Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Camping Trek with Machu Picchu

Cusco was once known as “the navel of the world,” according to the Incas. Today we explore a variety of urban archaeological sites, visiting some of the most important temples and landmarks in and around the city. This guided tour serves as both a historical orientation and an important opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude before heading into the mountains.

This morning we travel a short distance to the upper reaches of Cusco. Our vehicle will drop us at the head of a valley, where we’ll begin a gradual descent. As we wind our way through this moderate terrain, we’ll start to notice the remains of ancient Peruvian aqueducts.

We continue following these ingenious canal systems to the ruins of the village of Inkilltambo. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to explore an extensive archaeological site just outside of Cusco—an excellent example of how Incan ruins can be found around nearly every corner in Peru.

We have an early start today with a scenic drive from Cusco into the high valleys of the Ausangate range, arriving at Kairahuire, our trekking starting point. From here, we begin a gradual ascent toward the vividly colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain, taking in our first dramatic views of this remote and striking landscape.

After enjoying the colors and high-altitude scenery from our viewpoints, we continue onward, descending briefly before crossing our first major mountain pass. With expansive views of surrounding peaks, including Wasaqucho Mountain, we then descend into a quiet valley to reach our first campsite. Our crew will have camp prepared, welcoming us with hot drinks, dinner, and a peaceful night beneath the stars of the Andes.

After breakfast, we visit a local Quechua-speaking family who live and farm in this remote valley, offering a rare glimpse into daily life in the Ausangate region. With the help of our guide, we learn about their traditions before rounding up our llamas and setting off on the trail.

Our hike begins with an ascent to Pacuqocha Pass, the most dramatic pass of the trek. From the crest, the massive glaciated slopes of Ausangate Mountain suddenly fill the horizon, appearing almost within reach. Descending from the pass, we traverse rolling terrain dotted with grazing llamas and pause near high alpine lakes and moraines beneath the mountain’s towering ice walls.

A final moderate climb takes us over a second pass, before a steeper descent to one of the most idyllic campsites of the trek. We settle in beside Ausangate Cocha, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by open meadows, where we spend the night beneath the shadow of the Andes’ giants.

We start early to make the most of the day and give ourselves the best chance for clear weather as we tackle the highest pass of the trek. This morning we gain approximately 2,000 ft while traversing the southern flanks of Ausangate, steadily climbing toward the pass. Reaching the top after roughly two hours, we are rewarded—weather permitting—with expansive views of glaciers and towering peaks stretching in every direction.

From the pass, we descend gradually, contouring along Ausangate’s vast slopes before stopping for a hot lunch at Huchuy Finaya. The afternoon brings a dramatic change in scenery as an entirely new glacier-covered mountain landscape reveals itself. We continue onward to camp, nestled beneath multiple peaks rising above 20,000 ft, surrounded by the immense scale of the high Andes.

Today we follow the Hampa Valley, tucked between Ausangate and a newly revealed range of glacier-clad peaks. Leaving camp, we traverse alpine meadows and wetlands fed by mountain runoff, an area rich in wildlife where we may spot vicuñas, vizcachas, and other high-altitude species.

Our ascent is gradual but steady, eventually leading us over the final high pass of the trek. From the top, the surrounding peaks seem to rise dramatically from the valley floor, offering some of the most expansive views of the journey. We then curve northward, descending into a landscape dotted with high mountain lakes and gaining our first perspective of the northern side of Ausangate—an entirely different face of the mountain.

After a hot lunch with sweeping views, we continue on to Ninaparayoq and Azul Cocha (Blue Lake), passing natural spring-fed lakes along the way. Tonight, we camp once again at the base of Ausangate, but from a strikingly new vantage point

We enjoy a relaxed start this morning, with a short, mostly downhill hike. A brief climb brings us to a scenic viewpoint marked by a forest of stacked stones—an ideal place to add one of your own and say farewell to Ausangate from this final perspective.

From here, we descend into the village of Pacchanta and head straight to the region’s famous hot springs, where we can soak and unwind while surrounded by towering peaks. Our journey concludes with a celebratory Pachamanca lunch—a traditional Andean meal slow-cooked underground using hot stones.

In the afternoon, we transfer by private vehicle to the train station in Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu. Tonight, we enjoy a long-awaited hot shower and a comfortable bed before visiting the iconic ruins in the morning.

At dawn, a short bus ride delivers us to one of the most iconic places on Earth: Machu Picchu. Accompanied by an expert guide, we explore the principal sites of this extraordinary Inca sanctuary, with time to wander independently and take in the atmosphere of this mystical setting. As sunlight washes over the terraces and stone structures, there is space for quiet reflection and appreciation of the site’s remarkable history and energy. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain may be available. After our visit, we return by train and private vehicle to our hotel in Cusco.

Depart today on your international flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the Andes.