The second day of the 4-Day Ausangate trek in Peru, we’ll wake you up at 5:00am with our service of hot coca tea or coffee delivered in your tent to give you the energy boost you need to get going. We will then savor a delicious and fresh hot breakfast in the chilly high-altitude camp.

After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our hike through a beautiful green high alpine valley and then hike up on a winding path towards the Arapa pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Along the way we are going to observe local farmers and alpacas, Ausangate snow-capped to our left side as a constant companion, and you will have English- a speaking guide explaining about flora, and fauna and talking about the landscape along the trail.

At the Arapa pass, the landscape’s beauty will be multiplied, and you’ll stare in awe at Mother Nature’s humungous creations. You’ll also observe dazzling views of the rugged mountains and the size of the mountain range and, if you’re lucky, you might have the chance to see some vicuñas grazing freely there, Chinchilla, and the condor’s beautiful flight—the largest flying bird in the entire world.

After exploring the impressive landscape of the trail and taking some fantastic photos, we will descend for 1 hour and 30 minutes to get our lunch spot located at an impressive spot, right next to the glacial lake of Yana Qocha (black lagoon) with backdrops of stunning snow-clad of Ausangate mountain.

Once fed, we’ll continue our trek about 2 hours through the highland plain to the second campsite, called Puka Qocha (15,088ft) located just close by to the Ausangate Mountain and glacier lakes where the ice body is crashing into the lakes. Be sure to have your camera ready throughout the day to take some fantastic photos to remember your epic journey.

Since this campsite is close to Puca Cocha Lake, you will have chance to go to explore the surrounding lagoons and see many types of ducks, Andean geese, and many other types of birds. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you and you can discuss the day’s trek with your fellow travelers and the team. You will then head to spend a comfortable night at your campsite.

• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
• Campsite altitude: 15,088ft / 4598mt.
• Level of difficulty: Moderate – Challenging

Today is one of the most beautiful days of the entire excursion! After a hearty breakfast, we will start hiking up on the steep switchback trail towards the second pass, called Puka Qocha Pass (16,404ft). Along the route this morning, you’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the glaciers and deep green valleys. Feel the impressive presence of the Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons.

Once you reach to Puka Pass, you’ll spot the giant face of the Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You’re sure to feel the immense energy it boasts and see why it means so much to the people in the Andes. The 360-degree gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains, are exceptional.

You’ll also observe the extended beauty of the Chilca Valley going in different directions, where llamas and alpacas will be wandering around and grazing quietly. You’ll already be able to see the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with its striking stripes of colors from this opening and enter into the Red Mountain valley, an intact landscape with vivid colors all around, and llamas eating grass right close to you.

After taking some more photographs and witness and witnessing the colorful surrounding mountains, we’ll start with a gradual descent for one hour and a half to our lunch spot, called Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), located in a highland valley with incredible views all around and some llamas grazing nearby. Once we’ve filled our hungry stomachs, we’ll take the opportunity to rest and relax a little before continuing our trek.

After lunch, we continue with an ascent for 2 hours to the next pass Warmisaya (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From there, you’ll feel like you’re a bird flying through the mountains and can observe the vastness of the horizon. You’ll also be able to spot the Rainbow Mountain in a further distance, but you are not quite there yet, and the views are still very impressive.

After witnessing the views and taking some pictures at Warmi Saya Pass, we only have to descend one hour to Qomerqocha lagoon and keep walking a Peruvian flat until we reach to our third campsite, called Qomer Qocha (15,354ft).

If the weather is good and you still feel fit enough to do some extra hiking, we will go to the amazing Rainbow Mountain to watch the incredible sunset that’ll fill you with tranquility and a wonderful feeling of inner peace. After another excellent dinner, it’ll be time to head to bed.

• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
• Campsite altitude: 15,354ft. / 4,679mt.
• Level of difficulty: Challenging

Today is the most important day of the Ausanagte Trek to Rainbow Mountain. It is visiting one of Cusco’s natural attractions, Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. It has been declared a Unique Natural Treasure of the World. It is located at an altitude of 5,100 meters, which is comparable to the elevation of Everest Base Camp. Likewise, it lies 100 km southeast of Cusco.

Wake up early and then enjoy a tasty breakfast, we will then hike up for 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach our bucket list destination – Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and contemplate this colorful mountain lit by the golden light of down.

Once you arrive to the Montaña Vinicunca, you’ll have enough time to enjoy this paradise for 1 hour before the large crowds begin to arrive. Our expert guide will take you directly to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca, or the Mountain of Colors (5100 m /16, 732 ft) so you can get the best pictures and make the most of your time on this beautiful site.

Your guide will explain in detail why this Montaña Vinicunca has such unique colors and why it was only “discovered” in recent years. It’s one of the most amazing places in South America and one of Peru’s main natural attractions. The only other colored mountains that are remotely similar can be found in China.

After enjoying this gem from the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley for 1 hour; Red Valley is another impressive unmissable place, this valley features one of the most beautiful vistas in Peru, pale reddish valleys, mountains, and hills.

Very few tourists visit this Red Valley that seems to be taken from another planet—almost like Mars. You’ll be surprised not only by its incredible beauty but also by the immense tranquility that’ll surround you. Take a deep breath and feel the joy of being alive. It only takes 45 minutes of walking to get to the viewpoint from where you’ll get the best views of the valley.

Finally, we’ll make a two-hour descent through ancient Andean communities and herds of llamas. You’ll notice these small communities still preserve ancient traditions to this day. Upon reaching to the lunch place, then we say goodbye to our horseman and the chef, and we will eventually take our transportation back to Cusco where you will be dropped off at your hotel around 4:00 pm.

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.72 miles