Cusco - Upis Community - Upis Campsite – Upis Lake

Nevado Ausangate - The journey begins with a pick-up at 5:00 am, followed by a three-hour drive to the trailhead at Pukutuni School. Here, breakfast will be served, and the group will meet, including a local chef and riders.

The adventure starts with a hike along a wide, ascending path towards the northeast face of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. The three-hour trek to the lunch spot offers breathtaking views of the Ausangate snow-capped peaks.

Along the way, traditional houses can be seen, with locals dressed in vibrant traditional attire, tending to the native animals of the region: llamas and alpacas. The camp is set at Upis Hot Springs, where lunch is enjoyed amidst the snow-covered mountains (Ausangate and Maria Huamantilla). The thermal hot springs at Upis provide a relaxing soak at the end of the day.

After lunch, there is an option for a two-hour round trip walk to Ausangate Lake, followed by dinner upon return.

Upis Campsite – Arapa Pass - Pucacocha

Nevado Ausangate - The day begins with a hot drink served in the tent to energize for the day ahead. After breakfast, the second day of hiking commences.

The hike takes you close to the Ausangate glacier peak, offering stunning views of the mountain, as well as beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Wild llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas (the wild ancestor of the alpaca) may be spotted, and perhaps a rare condor soaring above. A 3-hour uphill hike leads to the first pass (4800m/15,748ft), providing magnificent views of the area. After capturing some amazing photos, the hike continues gradually downhill for another 1.5 hours to a picturesque lunch spot.

Pucacocha - Pucca Pass - Ananta - Warmisaya – Surinecocha

Vinicunca - Post-lunch and a brief rest, the hike continues gradually uphill for 1.5 hours to reach the Warmisaya (also known as Pitumarca) pass at 5050m/16,568ft. After taking in the views from the top, a 20-minute descent leads to the campsite at Surinecocha Lake (4500m/14,764ft).

After dropping off the bags, a gradual 1-hour sunset hike to the Rainbow Mountain Pass offers a stunning view of the Rainbow Valley as the sun sets. Once the view is fully appreciated, a 45-minute walk back to the camp in Surinecocha awaits, followed by happy hour (hot drinks and snacks) and a hearty dinner.

Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Hanchipata – Cusco

Vinicunca - An early breakfast at 5:00 am sets the stage for a 1-hour hike up to the Rainbow Mountain Pass (Vinicunca Mountains or Montañas de Colores), the highest pass of the trek, to witness the beautiful Rainbow Valley at sunrise (5050m/16,568ft)! Enjoy an hour of the view without the crowds, as one of the first groups to arrive. The guide will lead to the best spots for perfect postcard pictures of these incredible mountains and the surrounding peaks.

After savoring this Peruvian Andes gem, the trek continues towards the spectacular Red Valley. This rarely visited place resembles the planet Mars, offering not only incredible beauty but also immense tranquility.

Cusipata - After the sunrise view, a 1.5-hour hike leads to the small community of Hanchipata or Cusipata (3800m/12,467ft), where lunch marks the end of the trek. Post-lunch, private transport will drive back to the hotel in Cusco – a 3.5-hour drive offering beautiful views of the Andes and passing through traditional villages.

• Entry to iconic destinations including Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Upis Hot Springs
• Comfort assured with an extra-thick foam mattress
• All major meals covered: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Emergency horse available for safety and convenience
• Professional chef, cooking equipment, and kitchen tent included
• Guidance by an English speaking professional guide
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
• Personal porter service to manage your overnight gear (up to 8kg)

• Sleeping bags and walking poles
• Travel interruption & travel medical

This beautiful multi-day hike is operated by locals from the Ausangate Area who have years of trekking experience and extensive knowledge of the region. The Ausangate trek is surrounded by glacial mountains and lies in the shadow of the highest peaks in the Cusco region.

This snowy peak has been considered sacred for centuries by the ancient inhabitants of the Andes. It is a true off-the-beaten-path wilderness trek, situated above the tree line with breathtaking views of the Andes and glacial peaks.

Along the route, you will encounter spectacular landscapes ranging from plains and rock formations to glaciers and lagoons. The circuit is designed to share the stories of its inhabitants, their worldview, and their relationship with these sacred mountains.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.