Mountain Range, specifically along the Ausangate path. It takes you away from the busy roads, away from the crowds, and allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the iconic snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera del Vilcanota and the famous Colored Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.

Cusco I Tinki I Puka Qocha I Qomer Qocha I Red Valley I Rainbow Mountain I Cusco

Duration of the trip:

4 Days 3 Nights

Total Distance

46km

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

4650 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 Min - 08 Max

Ausangate and the Rainbow Mountain have attracted visitors from near and far since gaining recognition as notable landmarks just a few years ago. These classic reddish hills offer unique Andean fauna and wildlife, thundering waterfalls and stunning glacial landscapes that captivate adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This hike offers the opportunity to explore the famous Vilcanota Valley from one end to the other.

As you hike through this extraordinary landscape, you’ll encounter glistening glacial lakes, vibrantly colored hills, herds of llamas and alpacas, waterfalls, and the impressive peaks and glaciers of Ausangate rising to 20,956 feet. At the end of each exciting day, you’ll find comfort and hospitality at our exceptional campsites, set in spectacular settings. Each camp offers spacious private tents, a dining tent, toilet facilities and delicious cuisine prepared by our experienced staff. The highlight of your trip is the exploration of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, a magnificent natural formation of vibrantly colored hills. Prepare to be amazed on this unforgettable Ausangate hike, which takes four incredible days.

Ausangate trek 4 days to Rainbow Mountain summary:

TOUR NAME: Ausangate Trek 4 Days to Rainbow Mountain
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Ausangate Trek Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 6:30 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service).
HIKING DISTANCE: 60.5 km / 37.5 ml
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Ausangate Trek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Ausangate Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Upis Village Trailhead (for our Passengers and staff)
ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 Nights in Camping in 4 Season Tents/02 ppl per Tent (Therm-a-rest Self-Inflating air Mat is included)
PORTERING/HORSEBACK SERVICE: 7Kilos/14 Pounds Extra Portering service is included. We will provide you a duffel bag for your personal Stuff (This will be carried by the porter or Horses), Water Bottle, Rain Poncho & Salkantay T-shirt will be given at the briefing time,
MEALS: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 tea times + wake-up teas (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
AUSANGATE TREK TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: Ausangate and Rainbow entrance fee Included.

Ausangate trek 4 days to Rainbow Mountain Short Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Upis Village – Upis Hot Springs
Day 2: Upis Hot Springs – Puka Qocha
Day 3: Puka Qocha – Qomer Qocha
Day 4: Qomer Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Ausangate trek 4 days to Rainbow Mountain highlights

Epic Views of Ausangate Glacier (6,384 m) – Hike beside the sacred, snow-capped guardian of the Andes.
High-Andean Lakes – Turquoise lagoons like Pucacocha, Jatun Pucacocha, and Alqacocha sparkle at the base of glaciers.
Remote, Authentic Andes – Walk through untouched landscapes where alpacas and llamas outnumber people.
Traditional Quechua Culture – Encounter local herders and experience centuries-old Andean traditions.
Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for vizcachas, condors, and wild vicuñas roaming the puna.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – End the trek at the world-famous natural wonder with its surreal mineral colors.
Challenge + Reward – A high-altitude adventure that pushes your limits but gives unmatched landscapes and memories.

DAY 1
Cusco – Upis Village – Upis Hot Springs+

DAY 2
Upis Hot Springs – Puka Qocha+

DAY 3
Puka Qocha – Qomer Qocha+

DAY 4
Qomer Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco+

Ausangate trek 4 days includes

Private Transportation To Tinki and Bus Back from Tinki (Trailhead)
English – Spanish speaking guide for 4 days of the Ausangate
Guided assistance
Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping pad
Cook and assistance of the Cook.
Cooking equipment
Snacks
Daily tea service
Dining equipment including chairs and tables
Portable environmental Biodegradable toilet (The Pett)
Food service in the campsites (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu
Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
Personal trekking food – nutritionally balanced menu(Buffet)
Two-person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite)
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 7 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as clothe) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). During Ausangate Sector.
Porters to carry all our camping equipment as well as food.
Ausangate entrance fees, valid for 4 days
Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our Cook and horseman
First-aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
Pre-trek Orientation – briefing (Hotel or Office)
Insurance policy for our porters and Cooks.

Ausangate trek 4 days doesnt include

Breakfast – Day 1
Lunch and dinner – Day 4
Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend getting, insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please email us at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$20 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

Huayna Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Machu Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroom, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bedroom (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$60 for the entire trip
(Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$40 for the entire trip
Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$30 for the entire trip

ADITIONAL INFO:

BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel please let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
STORAGE Most hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they don’t have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Please let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking formComfortable

4 Day Ausangate Trek (Prices for 2026)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You Are Going, We Won’t cancel Cancel your Trip.

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of 30%, and the Final Balance, will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$650

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): (Group Size: 02 Minimum – 06ppl Average – 08ppl Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: US$750

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.

What you need to bring on Ausangate trek 4 days

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel freezing, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
Airline tickets (and some copies)
US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Camera and Memory cards
Rechargeable batteries and adapters
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Cover for backpacks
Pocketknife.
Fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Small towel and swim wear
Shirts/t-shirts
Sun hat
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
1 pair hiking pants/track pants
Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
Sport hiking sandals
Sun block
Sunglasses
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Water bottle
Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
Flashlight (head light recommended)
Money belt
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Book now with us

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sara D 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 Experience - Would Recommend! We had an amazing time on the Salkantay 5 Day Trek. Before the trip started, Quechuas had great communication and was very accommodating to our travel schedule, including adjusting our briefing time with our guide.The skydome accomodations were great (all fairly spacious, with exception of night 2, which was fine as we didn’t spend much time there), the food was delicious (a great variety and always more than enough to go around) and the trek itself was beautiful. Our guide Steven, as well as second guide Jorge, were very patient, knowledgeable and kind to us and the others in our group - not only did we get to see incredible scenery but we also learned a lot about the local landscape and culture.We rented sleeping bags, which we would highly recommend. We brought our own hiking poles but would recommend renting if you don’t bring your own.Overall, an amazing experience and we would highly recommend this company.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Matthew W 
 
 
 
 Verified Seamless and Supportive Inca Trail Experience – Highly Recommend We recently completed the 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek with Quechuas Expeditions in June 2025, and overall had a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between physical challenge and logistical ease.Our guide, Fernando (“Nando”), was outstanding—passionate, deeply knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history, and highly supportive throughout. He kept our group motivated and informed, and managed different paces and needs with professionalism and care. His English was great, and he always made time to answer questions or share interesting stories along the way.The porter and chef team were phenomenal. Every meal was different, delicious, and plentiful—we were never hungry, and dietary needs (including vegan and vegetarian) were handled without issue. They even baked a custom cake on the trail for a couple’s anniversary, which speaks volumes about their care and capability. The porters themselves were friendly, warm, and constantly going above and beyond to support us.Quechuas provided tents, sleeping bags, a toilet tent, and hot water for face washing each morning, plus coca tea as a wake-up touch. The duffel service was useful, though we did find the weight limits a bit tighter than expected once you factor in the sleeping bag. In the end, we paid for an extra porter—which was easy to arrange but worth noting for those planning their packing. One thing we didn’t know in advance: the porter bags aren’t waterproof, so future trekkers may want to use dry bags or line the inside with plastic.Another small consideration: due to how campsites are assigned (by the government, not the tour company), some days ended up being longer than the traditional day-by-day breakdown you might read online. While not Quechuas’ fault, for myself, as much heads-up as possible would’ve helped with my own mental preparation.All said, Quechuas Expeditions delivered where it mattered most. The logistics were smooth, the staff was superb, and their support allowed us to focus on enjoying the trail and the breathtaking views without worrying about the rest. This is a company that knows what it’s doing.Would I recommend them? Absolutely—whether you’re a first-time trekker or experienced hiker, they make an unforgettable journey that much more seamless and enjoyable. If I ever do this again, I would book with them without question, and if possible, request the exact same team. Thank you Fernando and team for a trip of a lifetime and memories that will stay with me forever 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arianna O 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip on the Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions I never imagined that the Inca Trail could be so transformative. My partner and I decided to do the classic 4-day trek with Quechuas Expeditions and, honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first moment we felt very welcome. The service was impeccable, they were always attentive to our needs, solving all our doubts before and during the trek.The hike was not easy, but the views, the fresh mountain air and the energy of the group kept us going without thinking about how tiring it was. The meals at the campsites surprised us pleasantly, we really did not expect so much variety and flavor in the middle of the mountain. And the end, reaching Machu Picchu through the sun gate (Inti Punku) was simply magical, there are no words to describe that moment. It is definitely a unique experience that connects you with the history, culture and nature of Peru. Thank you Quechuas Expeditions for making this trip so special!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   naomiammar 
 
 
 
 Verified Hardest challenge of my life but worth it One of the hardest things I have ever done (definitely underestimate the difficulty level), and I don’t know if I would have made it if it wasn’t for our awesome guide Frenando and all the amazing staff we had. What a fantastic group of people. The porters are so hard working, it’s so humbling. The chef Taco was fantastic! I am vegan and he made me the most amazing food the entire time. I couldn’t believe it. And then our guide Fernando topped it all. Knowledgeable, professional yet fun, very personable, very patient (we were slow!) and very encouraging. If you are considering taking on this challenge, I highly recommend Quechua’s Expeditions and if you can request Fernando. E sure to do so. He’s been doing this for 19yrs!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   cade c 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome trek We really enjoyed our trip. It was challenging and also rewarding. Beautiful views and even better food. I can’t rave enough about our cook Santiago! Food was unbelievable. Jose did a fantastic job leading us along the way. He did a good job of explaining what we are seeing! Looking for a physical challenge with beautiful views this is the trek for you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lola U 
 
 
 
 Verified Demanding, enriching and unforgettable thanks to the human team I will always be grateful to the rich food and attentions of Santiago, the cook, the professionalism and good advice of José, the guide, the kindness of the helpers, who have made it possible to improve the experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julia C. 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trek, amazing guide and staff The Salkantay Trek was absolutely stunning, domes and the views were great with hot water available. What the trek made very special was our guide Nildo. Also, the chef Julian, horseman and second guide were incredible too. Nildo was knowledgeable, caring and passionate about everything he shared. I cannot imagine a better guide :-) Everything was very well organized.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Emelie A 
 
 
 
 Verified Hike of a lifetime! We had the most amazing time! The different sceneries along the trek are just unbelievable and although being two fairly unfit persons we could enjoy it all the way. Fernando and Steven are terrific guides making sure we were all comfortable and happy at all times. The food and accommodations along the way were also a lot more luxurious than what we’d expected. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who’s up for a hike!!

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