After an early breakfast, we will walk for about 1.5h towards Vinicunca Pass (5040m (16,535ft), the site of the famous Ausangate Rainbow Mountains! Our breathing will become increasingly labored as we gain altitude. Once we arrive at the top of the pass, expect gusts of icy winds, so be sure you are wrapped up warmly and that your head is protected! Here, we are rewarded for all our efforts with the first views of the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, with its vibrant multi-hued layers of rock sediment: turquoise, orange, brown, and red. For an extra treat and if the day is clear, we will also have majestic views of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate Mountain, the tallest and most important mountain in Andean cosmology. After a short rest and time to take photos, we’ll head on to Pucacocha Lake over the 4900m (16,076 ft) Menos Ponco Pass (altitude is approximate). It should take between 4 and 5 hours to get to our campsite where we will rest for the evening.

With the Ausangate Mountain on our left-hand side, we trek past clear glacial lakes, herds of local alpacas and llamas and, if we’re lucky, maybe even some wild vicuña. We will first reach Apacheta Pass (4600m / 15,091 ft) before ascending to Palomani Pass (5200m / 17,060 ft), the highest point on the Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain. As we cross the pass, we will be met with spectacular breath-taking views of the southeast mountain range, including Mariposa (“butterfly”) and Caracol (“snail”) Peaks. From here we follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snow-capped Tres Picos and Puca Punta mountains. Then, we will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q’ampa Valley, where we will spend the night.

Today we hike through the small community of Q’ampa. We head northwest to the last pass of our trek, the Q’ampa Pass (5000m / 16,400 ft). We will pass by many different colored lakes and enjoy lunch beside the sparkling Q’oma Q’ocha Lake (4704m / 15,429 ft). After hiking for a few more hours several hours through the Andean landscape we reach Pacchanta (4010m / 13,152 ft). This traditional, high altitude herding village has been transformed by tourism in recent years, and has adapted its activities to include various community rural tourism initiatives, including homestays and cultural demonstrations. With  incredible scenery all around us, we finish our Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek, with superb photo opportunities of the Apu Ausangate in the distance. We also have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs, and even treat ourselves to a well-deserved beer! Tonight, we camp in Pacchanta.

Day 5 is our final day trekking Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Peru. From Pacchanta, we hike for three hours to Tinke where we will have free time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private car back to Cusco. The scenic drive winds up and over a pass for a last glimpse of the imposing Mount Ausangate. Take in the view as you marvel at your accomplishment, having just spent 5 days trekking through the Ausangate region on this incredible, remote trek through the region of the Andes, where few have trekked! We will arrive to Cusco between 4 and 5pm, and leave you at your hotel.