Ausangate Trek, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 4 Days Tour

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. We will then travel by private vehicle for about three hours to the trailhead at Pukutuni School (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where you will enjoy breakfast and meet the trekking team, including the professional guide, local chef, porters, and horsemen.

After breakfast, we begin our hike with a three-hour trek to the village of Upis, located at the base of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Here, you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes.

In the afternoon, we continue with a 1.5-hour uphill hike to the first mountain pass, Vicuña Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). We will take a short break at the top to rest and appreciate the impressive views of the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and highland scenery.

From the pass, the trek continues with a three-hour hike to our campsite at Pucaccocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft). Along the way, you will witness breathtaking scenery featuring waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering glacier peaks.

Upon arrival at camp, our trekking team will have your tents ready and a warm meal prepared, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the high Andes.

• Trailhead Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Campsite Elevation: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
• Weather: Cold
• Difficulty: Challenging

After enjoying an early and nourishing breakfast prepared by our trekking chef, we begin the day with a two-hour ascent toward Condor Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft). Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, beautiful high-altitude lagoons, and opportunities to observe native wildlife such as llamas and alpacas grazing across the vast Andean plains.

From the pass, the trail continues with a gradual two-hour descent to our designated lunch spot, where you will enjoy another freshly prepared meal surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, we continue with a short but steady climb to Alpaca Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft). From this vantage point, you will have your first distant glimpse of the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain, offering an exciting preview of what lies ahead.

Following the pass, we descend for approximately one additional hour to reach our campsite near Sororni Lake (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Upon arrival, our team will have everything prepared, allowing you to relax and enjoy one of the most peaceful and scenic locations in the Andes, with unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and night sky.

• Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Campsite Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Weather: Cold
• Difficulty: Challenging

After spending the night in the high Andes, you will have the advantage of being among the first visitors to reach Rainbow Mountain. Following an early breakfast with hot drinks prepared by our trekking team, we begin a gradual two-hour uphill hike toward the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m / 16,502 ft).

Along the trail, you may have the opportunity to observe native wildlife, including graceful vicuñas, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding highland landscapes. Upon arrival, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the vibrant mineral-colored slopes. Arriving early allows you to fully appreciate the scenery and capture spectacular photographs before the larger crowds arrive.

Your guide will provide an informative explanation about the geological formation of the mountain and the unique minerals responsible for its distinctive colors. After enjoying this remarkable site, we continue with an approximately one-hour descent to the trail endpoint at Kayrawiri, where you will bid farewell to the trekking team.

From here, we travel by private vehicle for approximately four hours to Ollantaytambo, where you will have time to enjoy dinner before boarding the evening train (around 7:00 p.m.) to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will check into your comfortable hotel, where you can relax, take a hot shower, and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

• Walking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Rainbow Mountain Elevation: 5,030 m / 16,502 ft
• Weather: Cold
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: Sacred Stone Hotel or similar (3 stars)

(Advance booking is strongly recommended to secure the best Machu Picchu circuits.)

Today marks the highlight of your journey as you visit the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Access to the citadel is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government and UNESCO in order to preserve this world-renowned heritage site. To manage visitor flow, several official circuits have been established, with Circuits 2 and 3 being the most recommended for a complete and meaningful experience. We strongly advise booking your Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance to secure the most suitable circuit.

You will wake up early at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, usually with a packed breakfast provided. It is essential to depart early to make the most of your visit. After breakfast, larger luggage will remain stored at the hotel, while you carry only a small backpack with essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, camera, original passport (and student ID if applicable), and water.

From your hotel, you will walk a few minutes to the bus station to board one of the early buses to Machu Picchu. The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes and ascends through scenic mountain roads to the entrance of the citadel.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will begin your guided tour according to your assigned circuit. Those visiting with Circuit 2 will access the classic panoramic viewpoint near the Watchtower, while Circuit 3 follows an alternative route beginning at the agricultural terraces. You will have time to capture iconic photographs and receive an introductory explanation about the history, architecture, and cultural importance of the site.

The guided tour typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, during which you will explore important sectors including terraces, temples, ceremonial spaces, water fountains, and residential areas. After the guided visit, a short period of restricted free time will allow you to enjoy the surroundings before exiting the citadel.

Travelers who have reserved Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets will proceed to the entrance of this additional hike at the scheduled time. The climb requires approximately 45 minutes to ascend, followed by time at the summit and about 45 minutes to descend. Availability for this hike is limited and must be reserved well in advance.

After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you may enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included). Later in the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying scenic views along the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, our private transportation will meet you and transfer you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel in the evening.

Although this final day is full of activity, it is an unforgettable and rewarding experience, marking the perfect conclusion to your adventure through the Andes.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Return: Train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco