Ausangate Lodge to Lodge Trek: 5 Days via Rainbow Mountain
PlanetaEXO
TripsPeruCusco

Ausangate Lodge to Lodge Trek: 5 Days via Rainbow Mountain

Cusco
4 Nights·5 Days
PeruHiking & TrekkingEco Lodges

Overview

The Ausangate lodge trek is a spectacular 5-day hiking route covering approximately 52 km (32 mi) through the Cordillera Vilcanota, located just southeast of Cusco, Peru. This challenging journey takes travelers deep into the Andes, circumventing the sacred Mount Ausangate along ancient herding trails that predate the Inca Empire. Hikers are constantly surrounded by the striking beauty of Peruvian landscapes, which range from rugged snow-capped peaks and vast glacier valleys to high-altitude lakes and vibrant red sandstone formations.

Throughout the expedition, hikers navigate significant elevations, spending every night above 4,300 meters. The trail reaches its maximum elevation on the third day at Palomani Pass, ascending to a demanding altitude of 5,150 meters to offer sweeping views over the surrounding peaks and glaciers. On the following day, the route leads directly to the colorful strata of Vinicunca, widely known as Rainbow Mountain, at 5,015 meters.

For comfort after long trekking days, guests stay in four different mountain lodges. These stone cabins feature cozy beds with thermal duvets, private hot-water bathrooms, and local meals. Operating off-grid with candle and solar lighting instead of electricity, they offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to fully disconnect.

  • Full itinerary: the colonial temple of Checacupe, the Phinaya glacier valley, the Pjachaj waterfall, Palomani Pass, Ausangatecocha Lake, the Warmisaya Pass, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the Huampoccasa Pass, and a limestone rock forest.
  • Cross Palomani Pass at 5,150 m (16,896 ft) on Day 3, the highest point of the trek, then walk down beside the glaciers to Ausangatecocha Lake for lunch.
  • Walk into Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,015 m) on Day 4, after three days in the mountains, and stop there for lunch and photos.
  • Walk among alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas ; look for condors and nesting Andean geese, while a llama caravan carries your duffel to the next lodge.
  • Travel with the communities that built the route: local musicians welcome you at the first lodge, and a local family runs the lodge at Machuracay.
  • Sleep in four stone mountain lodges, each a day’s walk from the next, with a bed, thermal duvets, and a private bathroom with hot water.
  • Activities guided by expert high-mountain trekking guides trained in wilderness first response, 1 guide per 6 guests plus an assistant.
  • All-inclusive experience: hotel pickup in Cusco and private transport, 4 nights in mountain lodges, full board from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 lunch, luggage carried by llamas, oxygen and a hyperbaric chamber, and expert guides.

  • Please note: Every night of this trek is spent between 4,350 m and 4,850 m (14,270–15,915 ft). You need at least 3 to 4 days at altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before Day 1. Book those days before the trek, not after it.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco / Checacupe Colonial Temple / Pitumarca Valley / Hike to Chillca

  • DriveCusco → Checacupe → Pitumarca → Molino · ~143 km · ~3h30
  • HikeMolino → Chillca · 3.3 km (2.1 mi) · ~2h · 4,292 → 4,368 m
  • OvernightLodge at Chillca · ~4,350 m (14,272 ft)

The trek starts early, with a pickup at your hotel in Cusco. A private coach follows the Vilcanota River southeast to Checacupe, where you stop at the colonial temple to see the baroque art inside.

From Checacupe, the road leaves the Cusco–Puno highway, climbs the upper Pitumarca valley, and passes the herding community of Osefina. At Molino, you step out for the first walk—about 3.3 km to the hamlet of Chillca, a gentle start that also helps your body adjust to the altitude.

At the first Ausangate lodge, members of the community and local musicians playing Andean instruments welcome you with coca tea. You can spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surroundings, followed by an evening performance of traditional music by local villagers.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

A herd of white and brown alpacas grazing on green highland pasture in front of a two-storey stone-and-plaster Andean lodge with a red terracotta roof on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a moss-covered rocky hillside rising behind
A group of trekkers with trekking poles and large backpacks pick their way along a rocky riverbank inside a narrow Andean canyon on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a fast-flowing glacial river rushing between towering stratified rock walls patched with highland grasses
A woman in traditional colorful Andean dress works a backstrap loom on open grassland during the Ausangate Lodge Trek, her hands guiding brown and cream alpaca wool threads with a wooden shuttle
A group of trekkers with backpacks and trekking poles pauses on a high-altitude Andean grassland during the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with laden pack horses and a local handler nearby, snow-capped peaks and a wide glacier valley stretching behind them under a clear blue sky
Hikers crossing a narrow rope-and-plank suspension bridge over a muddy river, with a large colonial stone arch bridge rising behind them, set in a steep Andean canyon on the Ausangate Lodge Trek
A hiker in a purple jacket stands on the golden puna grassland during the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with two fluffy alpacas grazing nearby and snow-dusted Andean peaks rising behind

Day 2

Phinaya Glacier Valley / Pjachaj Waterfall / Machuracay

  • HikeChillca → Cochajasa → Machuracay · 14.9 km (9.3 mi) · ~7h
  • GlaciersMt. Santa Catalina · Pjachaj waterfall · Picnic lunch
  • OvernightLodge at Machuracay · ~4,850 m (15,912 ft) · Highest night

After breakfast, the trail heads up the glacier valley of Phinaya, among hundreds of alpacas and llamas. Ascending toward the glaciers of Mt. Santa Catalina, the path leads past the Pjachaj waterfall, where a picnic lunch is served higher up.

The afternoon brings about 5 more hours among moraine walls, glaciers, and lakes. This is the longest day of the Ausangate Lodge Trek in distance, at 14.9 km.

At roughly 4,850 m above sea level, the lodge at Machuracay serves as the highest overnight accommodation on the entire journey. Here, a welcoming local family hosts the group, while your luggage arrives ahead via llama caravan.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A herd of llamas decorated with colorful yarn tassels and ear ornaments stands in the Andean highlands on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a snow-capped glaciated peak rising under a partly cloudy sky behind them
A small stone mountain lodge with a red-tiled roof sits on a rocky high-altitude slope during the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with two large snow-capped peaks rising sharply under a deep blue sky
Two hikers stand on a rocky ridge on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, scanning a wide high-altitude valley with scattered glacial pools, puna grassland, and a panorama of snow-capped Andean peaks under a deep blue sky
A group of hikers with backpacks picking their way along a rocky trail beside a fast-flowing glacial river in a deep Andean canyon, with stratified red-rock walls draped in tussock grass rising on both sides — a classic scene on the Ausangate Lodge Trek.
A traveler in a hooded rain jacket photographs a large herd of decorated llamas with colorful ear tassels and woven packs crossing an open high-altitude plain on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with mist-shrouded mountains and a lone stone building in the background

Day 3

Palomani Pass / Ausangatecocha Lake / Anantapata

  • Palomani Pass· 5,150 m (16,896 ft) · Highest point of the trek
  • HikeMachuracay → Palomani Pass → Ausangatecocha → Anantapata · 11.6 km (7.2 mi) · ~8h
  • OvernightLodge at Anantapata · 5,100 m (16,587 ft)

The day starts with the climb to the first mountain pass of the trek, Palomani, about 2 hours from the lodge. At 5,150 m, it is the highest point you reach on foot, with views over the glaciers and peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota.

The descent follows the glaciers down to Ausangatecocha, a lake at 4,650 m (15,256 ft), where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon, the landscape changes to red sandstone formations. Look for vicuñas on the slopes and, with luck, a condor overhead.

After about 4 more hours on the trail, you reach the third lodge, at Anantapata.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The Milky Way core arching over a lit yellow-walled mountain lodge with red roofs on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, dark Andean peaks silhouetted on the horizon
A group of trekkers with hiking poles and backpacks walks single file along a dirt trail on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a snow-capped peak rising at the head of a wide green Andean valley and a large flock of sheep and alpacas grazing on the right
A hiker in a red jacket and backpack stands on rocky moraine facing a massive snow-covered peak on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with clouds wrapping the summit and glacier ice visible at its base
A group of trekkers with backpacks and hiking poles crossing a rocky high-altitude grassland on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a massive snow-covered glacier and jagged Andean peaks filling the horizon under a blue sky

Day 4

Warmisaya Pass / Glacier del Inca / Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca ) / Huampococha

  • Rainbow MountainVinicunca · 5,015 m (16,453 ft) · Lunch stop
  • HikeAnantapata → Warmisaya Pass → Surinicocha → Vinicunca → Huampococha · 11.6 km (7.2 mi) · ~8h
  • OvernightLodge at Huampococha · 4,815 m (15,797 ft)

After breakfast, climb to the Warmisaya Pass (4,954 m; 16,253 ft) and descend past Lake Kayrawiri, ringed by rugged peaks above a wide valley. Bands of colored soil start to appear on the hillsides.

The trail continues to Laya Grande Hill and past the massive Glacier del Inca to the colored strata of Vinicunca, the peak known as Rainbow Mountain. This is the day that makes the route a Rainbow Mountain trek: you have lunch here, with time for photos and rest.

As you trek toward the fourth lodge, look for vast colonies of Andean geese nesting along the cliffs of Anta, while passing the striking, flatiron stone structures of Mt. Apu Labrayani.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A lone llama or alpaca stands on the steeply angled ridge of Vinicunca, its layered red, orange, and ochre mineral strata filling the frame against a flat grey sky on the Ausangate Lodge Trek
Two riders on white horses crossing a high-altitude Andean plateau on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a small glacial pond, grazing sheep, and bare mountain peaks under a blue sky in the background
Close-up of a fluffy white alpaca wearing a colorful woven textile collar, with the layered mineral stripes of Vinicunca visible in the background under a blue sky
A still high-altitude lake mirrors rugged red and ochre mountain slopes under a blue sky with low mist on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with two small stone buildings visible on the far shore
A herd of llamas and alpacas grazing beside a stone lodge on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with jagged red and grey Andean peaks rising sharply against a clear blue sky

Day 5

Huampoccasa Pass / Limestone Rock Forest / Return to Cusco

  • HikeHuampococha → Huampoccasa pass → End of the trail · 10.5 km (6.5 mi) · ~5h · 4,960 → 3,930 m
  • DriveEnd of the trail Trapiche → Cusco · 126 km · ~3h

The last morning starts with a 1-hour climb to the Huampoccasa Pass, at 4,960 m (16,273 ft), with a final view over the mountains. From there, it is downhill all the way.

The trail drops about 1,000 m and winds through a karst limestone rock forest, with strange shapes carved in Cretaceous stone. The walk ends around midday at about 3,930 m (12,894 ft), where you have lunch and say goodbye to the team.

A bus then drives you back to Cusco, about 3 hours away. The hotel in Cusco that night is not included.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

A stone and plaster mountain lodge dusted with snow sits alone in a high-altitude valley on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, surrounded by rocky peaks under a wide, cloud-filled sky
A group of trekkers with backpacks and trekking poles follow a muddy high-altitude trail on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a snow-capped peak rising at the end of a green Andean valley and a flock of sheep grazing to the right
A woman in traditional Andean dress — a colorful woven shawl, black skirt with embroidered trim, and bowler hat — walks along a high-altitude dirt trail on the Ausangate Lodge Trek, with a snow-covered peak rising behind her

What is Included

  • Round-trip transfer (Cusco hotel ⇌ Molino trailhead, and the end of the trail ⇌ Cusco) by private transport
  • 4-night stay in four mountain lodges, one night in each, in a double room with a private bathroom
  • Meals (full board, Day 1 dinner to Day 5 lunch): breakfast and dinner at the lodges, lunches and snacks on the trail
  • Pre-departure briefing in Cusco with a welcome kit (duffel bag, buff, and map)
  • Luggage carried by llamas and horses between the lodges, in waterproof bags
  • Emergency horse (one per 6 guests)
  • First-aid kit, oxygen, a portable hyperbaric chamber, and a satellite phone
  • Slippers, candles, solar lamps, and power banks at the lodges, and tea at any time
  • Carbon offset of the trip’s emissions
  • Guided tours (Checacupe temple, the Phinaya valley, Palomani Pass, Ausangatecocha lake, Rainbow Mountain, the Huampoccasa Pass, and the limestone rock forest)
  • Expert high-mountain trekking guides, 1 per 6 guests plus an assistant (English, Spanish, French, or Dutch)

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Hotel nights in Cusco before and after the trek
  • Acclimatization days before the trek
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips for the staff
  • Single room
  • Additional support horse and other extras
  • Any transport before or after the program

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