Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Expedition

OVERVIEW

A high-altitude trekking adventure that combines glacier-fed lakes, remote mountain landscapes, and access to Rainbow Mountain via a less-traveled route. Designed for travelers seeking to experience the grandeur of the Andes beyond the conventional paths.

DURATION:

3 Days / 2 Nights

DESTINATIONS:

Cusco – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes Circuit – Upis – Arapa Pass – Lake Pucacocha Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – Red Valley – Cusipata – Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 → Cusco – Seven Lakes Circuit & Upis Camp

Begin before sunrise with a private transfer to Pacchanta, beneath the majestic Ausangate.

After breakfast, hike the Seven Lakes Circuit, surrounded by turquoise glacier-fed lakes, snowcapped peaks, and grazing alpacas.

Continue to Upis Valley, where natural hot springs offer a relaxing end to the day before dinner and your first night of camping beneath the Andean sky.

What's Included

Meals Included

Day 2 → Upis – Arapa Pass – Lake Pucacocha – Anantapata

After breakfast, continue through the remote landscapes of the Ausangate range, ascending toward Arapa Pass for panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and towering peaks.

Descend to Lake Pucacocha for lunch before continuing to Anantapata Camp, surrounded by colorful mountains and vast Andean landscapes.

What's Included

Meals Included

Day 3 → Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Before dawn, ascend toward Warmisaya Pass as the first light illuminates the Andes.

Continue to Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, arriving early for a more peaceful encounter with its vibrant mineral formations. Explore the dramatic Red Valley before descending to Kayrawiri.

After lunch in Cusipata, return to Cusco, concluding your Andean adventure.

What's Included

Meals Included

Important Altitude Information

This expedition takes place at extreme elevations, beginning at approximately 4,300 meters (14,108 feet) above sea level in Pacchanta and reaching approximately 5,300 meters (17,388 feet) at Vinicunca.

Due to the demands of high-altitude trekking, participants should maintain proper hydration, walk at a steady pace, and wear appropriate layered clothing. Throughout the expedition, your guide will closely monitor the well-being of the group and adjust the pace according to individual conditions.

Availability & Operations

Recommended Season (May – October)

The dry season offers the best conditions for the expedition, with greater weather stability, exceptional visibility, and trails generally in optimal condition.

Not Recommended (January – March)

During these months, rain, snowfall, and hailstorms can significantly affect both safety and trail conditions. For this reason, the expedition is not recommended during the peak rainy season.

Booking Notes

Advance Reservation

The coordination of campsites, support staff, meals, transportation, and mountain logistics requires reservations to be made 15 to 20 days in advance.

Mandatory Acclimatization

As the expedition takes place at extreme elevations and includes daily hikes ranging from 4 to 8 hours, it is essential to spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek.

Included

Pre-expedition briefing.
Private transportation throughout the journey.
Private bilingual guide specialized in high-altitude trekking.
Entrance fees to the Seven Lakes Circuit, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Upis hot springs.
Fully equipped private campsite at Anantapata.
Complete camping and logistical support, including setup and dismantling.
Muleteers and pack horses.
Private mountain chef and full meal service as specified in the itinerary.
Trekking poles.

NOT INCLUDED

Premium alcoholic beverages, available upon request
Gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses or services not mentioned in the program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

ARE ENTRANCE FEES INCLUDED?
Yes. Entrance fees to the Seven Lakes Circuit, Upis hot springs, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley are included.

HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS THE TREK?
This is a challenging high-altitude trek, with sustained ascents, long hiking days, and remote mountain terrain.

IS PRIOR ACCLIMATION REQUIRED?
Yes. We recommend spending at least two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure.

WHAT IS THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE JOURNEY?
Warmisaya Pass is the highest point, reaching approximately 4,985 meters above sea level.

WHERE WILL STAY OVERNIGHT ?
You will spend two nights at fully equipped private campsites in Upis and Anantapata.

WILL I HAVE MOBILE PHONE OR INTERNET COVERAGE?
Coverage is limited or unavailable along most of the route, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect and experience the Andes in complete stillness.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
The ideal season is from April to October, when conditions are generally drier and mountain views clearer.

CAN THE JOURNEY BE ADAPTED TO MY PACE?
As a private experience, the trek can be thoughtfully paced around your abilities, although a good level of fitness remains essential.

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