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Three days around the snow-capped Ausangate mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes. Start with the Seven Lagoons, continue to Upis Lake and the Apacheta Pass, and finish at Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Nights in tents, with porters carrying the gear.
The 3-day Ausangate Trek combines the most beautiful sections of the circuit around the mountain in a short, compact version, following the reverse of the usual route so that it finishes with a highlight: Rainbow Mountain. Day one leaves Cusco early in the morning, and after a drive of about three hours, travelers reach the village of Pacchanta (approx. 4,300m). From there, they hike to the viewpoint over the Seven Lagoons (Otorongo Macho and Hembra, Azulcocha, Alqacocha, Pukaqocha, Qomerqocha and Orqoqocha) and continue to camp in tents beside the turquoise Upis Lake. On day two, travelers climb to the Apacheta Pass (approx. 4,900m), the highest point of the day, with views of the Ausangate glaciers, and walk through alpine pastures with herds of alpacas to the Anantapata campsite. On day three, they cross the Warmisaya Pass (approx. 5,000m), stop at the viewpoint over the Red Valley, and climb to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). From there, they descend to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead and return to Cusco.
Trip details:
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Highest point: Warmisaya Pass and Rainbow Mountain, approx. 5,000m
- Accommodation: tents, at approx. 4,400m and 4,900m
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging, due to altitude and cold nights
- Recommendation: 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before departure
Day 1: Cusco → Pacchanta → Seven Lagoons → Upis Lake
- Early morning hotel pickup in Cusco
- Drive of about 3 hours to the village of Pacchanta (approx. 4,300m)
- Hike to the viewpoint over the Seven Lagoons, with views of Ausangate
- Lunch on the trail
- Continue hiking to Upis Lake (approx. 4,400m)
- Dinner and overnight in tents beside the lake
- Optional: hot springs in the Pacchanta area (entrance fee paid separately)
Day 2: Upis Lake → Apacheta Pass → Anantapata
- Breakfast
- Climb to the Apacheta Pass (approx. 4,900m), with views of the Ausangate glaciers
- Walk through alpine pastures with herds of alpacas
- Lunch on the trail
- Arrival at the Anantapata campsite (approx. 4,900m)
- Dinner and overnight in tents
Day 3: Anantapata → Red Valley → Rainbow Mountain → Cusco
- Breakfast and early departure
- Hike over the Warmisaya Pass (approx. 5,000m), with glacier views
- Viewpoint over the Red Valley
- Climb to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and free time for photos
- Descent to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead
- Drive back to Cusco (late afternoon or evening arrival)
What's Included:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and round-trip transport
- Licensed guide
- Cook and meals according to the route (except breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 3)
- Tents, mattresses and sleeping bags
- Dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Pack horses for the gear and a rescue horse
- First aid kit and oxygen
What's Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch on the third day
- Entrance fee to the hot springs
- Tips
- Travel insurance
What to Bring:
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Layers (fleece and down jacket)
- Rain jacket
- Tat and gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- 2–3 liters of water
- Snacks
- Toiletries and personal medication
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
Most belongings travel in a duffel bag carried by horses (up to approx. 7 kg per person).
