Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, Peru at the Cusco International Airport. Transportation to your hotel is included, and at your hotel you’ll meet your guide for tour briefing. Depending on what time you arrive, you will probably have time to explore the city. The city of Cusco, high in the Andes mountains, was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. There are many remains left from the Incas and you can also see Spanish mansions and churches. Cusco also offers a vibrant nightlife and wonderful Peruvian restaurants.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,400m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Cusco

Today is free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace, wherever your interests take you. It’s also great to acclimatize to the elevation, as you’re at 3,399m (11,200’). There is so much to see, do, and learn here in South America’s oldest, continuously inhabited city. What was once the Inca’s capital city has now become the archaeological capital of South America.

To help you make the most of your visit, one additional tours is available. You have the choice between the Sacred Valley Tour and the Maras Moray Tour.

The Sacred Valley Tour is a full day of experiences. You’ll visit an Indian market in Pisac to experience this colourful tradition. You can barter with the local craftsmen to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs. You’ll then travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, a town of narrow streets and canals that are largely unchanged since the time the Incas inhabited it. Finally, visit the Chinchero market. This market is more authentic and less geared toward tourists. According to legend, Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow. When you are finished in Chinchero, return to Cusco.

The Maras Moray tour begins with a drive from your hotel to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours). Moray is known as the “Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory.” Here, the Incas carved amphitheatre-like terraces in a bowl shape. It is thought that these were used to test and determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. After exploring Moray, continue another two miles to visit the Maras salt mines. In this area, you can see a series of tiny channels carved so that the highly salty water coming from a natural spring would run into terraced ponds. Exposed to the sun, the water dries and leaves the salt behind. It is believed that salt was harvested in this way in this place since a time before even the Incas. After exploring the Maras salt mines, return to Cusco.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,400m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cusco to Upis – Begin the Ausangate Trek

We’ll start the day early with a hotel pick-up in Cusco at around 4:30 AM. From here, we’ll enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Andes, stopping occasionally to admire the stunning landscapes and take in the views. Upon arrival just outside the village of Tinki, we’ll meet our local muleteers and pack horses, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and get ready to set off on our Ausangate Trek adventure. Our hike begins with a gradual uphill trek through a highland valley, where you’ll likely spot herds of llamas and alpacas along the way. The scenery is breathtaking, with dramatic views of Mount Ausangate rising in the distance. After several hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at Upis (4,350 m / 14,262 ft) in time for a delicious lunch prepared by our chef. The afternoon is yours to relax and acclimatize at the campsite, taking in the spectacular views of the sacred mountain and surrounding Andean landscapes. As evening falls, our chef will prepare a well-earned dinner, and you can enjoy your first night camping under the magical Andean skies.
Overnight Location: Upis Campsite
Distance: 4-5 hours hiking, 7km (4.35 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Ausangate Adventure Continues

Wake up to a beautiful morning and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the rugged Ausangate mountains. After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike toward the first mountain pass, Arapa, which sits at 4,800 m / 15,748 ft — the highest point of the day. From Arapa, we’ll trek downhill for about 1.5 hours until we reach Pukacocha (4,491 m / 14,734 ft), a scenic spot near a stunning lagoon at the base of Mount Ausangate. This is the perfect place to pause for lunch and take in the breathtaking surroundings. After lunch, we continue on the trail toward Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,583 ft). The route features gentle ups and downs, passing by vibrant blue and turquoise lagoons scattered around the foot of the Ausangate Massif — a magical landscape that feels straight out of a movie. Upon arrival at our campsite in Anantapata, our chef will prepare a well-earned dinner, and you can relax under the star-filled skies of the Andes, reflecting on a day filled with incredible scenery and adventure.
Overnight Location: Anantapata Camp
Distance: 7-8 hours hiking, 12km (7.5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Hike to Azulcocha Camp

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, preparing yourself to hike to Rainbow Mountain today. Get on the trail early and hike for approximately 1.5 hours to trek to the renowned Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). This popular peak is often crowded, but because of your early start, your group should have it mostly to yourselves for a little while. After enjoying the peak of Rainbow Mountain, return down via the same trail again to have lunch at Ananta (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), the same place you had lunch yesterday. Continue hiking for about 3 hours after lunch to reach your next campsite, Ausangate Qocha (4,700 m / 15,420 ft).
Overnight Location: Ausangate Qocha camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Distance: 8-9 hours hiking, 15km (9.3 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Trek over Palomani Pass to Jhampapampa

Today on your Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain tour, continue to explore the exquisite and colorful hills surrounding Ausangate, including even more glacial lakes. After breakfast, today’s trail leads you up to Palomani Pass (5,130 m / 16,831 ft), which is the highest point on this tour. Pause here to enjoy the view, then descend down into the valley to enjoy lunch and a longer rest. Later in the afternoon, another 2-hour hike brings you to the Jhampapampa campsite (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) where you will enjoy tea time, followed by dinner, then spend the night.
Overnight Location: Jhampapampa Camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours hiking, 10km (6.2 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Trek over Jhampa Pass to Azulcocha

After another delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, we’ll begin our hike toward the final mountain pass of the trek, Jhampa Pass, at 5,060 m / 16,601 ft. From this high point, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding glaciated peaks — a truly breathtaking sight. From Jhampa, we’ll make a gradual two-hour descent, passing more beautiful lakes and keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as alpacas and chinchillas. We’ll stop for lunch in Pachaspata before continuing our trek. The final two hours of hiking will bring us to our campsite at Azulcocha (4,550 m / 14,927 ft). Here, you’ll have the afternoon to relax, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the knowledge that the most challenging parts of the Ausangate trek are behind you. In the evening, our chef will prepare a hearty dinner, and we’ll settle in for our last night of camping under the magical Andean night sky.
Overnight Location: Azulcocha Camp
Distance: 5-6 hours hiking, 8km (5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Hike to Pacchanta Town, Hot Springs and transfer to Aguas Calientes

Greet the morning with a hot cup of coca tea and another delicious breakfast, then hike the final stretch of trail for about 2.5 hours to the town of Pacchanta. Here at the end of the trail you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, which will feel amazing after all the hiking you’ve done. Eat lunch here before taking a 4-hour drive through the Sacred Valley from Pacchanta to Ollantaytambo. Take time to explore this lovely and historic town, walking in the footsteps of the Incas on their ancient cobblestone streets. Enjoy a celebration dinner and toast your completed hike with pisco sours. In the evening, say farewell to the muleteers, chef, and other staff that assisted on the trek, and take a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Overnight Location: Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Distance: 2-3 hours hiking, 5km (3.1 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Explore Machu Picchu

Once again, your day starts early, but with a great reward. After breakfast, meet your guide at 5:40 AM, ready to explore for the day. From Aguas Calientes, ride the bus (approx. 30 min) to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the ancient city. Begin with a guided walking tour of the Citadel that lasts about 2 hours, then explore the area freely on your own. With advanced booking, an optional hike to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, can be arranged for an additional fee. The Wayna Picchu hike shows you new perspectives on Machu Picchu, as well as fascinating steps that the Incas cut into the rocks. Permits are required, so book this tour as early as possible. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes to eat lunch, then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Transportation from the train station back to your hotel is provided.

Optional: You can also choose to climb to the top of Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, scenic mountain near Machu Picchu, that has amazing views of the site from another angle. Make sure to book this hike long time in advance, as there is limited number of permits issued for every day. Check Dates and Prices for more information about the price.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Departure from Cusco Airport

Sadly, the time has come for your Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain Trek and Machu Picchu tour to end. After breakfast, depending on your flight times, you have free time to explore Cusco, and possibly to enjoy extra optional activities until it is time for your transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast