Rainbow Mountain + Ausangate Trek – 4D/3N
The abundance of phenomenal treks in the Peruvian Andes is well known. The Vinicunca Rainbow mountain & Ausangate Trek does not disappoint…but provides something that is not seen anywhere else on this continent and in only one other place in the entire world (China).
This is the spectacular, recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, officially named Vinicunca. The majesty of this trek is hard to put in to words, but the best comparisons are to Iceland and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Your mind will be blown by the wealth of waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
In addition to the scenery, you will see hoards of alpacas and llamas, as well as the only indigenous habitat of the Incan Vicuña (which has the most expensive wool in the world). You will also learn about the traditions of the Andean people with visits to local villages.
Machu Picchu is the gem of the Sacred Valley in Peru, which leads many people to skip this stunning region. However, if you are coming to Peru, we believe these mountains fall into the category of bucket list destinations along with Machu Picchu.
Eco Andes Trekking is highly recommended by TripAdvisor and Trustpilot. Join hundreds of happy trekkers who have experienced the adventure of a lifetime!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui Village – Upis Hot Springs
We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop to take some photos.
When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins.
We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop.
After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m/13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 3,800 m/12,464 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,400 m/14,432 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha
After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft).
From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha.
This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 4,100 m/13,448 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,850 m/15,908 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Minasniyuq Pass – Surine Cocha
Today, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea).
This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life.
There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure.
The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m/16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.
After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,400 m/14,435 ft).
During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.
Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.
After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m/16,469 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The remainder of the day´s journey is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m/15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
- Minimum Elevation: 4,400 m /14,435 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 5,023 m/16,479 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km/ 7 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 8–9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
Day 4: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Quesiuno Village – Cusco
After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains.
Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco.
After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Minimum Elevation: 5,020 m/16,469 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 10 km /6.2 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
INCLUDED:
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Private van transportation from your Cusco hotel to Tinqui (the trailhead)
- Private van transportation from Quesiuno Village to your Cusco hotel
- Four person tent for each 2 persons.
- A foam mattress
- Kitchen tent
- Professional chef and assistant chef
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent and portable toilet
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal gear
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Four breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners
- Hot water for washing twice daily
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Admission fee for the Upis Hot Springs
NOT Included:
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
- Travel Insurance
- Day 4 dinner
- Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few T-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Head lamp
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $690 per person
Private: USD $750 per person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years Discount: USD $35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $30
Upgrades
- Private tent – USD $45
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $690
Private: $750
DURATION:
4 Days / 3 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $30
- Private tent – USD $45
OVERVIEW
- Beginning Altitude: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 5,023 m / 16,479 ft
- Hike Total Distance: 46 km / 28 ½ miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Challenging
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
