Verified using current operator itineraries, altitude data, and trail conditions as of the 2025-2026 trekking season.
Quick Answers
- What is Ausangate Mountain? A sacred 6,384 m (20,945 ft) peak in the Vilcanota Range, 100 km southeast of Cusco, revered by Quechua communities for thousands of years.
- How high is the Ausangate trek? The circuit passes cross multiple mountain passes between 5,000 m and 5,400 meters above sea level. The summit itself is not climbed on standard trekking routes.
- Do I need a permit? No permits are required for the Ausangate trek, one of its major advantages over the Inca Trail.
- How many days does it take? Options range from 2 days (Rainbow Mountain only) to 7 days (full Ausangate circuit with extensions). The most popular formats are 3, 4, and 5 days.
- Is Rainbow Mountain part of the Ausangate trek? Yes. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) sits within the Ausangate area and is included in most multi-day itineraries as a highlight or side trip.
What Is Ausangate Mountain?
The Mountain Itself
Ausangate Mountain stands approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco city, in the Ocongate area of the Quispicanchi province. At 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Cusco region and the fifth highest mountain in Peru, a permanently glaciated massif that dominates the southern horizon of the Andes.
The standard Ausangate trek does not include an attempt on the summit. This is not a mountaineering expedition. What the trek offers is a circuit around the base of the mountain, crossing high passes and traversing a landscape of glacial lakes, hot springs, herds of alpaca, and remote Quechua communities all with Ausangate as the constant, overwhelming backdrop.
What Does Ausangate Mean?
The name Ausangate likely comes from the ancestral term Awsanqati, connected to both Quechua and Aymara, and is generally understood as a reference to the rocks, fissures, and cavities of the massif conveying the idea of a living mountain, respected and deeply tied to the identity and life of the territory.
For Andean communities, Ausangate is an Apu a sacred mountain spirit. It is not simply a geological feature but a living presence that governs weather, protects livestock, and defines the spiritual geography of the entire region. The Qoyllur Riti festival, held annually at the glacier below Ausangate and attended by thousands of pilgrims, is one of the most important religious celebrations in the Andean world.
Understanding this does not require adopting any particular spiritual framework. It requires only a willingness to walk with awareness and the result is a relationship with the landscape that is qualitatively different from any other trek in Peru.
Ausangate at a Glance
| Feature | Data |
| Mountain height | 6,384 m / 20,945 ft |
| Trek highest pass | 5,000 m – 5,400 m / 16,400 – 17,717 ft |
| Average trek altitude | Over 4,000 m / 13,123 ft |
| Total circuit distance | ~70 km / 43 miles |
| Location | Ocongate, Quispicanchi Province, Cusco Region |
| Difficulty rating | Challenging (Grade C) |
| Permits required | None |
| Best season | April – October (dry season) |
| Starting point | Tinki or Upis (~4 hours from Cusco) |
| Rainbow Mountain included? | Yes, on most multi-day itineraries |
The Ausangate Trek — All Route Options
Ausangate Trek 2 Days: Rainbow Mountain Focused
The 2-day option is not a full circuit; it is a targeted experience centered on Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), using the Ausangate trailhead as the base. Reaching an elevation of 5,050 m at Rainbow Mountain and involving 2 full days of trekking above 3,500 m, some hikers will notice symptoms associated with the altitude, such as headaches, shortness of breath, lethargy, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
Day 1 typically involves the drive from Cusco to the trailhead area, a hike to the first campsite, and a first night at altitude. Day 2 involves the early morning push to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), with views of the colored mineral bands in the morning light before groups arrive, followed by the return. Best for: Travelers with very limited time who specifically want the Rainbow Mountain experience with some genuine trekking context, rather than the crowded day-trip version.
Ausangate Trek 3 Days: Introduction to the Circuit
Three days gives enough time to begin the actual circuit around Ausangate crossing the first high passes, reaching the thermal springs at Pacchanta, and including Vinicunca. This format requires a good level of fitness because the three-day version covers the same high altitude in a compressed schedule.
Shorter programs in the region may run 2, 3, or 4 days, depending on the route. It is considered a challenging high-altitude trek because of the elevation, cold temperatures, and multiple mountain passes above 16,404 feet (5,000 meters). Best for: Experienced trekkers with solid high-altitude acclimatization who want more than Rainbow Mountain but cannot commit to 5+ days.
Ausangate Trek 5 Days: The Classic Circuit
The 5-day format is the most popular version of the full Ausangate circuit and the one most operators consider the standard experience. This 5-day journey passes through snow-covered peaks, mineral-rich lagoons, remote pastoral landscapes, and living Andean tradition.
The Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft) is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The highest point of the trek is 5,000 meters.
A typical 5-day itinerary:
| Day | Highlights | Altitude |
| Day 1 | Cusco to Tinki, hike to Upis camp | 4400m |
| Day 2 | Arapa Pass, Chilca Cocha lake, Pucacocha camp | 5,050 m at pass |
| Day 3 | Palomani Pass, Jampa camp area | 5,200 m at pass |
| Day 4 | Ausangate glacier views, Pacchanta hot springs | 4900m |
| Day 5 | Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), return to Cusco | 5,200 m at Rainbow |
Best for: The majority of trekkers. The Ausangate Trek reaches 5,200 meters across five days, making it harder than the Inca Trail but more rewarding with fewer crowds and no permits required.
Ausangate Trek 6-7 Days: Extended Circuit
For travelers who want additional acclimatization time built in, side trips to the 7 lakes, or the full extended circuit, 6 or 7 day options are available. These are particularly recommended for trekkers who have had difficulty with altitude on previous high-altitude experiences.
The 6-day format typically limits the first day to just 3 hours of hiking, allowing the body to adapt more gradually before the high passes begin.
Ausangate Altitude — What to Expect
The altitude of the Ausangate trek is its defining characteristic and its primary challenge. Understanding what you will face in specific numbers is essential for realistic preparation.
| Location | Altitude |
| Cusco (starting city) | 3,400 m / 11,150 ft |
| Tinki (trailhead village) | 3,800 m / 12,467 ft |
| Upis (first campsite) | 4,400 m / 14,435 ft |
| Arapa Pass (high point) | 5,050 m / 16,568 ft |
| Palomani Pass | 5,200 m / 17,060 ft |
| Condor Pass (some routes) | 5,400 m / 17,717 ft |
| Rainbow Mountain / Vinicunca | 5,200 m / 17,060 ft |
| Pacchanta hot springs | 4,300 m / 14,107 ft |
The entire circuit takes place above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft. You will spend multiple nights camping at 4,400–4,900 m. This is significantly higher than Machu Picchu (2,430 m) and even higher than Cusco itself. Altitude sickness is a real and serious risk on this trek.
Altitude Sickness on the Ausangate Trek
It is vital to acclimatise properly prior to setting out on this trek. The single best thing you can do to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its more severe consequences (HACE or HAPE) is to spend time in Cusco before you do the Ausangate Circuit or Rainbow Mountain. Try to set aside at least a few days to bum around town or take day trips to higher elevation, since these will help you acclimatise.
Minimum recommended acclimatization: 2 full days in Cusco before starting the trek. Most experienced operators recommend 3 days, with at least one day-hike above 4,000 m included in that preparation.
Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate Trek
Vinicunca, universally known as Rainbow Mountain is the most photographed natural wonder in the Cusco region, and it sits squarely within the Ausangate area. Understanding the relationship between the two helps you choose the right experience.
What Is Rainbow Mountain?
What is now one of Peru’s most popular natural wonders, Vinicunca wasn’t on anyone’s radar until mid-2015, when a massive thaw revealed a rainbow-striped mountain that had been hidden for centuries beneath the ice.
Colored bands ranging from red and pink to gold, green and turquoise are formed by different mineral compositions in the rock: iron sulfide (red), iron oxide (orange), limonite (yellow), chlorite (green), and glacial sediment (white). The retreat of the glacier that covered these slopes for centuries exposed them for the first time in living memory.
The Rainbow Mountain is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
Rainbow Mountain as a Day Trip vs. The Ausangate Trek
Most travelers visit Rainbow Mountain as a standalone day trip from Cusco, an early start, a hike of 5–6 km each way, and a return to the city the same evening. This is the most popular format and entirely valid, but it has a downside: you join hundreds of other people at the viewpoint and have very limited time at altitude.
Including Rainbow Mountain as part of the multi-day Ausangate circuit gives you several advantages: you reach the mountain from a different direction with significantly fewer people, you are already acclimatized from days on the trail, and you experience Vinicunca as part of a broader landscape rather than as an isolated destination.
Ausangate vs Huayhuash: Which Trek Is Right for You?
This is one of the most common questions from experienced trekkers planning Peru. Both are exceptional; they are genuinely different experiences.
| Feature | Ausangate Trek | Huayhuash Circuit |
| Location | Cusco region (southeast) | Huaraz region (north) |
| Distance | ~70 km / 43 miles | ~115 km / 71 miles |
| Duration | 3–7 days | 8–12 days |
| Highest pass | ~5,400 m / 17,717 ft | ~5,450 m / 17,880 ft |
| Difficulty | Challenging (Grade C) | Very challenging (Grade D) |
| Permit required | No | Yes (community fees) |
| Crowds | Low to moderate | Very low |
| Rainbow Mountain | Yes (Vinicunca included) | No |
| Base logistics | Cusco | Huaraz |
| Best for | First serious high-altitude trek | Experienced trekkers wanting maximum challenge and remoteness |
| Time commitment | 3–7 days | 8–12 days |
The Huayhuash Circuit is harder due to its longer duration and steeper passes, but both treks require excellent fitness and preparation. Beginners should avoid both unless they have prior trekking experience and have acclimated to high altitudes.
Ausangate Circuit (up to 5,200 m / 17,060 ft at passes): a stunning, high-altitude circuit that’s even higher than many Huayhuash passes (but shorter and far easier overall).
The honest answer: if you have never done a serious multi-day high-altitude trek, Ausangate is the right starting point. If you have completed Ausangate or a comparable experience and are looking for what comes next, Huayhuash is the natural progression, longer, harder, and more remote.
Ausangate vs Salkantay
For travelers deciding between Ausangate and Salkantay (the other major non-Inca Trail option near Cusco):
| Feature | Ausangate | Salkantay |
| Highest point | 5,400 m | 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass) |
| Ends at Machu Picchu? | No (unless combined) | Yes |
| Difficulty | Higher | Moderate-high |
| Scenery type | Glacial lakes, colored mountains, hot springs | Cloud forest, high alpine, waterfalls |
| Best for | Pure high-altitude scenery | High-altitude scenery plus Machu Picchu |
Best Time to Trek Ausangate
The weather in the Andes of Peru is always unpredictable because of the geographical conditions. On the Ausangate Trek, you will experience a wide range of temperatures.
Season by Season
April to October (Dry Season — Recommended)
This is the optimal window for the Ausangate trek. Skies are generally clearer, trail conditions are more stable, and mountain views are more reliable. Temperatures are cold at night given the high altitude of the campsites, temperatures drop significantly in the evening and especially at night, where they may get down to -10 C (14 F) or even lower in the dry season.
- May to August: Peak dry season. Best visibility, most stable conditions, also the busiest period for Rainbow Mountain (though the Ausangate circuit itself remains far less crowded than Rainbow Mountain day trips).
- April and September-October: Shoulder months with excellent conditions and fewer people on the trail.
November to March (Wet Season Not Recommended)
Most serious high-altitude treks (Huayhuash, Ausangate in particular) are significantly harder and in some cases dangerous due to snow on passes and swollen river crossings during the rainy season. Avoid November through March unless you are an experienced Andean trekker with specific guidance from a local operator.
How Hard Is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate trek is classified as challenging or Grade C in difficulty due to the altitude gain and with 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Ausangate is one of the most challenging hikes around Cusco but at the same time one of the most rewarding in sense of scenery.
Physical Requirements
To complete the Ausangate trek comfortably, you should:
- Have completed previous multi-day trekking (this is not a good first trek)
- Be able to hike 15–20 km per day on uneven terrain
- Be comfortable with 6–8 hours of hiking daily at altitude
- Have no significant respiratory or cardiac conditions (consult your doctor)
- Have spent at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting
Who Should Not Attempt Ausangate
- First-time high-altitude trekkers without prior experience above 4,000 m
- Travelers who have not acclimatized in Cusco for at least 2 full days
- Anyone with active cardiac, respiratory or circulatory conditions without medical clearance
- Those not comfortable camping in cold conditions at high altitude
Can Beginners Do Ausangate?
This trek is probably not suited to first-time hikers. If you are a strong walker and have finished some moderate treks prior to this then you should be fine.
“Beginner” is relative. If you have done moderate day hikes but never multi-day high-altitude camping, Ausangate is a significant step up. If you have done treks at altitude elsewhere (Nepal, Ecuador, Kilimanjaro approach routes), your experience transfers well and the main challenge will be acclimatization.
Camping vs Mountain Huts on the Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate circuit has two accommodation options along the route: traditional camping or the mountain huts at Kayrawiri Campsite.
Camping (Most Common)
Most operators provide full camping support: guides, cooks, horses or porters to carry gear, tents, sleeping bags, and meals. You carry only your personal daypack. This is the most flexible option and allows camping at the most scenic spots.
Mountain Huts at Kayrawiri
There are 5 Mountain Huts and 1 dining room at Kayrawiri Campsite. They are located 45 minutes from the Rainbow Mountain.
Hut accommodation provides basic shelter with beds and blankets more comfortable than camping in extreme cold, but significantly less flexible in terms of route. Not all itineraries use this facility.
What to Pack for the Ausangate Trek
Daytime temperatures range from 10–20 C (50–68 F) during sunny conditions to 5–10 C (41–50 F) on cloudy days. Night temperatures may drop to -10 C (14 F) or lower.
Essential Gear
- Sleeping bag rated to -15 C / 5 F (not negotiable for the cold campsites)
- Waterproof and windproof outer layer (jacket and trousers)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof membrane (broken in before the trek)
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the high passes)
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Personal first aid kit including altitude medication (consult your doctor about Diamox)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Gaiters (useful in wet and snow conditions)
What to Leave Behind
- Large wheeled suitcases (leave at your Cusco hotel)
- Heavy camera equipment without proper cold protection
- Cotton base layers (cotton holds moisture and is dangerous in cold, wet conditions)
Gear Rental in Cusco
If you decide to handle gear rental in Cusco, here are 2 gear rental shops: ROSL is located in Procuradores Street 394, Cusco. SPEEDY GONZALES is located on Procuradores Street 393, Cusco.
Ausangate Trek Cost and Pricing 2026
The Ausangate trek pricing varies depending on duration, group size, accommodation type and operator quality. All prices below are approximate 2026 ranges confirm directly with your chosen operator at booking.
| Duration | Approximate Price Per Person |
| 2-day Rainbow Mountain focused | $150 – $250 USD |
| 3-day circuit | $280 – $400 USD |
| 4-day circuit | $350 – $500 USD |
| 5-day circuit (most popular) | $450 – $650 USD |
| 6-7 day extended circuit | $550 – $800 USD |
Price per person from $590 USD for the 5-day Ausangate trek and Rainbow Mountain, with a 5% discount for bookings made before August 31, 2026.
What Is Typically Included in a Guided Ausangate Trek
- Transportation from Cusco to trailhead and return
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) guide
- Cook and kitchen team
- Horse or porter support for camp gear (you carry only your daypack)
- All meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tents and camping equipment
- Emergency oxygen
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee (where applicable)
What Is Typically Not Included
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory must cover high-altitude emergency evacuation)
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, cook and support team
- Pre-trek accommodation in Cusco
- Meals before and after the trek
Ausangate Trek Without a Guide
The Ausangate circuit can technically be completed independently no permits are required and the route is generally well-marked. However, several factors make guided trekking the strongly recommended choice:
- Medical safety: At altitudes above 5,000 m, rapid deterioration from altitude sickness can occur. Experienced guides carry emergency oxygen and know evacuation routes.
- Navigation: Weather can close in quickly at high altitude, making route-finding genuinely difficult.
- Logistics: The trailhead is hours from Cusco; horse or donkey support for camping gear makes the experience significantly more manageable.
- Cultural context: Local Quechua guides provide irreplaceable knowledge of the landscape, its communities, and the spiritual significance of the mountain.
If you choose to trek independently, invest in a detailed topo map, carry an SOS device, and ensure you have comprehensive emergency evacuation insurance.
Combining Ausangate with Machu Picchu
Want to trek Ausangate without missing out on Machu Picchu? There is an option to include Machu Picchu at the end of your Ausangate Trek so you can have the best of both worlds.
The 6-day Ausangate with Machu Picchu combination is one of the most complete Peru trekking experiences available pairing the wild, high-altitude grandeur of the Ausangate circuit with the cultural and archaeological weight of Machu Picchu. After descending from the mountains, you travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for the Machu Picchu visit before returning to Cusco.
For Machu Picchu tickets, circuits, and logistical planning, see our Machu Picchu Complete Guide and our Machu Picchu Full Day tour.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike
One of the most spectacular side trips or shorter alternatives in the Ausangate area is the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike, a trail that passes seven distinctly colored glacial lakes at the foot of the mountain. Each lake has a different mineral composition, giving it a unique color ranging from turquoise to jade to deep blue.
The 7 lakes route is rated moderate and can be completed in a single long day from a base camp, or as part of a longer circuit itinerary. It is rated 4.8 on AllTrails (as of 2026) and is particularly popular with photographers and those who want dramatic scenery without the most extreme passes of the full circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ausangate Mountain?
A sacred 6,384 m (20,945 ft) peak in the Vilcanota Range, Cusco Region, Peru. It is the highest mountain in the Cusco region, revered by Quechua communities as an Apu (mountain spirit), and the centerpiece of one of Peru’s most spectacular high-altitude trekking circuits.
How hard is the Ausangate trek?
It is classified as challenging (Grade C). The main difficulty is sustained altitude the entire circuit is above 4,000 m, with mountain passes reaching 5,000–5,400 m. It requires prior multi-day trekking experience and proper acclimatization.
How many days is the Ausangate trek?
Options range from 2 days (Rainbow Mountain focused) to 7 days (extended full circuit). The most complete standard experience is 5 days.
Do I need a permit for the Ausangate trek?
No. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Ausangate circuit does not require advance permits. This makes last-minute planning much more feasible.
Is Rainbow Mountain the same as Ausangate?
Not exactly. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a distinctive colored mountain within the Ausangate area, at 5,200 m. It is often visited as part of the Ausangate trek or as a standalone day trip from Cusco.
What is the best time to trek Ausangate?
April to October (dry season), with May to August offering the most stable conditions. Avoid November to March due to heavy rainfall, snow on passes, and dangerous river crossings.
How much does the Ausangate trek cost?
Approximately $450–650 USD per person for the most popular 5-day guided circuit, depending on group size, operator, and inclusions. Prices for 2026 should be confirmed directly with operators at time of booking.
Can I combine Ausangate with Machu Picchu?
Yes. Several operators offer a 6-day itinerary combining the Ausangate circuit with a Machu Picchu visit at the end.
What should I pack for the Ausangate trek?
A sleeping bag rated to -15 C, waterproof layers, warm insulating layers, trekking poles, high-SPF sun protection, a headlamp, and water purification. See the full packing list in Part 9 above.
How does Ausangate compare to the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail focuses on Inca ruins and reaches a maximum of 4,215 m. Ausangate reaches 5,000 – 5,400 m, has no ruins, requires no permits, and offers dramatically different scenery focused entirely on natural landscapes. It is harder in terms of altitude but not culturally themed.
Plan Your Ausangate Trek with Machu Picchu Peru Tours
The Ausangate trek is one of the most demanding and most rewarding experiences available in the Peruvian Andes. Our Cusco-based team handles every logistical detail transport, guides, camping equipment, meals, and emergency support so you can focus entirely on the mountain.
Combine your Ausangate adventure with the best of Peru:
- Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Rainbow Mountain Day Trip from Cusco
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
- Humantay Lake Full Day
- Peru Travel Packages
- Tours in Cusco
Start planning at machupicchuperutours.com
