Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain trek

Day 1: Cusco - Tinke - Pacchanta

We pick you up from your hotel at 6:30 am and drive to the Ocongate community. 

En route, we'll stop at Oropesa village, where a plethora of bakeries make a local specialty called Chuta bread. You can try this delicacy, famed for its taste and design and famous in the Cusco region.

We drive to Ocongate village, the last place to buy provisions (water, snacks, etc.), before starting the Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain trek. 

It’s another 30 minutes in the vehicle to the Pacchanta community, the start of our Ausangate trail. Our horsemen come from this village and load up while we lace up our hiking boots. 

The first part of our walk takes us through villages and farms where the locals farm and tend llamas and alpacas. It’s around a half-day trek through this wonderful Andean landscape to our lunch spot, which is also our campsite.

Our chef will be waiting with a special, delicious lunch for you. After dining, we will organize our belongings in our tents, and you can have a nice siesta. 

Refreshed, we head to some nearby natural hot springs. It’s worth coming later on, too, to view an incredible, unforgettable starry night sky.

Distance: 7 km / 4 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Campsite: 3,950m / 12959ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Day 2: Pacchanta - Ccampa - Surapata

The challenges of the Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain hike become apparent today as we approach our first high pass. Our efforts are more than rewarded by what we’ll see and experience on the way to the Ccampa pass at 5,000m/16,404ft.

Our walk starts on ancient trails locals have used for as long as anyone can remember. The paths lead us up past beautiful lakes sacred to the community, where regular ceremonies are held, giving thanks to Pachamama for her life-giving qualities. This area is photogenic, so keep your camera handy.

We hike upwards for three hours, then stop for lunch to power our legs for the remaining ascent, which may take another couple of hours. 

The views from Ccampa are lovely, and we enjoy the moment before descending to our campsite, Surapata (4,300m/14,319ft). The drop takes us around three hours into a narrow valley, surrounded by giant mountains, our resting spot for the night. 

Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Hiking time: 9 hours

Highest point: 5,000m / 16,404ft

Campsite: 4,300m / 14,319ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Surapata - Palomani Pass - Ausangate Cocha

The highest point of the trek awaits us today. We must dig deep into our energy reserves. However, the stunning scenery makes it feel more manageable.

First, we must walk out of the narrow valley to the start of our ascent. Viscachas, cheeky, rabbit-like rodents, may spring around the rocks we pass. Andean Geese inhabit the area, too, and with luck, we may see the Inca’s sacred bird, the Condor.

Colorful lakes and lagoons dot the path as we pass close to the shadow of Ausangate Mountain. We hope to make the Palomani Pass (5,165m/16,945ft) within 3-4 hours. The 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains, including Ausangate, are exceptional. 

Elated, we start down the mountain slopes, and within a couple of hours, we should arrive at our campsite, Ausangate Cocha.

Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Highest point: 5,165m / 16,945ft

Campsite: 4,600m / 15,091ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Day 4: Ausangate Cocha - Ananta

Today is a lighter trekking day, but the Ausangate trail always offers a challenge.

Today we must cross the Pucacocha Pass (5,051m/16,571ft). From here, there are stunning views of the seven lagoons, each a different color. 

We aim to cross the pass mid-morning, then descend for a couple of hours, often flanked by llamas and alpacas. Our campsite is our lunch spot, too, so we can gather our energies for tomorrow’s trip to Rainbow Mountain.

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles

Hiking time: 7 hours

Highest point: 5,051m / 16,571ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Ananta - Rainbow Mountain tour - Cusco

Yesterday's relaxed afternoon means we get up bright and breezy today—a 5 am breakfast means we will be the first to arrive at the Rainbow Mountain. 

Our first objective is to cross the Ananta Pass, from which we will see Rainbow Mountain in the distance. There are just 90 minutes of walking until we reach the dramatic Rainbow Mountain (5,200m/17,060ft).

More about Rainbow Mountain

The Rainbow Mountain was originally known as Vinicunca, which in Quechua translates to ‘colored mountain.' There are 14 colors in total, including turquoise, gold, and violet. The colors are created by mineral sediments that change color when exposed to sunlight, ice, and wind. Red coloring often indicates the presence of iron oxide, and yellow indicates iron sulfide.

Our guide will answer all your questions about this beautiful, colorful mountain. The fantastic views will be payback for the hard work you put in on the Ausangate trail. 

As the day-trippers begin to move up the Rainbow Mountain, we’ll descend to our lunch spot for a farewell feed. Then we return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel after your successful, life-affirming Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek.

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hiking time: 5 hours

Highest point: 5,200m / 17,060ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Don’t forget to read our FAQs, covering altitude, money, and more.