• • • Total Walking Distance: 10km
    • Total Walking Time: 5h
    • Minimum Altitude: 4400m (14,435ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5050m (16,568ft)
    • Altitude of camp: 4700m (15,419ft)
    • Approx. night temperature: -15°C

We start our Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco, leaving early in the morning and heading towards the quaint village of Checacupe. Traveling on a paved road across the altiplano in the direction of Puno, we make our way through the fertile Vilcanota Valley. Our departure time means that we are out of sync with the crowds (the standard bus tours typically leave at 3am!) and will have plenty of time to enjoy an undisturbed experience of Vinicunca later on.

Arriving at Checacupe, we have a chance to visit the Colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the three interesting bridges before we hit the road again, and start our climb out of the Pitumarka Valley.

In Pitumarka, we can rest and buy some snacks. As we head out again, we leave the highway and get onto the dirt roads that wind through scenic valleys and canyons until we reach Hanchi Pacha. Along the way, we will stop to take photos of interesting rock formations.

After about 4 hours on the road, we’ll have an open air lunch to refresh and refuel before meeting up with our muleteers and beginning our 2h afternoon hike. We will climb steadily until we reach K’airahuiri Bajo (4300m / 14,925 ft) where we will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and magnificent valley below.

From there, it’s just another 40m to our first Vinicunca trek campsite at K’airahuiri Alto (4400m / 15,420 ft), with views across the verdant valley. It’s going to be a cold night, so make sure you have lots of warm clothes and a high quality sleeping bag, good to at least -15˚C (5˚F)!

• • • Total Walking Distance: 16km
    • Total Walking Time: 8h
    • Minimum Altitude: 4600m (15,091ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5040m (16,535ft)
    • Altitude of camp: 4600m (15,091ft)
    • Approx. night temperature: -15°C

After an early breakfast, we will walk for about 1.5h towards Vinicunca Pass (5040m (16,535ft), the site of the famous Ausangate Rainbow Mountains! Our breathing will become increasingly labored as we gain altitude. Once we arrive at the top of the pass, there may be some frigid gusts of wind, so be sure you are wrapped up warmly and that your head is protected with a woolly hat!

Here, we are rewarded for all our efforts with the first views of the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, with its vibrant multi-hued layers of rock sediment: turquoise, orange, brown, and red. For an extra treat and if the day is clear, we will also have majestic views of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate mountain, the tallest and most important mountain in Andean cosmology.

After some time to rest and take photos, we’ll head on to Pucacocha Lake over the 4900m (16,076 ft) Menos Ponco Pass (altitude is approximate). It should take between 4 and 5 hours to get to our campsite where we will rest for the evening.

• • • Total Walking Distance: 15km
    • Total Walking Time: 9h
    • Minimum Altitude: 4500m (14,763 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5200m (17,060 ft)
    • Altitude of camp: 4500m (14,943 ft)
    • Approx. night temperature: -10°C

We start off Day 3 of our Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Tour with a stunning morning walk. With the great Ausangate Mountain on our left-hand side, we passing clear glacial lakes, herds of local alpacas and llamas and, if we’re lucky, maybe even some wild vicuña.

We will first reach Apacheta Pass (4600m / 15,091 ft) before ascending to Palomani Pass (5200m / 17,060 ft), the highest point on the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain. As we cross the pass, we will be met with spectacular breathtaking views of the southeast mountain range, including Mariposa (“butterfly”) and Caracol (“snail”) Peaks.

From here we follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta mountains.

Then, we will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q’ampa Valley, where we will spend the night.

• • • Total Walking Distance: 18km
    • Total Walking Time: 9h
    • Minimum Altitude: 4010m (13,152 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5000m (16,400 ft)
    • Altitude of camp: 4010m (13,152 ft)
    • Approx. night temperature: -10°C

Day 4 and our last full day of hiking on our Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain. We start by hiking through the small community of Q’ampa. From there, we head northwest to the last pass of our journey, the Q’ampa Pass (5000m / 16,400 ft). We will pass by many different colored lakes and lunch beside the sparkling Q’oma Q’ocha Lake (4704m / 15,429 ft).

After several hours of hiking through the Andean landscape we reach Pacchanta (4010m / 13,152 ft). This traditional, high altitude herding village has been transformed by tourism in recent years, and has adapted its activities to include various community rural tourism initiatives, including homestays and cultural demonstrations.

We take in our incredible surroundings as we finish up our Ausangate Rainbow Mountain tour, with superb photo ops of Ausangate mountain in the distance. We also have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs, and even treat ourselves to a well-deserved beer!

Tonight, we camp in Pacchanta.

• • • Total Walking Distance: 7km
    • Total Walking Time: 3h
    • Minimum Altitude: 3800m (12,467 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4350m (14,261 ft)

It’s Day 5 and our final day trekking Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Peru. From Pacchanta, we hike for three hours to Tinke where we will have free time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private car back to Cusco.

The scenic drive winds up and over a pass for a last glimpse of the imposing Mount Ausangate. Take in the view as you marvel at your accomplishment, having just spent 5 days trekking through the Rainbow Mountain wilderness in this incredible, remote region of the Andes, where few have gone!

We arrive to Cusco between 4 and 5pm, and leave you at your hotel.

• Remember all Cusco trekking tours are challenging for most people due to the high altitude and steep mountains. You must be well-prepared.

We rate this 5 day Ausangate Vinicunca trek as moderate. (See how we rate all of our treks in the Cusco region!)

Despite this being a very high altitude trek, the ascents and descents are not as steep or difficult as they are on the treks we rate as “challenging”. There also are no stone steps, as there are on the Inca Trail, which can be hard on the knees for many.

The main challenge on this Ausangate Rainbow Mountain hike is the altitude. The hike will take you across two passes that are over 5000m; as a result, you must be well-acclimatized prior to beginning.

• If you’re relatively young, fit and already on a regular workout schedule prior to trekking, you will still likely find a Vinicunca Peru tour like this one somewhat of a challenge. This is mainly due to the altitude, the impact of which many hikers underestimate.

If you are a bit older or not as fit, you should definitely plan on getting into a fitness training program prior to coming. You should undertake a fitness training program in consultation with your doctor and a fitness professional to make sure that your training is tailored to your needs and level.

Generally speaking, though, the fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek will be! And that’s what you want while on holidays!

See our Tip #3 for how to get ready for your trek.

The best way to prepare yourself for Rainbow Mountain Peru’s altitude is very easy: spend time at a high-altitude place like Cusco!

For this 5 day Rainbow Mountain trek, you should spend at least 3 days at altitude prior to trekking. Generally speaking, the more time you can spend acclimatizing, the better you will feel on the trek.

While hanging out in Cusco or another high-altitude place (like Puno), be sure to be kind to your body. Altitude puts extra pressures on the body, so make sure you don’t do anything to overdo it while you’re trying to acclimatize. Eat light, healthy meals, drink lots of fluids (water or herbal teas are best), avoid alcohol and get plenty of rest.

Read more about Altitude and How to Acclimatize before starting your trek.

• The best time of year to plan your Rainbow Mountain 5 day trek are the dry winter months from May to August when there is little rain. The downside to dry season is that it’s also winter, and night-time temperatures are very low, well below freezing on this Rainbow Mountain trek!

December through March is the wet season in Peru and trekking around Rainbow Mountain Cusco is not recommended for safety reasons. Given the high altitudes encountere, the rain can actually turn to snow, particularly in the shoulder seasons. Trekking during these months (April, September, October) is strictly weather-dependent.

Read more about the best time to hike and take note of our wet season trekking policy. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trek if the weather conditions render it unsafe.

• The average walking time per day on this Cusco Rainbow Mountain tour is 7 hours, but it is not evenly distributed. While Days 1 and 5 are relatively easy walking days (3-5 hours), Days 2, 3, and 4 all feature long days of 8 or 9 hours of hiking.

See the day-by-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Tour itinerary for exact hiking times per day.

Yes! Our guides take solar-powered chargers with them during the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain so that you can charge your phone or other device along the way.

The 5 day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain hike includes 4 nights of camping, with the option to stay in a local hostel on Night 4.

Our camping equipment is top notch, including 4 season North Face tents that our field team sets up for you at each campsite. On a high altitude trek such as this one, you will be grateful for these high quality tents!

Temperatures frequently fall below freezing, and can even get as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of dry season. It’s not uncommon to see snow at certain times of year. Whatever the conditions, you will be well protected!

Go luxe! You can also choose our Comfort Camping option for a full-on luxury camping experience.

We provide delicious meals on the trail, prepared by our highly trained trail chefs – freeze-dried, packaged lentils this is not! Our chefs upgrade their training and meal repertoires every, resulting in some really stunning culinary creations on the trail!

We have a lot of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free travellers and our cooks know how to cater to their needs. With adequate preparation and clear communication, we can accommodate all other types of dietary requests.

Read more about What to Expect on the Trail, including more about meals and equipment.

There are no government-issued permits required to hike in the Ausangate Rainbow Mountains area. Any fees charged by the surrounding communities to hike to Vinicunca are included in the price of your trek.

The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek is a 5 day wilderness trek that does not include Machu Picchu. You can customize your Rainbow Mountain tour by adding a Machu Picchu Extension.

The Machu Picchu Trek Extension includes one night in a Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. For added comfort, you can also choose one of our upgrade packages which includes not only an upgraded hotel but also luxury train service and meals at the top restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

Another great way to customize your Vinicunca tour is to add on one or more of our Cusco day tours, such as a classic Sacred Valley tour or a hike to Humantay Lake.

There are other ways you can see the Ausangate Rainbow Mountains, especially if you are short on time or don’t want to spend 5 days trekking in Peru! We have a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco, which is a one day tour to hike up to the Rainbow Mountain lookout point and then return to Cusco.

We also have a 2 day Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco which includes one night camping near Vinicunca.

For an alternative Rainbow Mountain experience, we also offer a full day tour to Palccoyo, the “other Rainbow Mountain”. Our one day Palccoyo hike offers beautiful views of rainbow-coloured hills, an easier hike and no crowds. This is a great way to get off the beaten path and enjoy a unique Rainbow Mountain tour.

• All YOU need to carry with you each day on the tour is a light day pack. In your day pack, you should carry:
  • • a reusable water bottle;
    • some extra warm layers, beanie, mitts and a scarf;
    • a camera;
    • a sun hat; and,
    • sunscreen.

Water is extremely important while hiking. You should start each day with 2L, knowing you fill up your water bottles at meal times.

Snacks are great to have on the trail, too. We provide an ample supply, but – especially if you have a hollow leg! – you might want to bring some extra snacks of your own.

The rest of your belongings – up to 10kg (22 lbs) – are carried in a duffel bag that we provide, by mules. All of the camping equipment needed on the trek is also carried by mules.

• If you’re debating whether this trek is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
  • • Do I have time to properly acclimatize? This is a high altitude trek, with 4 nights spent sleeping at altitudes over 4000m, and two passes that are over 5000m. You must be well acclimatized before beginning this trek. If you do not have at least 3 days in your schedule to spend acclimatizing, you should not do this trek.
    • Am I prepared to hike a series of challenging passes? This 5 day Rainbow Mountain itinerary includes 4 high altitude passes, two of which are over 5000m. You must be both physically and mentally prepared to tackle such a challenge.
    • Am I looking for solitude on the trail and a unique experience? If so, the Rainbow Mountain Ausangate 5 day hike is a good option for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking forward to meeting fellow trekkers on the trail or at campsites and make new friends, you might prefer a more popular trek such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail.
    • Am I most interested in stunning mountain landscapes and Andean wildlife? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Truly, Rainbow Mountain Cusco provides a trekking experience that is just full to the brim with gorgeous landscapes. You are also likely to spot a host of aquatic birds, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and possibly even some wild vicuñas!
    • Am I looking for a trek that includes Machu Picchu? The 5 Day Rainbow Mountain trek does not include Machu Picchu. If your goal on this trip is to visit Machu Picchu, you can add a Machu Picchu Extension to your Rainbow Mountain trekking itinerary, or consider a different trek like Salkantay or Ancascocha.
    • Am I anxious to visit Incan Ruins? If Inca ruins are your focus, a trek like Choquequiraoor the Inca Trail will be a better choice for you than Ausangate Rainbow Mountain.
    • Am I interested in learning about contemporary Andean culture? If that’s a “yes” then one of our Lares would be a great choice.

For more information about what this region has to offer, check out our Ausangate homepage.

• The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek begins and ends in Cusco. Travel to/from Cusco is not included in the price of your trek.

Travel Direct…

• • • By Plane – Most international flights land in Lima, Peru’s capital. From here, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco. Some international flights go through other South American capitals, like Bogotá, Colombia, which also has connecting flights to Cusco.
    • By Bus – You can take an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco (it takes about 20-23 hours). One of the benefits of travelling slowly up from the coast is that you are automatically acclimatising as you travel. Not to mention you get an idea of the stunning landscape and mountains as you travel! The top recommended buses are Cruz del Sur, Palomino and ExcluCiva.

…or Take the Long Way

• • Via Arequipa and/or Puno – If you have the time, spend a day or two in Lima and then head to Arequipa or Puno (or both!) to gradually acclimatize to the altitude over the space of several days before you arrive in Cusco for your trek. We offer 3 and 4 day package tours to Arequipa and Puno that you can add onto to your trek.

If you’re still not sure if Ausangate Rainbow Mountain is right for you, or want to read more about the area or other people’s trekking experiences, check out these helpful articles from our blog:
• • Exploring the Rainbow Mountain Hike – The Apus Peru team went exploring the Rainbow Mountain hike when it was still relatively new. We met with locals who helped us design a unique route that would help keep our trekkers off the beaten path.