Ausangate Trek 3 Days – Unforgettable Rainbow Mountain Adventure

The second day of the Ausangate Trek 3 Days begins with a refreshing cup of coca tea as the sunrise paints the Andean peaks with golden light. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our trekking chef, we set out on what is often considered the most captivating day of the entire journey.

The trail starts with a two-hour climb to Pucacocha Pass (4870 m / 15,978 ft). Along the way, breathtaking views of the sacred Ausangate Glacier and its surrounding turquoise lakes unfold before you. At the summit of the pass, take time to enjoy the sweeping vistas and capture unforgettable photos of this high-altitude wonderland.

From here, we descend for about an hour and a half to Ananta (4750 m / 15,584 ft), a scenic spot of rolling hills and highland pastures where we stop for a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a gradual two-hour ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4985 m / 16,355 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll catch your first distant views of the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the striking Red Valley, both natural marvels that make this trek so unique.

A final descent of about one hour brings us to Surinecocha Lake (4800 m / 15,748 ft), where our campsite awaits. Spend the night on the shores of this sparkling lagoon, surrounded by the silence of the Andes and a night sky lit by countless stars.

• Camping Elevation: 4,800m / 15,748 ft

The final day of the Ausangate Trek 3 Days begins with an early breakfast at our campsite beside Surinecocha Lake. Soon after, we set out on a gentle one-hour hike across the Peruvian highlands toward the world-renowned Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Arriving early ensures you’ll be among the first to witness its breathtaking beauty before the crowds arrive.

The Rainbow Mountain reveals its extraordinary palette of colors – deep reds, bright yellows, turquoise blues, and soft lavenders – created by unique mineral deposits over millions of years. Your expert guide will explain the geology, history, and cultural significance of this sacred site, while giving you plenty of time to enjoy and capture photos of this natural wonder.

From here, we continue with a 90-minute hike through the surreal landscapes of the Red Valley, a less-visited yet equally stunning highlight of the trek. With its crimson slopes and dramatic rock formations, this valley offers an otherworldly experience, making it one of the hidden gems of trekking in Peru.

After a rewarding lunch, we begin our journey back to Cusco in private transport, arriving in the late afternoon. You will return with unforgettable memories of the magnificent Rainbow Mountain, the striking Red Valley, and the once-in-a-lifetime adventure of the Ausangate Trek.

The best time to hike the Ausangate Trek is during the dry season in the Andes, from May to September. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and the Rainbow Mountain.

The shoulder months of April and October can also be a great choice, with fewer crowds and still relatively good weather. However, from November to March, the rainy season brings heavier showers and cloudy days, which can make the trails muddy and reduce visibility of the landscapes.

No matter when you decide to go, the Ausangate region remains a stunning and less crowded destination compared to other treks in Peru, making it a perfect adventure for those looking for authenticity and natural beauty.

The Ausangate Trek in 3 days is designed for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the highlights of the region. In this shorter version, you will cover the most iconic landscapes, including turquoise lakes, glaciers, the Rainbow Mountain, and the Red Valley. The daily hikes are longer and more demanding, as the itinerary condenses the experience into fewer days.

On the other hand, doing the Ausangate Trek in 4, 5, or even 6 days allows for a slower pace, shorter hiking hours per day, and more opportunities to explore remote areas around the Ausangate massif. Longer itineraries include additional high-altitude passes, visits to hidden lagoons, thermal baths, and a deeper immersion into the Andean culture, with more interaction with local communities.

In summary, the 3-day trek is ideal for active travelers looking for an intense but rewarding challenge, while the longer versions are perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed adventure and want to discover Ausangate in greater depth.

For the Ausangate Trek, we recommend bringing essential personal gear to ensure your safety and comfort in high-altitude conditions. The most important items include:

• A good-quality backpack (20–35 liters).
• Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, rated for cold temperatures; available for rent if needed).
• Trekking boots (waterproof and well broken-in).
• Trekking poles (especially useful for steep ascents and descents; available for rent).
• Warm clothing (thermal layers, fleece jacket, gloves, hat, scarf or buff, insulated jacket).
• Rain gear (rain jacket and waterproof pants).
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF).
• Hydration system (water bottle or camelback).
• Headlamp with extra batteries.
• Toiletries (wet wipes, personal towel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer).
• First aid basics (personal medication, blister care).
• Extra cash in Peruvian soles for small expenses or tips.
• Camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.

Having the right gear will help you stay comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy the trek in all weather conditions.

No previous trekking experience is required to complete the Ausangate Trek, but good physical preparation is highly recommended. The route involves hiking at high altitudes (between 4,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level), which can be challenging due to the thin air and cold weather.

What matters most is being in good physical condition, accustomed to long walks, and ideally having some experience with outdoor activities or day hikes. If you are not an experienced trekker, training with cardio exercises, uphill walks, or light hikes before your trip will help you adapt better.

With proper preparation and guidance from our professional mountain team, even first-time trekkers can successfully enjoy this adventure.

The Ausangate Trek takes place at high altitudes, ranging from 4,000 to 5,200 meters (13,000–17,000 feet), so it is common to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. To minimize this, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days before the trek to allow proper acclimatization.

Throughout the hike, our professional guides are trained to assist at any time and always carry an emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit. We also provide coca tea and boiled water daily, which can help ease the symptoms.

The best way to prevent altitude issues is to walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol before the trek. With good preparation and the support of our team, most travelers complete the route without major problems.

The Ausangate Trek stands out for its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural encounters. Unlike other hikes in Cusco, this route takes you through sacred mountains, turquoise lakes, stunning glaciers, and remote Andean communities where ancient traditions are still alive.

It’s not only an adventure trek but also a journey into the Andean worldview, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience than other popular routes, allowing travelers to truly connect with nature and local culture.

Yes, on the Ausangate Trek you can hire support horses to carry your personal belongings or, if needed, to assist you along the trail. This service provides extra comfort and safety, especially if you prefer to hike with less weight or require additional help on the more challenging sections of the route.

On the 3-Day Ausangate Trek, the hiking times vary depending on the section and altitude, but on average you will walk between 6 to 8 hours per day. The first day is usually the most challenging, with steep ascents and high passes above 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), while the following days include gentler paths and descents. Rest stops, photo opportunities, and lunch breaks are included in this time, ensuring that you can enjoy the stunning landscapes at a comfortable pace.

The 3-Day Ausangate Trek is considered a challenging route due to the altitude and daily hiking time (around 6 to 8 hours per day). For this reason, it is generally not recommended for families with young children or travelers without previous trekking experience. It is better suited for adventurers in good physical condition with some mountain hiking background.
That said, families or travelers looking for a more relaxed pace can opt for the 4- to 6-day versions, which offer better acclimatization, shorter hiking days, and more time to rest while still enjoying the stunning scenery.