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Peru🇵🇪 | hikesAusangate TrekGlaciated 6,384 m peak, four passes, Upis hot springs, Rainbow Mountain back side | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Ausangate Trek
🌟 Highlighthike ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

A muleteer named Hilario at Upis hands me a fistful of coca leaves and says, “Despacio, amigo, the mountain is not going anywhere.” I slow down, and the whole valley opens up. Ausangate Trek loops around the 6,384-meter Ausangate peak in the Cusco region in the south of Peru, southeast of Cusco city. You cross four passes above 4,800 meters, walk past turquoise lakes and the striped Rainbow Mountain flank, and soak in hot springs at Upis. The trail is hard, high and cold at night, and a day or two of acclimatizing in Cusco is not optional. Getting to Tinki, the usual start, takes a local bus or shared van, so no private ride is needed. Alpacas graze right beside the camp, their breath steaming at dawn.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Peru Travel Guide.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 75 kilometers
Total ascent: 3500 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 hike in PeruWhat makes it a must-see hike

Ausangate Trek gives you glaciers, red-and-ochre ridges and turquoise lakes without the permit queues or the crowds of the Inca Trail. Most of the reasons backpackers choose it come down to a few things.

The loop passes through Quechua herding communities where llamas and alpacas share the trail and families sell snacks and sometimes bread from stone huts. You are walking through living pastureland, not a curated park.

The route can also be cut to fit your schedule. Many hikers choose the 4 to 5 day loop, while others add a side trip to Rainbow Mountain from the trail itself, arriving from the quiet back side, long before the day-tour crowds.

Finally, it suits independent hikers. You can go with a guide and muleteers, or camp on your own, and either way the hike begins with a short ride from Cusco and ends there too.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Ausangate Mountain: The 6,384-meter glaciated peak is the reason for the trek. It stays in view for most of the loop and changes shape as you circle it, with hanging ice walls above the lakes.
  2. Palomani Pass: At roughly 5,200 meters, this is the highest point of the route. Prayer flags and cairns mark the top, and the views reach across glaciers and the distant Amazon side of the range.
  3. Upis Hot Springs: Natural pools sit beside the camp below the peak. Soaking in them after a cold, high day is the best moment of the trek for most people.
  4. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Reached as a side trip from the loop, its red, gold and turquoise stripes are best seen from the quiet back side, away from the day-tour crowds.
  5. Laguna Ausangatecocha and Jampa Lake: Turquoise glacial lakes sit directly beneath the
… read more 👉
  1. Ausangate Mountain: The 6,384-meter glaciated peak is the reason for the trek. It stays in view for most of the loop and changes shape as you circle it, with hanging ice walls above the lakes.
  2. Palomani Pass: At roughly 5,200 meters, this is the highest point of the route. Prayer flags and cairns mark the top, and the views reach across glaciers and the distant Amazon side of the range.
  3. Upis Hot Springs: Natural pools sit beside the camp below the peak. Soaking in them after a cold, high day is the best moment of the trek for most people.
  4. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Reached as a side trip from the loop, its red, gold and turquoise stripes are best seen from the quiet back side, away from the day-tour crowds.
  5. Laguna Ausangatecocha and Jampa Lake: Turquoise glacial lakes sit directly beneath the ice. Camps near the water have clear views of the peak reflected at dawn.
The hot springs at Upis and the nearby lakes combine well in one afternoon, since you can walk to the lake first and soak afterward.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Ausangate Trek

2-Day Trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with Exclusive Mountain Camps

2-Day Trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with Exclusive Mountain Camps

5.0(93) 48h
From €431
per personViator
Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Ausangate Trek 5 Days

5.0(88) 120h
From €599
per personViator
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights

5.0(45) 72h
From €508
per personViator
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night

Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night

5.0(44) 48h
From €399
per personViator
Ausangate Lagoons Quad Tour

Ausangate Lagoons Quad Tour

5.0(36) 12h
From €103
per personViator
6 day Rainbow Mountain x Ausangate Trek - FlashpackerConnect

6 day Rainbow Mountain x Ausangate Trek - FlashpackerConnect

4.9(36) 144h
From €953
per personViator
Qampa Climbing 2 Days in Ausangate

Qampa Climbing 2 Days in Ausangate

5.0(32) 48h
From €327
per personViator
4 Day Tour in Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain of Cusco

4 Day Tour in Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain of Cusco

5.0(23) 96h
From €525
per personViator
Ausangate Trek And Rainbow Mountain 5 Days - All Inclusive

Ausangate Trek And Rainbow Mountain 5 Days - All Inclusive

4.8(23) 120h
From €626
per personViator
Rainbow Mountain Early Access Tour from Cusco

Rainbow Mountain Early Access Tour from Cusco

4.9(21) 12h
From €25
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to hike the Ausangate Trek

May to September is the window for Ausangate Trek, with dry days and the clearest views of the glaciated peak.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days reach 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F) at the passes, while nights at camps near 4,500 m (14,800 ft) drop to -10 to -5°C (14 to 23°F). Daylight runs roughly 11.5 hours. June to August is coldest and clearest.
  • Peak Crowds (July and August): Campsites at Upis and Ausangate Lake fill up, and agency prices in Cusco climb. Expect to pay at the high end of the US$350 to 650 guided range.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer hikers, lower rates, and a mix of sunny mornings and afternoon showers. Snow can still linger on Palomani Pass.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Rain and snow are frequent, trails turn muddy, clouds hide the peaks, and some operators cancel
… read more 👉
May to September is the window for Ausangate Trek, with dry days and the clearest views of the glaciated peak.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days reach 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F) at the passes, while nights at camps near 4,500 m (14,800 ft) drop to -10 to -5°C (14 to 23°F). Daylight runs roughly 11.5 hours. June to August is coldest and clearest.
  • Peak Crowds (July and August): Campsites at Upis and Ausangate Lake fill up, and agency prices in Cusco climb. Expect to pay at the high end of the US$350 to 650 guided range.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer hikers, lower rates, and a mix of sunny mornings and afternoon showers. Snow can still linger on Palomani Pass.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Rain and snow are frequent, trails turn muddy, clouds hide the peaks, and some operators cancel departures. Temperatures stay around 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F) by day.
Book your Cusco acclimatization days first, then schedule the trek for early June when crowds are still thin.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🥾 Hike detailsHike details: route, duration, and difficulty of Ausangate Trek

Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude loop of about 70 to 80 kilometers around Ausangate in the Cusco region.
Total Distance: Roughly 70 to 80 kilometers, depending on the variant.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 6 days, with the common loop taking 5 days.
Difficulty: Hard. Most of the trail sits above 4,300 meters, and the passes climb to 5,000 meters and higher. Prior acclimatization in Cusco is needed.
Starting Point: Tinki, a village reached by local bus or shared van from Cusco. Many hikers start at Pacchanta or Upis instead.
Major Landmarks:
  • Upis: Hot springs and a common camp.
  • Palomani Pass: The highest
… read more 👉
Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude loop of about 70 to 80 kilometers around Ausangate in the Cusco region.
Total Distance: Roughly 70 to 80 kilometers, depending on the variant.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 6 days, with the common loop taking 5 days.
Difficulty: Hard. Most of the trail sits above 4,300 meters, and the passes climb to 5,000 meters and higher. Prior acclimatization in Cusco is needed.
Starting Point: Tinki, a village reached by local bus or shared van from Cusco. Many hikers start at Pacchanta or Upis instead.
Major Landmarks:
  • Upis: Hot springs and a common camp.
  • Palomani Pass: The highest point, about 5,200 meters.
  • Rainbow Mountain: An optional side trip.
  • Turquoise lakes: Several glacial lakes along the route, including Ausangatecocha.
Terrain and Scenery: Rocky paths, grass-covered valleys, scree slopes, glacier views and wide open puna.
Vegetation: Mostly high Andean grassland (ichu), cushion plants and mosses. There are no trees near the passes.
Wildlife: Alpacas and llamas are everywhere. Vicuñas, viscachas and Andean condors are also regularly seen.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Altitude is the main issue on Ausangate Trek, since you cross passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft) and camp near 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Spend at least three days in Cusco beforehand, drink steadily, and walk slowly on the climbs. Headaches that worsen or breathlessness at rest mean you descend, and the route has lower options. Weather turns fast, so pack a four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F), waterproof layers, gloves, and sun protection, because UV at this height burns quickly. Trails are clear and mostly well worn, but the high passes can hold snow and ice, so trekking poles help. Stream crossings are usually shallow in the dry season. Llamas, alpacas, and herding dogs share the valleys, so give the dogs space and keep food stored. Few phones get signal, so tell your agency your plan … read more 👉
Altitude is the main issue on Ausangate Trek, since you cross passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft) and camp near 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Spend at least three days in Cusco beforehand, drink steadily, and walk slowly on the climbs. Headaches that worsen or breathlessness at rest mean you descend, and the route has lower options. Weather turns fast, so pack a four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F), waterproof layers, gloves, and sun protection, because UV at this height burns quickly. Trails are clear and mostly well worn, but the high passes can hold snow and ice, so trekking poles help. Stream crossings are usually shallow in the dry season. Llamas, alpacas, and herding dogs share the valleys, so give the dogs space and keep food stored. Few phones get signal, so tell your agency your plan if hiking independently. Carry cash for small community fees and hot-spring entry.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Ausangate Trek

Ausangate Trek usually takes 4 to 6 days, with the classic loop around the mountain done in 5 days and 4 nights. Some agencies run a shortened 3-day version, and the full circuit with the Rainbow Mountain side trip adds a day. Most itineraries cover about 60 to 70 km (37 to 43 miles) starting near Tinki, roughly 3 hours by road from Cusco.
Ausangate Trek is challenging, mainly because of altitude rather than technical terrain. You cross several passes between about 4,800 and 5,200 m (15,700 to 17,000 ft), including Palomani Pass near 5,100 m, with long days of 6 to 8 hours. Paths are clear and need no climbing skills, but fit, acclimatized hikers enjoy it far more. Allow three days in Cusco first.
Ausangate Trek does not require a permit for the main route, but you pay small community fees of about US$5 to 15 at villages and campsites. A guide is not mandatory, yet most hikers book an agency in Cusco for US$350 to 650 covering tents, food, arrieros, and horses. Independent trekkers need navigation skills and full self-sufficiency, since services are very limited.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Peruvian hikes near Ausangate Trek

Explore more nearby:

  • Huchuy Qosqo Trek—Lake Piuray start, 4,400 m pass, Inca estate ruins, drop to Lamay| 73 km away
  • Lares Trek—Weaving villages, hot springs, Ipsaycocha lakes, alpaca herds| 90 km away
  • Inca Trail—Permit-only, Sun Gate, Dead Woman’s Pass, cloud-forest ruins| 125 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Many people rush Ausangate Trek after only a day in Cusco, then struggle with altitude by the second pass. I would spend at least two or three days acclimatizing first, and bring a sleeping bag rated well below freezing. The trek is much kinder when you arrive rested.

✈️ When did I visit Peru?
Peru I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Peru, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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