The Ausangate Trek is considered one of Peru's most stunning and remote hikes. This majestic natural reserve contains crystal clear blue lakes, vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and condors. Get close to the Ausangate mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), the highest peak in the Cusco region. On the final part of this incredible TreXperience, you’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.
Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights
Activities Trekking, Culture, Adventure
Average Group Size Up to 16
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Camping, Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Destinations Ausangate Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, Machu PicchuAusangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu 4 days - Overview
The Ausangate to Machu Picchu Trek is a challenging multi-day trekking route that takes visitors from the Ausangate region of the Andes mountains to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The trek is a combination of the Ausangate Trek, The Rainbow Mountain hike, and Machu Picchu by Train. The trek takes visitors through remote mountain passes, stunning high-altitude landscapes, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to see wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and learn about the local communities' culture and traditions.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Rainbow Mountain and, of course, Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Incan citadel located in the Andes mountain range. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ruins and learn about the site's fascinating history.
Tour Highlights:
- Get off the beaten path and explore remote mountains.
- Visit spectacular glaciers and andean lakes.
- Soak in the natural hot springs of Upis.
- Visit the Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Machu Picchu.
- Support our Social Projects while traveling with us
Ausangate Trek at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Hot Springs
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and drive to the town of Tinki (3,776 m / 12,388 ft), where the Ausangate Trek starts. After breakfast, hike for 6 hours to the campsite near the thermal baths of Upis (4,408 m / 14,458 ft).
Day 2: Upis Village – Pucacocha Lake – Ananta
After breakfast, hike to Lake Pucacocha (4,561 m / 14,963 ft), located at the base of Mount Ausangate. During the day, you’ll pass two mountain passes and incredible views.
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes
On the most important trek day, you will visit Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m /16,433 ft) and Red Valley, then travel by van and train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise. In the afternoon, board the panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco.
Included
- Pre- Departure briefing
- Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trek.
- All Transportation from the beginning to the end
- Professional local tour guide
- Entrance tickets to the Ausangate trail and Rainbow Mountain
- Duffle bags for your personal stuff up to 7 kilos
- Four men Eureka tents for each two trekkers
- Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hot water bags, warm blankets
- Comfortable camping equipment
- Portable toilets and showers
- All meals during the trek
- Trekking chef, porter, and horsemen
- Emergency horse in case you struggle
- Horses to carry food and equipment
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others on request
- Boiled water every day on the trek
- Warm water hand washing every day
- First-aid kit, oxygen tank, satellite phones
Not included
- Sleeping bags, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on the last day
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Gratuities (Optional)
Know before you go
- Minimum 2 people are required per booking
Full Itinerary of the Ausangate to Machu Picchu Trek
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis– Hot springs
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4.30 am and drive for 3 towards the community of Tinki, arriving around 8:00 am. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start your Ausangate Trek with a 4-hour uphill trek to our lunch spot at Ausangate Mountain base, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,384 m / 20,945 ft. After lunch, we will continue for two additional hours downhill to the community of UPIS, located at 4,407 m / 14,458 ft. Tonight we will be camping close to the medicinal hot springs. Take time to relax and enjoy the warm waters in the chilly weather of the mountains in the afternoon.
- Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Elevation: 4,407 m / 14,458 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha – Ananta
We will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee in your tent and provide you with a delicious breakfast. The hike starts with a gentle climb until we arrive at Pucacocha lake, where we will enjoy lunch on the banks of the beautiful lake. Along the way, you will enjoy the amazing views of the mountains, herds of llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and the local farmers.
After lunch, we will hike for 2 hours to Alpaca Pass (4,989 m /16,567 feet). After enjoying the amazing views of the Ausangate Mountain trek, you will descend for 1 more hour to the campsite at Ananta, where mountains will surround us! This campsite is lovely with stunning views of the lake and astonishing sunsets. If you are lucky enough to camp on a clear night, this is the perfect place to stargaze!
- Distance: 12 km /7.5 mi
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Elevation: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, the trek begins with a 3-hour ascent to Vinicunca mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). Along the way, we will observe llamas and alpacas, traditional houses, and the breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft). Rainbow Mountain (or Vinicunca) is located in the Southern Region of Cusco. This spectacular place will impress even the most demanding of hikers. The high altitude allows for some of the most incredible views in the region, and here you feel completely separated from modern civilization. Rainbow mountain is considered one of the most beautiful one-day hikes in the world. We will start descending again upon reaching the summit, exploring and enjoying this extraordinary place. After lunch, we will board the van in a 4 hours drive to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the 7 p.m train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
- Distance: 3.7 miles ascent (6 km) / 2 miles descent (3 km)
- Duration: 3-hour ascent / 2-hour descent
- Highest elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas)
On the last day, we have to get up very early and get ready to experience to the fullest Machu Picchu. We will go straight to the queue and wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. As the sky brightens, we will enjoy incredible city views along the way.
On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu; this is indeed an unforgettable sight. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you to Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance if possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then return to Cusco by train and bus. The TreXperience team will meet you on the train and return you safely to your hotel.
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ausangate to Machu Picchu 4 Days Price
Price per person:
- From US$ 698 - Adults
Booking and payment:
- Deposit: US$200 per person (to secure your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to discuss alternative payment options.
- The following information is required for each traveler: full name exactly as it appears on the passport (no nicknames), passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions.
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted).
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.
Packing List for the Ausangate Trek
When preparing for the Ausangate Trek, it's important to pack appropriately for the high altitude, cold weather, and rugged terrain. Here are some essential items to bring:
Essentials:
- Hiking boots: Choose a sturdy pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Warm clothing: Pack layers of warm clothing, including thermal underwear, fleece or down jackets, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or buff.
- Sleeping bag: You'll need a warm sleeping bag that is rated for cold temperatures. Most tour operators provide sleeping bags, but it's always a good idea to bring your own if you have one.
- Waterproof jacket and pants: Bring a waterproof jacket and pants for rain and snow.
- Backpack: You'll need a backpack to carry your gear, snacks, and water. Choose a backpack that is comfortable to wear and has a capacity of at least 30-40 liters.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles can be helpful for balance and stability on steep and rocky terrain.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the evenings and early mornings when it's dark.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important at high altitudes, so bring a water bottle or hydration system.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the strong Andean sun with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Clothing:
- Warm thermal underwear
- Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof and windproof pants
- Hiking pants or trekking leggings
- Warm hat or beanie
- Gloves or mittens
- Hiking socks
- Trekking boots or shoes
Gear:
- Backpack (30-40 liters)
- Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal first aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera or phone
- Portable charger or extra batteries
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Gaiters
- Neck warmer
- Down vest or jacket
- Rain cover for backpack
- Hand warmers
Packing light and bringing only the essentials is important, as you will carry your gear throughout the trek. We will provide a duffel bag for you to pack your gear in. You can put up to 7 kilos of your personal stuff, including sleeping bags or air mattresses.
Travel Info
The Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu is an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Cusco. It takes you through some of the region’s most striking high-Andes scenery: glacial lakes, towering peaks over 6,000 meters, natural hot springs, and colorful mountains shaped by mineral-rich earth.
Location
The Ausangate Trek takes place in the Vilcanota mountain range in the Cusco region, around 110 km southeast of Cusco.
This 4-day itinerary starts with a scenic drive from Cusco to Tinki village (3,776 m), then follows high-Andes trails to Upis Hot Springs (4,408 m) and Pucacocha Lake (4,561 m) before finishing at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m). After the trek, you continue by van and train to Aguas Calientes for your Machu Picchu visit.
History
For local communities, Ausangate (6,384 m) is more than a mountain, it’s a sacred apu (protective spirit) in Andean tradition.
The region is also closely linked to the Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. As you hike, you’ll pass through remote Andean landscapes shaped by generations of alpaca and llama herding communities, where traditional life remains a big part of the Ausangate area.
Weather
Weather in the Ausangate region is high-altitude and changeable, you can get strong sun, wind, and sudden cold on the same day. (Nights are often very cold year-round at these elevations.)
- Best season for trekking: typically May to September (drier conditions).
- Rainier months: generally November to April, with more frequent showers.
Even in the dry season, pack layers and rain protection, mountain weather can shift fast.
Difficulty
This trek is rated Moderate to Challenging, mainly due to altitude and hiking days. Reach Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 m, and the route can reach up to 5,200 m at the highest pass, so acclimatization in Cusco before the trek makes a big difference. It’s a strong fit for travelers who are reasonably fit, comfortable hiking for several hours, and willing to take a steady pace at altitude.
Ausangate Trek - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude trekking route that takes you through the Vilcanota mountain range in Peru. It is a challenging trek that spans approximately 70 kilometers, passing through high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and remote Andean communities.
How long does the Ausangate Trek take?
The Ausangate Trek can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days, depending on the route you choose and your hiking speed. Most trekkers take around 5 days to complete the trek.
What is the best time of year to do the Ausangate Trek?
The best time to do the Ausangate Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally dry and clear, making it easier to hike through the mountains.
What is the altitude of the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,200 m / 17,060 ft at the Ausangate Pass. This makes it challenging, and it is recommended that trekkers spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude before starting the trek.
What should I pack for the Ausangate Trek?
You should pack warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a backpack. Trekking poles and a headlamp are also recommended.
Is it safe to do the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is generally safe, but it is challenging and requires good fitness and experience with high-altitude hiking. It is important to follow your guide's instructions and take all necessary safety precautions while on the trek.
Do I need a guide for the Ausangate Trek?
While it is possible to do the Ausangate Trek independently, hiring a guide is recommended. A guide will be able to provide you with valuable information about the route, as well as ensure your safety and comfort throughout the trek.
How do I get to the starting point of the Ausangate Trek?
The starting point of the Ausangate Trek is typically the village of Tinki, which is located approximately 3 hours from Cusco. We will arrange the transportation for you.
What is the difficulty level of the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude and steep, rocky terrain. You will need a good level of fitness and experience with high-altitude hiking.