The Ausangate Trek 3 Days is a camping trek from Cusco that links, on foot, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, the Upis hot springs and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m). On day one you walk past the glacier lakes and sleep at Upis (about 4,400 m), right below the snowfields of Ausangate. On day two you cross the Arapa pass (4,850 m) to a camp facing Rainbow Mountain at Anantapata (about 4,700 m). On day three you reach the summit at sunrise, ahead of the day-tour crowds, and return to Cusco. About 40 km in total.
Trip facts
Duration: 3 days · 2 nights camping
Pickup: 5:00 AM, Cusco's historic center
Day 1: 7 Lakes loop → Upis camp (about 4,400 m)
Day 2: Arapa pass (4,850 m) → Anantapata camp (about 4,700 m)
Day 3: Rainbow Mountain at sunrise (5,036 m)
Distance: About 40 km (25 mi)
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Minimum age: 15 years
Group size: the price is per person for a minimum of 3 travelers per booking; up to 12 additional travelers can be added (15 max).
100% refund 72 h or more before
50% between 48 and 72 h
No refund less than 48 h before
Refunds are calculated on the total price. Card and transaction fees are non-refundable. Full policy: https://ausangatetrek.net/cancellation-policy/
Minimum age: 15 years.
Round-trip transport from Cusco's historic center
Mountain guide for all 3 days, who sets the pace and watches for altitude symptoms
Tents for both nights, so you don't carry or rent camping gear
Sleeping bag rated to −5 °C (23 °F): nothing to rent in Cusco
Pack horses for 7 kg of your gear: you walk with only a daypack
8 meals cooked at camp: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Emergency oxygen & first-aid kit every day
Emergency horse in groups of more than 5
Community entrance fees: S/ 90 per person, cash: 7 Lakes (Pacchanta) S/ 20, Upis S/ 20, Anantapata S/ 20 and Rainbow Mountain S/ 30
Dinner on day 3, back in Cusco
Tips for the guide, cook and horsemen
Travel insurance (recommended for any hike at high altitude)
Optional: Red Valley, S/ 30 cash
Optional: trekking poles (bring your own or rent them in Cusco)