Ausangate Trek 4 Days – Epic Rainbow Mountain & Lakes Adventure

Day two of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins with a gentle wake-up call—your guide will bring a cup of coca tea or coffee to your tent so you can start the morning refreshed. After enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by our talented chef, we set off into the heart of the Andes, surrounded by stunning scenery, herds of llamas and alpacas, and wildlife such as condors and chinchillas. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s landscapes, culture, and traditions.

The trek starts with a gradual uphill climb of about 2.5 hours to reach Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). From here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of colorful mountains and sparkling Andean lakes. A gentle descent then takes us across open plains for another 1.5 hours until we arrive at the breathtaking Pukacocha Lake, where we’ll stop for lunch and set up camp.

In the afternoon, you may rest or join your guide for an optional exploration around the lake, soaking in the beauty of this peaceful Andean landscape. As evening falls, we’ll gather for tea and a delicious dinner before spending the night under a brilliant display of stars and the Milky Way.

On the third day of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days, wake up to a warm cup of coca tea while admiring the snow-capped peaks surrounding your campsite. After a nourishing breakfast prepared by our chef, we begin what many consider the most beautiful day of the trek.

Our hike starts with a gradual ascent of about 2 hours to reach Pukacocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Apu Ausangate and its turquoise lakes glistening below. We continue for 1.5 hours across rolling terrain until we arrive at Ananta (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), where we stop for a well-deserved lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, we continue climbing gently for about 2 hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the vibrant Red Valley, a highlight of the trek.

Finally, a 1-hour descent brings us to Surinecocha Lake (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where we set up camp beside its tranquil waters. This magical spot, located near Rainbow Mountain, offers a serene evening under the stars and the perfect place to recharge for the final day’s adventure.

Our final day of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins with an early and hearty breakfast, preparing us for the highlight of the adventure. From camp, we hike for about 1 hour across open plains until reaching the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Arriving before the crowds, you’ll be among the first to enjoy this natural wonder as the sunrise paints its colorful stripes.

After taking time to explore and capture incredible photos, we continue for 1.5 hours through the otherworldly Red Valley. The dramatic landscapes, painted in deep red and ochre tones, look almost surreal—as if from another planet.

Along the way, your expert mountain guide will share fascinating insights about the geological formations and cultural significance of these Andean treasures, always ready to answer your questions.

We then enjoy a final lunch together before boarding our private transport back to Cusco, where your unforgettable Ausangate adventure concludes.

The best time to hike the Ausangate Trek 4 Days is during the dry season in the Andes, which runs from May to September. During these months, you’ll find:

• Clear skies and stunning mountain views – perfect for photography and enjoying the landscapes.
• Little to no rain – making the trails safer and more comfortable.
• Cold nights but sunny days – daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F–68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

The shoulder months of April and October are also good options, with fewer crowds and still relatively stable weather, though there may be occasional rain.

We don’t recommend trekking during the rainy season (November to March), as heavy rains can make the trails slippery and cloud the views of the snow-capped peaks.

In short, the dry season (May–September) is the ideal time for the Ausangate Trek if you want the best conditions, while April and October are excellent alternatives for travelers looking for fewer people on the trail.

The Ausangate Lakes Adventure is one of the most breathtaking treks in Cusco, combining the majesty of the sacred Ausangate Mountain with a circuit of stunning high-Andean lakes, each with unique colors and landscapes. During the hike, you will visit:

• Azulcocha Lake – known for its intense turquoise color contrasting with the snow-capped Ausangate.
• Otorongo Lakes (male and female) – sacred in Andean tradition, surrounded by myths and legends.
• Pucacocha Lake – with reddish tones caused by the minerals of the area, one of the most photogenic.
• Alqacocha Lake – a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks.
• Qomercocha Lake – meaning “green lake” in Quechua, famous for its emerald waters.

Each lagoon offers a different scenery: some are framed by glaciers, others by colorful rock formations and highland meadows where llamas and alpacas graze.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Ausangate Lakes Adventure also provides a cultural experience, since these lakes are deeply connected to Andean cosmovision and traditional rituals still practiced by local communities.

The Ausangate Trek 4 Days requires a minimum of 2 participants to confirm the departure. If you are traveling solo, you have two options:

• Join an existing group – If other travelers are booked for the same date, we can add you to the group at no extra cost. This allows you to share the experience and reduce costs.
• Private trek – If you prefer to start on a specific date and no other travelers are confirmed, we can arrange the trek privately just for you with a dedicated guide and full support team. Please note that the cost will be higher due to the personalized logistics.

Either way, we ensure you receive a safe, well-organized, and unforgettable trekking experience around Ausangate.

The Ausangate Trek 4 Days takes place at high elevations, with trails ranging between 4,200 and 5,100 meters (13,780 – 16,732 ft) above sea level. Because of this, the trek is considered moderate to challenging and is not ideal for complete beginners with no hiking experience.

That being said, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to complete it. With a reasonable fitness level and proper acclimatization, most travelers can successfully enjoy the trek:

• Expect to walk an average of 5–7 hours per day.
• The most demanding parts are the high passes, but the pace is slow and adapted to the group.
• Our team provides emergency horses and oxygen to ensure extra safety.

👉 If you have little experience with high-altitude trekking, we recommend:

• Spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek to acclimatize.
• Doing warm-up hikes such as Humantay Lake or shorter Sacred Valley trails.
• Informing your guide of any medical conditions or concerns so they can provide closer assistance.

In summary, the Ausangate Trek 4 Days is doable for travelers with limited trekking experience, as long as you are in good health, take time to acclimatize, and are motivated to live this unforgettable Andean adventure.

At Andes Peru Expeditions, your safety is our top priority. Since this adventure takes place at high altitudes with changing weather conditions, we have a complete safety plan in place:

• Certified professional guides: All our mountain guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and have extensive experience in high-altitude trekking.
• First aid kit: We always carry a well-equipped kit with essential medicines, bandages, creams, and supplies to treat minor injuries.
• Emergency oxygen: Oxygen bottles are available for anyone who might experience altitude sickness.
• Emergency horse: An extra horse is included throughout the trek to assist travelers who feel exhausted or need extra support.
• Constant monitoring: Our guides check participants regularly, monitoring pace, oxygen levels, and acclimatization.
• Evacuation plan: In case of a serious situation, we have evacuation protocols to reach accessible points and coordinate transfer to a medical center.

👉 Thanks to these safety measures, even travelers with little high-altitude trekking experience can successfully and confidently complete the Ausangate Trek 4 Days.

Yes, at Andes Peru Expeditions we offer the option of renting horses if you need extra support during the hike. While the trek is designed for travelers with a moderate fitness level, we understand that the altitude and long days of hiking can be challenging.

• Emergency horse: We always bring at least one extra horse for unforeseen situations.
• Personal horse rental: If you prefer to have a horse available for riding in certain sections, it can be arranged at an additional cost. This can be coordinated before the trek or directly with the guide during the route.
• Professional support: Our experienced team will always be ready to assist you and ensure that you complete the journey safely and comfortably.

This way, even if you feel tired at some point, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you can continue your adventure with the help of a horse.

At Andes Peru Expeditions, we make the booking process easy and flexible:

• Direct booking through our website:
  You can secure your spot by paying the full amount or a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.
• Booking via WeTravel platform:
  With a $100 USD deposit, you can guarantee your place on the trek. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco before starting the adventure.

This way, you can choose the option that best fits your needs, ensuring your spot with confidence and peace of mind.