Accommodation

• Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
• Camping pillows
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
• Toilet tent

Meals

• Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
• Boiled water provided for drinking water on the trail (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
• Bottled water provided during the drive to the trailhead on the first day

Transport

• Collection from your hotel on the morning of your trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the 5 day Rainbow Mountain trek trailhead and return at the end of the trek

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
• Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg/22lbs per person).
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing
• Entry fee to Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain

Meals

• Breakfast on the first morning
• Dinner on the last day

Equipment

• Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you. Sleeping bags good to at least -15˚C are recommended.
• Additional horses to carry your luggage beyond the allowed 7kg (15lbs)

Other

• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Flights to/from Cusco
• Travel Insurance

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Extra horse to carry your own things beyond the included 10kg (22lbs)
• Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it
• Sleeping bag suitable for -10˚C
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade

Optional Activities

• Combine with a Machu Picchu Trek Extension

• Optional Extra Day: Immerse Yourself in Andean Culture

  On this extra day, we camp at Pacchanta and may enjoy a soak in the hot springs. The next morning, we visit Upis to meet Ruperta Condori Merma, co-president of the Awaq Mayki weaving association. Her family will demonstrate traditional weaving techniques, offering insights into Andean customs and lifestyle. We’ll also participate in activities like natural dyeing, interpreting weaving symbols, and even shearing alpacas. After a homemade lunch, we’ll head back to Cusco, arriving between 6:30 and 7 PM.

Important!

• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

See What to Bring for our comprehensive recommendations on what to pack for your trek.

Like many places in the Andes, the weather around Rainbow Mountain is rather fickle. It’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather: possible rain showers, sun, or even snow. Layering and flexibility will be key!

The 5 day Rainbow Mountain Ausangate hike is a high altitude trek, crossing some very high passes, including two that are over 5000m. This means it can get very cold on the trail, especially overnight (expect nighttime temperatures as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of the cold dry season). As you reach each pass, you will need thermals, a winter hat (toque or beanie), mitts, thick warm socks, and a scarf.

You may also want to pack a bathing suit, flip flops and a towel, since there is the chance to visit some natural hot springs on Day 4.

What are the best trekking clothes for a Vinicunca tour?

You want something durable, comfortable and easy to keep clean. We prefer convertible trekking pants made out of a quick dry fabric. Most of these hiking pants have special designs allowing a maximum range of motion, and contain many pockets – a little Indiana Jones-y, maybe, but they can be very useful on the trail! For a cold, high-altitude hike like this one, we definitely recommend wearing thermals under your hiking pants to keep you warm.

When it comes to footwear, tough, waterproof trekking boots with a high top are best. If you’re not ready to invest in specialist hiking boots, hiking shoes will suffice, though these tend to be only water-resistant, less durable and do not provide ankle support.

For more help with what to pack, check out our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru.

• Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years: Free. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

Our Rainbow Mountain tour guides are all handpicked for their personality, expert knowledge of the trekking routes and communication skills. All of our guides are formally licenced and receive frequent additional training from Apus Peru, such as mountain rescue and high-altitude first aid.

This is particularly important in the area of Vinicunca Peru as it is one of the trails where people have most felt the effects of altitude. You’ll be happy to have a trek guide with you who is experienced, knowledgeable and quick-thinking, able to alter routes at a moment’s notice if necessary.

Get to know our team!

Apus Peru is one of a small group of trek operators in the Cusco region that put people before profit. For us, safety is paramount. We have a comprehensive risk assessment policy that covers a wide range of topics from vehicle maintenance to illness and evacuation on the trail.

There are many treks, including ones in the area around Rainbow Mountain, Cusco, that we will not operate in the wet season under any circumstances due the safety considerations.

Want to join an Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

• Each guide has their own preferred route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. 
• The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain tour is a totally off-the-beaten path trek, and tourist infrastructure is very limited. Instead, we’ll be making use of local facilities where possible.
• Please note: this is a true adventure and things may not go exactly according to plan! Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the cultural differences you may experience. There is always an opportunity to learn something!

• Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.
• Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

• Total Walking Distance: 8.5km (incl hike to the Red Valley lookout)
• Total Walking Time: 5h
• Minimum Altitude: 4640m (15,223 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5050m (16,568 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 4800m (15,748 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -3°C (26.6°F)

We start our day early, leaving Cusco around 5 AM for a scenic 3-hour drive through stunning valleys and across the altiplano to reach Chillihuani (4,640m / 15,223 ft). Following the fertile Vilcanota Valley toward Puno, we arrive at the trailhead in Phulahuasipata (4,650m / 15,255 ft).

From here, we start our challenging 1.5 to 2-hour ascent, gaining 390m in altitude. The climb is demanding, and the thinner air will make breathing more difficult. Midway, we stop at Phuñacancha (4,740m / 15,551 ft), where basic toilet facilities are available for 1 sol (about $0.30 USD).

Upon reaching Vinicunca Pass (5,040m / 16,535 ft), we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain, whose layers of turquoise, orange, brown, and red make it truly unique. The climb may be strenuous, but the sight of these vibrant, colorful formations makes it all worthwhile. If the weather allows it, we will also enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate, a sacred mountain deity in Andean cosmology. Be prepared for cold gusts of wind at the pass, so bundle up and keep your head warm with a wool hat!

Afterward, we have the chance to visit the Red Valley viewpoint, a one-hour detour that offers incredible vistas of the area’s striking red landscapes. Then, we descend toward our campsite in Yanacocha (4,800m / 15,748 ft), passing beautiful lagoons along the way. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like Andean geese (huallatas in Quechua) and puna ducks, as well as ichu grass (stipa ichu), a native plant the Incas used to craft ropes, hanging bridges, adobe bricks, and house roofs.

At the campsite, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and have the afternoon to soak in the stunning mountain scenery before settling in for the night.

• • Total Walking Distance: 12 km
  • Total Walking Time: 7-8 h
  • Minimum Altitude: 4650m (15,225 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5000m (16,404 ft)
  • Altitude of camp: 4680m (15,354 ft) 
  • Approximate night temperature: –5°C (23°F)

Today, we start with an early breakfast and begin our ascent to the Warmisaya Pass (5000m / 16,404 ft). Afterward, we will descend towards the village of Anantapata (4700m / 15,420 ft), where we will have the chance to observe some of South America’s most famous camelids, including llamas, alpacas, and possibly vicuñas. 

We will then gradually ascend for 2 hours to the Surimani Pass (4950m / 16,240 ft) where we will enjoy magnificent views of Ausangate mountain (6370m / 20,900 ft), the highest peak in the region and a spiritual protector for the local population, providing water and life.

After taking in the views, we will descend for 1.5 hours to Hatun Pucacocha (4650m / 15,252 ft), which means “big red lake” in Quechua, the largest lake bordering Ausangate. Here we will stop for lunch. 

After lunch and a brief rest, we will gradually ascend for another 1.5 hours to the Apacheta Pass (4900m / 16,076 ft) before descending to our camp at Ausangatecocha (4680m / 15,350 ft).

• Total Walking Distance: 11 km
• Total Walking Time: 6h
• Minimum Altitude: 4540m (14,900 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5150m (16,896 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 5630m (18,471 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -5°C (23°F)

After a hearty breakfast, we will start early to conquer the highest point of the entire trek: the Palomani Pass (5,150m / 16,896 ft). During our 1.5 hour ascent, we will enjoy spectacular views of both Ausangate and Mariposa mountains. On a clear day, we may even catch a glimpse of the majestic Andean condor! 

Afterward, we will gradually descend for another 1.5 hours to the small village of Pampacancha (4540m / 14,900 ft), where we may also spot more llamas and alpacas, taking in views of red and turquoise-colored lakes along the way.

We will then begin another gradual ascent for 1.5 hours to our lunch spot at Jampapampa (5,630m / 18,471 ft). This will also be our campsite for the night.

• Total Walking Distance: 11 km
• Total Walking Time: 4.5-5h
• Minimum Altitude: 4670m (15,321 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5080m (16,698 ft) 
• Altitude of camp: 4670m (15,321 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 6°C (43°F)
•  

We start out this morning with a steep 2.5-hour ascent to Jampa Pass (5080m / 16,698 ft), surrounded by panoramic views of glaciers and mountains, before descending again for 2 hours to Otorongococha (4670m / 15,321 ft), where we will spend the night. After a long walk in the morning, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the beautiful lagoons.

• Total Walking Distance: 8km (plus 3 km to lookout)
• Total Walking Time: 6h (plus 1.5 hours to lookout)
• Minimum Altitude: 4480 mt (14,700) / Maximum Altitude: 5100 mt (16,732 ft)

Compared to the last several days’ journey, today will be a bit more relaxed. We will visit one of Cusco’s most important attractions, the Seven Lagoons (known as the 7 lagunas in Spanish). 

If we feel up to it, we can start the morning with a short 1.5h/3km hike up to the viewpoint (4780m / 15,682 ft) to capture the classic photo looking down the collection of colorful lagoons that surround Ausangate mountain. The view is spectacular! 

Returning from the viewpoint, we will then embark upon what’s known as the 7 lagunas circuit, visiting each lagoon in succession and taking photos at every stop. The fascinating thing here is that each lagoon has a unique shade of blue, ranging from turquoise all the way to crystal clear. Each lagoon also has its own purpose or story behind it, which your professional guide will be happy to share with you. In one of the lagoons, you can even find lapis lazuli stones naturally occurring there!

We will also have the chance to see other impressive lagoons, such as Tikacocha and Qomerqocha, while observing the local flora and fauna, including llamas, alpacas, vizcachas – chinchilla-like rodents that thrive in the rocky mountain landscapes. If we’re lucky, we may even spot the occasional condor!

Afterward, we will head to Pacchanta (4,360m / 14,300 ft), where we will have lunch before being picked up by our private vehicle to begin the journey back to Cusco. We should arrive back at your hotel between 6 and 7 PM.

If you choose to add this extra day to your hike, then we will camp on Day 4 at Pacchanta, where you might be able to take a dip in the local hot springs before bed!

Then, this morning, our private transport will collect us and take us the short distance to Upis, where we will be welcomed into the home of Ruperta Condori Merma, co-president of the weaving association, Awaq Mayki, in Upis, who has worked with Threads of Peru since 2012. 

Ruperta and her family will present a demonstration of their traditional weaving techniques, offering us a unique opportunity to learn about the Andean customs and lifestyle that have been passed down through the generations.

We will gain insight into their daily routines, from farming practices to crafting beautiful textiles, and discover the deep connection they maintain with the land. As we explore the rich Andean culture, there will be opportunities to try activities such as using natural dye plants, interpreting the symbols woven into their traditional dress, and even shearing alpacas – traditional skills that have been practiced for centuries.

At noon, we will enjoy a delicious homemade lunch with our hosts before saying a heartfelt goodbye.

We will prepare to depart around 3:30PM, arriving back at your hotel in Cusco between 6:30 and 7 PM

• 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.