3 Days/ 2 Nights
6.384 msnm
84,4 km
Level 3: Moderate
ES / EN
Ausangate Treks
The Ausangate Trek is a multi-day trekking circuit that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru. The trek circles around the snow-capped peak of Mount Ausangate, taking in vast valleys and striking turquoise lakes. Along the way, you will traverse high passes, visit remote villages and see herds of llamas grazing on the Andean hillsides.
Starting from Cusco, travelers will make their way to Tinki Village. From there it’s a steady climb up to Arapa Pass (4,958 meters / 16,266 feet), which offers magnificent views of Mount Ausangate and its surrounding glaciers. After crossing this pass comes one of the highlights of the trip: Laguna Puca Cocha– an ethereal lake surrounded by towering mountains with snow capped peaks.
This version of the Ausangate Trek includes a visit to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, before returning to Cusco. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, also known as Montaña de Siete Colores or the Seven Color Mountain, is a stunning mountain in Peru whose colored stripes have become an iconic image of the country.
Located near Cusco in the Peruvian Andes, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain stands at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). The mountain has been formed by sedimentary layers of different minerals that have been exposed to weathering and erosion over thousands of years. This has created its unique striped pattern which includes hues from reds and purples to yellows and greens.
We are a travel agency located in Cusco, Peru, that specializes in providing travelers with the best of local knowledge and experiences. We offer a variety of services, from trekking and camping to cultural tours and guided hikes. With our experienced team of guides, we can provide visitors with an unforgettable journey through the majestic Andes.
Whether you’re looking for a multi-day trek through the Andes, or a cultural tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we have you covered. All of our tours are designed to provide travelers with an intimate experience of Peru’s unique culture, wildlife, and landscapes. Our knowledgeable guides will take you to places that you never knew existed, giving you an opportunity to explore this spectacular region in a safe and comfortable way.
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. Then, we will take a private car to Tinki Town, which is situated at an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.
After having breakfast at Tinki, we will head to Upis town, which is located at 4,350 meters (14,272 feet) above sea level. We will take in the magnificent Andean scenery during the trek. If we are fortunate, we might be able to see some wild huanaco herds.
Once we get to Upis, we will stop for a little break. After that, we will climb to Pamparapa and eat lunch there. Then, after a three-hour trek, we will arrive at the Arapa mountain pass, which is located at 4,958 meters (16,266 feet) above sea level.
We will next make our way down from the Arapa Pass to our campground, which is close to Puca Cocha lake. We will stop there and pitch our tents. After that, we will eat dinner.
We will leave our campsite early in the morning after breakfast. Next, we will walk for around 3.5 hours to Ananta Pata, where our campground is located. We will stop there for lunch.
Then, we will trek to the Qomer Cocha lagoon. The greenish hue of this glacier lagoon’s water is the result of the tiny algae that resides there. Next, we will set up our tents next to the lagoon and have a sumptuous meal there. We will spend the rest of the night there.
We will depart from Qomer Cocha after eating an authentic Andean breakfast. Then, we will hike to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Before arriving at Vinicunca, we will have to walk for around 1.5 hours.
The vibrant hues of Vinicunca are caused by mineral deposits that have been exposed over time due to erosion and glacial melting. These minerals include iron oxide (rust), calcium carbonate (limestone), magnesium oxide (magnesium silicate), gypsum, manganese oxide, potassium chloride and sodium sulfate. These different colored rocks create stripes along the mountain slopes which form into beautiful rainbow patterns when seen from afar.
After exploring Vinicunca, we will stop for a typical Andean lunch before continuing our hike to Cusipata village. Once we get there, we will board our own private vehicle and go back to Cusco. We will arrive at Cusco city around 5:00 pm.