Step into the wild heart of the Andes on the Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour. Hike beneath glaciers, camp in quiet mountain valleys, soak in the warm waters of Upis Hot Springs, and pass turquoise lakes, alpaca herds, and sweeping views of Ausangate Mountain.
Cross high mountain passes to the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain, then leave the wilderness behind for a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes. Finish with an expert-guided visit to Machu Picchu—four unforgettable days that bring together remote nature, living Andean culture, and two of Peru’s most iconic destinations.
Tour Type Group / Private
Activities Adventure, camping, history
Average Group Size 6 to 8 people
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Camping, Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Destinations Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Machu PicchuAusangate Trek, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Days - Overview
The Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour combines a remote section of the Ausangate region with two of Peru’s most famous destinations. Hike through Upis, Pucacocha, Ananta, and Rainbow Mountain before continuing by private transport and train to Machu Picchu.
Spend three days beneath glaciers, beside colorful lakes, and across high mountain passes. Relax at Upis Hot Springs, meet traditional alpaca-herding communities, and finish the trek at Rainbow Mountain, with Red Valley included when access and conditions allow.
TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local tour operator, manages the complete journey: premium small groups, expert guides, quality camping, horse support, fresh chef-prepared meals, entrance tickets, hotel, trains, altitude assistance, and a guided Machu Picchu visit.
Tour Highlights
- Remote Ausangate scenery: Hike through quiet valleys, alpine grasslands, and high mountain passes.
- Glaciers and lakes: Walk beneath Ausangate Mountain and beside colorful high-altitude lakes.
- Upis Hot Springs: Relax in warm natural pools surrounded by peaceful Andean landscapes.
- Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley: Reach Vinicunca on foot and explore Red Valley when access allows.
- Living Andean culture: Travel through communities where Quechua traditions and alpaca herding continue today.
- Fresh trail meals: Enjoy warm meals, snacks, and drinks prepared by our trekking chef.
- Guided Machu Picchu visit: Explore the best official circuit available with an expert local guide.
- Vistadome train: End the journey with panoramic views of the mountains and Sacred Valley.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Ausangate Base – Upis Hot Springs
Travel to Tinki for breakfast, then hike toward the base of Ausangate Mountain. Enjoy lunch on the route, continue to Upis, and relax in the natural hot springs before dinner and your first night at camp.
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha Lake – Alpaca Pass – Ananta
Walk beside glaciers and colorful lakes, enjoy lunch near Pucacocha, cross Alpaca Pass, and descend to Ananta. This is the most challenging and scenic trekking day.
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Reach Rainbow Mountain in the morning and visit Red Valley when conditions allow. After lunch, travel to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable hotel night.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Optional Mountain Hike – Vistadome Train – Cusco
Explore Machu Picchu with your guide. Travelers with a separate permit may add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Later, return by Vistadome train and private transport to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup on departure day
- All scheduled transportation
- Professional bilingual local guide
- Ausangate route and Rainbow Mountain entrance tickets
- Visit to Upis Hot Springs
- Red Valley when access and conditions allow
- Duffle bag with a 7 kg / 15 lb allowance
- Spacious tent shared by two travelers
- Foam mattress, pillow, hot-water bag, and warm blankets
- Dining tent, tables, chairs, and kitchen equipment
- Portable toilet and basic washing facilities
- Fresh meals listed in the trekking itinerary
- Trekking chef, horsemen, and local support team
- Emergency horse during the trekking section
- Horses for camping gear, food, and your duffle
- Special dietary options with advance notice
- Boiled drinking water during camping days
- Warm water for basic washing
- Expedition train to Aguas Calientes
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu ticket, with Circuit 2 preferred when available
- Round-trip Machu Picchu bus tickets
- Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- First-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, and trekking poles; available to rent
- Lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Personal snacks, drinks, and purchases
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended
- Gratuities for the trekking team
Machu Picchu Circuit Included
- Circuit 2 preferred: Our first choice for its classic viewpoints and important archaeological areas.
If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will secure the best official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Popular routes can sell out early, so advance booking offers the best selection. Learn more in our Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits guide.
Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hikes
Add one optional mountain hike to Day 4 for an extra challenge. Tickets are limited and must be requested in advance.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: A steep, exciting climb with dramatic views over Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: A longer ascent to a high panoramic viewpoint above the citadel.
Only one mountain can be added. Its schedule must match your Machu Picchu circuit, entrance time, and return train. Review our Machu Picchu circuits and routes guide before choosing.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco team experienced in Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu.
- Unique four-day route: Combine remote trekking, hot springs, lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu.
- Premium small groups: Enjoy a personal pace, closer attention, and smoother logistics.
- Fresh mountain meals: Eat warm, varied food prepared by our trekking chef.
- Comfort where it matters: Spacious tents, warm bedding, a hotel, and panoramic trains are included.
- Experienced local guides: Travel with experts in altitude safety, culture, wildlife, and Inca history.
- Fair treatment: We respect the guides, chefs, horsemen, drivers, and support staff behind every journey.
- Responsible travel: Support local communities while helping protect fragile mountain environments.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Ausangate Base – Upis Hot Springs
Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at around 4:30 a.m. We travel southeast through traditional Andean towns and open mountain scenery toward Tinki, the gateway to the Ausangate region. After approximately three hours, we arrive and enjoy a fresh breakfast prepared by our trekking team.
After breakfast, we organize the duffle bags, meet the horsemen and support team, and begin hiking through wide grasslands where llamas and alpacas graze beneath the mountains. The trail climbs steadily toward the base of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region at approximately 6,384 m / 20,945 ft.
Around midday, our trekking chef serves a warm lunch with views of glaciers and surrounding valleys. This is your first real taste of the remote Ausangate landscape: quiet, open, and far from the busiest routes near Cusco.
In the afternoon, we continue toward the community of Upis. Our campsite is located close to the natural hot springs, where you can relax in warm water while the surrounding mountains begin to cool. Later, enjoy tea time and a fresh dinner before settling into your tent for the night.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 4,407 m / 14,458 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping near Upis Hot Springs
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha Lake – Alpaca Pass – Ananta
Wake up to a hot cup of coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a warm breakfast. Today is the longest and most demanding trekking day, but it also offers some of the finest glacier and lake views of the entire route.
We begin with a gradual climb through the high puna, surrounded by open grasslands, rocky ridges, and the white peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range. Along the way, you may see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, vizcachas, and local herders moving through this remote landscape.
By midday, we reach Pucacocha Lake, a beautiful glacial lake set below the slopes of Ausangate. Our chef prepares lunch beside the lake while you rest and enjoy one of the most impressive settings on the trek.
After lunch, the trail climbs toward Alpaca Pass at approximately 4,989 m / 16,368 ft. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Ausangate, glaciers, colorful mountain ridges, and the valleys below. We then descend toward our campsite near Ananta.
Arrive at camp in the late afternoon, settle into your tent, and enjoy hot drinks as the temperature drops. After dinner, look up at the stars when the sky is clear—this remote area has very little artificial light.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Walking Time: Approximately 8 hours
- Highest Altitude: Approximately 4,989 m / 16,368 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping near Ananta
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, we begin the final trekking section toward Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Winikunka. The trail climbs through remote high-Andean scenery, with views of traditional stone houses, grazing alpacas, colorful ridges, and the snow-covered Ausangate range behind you.
After approximately three hours of climbing, we reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at around 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. Take time to enjoy the mineral-colored slopes, photograph the landscape, and appreciate the scale of the mountains surrounding the valley.
When local access is open and weather and trail conditions are suitable, we continue toward the Red Valley. Its deep red ridges and open landscape offer a beautiful contrast to Rainbow Mountain and often feel quieter than the main viewpoint.
We then descend for approximately two hours to meet the support team and enjoy a fresh lunch. After saying goodbye to the trekking crew, private transportation takes us toward Ollantaytambo.
In the evening, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, check in at your comfortable 3-star hotel, enjoy dinner according to the confirmed meal plan, and rest before your Machu Picchu visit.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 9 km / 5.6 mi
- Walking Time: Approximately 5 hours
- Highest Altitude: Approximately 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner according to the confirmed itinerary
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; altitude is the main difficulty
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Vistadome Train – Return to Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we walk to the bus station and travel up to Machu Picchu. We plan the visit according to your official entry time, train schedule, and assigned circuit.
Your expert guide leads a 2 to 3-hour visit through the most important places permitted on your route. You will learn about Inca engineering, temples, terraces, water channels, sacred spaces, agriculture, and the relationship between the citadel and its mountain setting.
We prioritize Circuit 2 whenever it is available because it offers one of the most complete visits to the archaeological complex. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, according to official availability.
Travelers who have booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance may complete the optional hike according to their ticket schedule. These permits are limited and are not included in the standard tour.
After visiting Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch on your own. Later, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation will meet you at the station and return you to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving around 7:30 p.m.
- Guided Tour Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Return: Vistadome train and private transportation
- Difficulty: Easy
Important: Hiking times, campsites, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley access, train schedules, Machu Picchu entry times, circuits, and return times may change due to weather, trail conditions, official regulations, availability, and group pace.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Days Price
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a carefully organized Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour. This experience includes supported trekking, quality camping equipment, fresh meals, professional guiding, transportation, scheduled entrance tickets, train travel, one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu admission, and return on the panoramic Vistadome train.
Prices are per person in US dollars. The final hotel room arrangement may vary according to the number of travelers in your party and the room type selected: single, double, or triple.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ 698 |
| Children and students | From US$ 668 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 participant | US$ 1,980 |
| 2 participants | US$ 1,200 |
| 3 participants | US$ 1,000 |
| 4 participants | US$ 900 |
| 5 participants | US$ 810 |
| 6 participants | US$ 770 |
| 7 participants | US$ 730 |
| 8 participants | US$ 700 |
| 9+ participants | Contact us for a special group rate |
Private service is ideal for couples, families, photographers, groups of friends, and travelers who want greater flexibility, personalized guiding, and an itinerary adapted to their pace and interests.
Student and Child Discount
- US$ 30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the document must include:
- The student’s name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking. If the document is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ 200 per person to secure your reservation.
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-related, or other dietary needs.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button, select your travel date, and choose either the small-group or private service.
- Enter the requested traveler information exactly as it appears on each passport.
- Select any available rental equipment or upgrades and complete the payment.
- Our team will contact you to confirm your payment, availability, hotel arrangements, and final tour details.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Days Packing List
Pack for cold high-altitude camps, strong sun, wind, possible rain, train travel, and the warmer climate of Machu Picchu. Bring good layers, keep your daypack light, and leave unnecessary luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
TreXperience provides a 7 kg / 15 lb duffle bag for your overnight equipment. Horses carry the duffle during the supported trekking section, while you hike with a small daypack containing your daily essentials.
Bag Setup
- Daypack: We recommend a comfortable 25–35L backpack for water, snacks, warm layers, rain gear, sunscreen, passport, camera, and personal medication.
- Duffle bag: Maximum weight of 7 kg / 15 lb, including your sleeping bag and air mattress if you bring or rent them.
- Extra luggage: Leave large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco or with TreXperience when arranged before departure.
Essentials
These are the most important items for high-altitude hiking, cold camps, Rainbow Mountain, train travel, and Machu Picchu.
What to Wear
Dress in layers. Mornings and nights in Ausangate can be very cold, while hiking under direct sun can feel warm. Choose breathable clothing that is easy to add or remove.
What to Put in the Daypack
Carry everything you will need during the hiking day because you will not have access to your duffle until camp. Keep your passport with you for the train and Machu Picchu.
What to Put in the Duffle Bag
Use the duffle for overnight clothing, toiletries, warm camp layers, and personal equipment. Keep it within the 7 kg / 15 lb limit so the horse support team can work safely and responsibly.
What TreXperience Provides
We provide the principal camping, transport, food, hotel, train, and safety logistics listed in the tour inclusions.
Optional Rentals
Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and trekking poles can be rented in advance for an additional fee.
Final tip: Pack light. A well-organized duffle and comfortable daypack will make the high-altitude trekking days much easier.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu Travel Information
This section covers the essential information for the Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour, including the route, altitude, difficulty, weather, camping, meals, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu tickets, and responsible travel.
What makes this 4-day route different?
This itinerary combines a selected section of the remote Ausangate region with Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. It is not the complete Ausangate circuit, which normally requires more trekking days.
Choose this tour if you want high-altitude wilderness, camping, Upis Hot Springs, glacial lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu in one compact adventure. For an easier experience without camping, consider the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour. For Rainbow Mountain only, see our Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour.
Route and locations
The tour begins with private transportation from Cusco to Tinki in the Vilcanota mountain range. The supported trek continues through the Ausangate base area, Upis Hot Springs, Pucacocha Lake, Alpaca Pass, Ananta, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley when access is available.
After the trekking section, private transportation takes you to Ollantaytambo for the train to Aguas Calientes. The final day includes Machu Picchu, the Vistadome train, and private transportation back to Cusco.
Altitude and acclimatization
This is a very high-altitude itinerary. You camp above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft, cross a pass close to 5,000 m / 16,404 ft, and reach Rainbow Mountain at approximately 5,036 m / 16,522 ft.
We strongly recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure. Drink water, eat light meals, rest well, and avoid excess alcohol before the trek. Tell your guide immediately if you experience headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
For general medical preparation, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.
Difficulty and physical preparation
This tour is moderate to challenging. No technical climbing is required, but you should be comfortable hiking for 6 to 8 hours, walking on uneven terrain, climbing at altitude, and sleeping in cold mountain camps.
Prepare with regular walking, uphill hiking, stairs, cycling, and basic leg-strength exercises. Wear your trekking shoes before traveling so they are comfortable and broken in. Trekking poles can help on steep or uneven sections; see our guide on using trekking poles in the Andes.
Weather and best season
Weather in Ausangate can change quickly. Strong sun, cold wind, rain, snow, and freezing nighttime temperatures are possible in the same trip. Rainbow Mountain is especially exposed to wind and fast-changing conditions.
April to October usually brings drier conditions and clearer mountain views, although nights are colder. November to March is wetter, with greener landscapes but more rain, mud, cloud, and possible route changes.
Bring warm layers and reliable rain protection in every season. For broader seasonal planning, read our Best Time to Visit Peru guide.
Camping, meals, drinking water, and luggage
The tour includes two camping nights and one hotel night. TreXperience provides spacious tents, mattresses, pillows, warm blankets, dining and kitchen equipment, toilet facilities, and an experienced local support team.
Fresh meals are prepared by our trekking chef. Boiled water is provided during the camping section, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and many other dietary requirements can be arranged with advance notice.
Horses carry the camping equipment and your duffle bag of up to 7 kg / 15 lb. You carry only a daypack with water, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, snacks, passport, camera, and personal medication. For wider packing guidance, see our Peru Packing List.
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Winikunka, lies within the Vilcanota mountain range and is known for its mineral-colored slopes. The official tourism inventory places it at approximately 5,036 m / 16,522 ft.
The Red Valley is visited when community access, weather, and trail conditions allow. Access can change, so it should be considered a scheduled highlight rather than an unconditional guarantee.
Learn more in our Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Guide or consult the official MINCETUR Rainbow Mountain resource.
Machu Picchu tickets, circuits, trains, and hotel
One night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is included, together with the scheduled train to Aguas Calientes, round-trip Machu Picchu buses, your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and the panoramic Vistadome return.
We prioritize Circuit 2 whenever it is available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If it is sold out, we secure the best available alternative according to official ticket inventory.
Machu Picchu tickets are issued for a specific date, entry time, and route. Read our Machu Picchu Circuits guide or review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Safety, local culture, and responsible travel
Ausangate is remote, and phone signal is limited or unavailable during much of the trek. Our team carries first-aid equipment, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication. Your guide may adjust timing, camps, or the route when weather or trail conditions require it.
The region is home to Quechua-speaking herding communities with a deep cultural relationship with Ausangate and the surrounding mountains. Ask before photographing people, respect local customs, stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and carry all waste out of the mountains.
Machu Picchu is a protected mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site. You can learn more through the UNESCO Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu - Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most important questions travelers ask before joining the Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu 4 Day Tour.
Is this the complete Ausangate circuit?
No. This four-day tour follows a selected section of the Ausangate trekking region through Upis, Pucacocha, Ananta, and Rainbow Mountain before continuing to Machu Picchu by vehicle and train.
The complete Ausangate circuit normally requires additional trekking days. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want the strongest highlights of the region combined with Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu in a shorter journey.
Do I need previous multi-day trekking experience?
Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not essential. You should have good general fitness, be comfortable walking for 6 to 8 hours, and be prepared for cold camps and elevations close to 5,000 meters.
Training before the trip and proper acclimatization in Cusco will make a major difference.
Which day is the most difficult?
Day 2 is usually the most demanding because it includes around eight hours of hiking and the crossing of Alpaca Pass at approximately 4,989 m / 16,368 ft.
Day 3 is also challenging because Rainbow Mountain sits above 5,000 meters, but the hiking distance is shorter before the transfer to Ollantaytambo.
How many days should I acclimatize before the trek?
We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure. During that time, rest, drink water, eat light meals, and avoid excessive alcohol.
Light activities such as a Sacred Valley tour can help you adjust without exhausting yourself before the trek.
What is the camping experience like?
You spend two nights camping in remote high-Andean settings. TreXperience provides spacious tents, mattresses, pillows, warm blankets, dining equipment, toilet facilities, meals, and full camp support.
Nights can be very cold, so a suitable sleeping bag, thermal layers, warm socks, gloves, and a hat are important.
Will Rainbow Mountain be less crowded on this route?
Approaching Rainbow Mountain as part of a multi-day trek gives you a very different experience from arriving directly on a one-day bus tour. Your timing is based on the trekking itinerary rather than a standard day-trip schedule.
However, Rainbow Mountain is a popular destination, and crowd levels cannot be guaranteed. Weather, route conditions, and the group’s pace also influence arrival time.
How much luggage can I bring on the trek?
TreXperience provides a duffle bag with a maximum personal allowance of 7 kg / 15 lb. Horses carry it during the supported trekking section.
You carry your own daypack with water, snacks, rain protection, warm layers, passport, sunscreen, camera, and medication. Leave large suitcases in Cusco.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
We prioritize Circuit 2 whenever it is available because it offers one of the most complete Machu Picchu visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
The final route depends on official availability when the ticket is issued. For details, read our Machu Picchu Circuits Guide.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available. You can add either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
You can hike only one mountain, and the ticket must be reserved in advance. The additional hike also changes the timing of your final day, so tell us when booking.