Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

Yes, you can visit the hot springs during the Ausangate Trek. There are several natural hot springs in the area, especially near Upis and other communities. The water comes from volcanic springs and is great for relaxing your muscles after long days of hiking. Access costs 10 soles per person and the path to them is well-marked. It’s a very rewarding experience, especially at night.

The Ausangate Trek reaches a maximum altitude of between 4,800 and 5,200 meters (15,750 – 17,060 feet), depending on which pass you take. The campsites are between 4,200 and 4,600 meters (13,780 – 15,090 feet). This is why it’s crucial to spend at least 2 days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize. Altitude sickness can affect you, but with proper hydration, coca tea, and a slow pace, most travelers handle it well.

The weather is extreme and changes rapidly. Mornings are very cold (down to -5 °C / 23 °F), it can be sunny and warm at midday, and it gets cold again at night. During the rainy season (November to April), there are afternoon showers. From May to October, it’s drier and more stable. Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and warm gear. The sun at high altitude is very strong, so use sunscreen and a hat.

Pack thermal underwear, a warm fleece or mid-layer, a waterproof jacket, trekking pants, well-broken-in hiking boots, a hat, light gloves, and sunglasses. Wear wool socks. You’ll need warm clothes for the nights. Don’t forget your daypack with water, snacks, a camera, documents, and a personal first-aid kit. Everything else (tent, meals, guide) is included in the tour.

They serve fresh, nutritious meals prepared by the cooking team.

Yes, it is safe if you go with an authorized agency. The guides know the terrain, carry emergency oxygen, a first-aid kit, and are in contact with the communities. The campsites are guarded by local watchmen. There is no cell phone signal, but rescue teams are coordinated. Going alone is not recommended due to the altitude and isolation.

It is not recommended to do the Ausangate Trek without a guide. Although no official permit is required, the trail isn’t always clearly marked, there are risky sections, and there’s no cell service. Furthermore, you need to coordinate directly with the communities for passage and campsites. A guide helps with altitude, translates, organizes meals, and takes care of you in case of an emergency.

You will see llamas, alpacas, and sheep grazing in the fields. You might also spot wild vicuñas, Andean foxes, and vizcachas (a type of chinchilla). In the lagoons, there are birds like the parihuana (Andean flamingo). It’s a trek with great biodiversity, ideal for nature lovers.

If you feel sick, tell your guide immediately. They carry emergency oxygen, a first-aid kit, and know the evacuation points. If it’s altitude sickness, they will help you rest, descend, or arrange transport. Drink plenty of water, drink coca tea, and avoid unnecessary exertion. Most people improve with rest.

The full Ausangate Trek covers between 50 and 60 kilometers (31 – 37 miles), depending on the route. It lasts 5 or 6 days, with daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours. It’s challenging, but the pace is more relaxed than other treks. Each day features a different landscape: mountains, lagoons, valleys, and high jungle.

The trek is very demanding due to the high altitude and long distances. It is not recommended for children under 14 or adults over 65 unless they have extensive high-altitude trekking experience and are in excellent physical condition. It’s essential to consult with a doctor and a specialized tour agency beforehand.

Don’t forget: well-broken-in hiking boots, a 30-40L daypack, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, a headlamp or flashlight, water (1.5–2 liters), snacks, documents, toilet paper, and a personal first-aid kit. We also recommend trekking poles, a sleeping bag (some agencies rent them), and a camera. Everything else is included in the tour.

You show respect by paying the 10 soles fee to each community, not leaving any trash, asking for permission before taking photos, not touching offerings, and only using authorized services. You can also buy handicrafts directly from the families. Community-based tourism only works if visitors are respectful.

If it rains, we continue the hike with waterproof gear. The trail doesn’t become dangerous, though it can get slippery. Bring a good jacket, a rain cover for your backpack, and shoes with good grip. The rain also makes the landscape greener and more magical, even if visibility is lower.

No, there is no electricity at the campsites. You cannot charge your phone in Upis, Puca Cocha, or Chillca. We recommend bringing a portable power bank or extra batteries. Turn your phone off when you’re not using it. Some guides have emergency batteries, but they are not always available.

After finishing, you’ll return to Cusco by transport. You can rest, get dinner, visit museums, or prepare for your next destination. Many travelers spend 1 or 2 days in Cusco recovering before moving on. It’s a great time to review your photos, share the experience, and celebrate an unforgettable adventure.