Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 5D/4N

This morning, we leave Cusco at dawn, heading toward Tinqui (4,050 m), the starting point of our Ausangate trekking adventure. During the 3-hour drive, we pass through charming Andean villages and observe local life among crop fields and herds of llamas. This first encounter immerses us directly in the authentic atmosphere of the Peruvian Andes.

Upon arrival in Tinqui, we meet our trekking team and begin a half-day hike. The trail, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, climbs gently to Upis, where we set up our first camp at 4,611 m. The reward? A spectacular view of Ausangate, the sacred and towering Andean mountain.

We begin our second day of the Ausangate trek with a climb of about 2 hours to the Arapa Pass (4731 m), the first challenge of the day. From the top, the panoramic view offers a spectacular glimpse of the beauty of the Andes.
After the ascent, we descend to the stunning Hatun Pucacocha lagoon, where we enjoy lunch in a peaceful and natural setting. Once rested, we tackle the second challenge: crossing the Apacheta Pass (4975 m), which offers a breathtaking view of the Ausangate glacier and its turquoise lagoons.
We end the day at the Hanantapata campsite (4760 m), where we will spend the night surrounded by snow-capped peaks and under a starry sky.

Practical info for this stage:
Hiking time: 8 h
Total distance: 14.7 km
Elevation gain/loss: +845 m / -593 m

A beautiful day awaits us for this third stage of the trek, featuring the discovery of the famous Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca, one of Peru’s most iconic landmarks.
To avoid the crowds, we leave before dawn. We first climb to Warmisaya Pass (4980 m), then reach the Vinicunca viewpoint (5036 m), from where we admire its unique natural colors.
After this magical moment, we return along the same trail to the Hanantapata campsite, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we continue toward the stunning Ausangatecocha lagoon, where we will spend the night.

Practical info for this stage:
Hiking time: 7 h
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +822 m / -867 m

We begin the day with a long ascent to Palomani Pass (5082 m), the highest point of the Ausangate trek and one of the most demanding.
After this challenging section, we descend to the Chilca Finaya valley (4422 m), where we enjoy lunch in a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains.
In the afternoon, we slowly ascend the valley to the Soraypampa campsite (4562 m), our final bivouac before completing the circuit.

Practical info for this stage:
Hiking time: 8 h
Distance: 11.6 km
Elevation gain/loss: +608 m / -677 m

This fifth and final day of our Ausangate adventure begins with a climb to Jampa Pass (5068 m), the last major challenge of our route.
After several hours of effort, we reach the summit with a spectacular view of the Tres Cruces, Puka Punta, and Callangate glaciers in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Shortly after, we have lunch and begin a long descent through the 7 Ausangate lagoons, reaching the hot springs of Pacchanta, where a well-deserved moment of relaxation awaits.
At Pacchanta, we meet our driver for the return trip to Cusco.

Practical info for this stage:
Hiking time: 8 h
Distance: 16.8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +522 m / -835 m