5.0
3 Days 
Ausangate Treks
Ausangate Trek: Glaciers, Lagoons and Rainbow Mountain
It is the highest mountain in Cuzco and the fifth highest in Peru. According to Inca mythology, this mountain and the nearby lakes such as Sibinacocha, it is said that the masculine energy that fertilizes mother earth Pachamama is born here. The Chillca community made up of llamas and alpacas herders are the guardians of these pristine places, a unique environment.
Circle Ausangate (6,384 m), the sacred mountain of Cusco, on one of Peru’s great high-altitude treks: glaciers, turquoise lagoons, alpaca herders and a quiet way into Rainbow Mountain.
5.0
3 Days 
5.0
4 Days 
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5 Days 
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6 Days 
5.0
6 Days Why choose an Ausangate trek
Ausangate is the highest peak in the Cusco region and an apu, a sacred mountain, for Andean communities. The treks around it stay above 4,000 m for days and cross passes above 5,000 m, so this is the most demanding trekking we run. The reward is solitude: glaciers, hot springs at Upis on some routes, lagoons in every colour and the back side of Rainbow Mountain before the day-trip crowds arrive.
- 6,384 mAusangate summit; the treks go around it, not up it.
- 5,000 m+passes on the circuit; acclimatize in Cusco for 3 days or more.
- 3–6 daysfrom short loops with Rainbow Mountain to the Sibinacocha expedition.
Which Ausangate route?
- 3 days with Rainbow Mountain and 4 days with Rainbow Mountain: shorter loops, still high.
- Ausangate Trek 5 days: the classic circuit.
- 6 days with Rainbow Mountain or 6 days with Sibinacocha: the most remote options.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Ausangate trek?
It is a challenging, high-altitude trek: you sleep around 4,500 m and cross passes above 5,000 m. Good fitness and several days of acclimatization in Cusco are essential, even on the shorter loops.
Do I need to climb Ausangate?
No. The treks go around the mountain on trails used by herders; climbing the summit is a separate technical expedition.
When is the best time for Ausangate?
May to September, the dry season, with clear skies and very cold nights (below −10 °C is possible). From December to March snow and rain can close the passes.
Can I see Rainbow Mountain on the Ausangate trek?
Yes, several of our routes reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) from the Ausangate side, often before the day-tour groups arrive from Cusco.