Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Andean expedition (5 Days)

You leave Cusco at dawn heading towards Tinqui (4,050 m), the starting point of your adventure. During the 3-hour drive, you pass through charming Andean villages, observing the local daily life rhythmic by agriculture and llama herding. Upon arrival, you meet your trekking team (guide, cook, and muleteers). Your walk begins on a trail surrounded by grandiose landscapes, gently ascending to the Upis plain. There, you set up your first campsite with, as a reward, a spectacular and unobstructed view of Ausangate.

Transport time: 3 h
Walking time: 5 h
Distance: 9.7 km
Elevation gain: +561 m
Maximum altitude: 4,611 m

You begin this second day with an ascent of about 2 hours to the Arapa pass (4,731 m). From this summit, the panorama offers a dizzying glimpse of the mountain range. You then hike down to the magnificent Hatun Pucacocha lagoon to enjoy your lunch in a peaceful natural setting. The effort resumes in the afternoon with the crossing of the Apacheta pass (4,975 m), revealing a breathtaking view of the Ausangate glacier and its turquoise waters. You end the day at the Hanantapata campsite, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Walking time: 8 h
Distance: 14.7 km
Elevation changes: +845 m / -593 m
Maximum altitude: 4,975 m

A magical stage awaits you! To avoid the midday crowds, you leave before dawn. You cross the Warmisaya pass (4,980 m) to reach the viewpoint of the famous Vinicunca rainbow mountain (5,036 m). There, you admire its colorful mineral strata in the calm of the early morning. After this privileged moment, you return to the Hanantapata campsite for lunch. In the afternoon, the hike continues to the shores of the superb Ausangatecocha lagoon where you spend the night.

Walking time: 7 h
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation changes: +822 m / -867 m
Maximum altitude: 5,036 m

You start the day with a demanding climb to the Palomani pass (5,082 m). This is the highest point of your entire trek and one of the most intense physical challenges of the itinerary. Once this difficult passage is crossed, you begin a long descent to the Chilca Finaya valley (4,422 m) to have lunch facing the glaciers. In the afternoon, you gently ascend along the valley to the Soraypampa campsite (4,562 m), your last bivouac in the heart of the Andes.

Walking time: 8 h
Distance: 11.6 km
Elevation changes: +608 m / -677 m
Maximum altitude: 5,082 m

This final day of the expedition begins with the ascent of the Jampa pass (5,068 m), the last major challenge of your route. At the summit, a spectacular view opens up to the Tres Cruces, Puka Punta, and Callangate glaciers. You then begin a long panoramic descent leading you through the sublime circuit of the 7 Ausangate lagoons. The walk ends beautifully at the village of Pacchanta, where a relaxing and well-deserved bath in the hot springs awaits you. After this moment of relaxation, you reunite with your driver for the return transfer to Cusco.

Walking time: 8 h
Distance: 16.8 km
Elevation changes: +522 m / -835 m
Maximum altitude: 5,068 m