Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights | Rainbow Mountain Peru

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The Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights is a high-altitude trekking route in Peru designed for travelers with limited time who want to complete one of the most scenic sections of the Ausangate Circuit. This itinerary combines glacier views, alpine lagoons, and mountain passes with a direct visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley.

This 3-day Ausangate trek crosses multiple high mountain passes, offering constant views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, glaciers, and remote valleys. The route follows off-the-beaten-path trails through areas with alpacas and llamas, connecting with local Andean communities.

This route is a practical option for those looking for a challenging hike and a less crowded trekking experience in the Cusco region, Peru, with direct access to Rainbow Mountain.

Overview

The Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights covers a remote section of the Vilcanota mountain range, focusing on high mountain passes, glacial lagoons, and isolated Andean terrain. This route reaches elevations above 4,800 m and follows traditional paths used by local communities, offering a clear view of the natural conditions and geography of the Ausangate region.

This Ausangate trek 3 days 2 nights with Rainbow Mountain is designed with a structured itinerary that allows efficient progression across the route while maintaining stable trekking conditions. The final day includes an early approach to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the surrounding Red Valley, optimizing timing to reduce congestion and improve visibility.

⭐ Highlights

Trek through the Ausangate Circuit on a 3-day high-altitude route
Reach elevations above 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Direct access to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Explore remote valleys with alpacas and llamas
View glaciers, lagoons, and snow-capped peaks
Low tourist traffic compared to Salkantay or Inca Trail
Supported by professional guides, cooks, and muleteers
Camp in remote high mountain locations

This Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights offers a complete high-altitude trekking experience in Peru, combining remote landscapes, efficient logistics, and direct access to Rainbow Mountain in a short itinerary.

Ausangate Trek at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha

Early departure from Cusco followed by a scenic drive to Upis, where the trek begins. The hike ascends gradually through open valleys with alpacas and llamas, with continuous views of the Ausangate Mountain. Cross Arapa Pass (4,800 m) and descend toward Hatun Pucacocha, where the campsite is set near glacial lagoons.

Day 2: Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha

Full day of high-altitude trekking across remote terrain, crossing Puca Pass (4,870 m) and later Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m). The route passes multiple lagoons and wide valleys, with open views of the surrounding peaks. Camp is located at Surinecocha, with views toward Rainbow Mountain.

Day 3: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Llacto – Cusco

Early hike toward Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m), arriving before peak visitor hours. After exploring the area, continue toward the Red Valley for additional views of the landscape. Descend to Llacto and return to Cusco by private transport in the afternoon.

✅ Included

Pre-trek briefing with your guide
Professional local guide (during the trek)
Additional guide for groups of 9+ travelers
Private transportation (Cusco – Upis trailhead)
All entrance fees and permits for the Ausangate Trek
Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Entrance tickets to the Red Valley
Horses or mules with local horsemen to carry camping equipment, food, and supplies
Personal porterage up to 6 kg / 13 lb per person (duffle bag provided)
2 nights camping in spacious tents
Sleeping mat included
Professional trekking cook
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
(Vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available)
Afternoon tea (tea, coffee, cocoa, snacks)
Boiled drinking water from Day 2
Wake-up coca tea each morning
Daily hot water for washing
Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer
Walkie-talkie communication
Oxygen tank and first aid kit
All local taxes

❌ Not Included

First breakfast and dinner on the last day
Entrance to Upis hot springs (S/15.00 soles)
Sleeping bag
Walking sticks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips for the trekking team (guide, cook, and muleteers)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Upis – Arapa Pass – Hatun Pucacocha

Highlight of the day: Being accompanied by the enormous Ausangate Mountain all day.

Your experience begins early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a 3-hour drive to the community of Upis, where the trek starts. Upon arrival, you will enjoy your first breakfast prepared by our trekking chef while observing the surrounding mountain landscape.

The hike begins with a gradual ascent across open valleys, offering constant views of the Ausangate Mountain. Along the route, you will pass herds of alpacas and llamas and walk along traditional paths used by local communities.

After lunch, the trek continues with a 2-hour ascent toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). From this point, the route descends for approximately 3.5 hours toward Hatun Pucacocha, where the campsite is located near glacial lagoons at the base of Ausangate.

The afternoon offers time to rest and observe the changing light over the surrounding peaks. Temperatures drop quickly at this altitude, making this a good moment to prepare for the evening conditions. Dinner is served at camp, followed by overnight in tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Walking Distance: 17 km / 10.56 mi
Walking Time: 9 hours
Highest Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft

Day 2: Hatun Pucacocha – Puca Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha

Highlight of the day: Observing high-altitude lagoons surrounded by snow peaks.

The day starts early with a hot drink before breakfast. The trek begins with a steady ascent toward Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), where you will have panoramic views of the Ausangate region.

Along the route, you will pass several glacial lagoons such as Huchuy Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha, known for their distinct colors and mountain reflections. The trail continues toward Anantapata, where lunch is served.

In the afternoon, the trek ascends again toward Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), one of the highest points of the route. From here, you can observe both the Ausangate range and distant views toward Rainbow Mountain.

Before reaching camp, the landscape opens into wide valleys with fewer trekking groups, reinforcing the remote nature of this route. Arrival at Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where the campsite is located. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi
Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest Elevation: 4,985 m / 16,355 ft

Day 3: Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Visiting Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) early in the morning.

The final day begins with an early breakfast before heading toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The hike ascends gradually to reach the viewpoint at approximately 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, arriving before peak visitor hours.

From the top, you will have time to observe the layered colors of the mountain and the surrounding landscape shaped by mineral deposits. Afterward, the trek continues toward the Red Valley, an area known for its wide open views and distinct terrain.

After exploring the area, the descent continues toward Llacto, where transportation will be waiting. The return to Cusco takes approximately 3 hours, with arrival in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 6.5 km / 4.04 mi
Walking Time: 3 hours

💰 Prices

We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Ausangate Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights any day of the week, subject to availability.

Price: USD $389 per person

✔ Small-group experience (maximum comfort and personalized service)

Booking and Payment

To confirm your reservation for the Ausangate Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, a deposit is required in advance.

Deposit: $200 USD per person (to secure your spot)
Balance: The remaining amount can be paid online or at our office in Cusco

We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you prefer a different payment method, feel free to contact us for alternative options.

Rentals:

Hiking poles – US$20.00.
Sleeping bag – US$25.00.
Private Tent – US$30.00.
Inflattable mattress: US$ 20.00

🎒 What to Bring

Hiking the Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights requires proper preparation for high-altitude conditions and changing weather. It is important to pack efficiently and carry only what you will need during the trek.

🧳 Essentials

Original passport
Travel insurance
Good daypack (to carry personal items)
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack (water provided from Day 2)
Extra cash for personal expenses

👕 Clothing

Lightweight trekking boots (with ankle support)
2–3 pairs of trekking pants (no jeans)
4 shirts (including 2 long-sleeve)
4 pairs of underwear
Warm layers for cold temperatures
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm jacket (for cold nights)
Thermal wear (socks, gloves, hat, scarf)

🛏️ Sleeping & Personal Gear

Sleeping bag (or rental)
Sleeping bag liner (recommended)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Flip flops (for campsite use)
Plastic bags (for wet or dirty clothes)

🧴 Toiletries & Health

Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
Insect repellent (30% DEET recommended)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, sanitizer, etc.)
Personal medication (including altitude sickness tablets)
Basic first aid items (bandages, moleskin)

🧃 Extras

Snacks or energy bars
Camera
Tissues and wet wipes
Reading material (optional)

Travel Information

At Info Machu Picchu, we want you to be fully prepared for your trekking experience. This guide provides essential information to help you get ready for your Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights, including logistics, acclimatization, and practical travel tips.

Pre-Trek Briefing

All briefings are held at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, one or two days before your trek. The session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

During the briefing, your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any questions to ensure you are fully prepared. This is also a great opportunity to review your packing list and confirm final details before departure.

Acclimatization in Cusco

Proper acclimatization is essential before starting your trek. Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level, and adjusting to the altitude will significantly improve your trekking experience.

We strongly recommend arriving at least 2 to 3 days in advance. During this time, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and take it easy while your body adapts to the altitude.

Recommended Activities Before Your Trek

During your acclimatization days, you can enjoy light tours in the region while gradually adapting to the altitude:

Cusco City Tour (Main Square, Cathedral, Qoricancha)
Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras Salt Mines)
Moray and Maras Tour
Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour
Rainbow Mountain Tour

These activities offer a perfect balance between exploration and acclimatization, helping you prepare physically for the trek.

Balance Payment in Cusco

If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 1 or 2 days before your trek.

We recommend payment in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing. ATMs are available along Avenida Sol for your convenience.

Credit/debit cards and PayPal are also accepted, with a 5% service fee applied. Please note that bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Duffel Bag Information

You will receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing.

Size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm
Weight limit: 6–7 kg (including personal items)

Your duffel bag will be carried by mules throughout the trek, allowing you to hike comfortably with just a daypack. We recommend packing only essential items to stay within the weight limit.

Luggage Storage

You may store your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate storage with us during your briefing.

We recommend keeping valuables in the hotel safe and requesting a receipt if needed for insurance purposes. This ensures your belongings remain secure while you are on the trek.

Pick-Up Information

All pick-ups are arranged directly from your hotel in Cusco. For your convenience, we recommend staying within the historic center, where access and coordination are easier.

Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before your trek, as it may vary depending on logistics and group arrangements. Our team will ensure timely coordination to guarantee a smooth start to your adventure.

If your hotel is located on a street with limited vehicle access, we will organize a nearby meeting point and provide clear instructions in advance.

Weather Conditions

Weather in the Andes can vary significantly throughout the day. Mornings and afternoons are often warm, while evenings and nights can become quite cold, especially at higher elevations.

It is also possible to experience light rain, even during the dry season. For this reason, we recommend bringing layered clothing and proper rain protection to stay comfortable throughout the trek.

Strikes and Demonstrations

Occasionally, local strikes or demonstrations may occur and could affect transportation schedules or access routes.

In such situations, Info Machu Picchu will make all necessary adjustments to the itinerary, always prioritizing your safety and ensuring the best possible experience under the circumstances.

Personal Belongings

You are responsible for your personal belongings at all times during the trek.

We recommend keeping important items such as your passport, money, and electronics secure and within easy reach. Always double-check your belongings before leaving each campsite or rest stop to avoid any inconvenience.

FAQs – Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights

Yes, the <strong data-start="321" data-end="355">Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights is worth it for travelers looking for a high-altitude trekking experience in Peru with remote landscapes and low tourist traffic. The route includes glaciers, lagoons, and a direct visit to Rainbow Mountain, offering a complete trekking itinerary in a short timeframe.

Yes, the Ausangate Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to high altitude and long hiking distances. The route reaches elevations above 4,800 m, so good physical condition and acclimatization are required.

Previous trekking experience is recommended but not required for this route. Travelers should be comfortable hiking several hours per day at high altitude. Basic preparation and physical fitness will improve the overall trekking experience.

The maximum altitude reaches approximately 5,100 m (16,732 ft) near Rainbow Mountain. Several sections of the route are above 4,800 m, including mountain passes. Proper acclimatization is important to safely complete the trek.

Yes, acclimatization is strongly recommended before starting the trek. Spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. This preparation allows better performance and comfort during the hike.

Yes, the itinerary includes a visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley. The schedule is planned to arrive early and avoid peak visitor hours. This allows better conditions for hiking and clearer views of the landscape.

This route is less crowded and follows more remote high-altitude terrain. It offers fewer trekking groups and a quieter hiking environment. The experience focuses more on natural landscapes and isolation.

The trek includes 2 nights of camping in high-altitude locations. Campsites are set in remote areas with basic but organized facilities and proper equipment for mountain conditions. The experience is supported by a full trekking team, including setup of tents, meals, and logistics throughout the route.

Yes, drinking water is provided starting from Day 2 of the trek. Travelers should bring enough water for the first day of hiking before refills are available. Water is boiled and managed by the trekking team to ensure safe consumption during the route.</span>

The best time is during the dry season from May to October. Weather conditions are more stable, with less rain and clearer skies during the day. These conditions allow better visibility of the mountains and safer trekking across high-altitude terrain.</span>

Starting From:

USD 389 per person

Trip details:

Tour Type: Adventure Trekking / Camping
Season: All year
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size: Small groups
Tour Language: English / Spanish
Destinations: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley

Ausangate Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Ausangate Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is one of the most remote and scenic trekking routes in Peru, designed for travelers who want to explore the Andes beyond the classic paths, such as the Inca Trail or other popular routes near Cusco. Over five days, the Ausangate Trek 5 Days 4 Nights leads you through a constantly changing landscape of glaciers, mineral-rich lakes, open valleys, and quiet mountain passes. This journey circles the imposing Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region and a sacred mountain deeply respected by local communities. You will walk through traditional grazing lands where alpacas and llamas outnumber people, and where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Encounters with local families provide a deeper understanding of Andean culture, where the mountains are not just scenery but part of a living spiritual world.

      EXCELLENT  
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   David D 
 
 
 
 Verified 2day 1night Inca trek What an amazing experience from start to finish! Our experienced english speaking guide Raul made the whole journey so much more enjoyable from his knowledge, wisdom and his sense of humour! Highly recommend the guys from info Machu Picchu !!
  
 
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   Robin F 
 
 
 
 Verified Humantay & 🌈-Mountains Absolutely excellent service! Despite a mix-up where we were picked up by the wrong bus and missed our original tour, the travel agency handled everything with great professionalism and flexibility. They took responsibility right away and made rebooking a new tour incredibly easy and stress-free. We really appreciated how understanding and accommodating their team was throughout the process. Thanks to their quick response, we were able to enjoy an equally fantastic tour, and their willingness to resolve the issue left a lasting positive impression.Overall, a great example of excellent customer service. We’ll happily book with them again!
  
 
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   Melania C 
 
 
 
 Verified Three days Manu Forest Wonderful experience in the Manu jungle!! We could observe capuchin monkeys, the cock of rocks, macaws, AMAZING! Super recommended! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  
 
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   Ian P 
 
 
 
 Verified Inca trail tours 2 days Excellent!! The Tours Inca trail 2 days very pleasant, they are very available and professional. Manu Jungle I love! and I recommend it!
  
 
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   Cusco Journeys 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Experience on the Short Inca Trail We had an amazing experience hiking the short Inca trail with Dayan. He provided us with a box lunch which was delicious and had plenty of food to fill us up! Highly recommend Info Machu Picchu! It was a great experience and Dayan made it unforgettable. She was very knowledgeable and kind.
  
 
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   Keyko Victoria P 
 
 
 
 Verified Immortal Cusco Nice guided experience through the city and surroundings of Cusco... Everything was wonderful. And above all with the security that the agency provided us. Ready to come back...

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   Yunior laurente cusihuaman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esta fue una experiencia verdaderamente cambiante. Mis expectativas estaban por las nubes, sin embargo Machu Picchu no solo las cumplió, sino que las superó con creces. Hay una energía espiritual indescriptible aquí, un zumbido que parece conectar el pasado y el presente. Cuando toqué las antiguas paredes de piedra, sentí como si la montaña misma estuviera cantando. Las vistas eran increíbles, el clima era perfecto, y la gente que conocí solo aumentó la magia. Esto no es solo un destino, es una transformación. Gracias por todo Info Machu Picchu Agencia Recomendado

Infomachupicchu

3.7 3.5 stars 1 Reviews

Miguel Angel Ninancuro Cruz 2025-01-06

Info Machu Picchu is a trusted travel…

Info Machu Picchu is a trusted travel agency specializing in tours to the iconic Machu Picchu. With a focus on creating unforgettable experiences, they offer well-organized tours of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, guided by knowledgeable locals who share rich historical insights. Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or taking the scenic train route, Info Machu Picchu handles all logistics, including permits, transportation, and accommodations, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Their dedication to excellent customer service and seamless travel makes them an ideal choice for anyone planning a visit to this breathtaking wonder.

Ausangate Trek 3 Days 2 Nights and Rainbow Mountain