Mountain of the Gods, Ausangate 4 days – 3 nights

Challenging

Culture

Adventure

Immersion

Regenerative Adventure in the Peruvian Andes: Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate trek and the Seven Lakes.

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to Ausangate (6,398 m), known as the Mountain of the Gods, one of the most sacred and scenic peaks in the Peruvian Andes. This 4-day, 3-night trek offers a deep connection with nature and local communities, immersing travelers in the ancestral traditions of the Quechua people.

This route not only showcases awe-inspiring landscapes—glacial lakes, multicolored mountains, and pristine high-altitude valleys—but also promotes sustainable and regenerative tourism. By choosing this adventure, you support the preservation of ecosystems, empower indigenous communities, and ensure that your visit contributes positively to the region’s cultural and environmental legacy.

Tour highlights

Certified sustainable and responsible trekking, aligned with best environmental and cultural practices.
Authentic community partnerships with local families offering hospitality, cultural exchange, and traditional cuisine.
Exclusive access to 7 glacial lakes, scenic viewpoints, and natural hot springs — with direct impact on land conservation.
Rainbow Mountain without the crowds: early access for a more intimate and peaceful experience.
Positive footprint tourism: part of your contribution supports local reforestation efforts and environmental education.

Itinerary

Inclusions

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Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes – Upis

Travel from Cusco to Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a Quechua village surrounded by high-Andean scenery. Begin your trek to explore the Seven Lakes circuit — crystal-clear glacial lagoons reflecting the Ausangate massif. After lunch with a mountain view, cross the Q’asacancha Pass (4,700 m / 15,419 ft) and descend to the campsite in Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), with the option to enjoy thermal baths.

Transportation time: 3h
Walking time: 8h-9h
Distance: 14 Km
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch and D = dinner.
Overnight: tent
Climate: mild during the day and cold at night.
Elevation: Cusco (3,400m) – Pacchanta (4,200m) – Seven lakes (4,550m) - Q’asacancha pass (4,700m) – Upis (4,400m).

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Qocha – Puka Qocha Camp

Wake up to coca tea and breathtaking views. Ascend the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) for panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and Andean wildlife. Descend to Yana Qocha Lagoon for lunch before continuing to camp at Puka Qocha (4,450 m / 14,599 ft).

Walking time: 7h-8h
Distance: 13 Km
Difficulty level: challenging
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Overnight: tent
Climate: mild during the day with wind and cold at night.
Elevation: Upis (3,400m) – Arapa Pass (4,800m) – Yana Qocha (4,250m) - Puka Q’ocha (4,450m).

Day 3: Puka Qocha – Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Suyru Qocha

Walking time: 7h-8h
Distance: 13 Km
Difficulty level: challenging
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Overnight: tent
Climate: mild during the day with wind and cold at night.
Elevation: Upis (3,400m) – Arapa Pass (4,800m) – Yana Qocha (4,250m) - Puka Q’ocha (4,450m).

Day 4: Suyru Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Early wake-up to reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,200 m / 17,060 ft) before the crowds. Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Red Valley and snow peaks. After photos and reflection, descend to Chillihuani for an hour and return to Cusco by private transport.

Transportation time: 4h approx.
Walking time: 4h approx.
Distance: 6 Km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch.
Overnight: on your own
Climate: mild during the day with wind.
Elevation: Suyru Qocha (4,800m) – Rainbow mountain (5,200m) – Chillihuani bus station (4,800m) – Cusco (3,400m).

Informative briefing in your accommodation 1 or 2 days before the hike. We’ll confirm the details after booking is made.
Private transportation from your accommodation in Cusco to Pacchanta, the beginning of the hike.
Private transportation from Chillihuani to Cusco. Drop off at your accommodation.
Rainbow mountain and Red Valley entrance fee.
Camping gear: 2-people professional tents (Doite Pro Aconcagua 3 or Eureka tent), mats, toilet and utility tents (toilet, kitchen and dining tents with tables and chairs).
Cook.
Kitchen gear.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners. We pay special attention to dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan and allergies). Meals are prepared by an expert cook and they include: pancakes, omelettes, soups, spaghetti, rice, chicken, fish, beef, fresh fruit, hot drinks (including coca leaves infusions which are great for altitude) among others.
Professional, bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish). For other languages contact us in advance. Bear in mind there may be extra charges.
Boiled water to refill your water bottle.
Hand biodegradable liquid soap.
Biodegradable dishwasher for the kitchen gear.
Hot water for personal use in the camp in the morning and evening.
Muleteer and mules to transport the camping gear and food.
Transportation of participant’s personal bags (up to 8kg, including the sleeping bag).
A safety horse during the hike.
Duffel bag for personal use.
Trekking poles.
First-aid kit (including oximeter and thermometer) and oxygen bottle.

Recommendations

The hike previously described may vary due to weather conditions, landslides, participants’ walking pace, or other factors. Our professional guide will make the right and best decisions along the way for the benefit and safety of the group.
Understanding that the weather is unpredictable, and due to the fact that it’s cold and wet, once your belongings get wet, it will be very difficult to dry them during the night. It’s important to bring extra clothes and socks.
During this trek we’ll reach 5,200 masl. This combined with the weather conditions can make the daily hiking even harder. To enjoy the trek better, we recommend you to be healthy and in good physical condition and to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before the trek.
Camping sites: The camping sites on the route may vary from those described in our itinerary, due to the limited number of campsites that are known to the general public. Our guide and representative will recommend to the group the best option given the circumstances.

Optional services to be hired

Extra Porter / Horseman: In accordance with the law (31614) of the Ministry of Labour, the collaboration of an extra porter will be granted at the request of the client. However, the customer’s luggage must not exceed 12 kilograms. The service of an extra porter/horseman has a cost of 140 USD, which includes transportation, entrance to the Inca Trail, food, and camping equipment.

Note: The group of Porters/Horsemen and horses are only present in the trekking part.

What we recommend that you bring

An ergonomic day backpack for hiking with waterproof cover (30 or 40 liters).
A waterproof backpack. Otherwise, request a duffel bag from your agency for carrying your personal belongings on the horse.
Sleeping bag (-10º degrees).
Clothing for cold and hot weather.
Waterproof jacket, rain pants, light pants, rain poncho, hat, or cap.
Hiking shoes.
Flip flops or sandals (for showers and hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
Wool or cotton socks.
T-shirts with short and long sleeves.
Towel (easy dry) and swimsuit (in case you want to relax in the hot mineral spring).
Sunblock.
Anti-mosquito spray – minimum recommended 20% DEET (non-toxic – we suggest nature-friendly repellents). No malaria risk has been reported.
Anti-itch cream.
Disinfectant hand gel.
Toilet paper.
Plastic or metal water container and water-sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink.
Toiletries.
Camera (wrapped in a plastic pouch).
Flashlight and spare batteries.
Snacks, like chocolate bars and dried fruits.
Original passport.
Original ISIC Student Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
Extra money in soles.

Optional: Walking sticks or poles are recommended, which can help you reduce the amount of time you spend pounding the trail, taking the pressure off your joints.

During high season (May to September), it is difficult to ensure the exact date of entry, due to the restrictions set by the Ministry of Culture to limit the number of entries to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu; therefore, the date of entry to the Inca Trail could vary for one or two days. We will then adapt the program so you can make the most of it.
Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain: To hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, it is required to book well in advance, because the entrance tickets are limited to a certain number of people daily. Therefore, we’ll take care of the reservation and confirm your entrance with an additional charge of $75 USD for adults and $55 USD for students.

Note: If you wish to visit any of the extra mountains, please inform us in due time before purchasing the entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Understanding that the weather is unpredictable, and due to the fact that it’s cold and wet, once your belongings get wet, it will be very difficult to dry them during the night. It’s important to bring extra clothes and socks.
A solidarity trip: Feel free to bring pens, notebooks, picture books, or other school supplies to give to the children’s community school. The villagers will be very grateful. You can also buy bread on the way to share with the locals you meet.
Tips for the cooks and muleteers are always welcome! They will also be happy with any clothes or school items donations.
Cancellation policy: For any cancellation, the costs already incurred by the travel agency will be at your expense. For more details on the cost of cancellations by certain participants, please refer to articles 6, 6.4, and our cancellation policies in the sales terms and conditions.

For more information, you may wish to check or consult our FAQ, Safe and Healthy Travel, and Flexible Booking with Explorandino.

• Regenerative Tourism: Your participation directly supports community-based tourism initiatives that prioritize environmental care and cultural heritage.

• Unmatched Natural Beauty: Discover turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and the iconic Rainbow Mountain—a sacred site revered by the Andean people.

• Authentic Cultural Immersion: Engage with local Quechua families who welcome visitors with open arms, share their ancestral wisdom, and preserve their identity through meaningful tourism.

• Eco-Conscious Adventure: Our routes follow principles of low-impact travel, with locally sourced food, biodegradable products, and small group sizes that minimize our footprint.

Alternative Treks:

If Inca Trail permits are unavailable, consider these stunning alternatives:

Lares Valley Trek: A culturally rich trek through Andean villages, providing an immersive experience of local traditions and stunning natural beauty. This route also doesn’t require permits and offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Salkantay Trek: A challenging and scenic route offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and highland landscapes. No permits are required, but early booking ensures the best spots and guides.
Choquequirao Trek, Ausangate Trek, and More: Explore the Peruvian Andes like never before with our Choquequirao and Ausangate Treks. These innovative routes uncover the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of the region. Journey beyond Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the true heart of Peru. Embark on an extraordinary adventure today!

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain:

Additional Hiking Options: For those seeking an extra adventure, climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offers stunning panoramic views.
Limited Tickets: To preserve these trails, daily entrance is limited. Advance booking is essential.

Huayna Picchu Mountain: Limited to 200 people per day.
Machu Picchu Mountain: Limited to 400 people per day.

Cost: We can handle your reservation with an additional charge of $75 USD for adults and $55 USD for students.

Booking Tips:

Machu Picchu Entrance: The most sought-after entry options for Machu Picchu (Circuits 2 & 3) are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. To secure your visit, especially during peak season (May to September), we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Admission options to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. To ensure your visit, especially during the high season (May to September), we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
High Season (May to September): Secure your place well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Low Season (October to April): While there may be more availability, booking early ensures your preferred dates and accommodations.

Responsible Travel with Explorandino

At Explorandino, we believe that travel is a force for good. Our itineraries are carefully designed to regenerate the ecosystems we visit, honor indigenous wisdom, and ensure that every traveler becomes a steward of the Andes.

Join us on the Ausangate Trek not just as a tourist, but as a participant in a larger movement toward meaningful, responsible, and enriching travel with confidence.

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