Machu Picchu Alternative Treks

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

Group Size: Up to 16
Maximum altitude: 4,900 m a.s.l.
Service type: Group tour
Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is an exciting adventure in one of the highest and most remote destinations in Peru. Located within the majestic Vilcanota mountain range in the Cusco region, this trek will take you to explore dreamlike landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, ice caves, and thermal springs.During the hike, you will have the opportunity to get close to the mystical sacred Ausangate mountain, one of the main Andean deities, respected by local communities as a symbol of life and ancestral protection. In addition, you can visit the famous Rainbow Mountains or Vinicunca, a unique geological phenomenon that has become one of the main attractions in southern Cusco.This route not only offers physical challenges and beautiful natural landscapes but also a deep cultural connection with the ancient traditions of Andean communities. Live an unforgettable experience between nature and Andean spirituality on the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain.

Summary

Day 01
Cusco – Tinque – Pacchanta – 07 Lagoons – Upis
- •Cusco
- •Tinque
- •Pacchanta
- •07 Lagoons (Nina Parayoc)
- •Blue Cocha Lagoon
- •Upis
- •Surinacocha Lagoon
Day 02
Upis – Arapas – Yanacocha – Puca Cocha
- •Arapa Pass
- •Ausangate Snow Mountain
- •Yanacocha Lagoon
- •Blue Cocha Lagoon
- •Huchuy Puca Cocha Lagoon
- •Puca Cocha (camp)
Day 03
Pucacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Ananta – Warmisaya
- •Puca Cocha Pass
- •Ananta
- •Warmisaya Pass
- •Red Valley
- •Rainbow Mountain (viewpoint)
- •Surinacocha Lagoon
Day 04
Surinacocha – Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors)
- •Surina Mountain
- •Salkantay Snow Mountain (views)
- •Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Itinerary

We depart from Cusco at 5:00 a.m. from the hotel, traveling along the Transoceanic Highway towards the towns of Ocongate and Tinque, where we take a detour to the village of Pacchanta, where we will have breakfast. Then, we meet the muleteers and horses.
Afterwards, we visit the Nina Parayoc lagoons, known as the 7 Lagoons. At the end of this visit, we have lunch next to the Blue Cocha Lagoon. We then continue towards the village of Upis along a peaceful trail that allows us to appreciate snow-capped mountains and Andean wildlife such as camelids and vizcachas. Finally, we descend towards Surinacocha Lagoon.
Bus transfer time: 4 hours.
Walking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,300 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,630 meters.
After enjoying a delicious hot breakfast, we will begin our hike. Our first destination will be Arapa Pass, located at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level. Once we reach the pass, we will continue walking alongside the Ausangate snow-capped mountain until we arrive at Yanacocha.
There, we will stop for lunch and take a short rest.
Then, we will continue the trek, enjoying the impressive views of Ausangate and the four main lagoons: Yanacocha, Blue Cocha, and Huchuy Puca Cocha.
Our campsite will be located in a scenic area, surrounded by impressive Andean camelids (such as llamas and vicuñas), offering magnificent views of the lagoons and snow-capped mountains.
Bus transfer time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Walking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,400 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,800 meters.
Distance covered: 7 km.
After breakfast, we will head to Puca Cocha Pass, located at the viewpoint of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, where we can admire its permanent glaciers.
Then we descend to Ananta, where we will rest and have lunch. After that, we continue to Warmisaya Pass, from where we can observe the Red Valley and the famous Rainbow Mountain. Finally, we descend towards Surinacocha Lagoon.
Car transfer time: 00:00 hours.
Walking time: 7:00 hours.
Minimum altitude: 4,500 meters.
Maximum altitude: 4,970 meters.
Distance covered: 7 km.
After our well-deserved rest, we will begin our hike towards Surina Mountain. This will be a calmer and flatter walk, allowing us to recover energy while enjoying beautiful views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain and the Rainbow Mountain, which we will reach early in the morning.
After 2 hours of trekking, we will try to arrive before the tourist groups reach the mountain, so we can enjoy the Rainbow Mountain with fewer people.
Bus transfer time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Walking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Minimum altitude: 4,750 meters.
Maximum altitude: 5,035 meters.
Distance covered: 3 km.

Includes

✓Private transportation from the hotel to Upis.
✓Private round-trip transportation from Rainbow Mountain to your hotel in Cusco.
✓Entrance to Ausangate National Park, Red Valley, and Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors).
✓Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
✓High-quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite Cima 4 model, ultralight / 4.5 kg for two people, sleeping mats, dining tent with table and chairs, toilet tent).
✓Meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks / vegetarian option available).
✓Cook and cooking equipment.
✓Horses and mules for all participants (up to 7 kg per person) and camping equipment.
✓Emergency horse.
✓First aid kit and oxygen cylinder.
✓Extra blankets for cold weather.
✓Boiled and cooled water.

Not included

×First day breakfast.
×Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one, rental is available for $15 USD).

Contact us

!info@dreamy.tours
!reserve@dreamy.tours

General conditions

✓All rates are expressed in US dollars (optional currency conversion) and are per person.
✓Rates valid for Peruvians include only VAT.
✓All our rates are subject to availability and changes.
✓Children under 2 years and 11 months are considered INF (infants), do not pay for any service, and are not entitled to meals, bed, or seat on tours.
✓DCC (child) refers to children from 3 to 10 years and 11 months, have a special rate and share a room with parents.
✓Children over 11 years old are considered adults.
✓Minors must travel with an identification document.
✓Rates do not apply on holidays, Holy Week, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas, or New Year.

Social work / awareness

Through social awareness: The Ausangate community is one of the places where poverty has affected all families, whose main livelihood is agriculture, maintaining their own traditions and customs. Therefore, thanks to the initiative of a small group of farmers and from our side, we feel committed to supporting social welfare projects.

These voluntary donations can be very useful, such as clothes you no longer use, notebooks, or pens. These small details will be greatly appreciated by the local families.

What to bring

!Backpack
!Sleeping bag
!Clothing for cold and warm weather: waterproof jacket, wool clothing, pants and trekking shoes, T-shirts, rain poncho, hat, scarf
!Sunscreen and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
!Water bottle and purification tablets
!Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight, and batteries
!Light snacks: chocolate bars, nuts
!Original passport and extra cash in soles

Note: During our journey we will reach altitudes of up to 4,900 meters above sea level, combined with extreme weather conditions, making this trip an unforgettable experience. We want this to be the best experience of all your adventures; therefore, it is important that you ensure you are in good physical condition, properly acclimatized, and in good health.

As the weather can be very cold and humid, if you get wet, your clothes will not dry overnight. Therefore, bring extra clothing for changing.

FAQ

What is the difficulty of this trek?

This trek is of moderate to challenging level. Altitudes above 5,000 m a.s.l. are reached, so it is recommended to have good physical condition and to complete at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco beforehand.

When is the best time to do this trek?

The best time is between April and October, during the dry season, when the trails are in better condition and clear skies allow you to fully enjoy the landscape.

What happens if I cannot continue the trek?

Our guides are trained to assess any situation and take safety measures. In case of altitude sickness or extreme fatigue, return transport or assistance with horses can be arranged. We also have a first aid kit and emergency oxygen.

How many hours do you walk per day?

On average, you walk between 5 and 8 hours per day, depending on the terrain and the group’s pace. The guides plan breaks and photo stops at the best scenic viewpoints.

Price

How much does it cost?

We offer different price options to suit all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US dollars.

For quotes and reservations, please email info@dreamy.tours. You can also contact one of our sales executives using the phone numbers listed below; we will be happy to assist you.

•Mobile – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
•Mobile – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218

How to book?

To start your reservation process, please send us the following information:

•Full name:
•Passport number:
•Nationality:
•Date of birth:
•Gender:
•Phone number:

It is very important to provide your hotel information in Cusco so we can pick you up at the start of the tour.

To confirm the reservation, a 50% advance payment is required, and the remaining 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.

Payment methods:

•IZIPAY
•PAYPAL
•WESTER UNION
•TRANSFERENCIA A NUESTRA CUENTA BANCARIA¿
•MONEYGRAM

Maps

Book your adventure

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

Direct WhatsApp

or by email

Your name

Email address

Country

+51

Message

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary alternative to the traditional Inca Trail: it offers diverse ecosystems, fewer crowds, wild nature, and a majestic finale at Machu Picchu. It is ideal for those seeking adventure, authentic nature, and a deep connection with the Peruvian Andes. The route starts in Cusco, crosses snow-capped mountains and glaciers, passes the stunning Humantay Lake, enters the high jungle, and finally takes the traveler to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu — all in four intense days of trekking, nature, and heritage. Why choose the Salkantay Trek? Less touristy than the Inca Trail, with equally or even more impressive landscapesIdeal for hiking, nature, and adventure loversConnection with local culture and an authentic experienceAccessible all year round, especially from April to October
Service type
Group service
Difficulty level
Moderate
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
View Itinerary
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
The 4-day / 3-night Choquequirao Trek offered by Dreamy Tours is a demanding but highly rewarding adventure that takes you to the heart of the southeastern Peruvian Andes, crossing deep canyons, lush cloud forests, and high-altitude landscapes, to discover the enigmatic archaeological complex of Choquequirao (also known as the “Cradle of Gold”). The tour is rated as “intermediate to challenging” in difficulty, and its maximum altitude reaches 3,030 meters above sea level in Choquequirao.
Service type
Group service
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
View Itinerary
Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu 4 Days
It is a new alternative to the Inca Trail, where you can discover its natural attractions and the warm contact with the local population. The route is suitable for those with an adventurous spirit, an open mind, and no issues with vertigo. This Inca jungle tour through tropical forests is a well-known route that includes biking activities (approximately 55 km) and a walk to the town of Aguas Calientes. During this Inca Trail journey, you will visit some archaeological sites, pass through the base of the town of Santa María (high jungle), and explore the Machu Picchu park on foot. In addition, on the fourth day, we will enjoy a visit to the Machu Picchu citadel during a mystical sunrise. Accommodation is basic, except in the town of Aguas Calientes, where it is more comfortable.
Service type
Group service
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
View Itinerary

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

Cusco – Tinque – Pacchanta – 07 Lagoons – Upis

Upis – Arapas – Yanacocha – Puca Cocha

Pucacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Ananta – Warmisaya

Surinacocha – Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors)

Cusco – Tinque – Pacchanta – 07 Lagoons – Upis

Upis – Arapas – Yanacocha – Puca Cocha

Pucacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Ananta – Warmisaya

Surinacocha – Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors)