What is the difficulty level and fitness requirement?

This is a challenging trek suited to experienced hikers with good cardiovascular fitness. Daily hikes last 5–7 hours at elevations between 14,000–17,500 ft. Altitude acclimatisation and prior hiking experience are strongly recommended.

How do I prevent altitude sickness?

Spend 2–3 days acclimatising in Cusco (11,150 ft) before starting. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat light meals, and move slowly on the trail. Consult your doctor about medication (e.g., acetazolamide) if you're prone to altitude issues. Your guide can advise on pacing and rest days.

What should I pack for this trek?

Bring moisture-wicking layers, a insulated jacket, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a headlamp, a water bottle, and personal medications. Thermal gloves and a balaclava are essential for cold nights at high elevation.

What animals and wildlife will I see?

The Ausangate region is home to vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas (mountain rodents), and Andean condors. Wildlife sightings depend on season and trail timing, but encounters with camelids are common. Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities.

What is included in the EUR 682 price, and what isn't?

Prices typically include accommodation, meals, a professional guide, and trek permits. Confirm whether transport from Cusco, tips, personal gear, travel insurance, and any pre-trek acclimatisation stays are covered or cost extra.

Is there a rest day or acclimatisation stop built into the itinerary?

The 4-day structure is continuous trekking with minimal rest time. If you're concerned about altitude, book an extra night in Cusco or ask your operator about a 5-day variant with a dedicated rest day mid-trek.

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Cusco, Peru

Hiking ToursAdventure ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsNature Tours

About this activity

A challenging 4-day trek through Peru's remote Cusco highlands combining the dramatic Ausangate massif (Peru's third-highest peak at 20,921 ft) with the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. This off-the-beaten-path adventure showcases pristine alpine lakes, glaciers, and rich Andean wildlife in one of South America's most visually striking mountain regions.

The Ausangate Trek is considered as one of the most stunning and remote hikes in Peru. This majestic natural reserve is full of natural beauty; with crystal clear blue lakes, vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and condors. Get close to the 20,921 feet Ausangate mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region. On the final day of this incredible TreXperience, you’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain – one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of Peru.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AUSANGATE INCA TREK

Get off the beaten path and explore remote mountains
Visit the spectacular glaciers and alpine lakes
Bath in the natural hot springs at Upis
Visit the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Support our Social projects while traveling with us

Highlights

✓Summit approaches to Ausangate (20,921 ft), Cusco's highest peak
✓Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain's distinctive mineral-striped slopes on day 4
✓Glacial-fed alpine lakes and remote high-altitude valleys
✓Wildlife encounters: vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and Andean condors
✓Natural hot springs at Upis for post-trek recovery
✓Red Valley (Valle Rojo) scenic section

Insider tips

★Arrive in Cusco 2–3 days early to acclimatise to 11,000+ ft elevation before the trek begins
★Pack layers and a rain jacket; mountain weather changes rapidly, and afternoon storms are common
★The trek supports local social projects—ask your guide about community initiatives you'll encounter
★Day 4 (Rainbow Mountain) involves a pre-dawn start; energy gels and strong coffee are essential

Good to know

•High altitude (peaks exceed 16,400 ft): soroche (altitude sickness) is possible; consult a doctor about acclimatisation strategies beforehand
•Remote trail with basic lodging; expect rustic mountain shelters rather than hotels
•A reasonable level of fitness is required; daily hiking ranges 5–7 hours with steep elevation gain
•Meals typically include local cuisine; inform the operator of dietary restrictions when booking
•All-inclusive pricing (from EUR 682) usually covers accommodation, meals, and guide; confirm what's excluded (tips, personal items, travel to/from Cusco)

Who it's for

Experienced hikers seeking untouched, high-altitude Andean landscapesAdventure travellers willing to embrace rustic conditions and physical challengePhotography enthusiasts drawn to dramatic mountain scenery and wildlifeResponsible travellers interested in community-based tourism models

Best time to visit

May to September (dry season) offers the clearest skies, warmest days, and most reliable trail conditions. Avoid December–March (wet season) when afternoon downpours and landslides increase risk. Early morning starts (before 6 a.m.) reward trekkers with calm weather and optimal light for photography.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Will D.

Jun 2026

our guide Beatriz sorted everything for us and the last scramble to the summit was the highlight. Booked it for my birthday so it wasnt too busy. Honestly better than the hike we did in dubrovnik last year, and about 9km round trip. Would book again no question, loved it

David H.

Nov 2025

our guide Zara had so many stories and a clearing where we stopped for lunch was the highlight, and handy if youre short on time, and a 3 hour climb, def recommend

Megan K.

Feb 2025

Sven our guide very good, and a clearing where we stopped for lunch we love it. Is much better than the hike we do in Lisbon before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

from€687.25€681.73/ person

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