Ausangate Treks &
Rainbow Mountain Tours

Of all the alternative treks to the Inca Trail, the Ausangate Trek is often labeled the most “epic” for its arduous and rewarding journey across the towering peaks, limestone forests, glaciers, and remote trails. Ausangate is a famous mountain in the Peruvian Andes and is considered a sacred mountain by many. This region’s sparkling lakes and sharp peaks eventually give way to softer and more colorful scenery, thanks to Rainbow Mountain.

Rainbow Mountain is known for its natural array of turquoise, lavender, gold, and maroons created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area—and is a must-see while you’re here in Peru! This area is ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a challenge and crave big-sky country.

Why Choose Alpaca Expeditions for your Ausangate Trek?

A Dedicated Team To Make Your Ausangate Trek Incredible

We pride ourselves in offering you top-quality camping equipment, nutritious meals prepared by professional chefs on the trail, and leading safety procedures on every trek.

We Make Sure Your Group is the First to Reach Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is stunning regardless of conditions, but dense crowds can detract from the moment. When you choose a Rainbow Mountain tour with Alpaca Expeditions, we reach the mountain first thing in the morning. Being the first to arrive will grant you an unobstructed, intimate view of Rainbow Mountain.

You Can Include Machu Picchu in Your Ausangate Trek!

Our 4-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Tour includes transportation and entrance to Machu Picchu on the last day! You don’t need to choose between these two stunning areas.

Ethical Peru Ecotourism

You can also feel good about supporting a 100% Peruvian company active in its local communities, running several social projects and initiatives in Porter welfare.

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Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Availability

All Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Treks are available for daily tour departures, from March – January. The optimal trekking season is April – October. No special permits are needed, unlike the Classic Inca Trail!

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Ausangate Trek FAQ - See the top questions and answers about hiking the Ausangate Trek

1. How Long is the Ausangate Trek?

Our Ausangate Trek includes 30 km of walking over three days.

2. How Challenging is The Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate Trek is considered a challenging trek, thanks to the high altitudes and steep climbs that hikers will experience.

3. Ausangate Trek Vs. Inca Trail Trek?

The Inca Trail places a large focus on historical ruins and archeological sites. The draw of the Ausangate Trek is purely natural scenery – witness snow-covered peaks, glaciers, vivid mountain lakes, and, of course, Rainbow Mountain. Ausangate also tends to be less crowded than the ever-popular Inca Trail. Want to trek Ausangate without missing out on Machu Picchu? We do offer an option to include Machu Picchu at the end of your Ausangate Trek so you can have the best of both worlds!

4. Ausangate Trek Vs. Salkantay Trail Trek?

Where the Salkantay Trek covers beautiful scenery and archeological sites, the draw of the Ausangate Trek is purely natural scenery—witness snow-covered peaks, glaciers, vivid mountain lakes, and, of course, Rainbow Mountain. The Salkantay Trek can also be extended to seven days of trekking, whereas the Ausangate is three days.

5. What is the Spiritual Meaning of Ausangate?

Locals know Ausangate as “the father of all mountains.”

6. What is the Elevation of the Ausangate Trek?

Day One Trailhead Elevation: 4200m
Day Two Trailhead Elevation: 4700m
Day Three Trailhead Elevation: 5030m

7. How Cold is the Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate Trek will have cold mornings and cold evenings, with the potential for warmer days thanks to direct sun exposure. Therefore, many layers and gloves, scarves, and beanies are highly recommended during colder parts of the day.

Rainbow Mountain Tour FAQ - See the top questions and answers about hiking the Ausangate Trek

1. What Makes Rainbow Mountain Colorful?

The Rainbow Mountains are composed of stratified layers of sandstone. These fine-grained rock layers contain abundant iron and other mineral compounds, which provide the pigments for the various colored stripes of the mountains.

2. Can you Hike Rainbow Mountain in One Day?

Yes! We offer a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco that will take you to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in a single day.

3. What is the Elevation of Rainbow Mountain?

Rainbow Mountain is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.

4. Why is Rainbow Mountain Popular?

Rainbow Mountain is unique in its vibrant, diverse coloring, creating a rainbow-striped mountain. This natural phenomenon has quickly gained popularity through stunning photos and word of mouth about the natural beauty of this area.

5. What is the Best Time Of Year to See Rainbow Mountain?

Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, making late spring through early fall a fantastic time to visit Rainbow Mountain.

6. How Cold is it at Rainbow Mountain?

Regardless of the time of year, it can be cold at Rainbow Mountain. Rainbow Mountain temps rarely surpass 61 degrees F. Treks in the Andes involve various microclimates, and it helps to be prepared for each one. No matter what month you visit Rainbow Mountain, ensure you have plenty of layers. Layers are always vital since the help you quickly adjust to different temperature changes.

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Cooking classes are on all our camping treks. Learn to cook traditional, delicious dishes in open air classroom of the magical Andes mountains!

Explore All Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Tour Options

Find the Ausangate trek that best suits your interests. Do you want a rigorous hike that includes 4 days of Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu views? Then choose the 4-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Tour with Machu Picchu. Want a quicker day hike that gets you right to Rainbow Mountain? Then choose the 1-day Rainbow Mountain Hike & Red Valley Tour! No matter what adventure you crave, our team can help you achieve your goals to reach Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.

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Adventure Trekking Tours

4-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek Ausangate + Machu Picchu

Don’t want to choose between Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain? This Ausangate trek is for you! Alpaca Expedition created the Ausangate + Machu Picc...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	4D / 3N
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $750

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Trek Ausangate - The Rainbow Mountain 3 Days 2 Nights

Alternative Treks

3-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most rewarding experiences guests can include in their trip to Peru. This 3-day adventure will guide you through towe...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size	Up to 12
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $550

Book Now View Tour

Best Seller

Adventure Trekking Tours

Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley Hike 1-Day Trip

See Rainbow Mountain on a 1-day trip from Cusco! The rich colors of this unique mountain make the Rainbow Mountain hike truly one-of-a-kind. Quickly g...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	Full Day
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $160

Book Now View Tour

Adventure Trekking Tours

7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip

Experience the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Peru, including Pariacaca, Otorongo, and the Pucacocha in The Cordillera Negra! This is an excellent option for a ...

Destinations	Cusco Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Duration	Full Day
Group Size	Up to 8
Physical Rating	Relaxing

Price per person US $160

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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

World Travel Awards

Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.

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TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS

Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.