Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Start/End Point: Cusco
Price: From $499 USD
Overview:
This trek is an awe-inspiring journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, blending vibrant landscapes, high-altitude adventure, and rich cultural encounters.
This route takes you beyond the famous Rainbow Mountain to explore the majestic Ausangate region—home to towering peaks, shimmering glaciers, and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons.
Over four unforgettable days, you’ll hike through remote Quechua villages, soak in natural hot springs, and experience some of Peru’s most striking natural beauty. It’s the perfect trek for those seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure off the beaten path. The Ausangate Trek is packed with jaw-dropping Andean scenery and cultural encounters.
PRICE
2 Trekkers (Private): $750 USD per person
3+ Trekkers: $499 USD per person
Only your $200 non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your space! Final payments are due 30 days before your trek.
Includes:
✓ Transportation from end to end in Cusco
✓ English speaking guide
✓ All meals as listed (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners) + (can accommodate dietary restrictions with proper notice)
✓ One Duffle bag per clients for items to be carried by porters (up to 22lbs/10kilos per person).
✓ Clean water for drinking provided at every meal stop + daily Snack.
✓ 3 nights camping in the wilderness.
✓ All entrance fees and permits
✓ Camping equipment (dining-kitchen tents, tents – 2 people/tent) (single occupancy available for additional charge)
✓ Professional Chef
✓ Pack animals to carry duffle + equipment (horse)
✓Emergency horse available for anyone who needs to take a break from hiking due to illness or injury
✓ Sleeping Mattress
✓ Basic First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Does not include:
X Gratuity for staff (Guide, chef, porters, horsemens)
X Accommodation in Cusco
X Travel insurance
X Dinner Day 4
X Walking sticks (available for rent for $20)
X Sleeping Bag (can be rented for $30)
X Private Single Tent ($30)
X Sales Tax
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain -Yanacocha Campsite
1. Ride from Cusco to the trailhead
- We will pick you up in Cusco and drive 100km (roughly 3 hours to the trailhead (4326m).
2. Hike the trail to Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and the Yanacocha Campsite
- From the Cusipata trailhead, you will hike the classic Ausangate route for 4-5 hours, climbing gradually past meadows toward the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain pass (5,040 m / 16,535 ft).
- We will have dinner at the campsite and have the opportunity to watch Sunset and Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain without the crowds. (unique experience)
- Walking Distance: 6km/3.7miles (5 hours)
- Campsite : Yanacocha- 4,864m/ 15,958ft
- Highest Elevation: 4600m/15,170ft to 5040m/16,535ft
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging (high altitude)
- Weather: Morning-Cool/windy, Nighttime windy, cold.
- Includes: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Yana Cocha- Puka Cocha Campsiste
1. Climb to Puka Cocha Pass
- From Yanacocha, the trail climbs steadily across open alpine grasslands with llamas and alpacas grazing.
- The ascent is gradual but high-altitude breathing makes it challenging.
- At Puka Cocha Pass (4,850 m), you’ll see vast views of Ausangate’s glaciers behind and colorful lakes ahead.
- After the pass, the landscape opens to a valley dotted with turquoise and red-hued lagoons.
2. Arrival at Puka Cocha Campsite
- The trail descends gently toward the Pukacocha lakes, with stunning reflections of snow-capped peaks.
- The campsite sits by the lakeshore (~4,650 m) with a dramatic backdrop of the Ausangate glacier walls.
- Sunset here is magical — golden light hitting the lakes and snowy ridges.
- Walking Distance: 16km/11miles (7-8 hours)
- Elevation: 4500m/14,760ft to 4600/15,170ft
- Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude)
- Weather: Cold/Windy
- Includes: B,L,D
DAY 3: Puka Cocha- Arapa pass- 7 Lakes campsiste
1. Climb Toward the High Pass
- From the Pukacocha camp, you ascend again, passing smaller colored lakes along the way.
- The Trail winds up toward the Arapa Pass (4,850m/15,908 ft with views of Ausangate’s ice cliffs dropping jaws along the way.
2. Descent Into Lakes Region
- The trail follows a gradual ascent across wide grasslands.
- Compared to the rocky passes, this section feels softer and pastoral – more villages and shepherd huts appear along the way.
- You’ll have lingering views of Ausangate’s north face.
- From the 2nd pass, the trail drops into a valley dotted with a cluster of mineral-rich lagoons known as the 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
- Glaciers feed these lakes, giving them their intense colors.
- The campsite sits right among the lakes, with Ausangate’s glacier walls towering behind.
- Sunset is unforgettable: fiery colors reflected across several lakes at once.
- Walking Distance: 16km/9.945miles (9-10 hours)
- Elevation: 4400m/14,430ft to 4500/14,760 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude)
- Weather: Morning-Cold/windy; cold at night
- Includes: B,L,D
DAY – 4: Seven Lakes – Pachanta Hot Spring – Cusco
1. Ascent to the Lakes
- The path climbs gently toward the glacial valley at the base of Ausangate.
- After about 1hr, you reach the first lakes: Azul cocha.
- Soon after, you come across a cluster of spectacular lagoons:
- Otorongo Lake (male and female)
- Azulcocha (blue lake)
- Q’omercocha (green lake)
- Puka Cocha (red lake)
- Each has a different mineral color, ranging from emerald green to sapphire blue, blood red, and turquoise.
2. Descending to Pachanta Hot Springs
- Trail to Pachanta, easy descent (2 hours).
- Many trekkers finish with a soak in the Pacchanta hot springs with Ausangate still in view.
- Van ride to Cusco 4 hours.
- Walking Distance: 10km/6.214 miles (4 Hours)
- Elevation: 3830m/12,730ft to 4400m/14,430ft
- Difficulty: Challenge/Moderate
- Weather: Cool during the day; cold at night
- Includes: B,L
Here is why YOU should Book with First Step Expeditions a local travel company:
- Expert local Guides & the famous Red Army.
- Top quality camping gear.
- Commitment to Staff Welfare.
- Gourmet Meals on the trail.
- Commitment to sustainability.
- 5-Star reviews on TripAdvisor from hikers worldwide.
UPCOMING GROUPS–2026 SEASON:
- April 20-23, 2026
- May 15-18, 2026
- June 18-21, 2026
- July 8-11, 2026
- August 1-4, 2026
- September 10-13, 2026
- October 8-11, 2026
Don’t see a date that works for you? Please contact us at info@firststepexpeditions.com for more options!
