One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure 4 Days
- Duration 4 Days
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $677.00 / Person
Overview
The Ausangate Trek combined with Rainbow Mountain offers an unforgettable 4-day hiking adventure through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey by visiting the iconic Rainbow Mountain, one of the country’s most famous natural attractions. Continue trekking around Mount Ausangate, the highest and most revered peak in southern Peru. For generations, this majestic mountain has held deep spiritual significance for Andean communities, who continue to honor its sacred slopes through traditional annual pilgrimages. Surrounded by impressive glaciers, spectacular mountain scenery, and untouched wilderness, this trek is an ideal experience for experienced hikers seeking an authentic and challenging outdoor adventure.
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Q’esuyuno – Rainbow Mountain – Kayrawiry
Early Drive to Q’esuyuno
Your Andean adventure starts at 4:00 AM, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel. After a 2-hour drive, we stop in the village of Pitumarca to pick up supplies, then continue for another hour to the community of Q’esuyuno. Along the way, you will pass deep canyons, Inca farming terraces, rugged peaks, and remote highland villages. On arrival, we meet our horsemen and their horses.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
We start walking on a gradual uphill trail to the community of Kayrawiry, where we stop for lunch and a short siesta. In the afternoon, we continue toward Rainbow Mountain, the highlight of the day, with its striking bands of color. Keep your eyes open for wild vicuñas and condors around the glacial lakes on the route.
First Night at Kayrawiry
Finally, we walk back down to Kayrawiry, where our tents will already be set up. It is time to warm up with afternoon tea, followed by a hearty dinner.
- Highest Point: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals Included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Kayrawiry Lake
Day 2: Kayrawiry – Q’esuyuno – Condor Pass – Ausangate Lake
The Climb to Condor Pass
We wake you early with a hot cup of coca tea to begin one of the most beautiful days of the trek, surrounded by some of the highest summits in the Andes and deep, sweeping valleys. After breakfast, we hike back to Q’esuyuno and start a steep 2-hour climb to the Condor Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft).
Face to Face with Ausangate
From the top, you stand directly in front of the mighty Ausangate glacier, with brilliant blue lakes below and alpacas grazing across the hillsides. On some days, you may even witness avalanches as chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the lakes. It is a truly breathtaking sight.
Descent to Ausangate Lake
After plenty of time to enjoy the views, we descend to our lunch spot for a meal and a short rest. Another 3 hours of hiking bring us to Ausangate Lake, where our famous daily happy hour of hot drinks awaits before you settle into camp for the night.
- Highest Point: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Ausangate Lake
Day 3: Ausangate Lake – Campa Pass – Qampa
Along the Ausangate Glaciers to Campa Pass
After an early, energizing breakfast with your trek team, we set off on a route that runs close to the spectacular glaciers of Ausangate, passing lakes and waterfalls along the way. Llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas are often spotted here, with condors circling overhead. A 3-hour climb takes us to the Campa Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft), with stunning views in every direction. In some months, this section can be covered in snow, but in the dry season, you can usually expect clear skies and superb views.
The pass is one of the best places to see vicuñas, the most iconic wild animal of the Peruvian Andes. These graceful wild relatives of the alpaca belong to the camelid family, and their fleece is the most expensive wool in the world.
Descent to Qampa
After taking some photos, a gentle 1.5-hour descent leads to a beautiful spot for lunch. From there, another 2.5 hours of hiking brings us to our campsite at Qampa.
- Highest Point: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
- Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Qampa
Day 4: Qampa – Qomer Lake – Pacchanta – Cusco
Glacier Views over the Vilcanota Range
After three days of trekking, your body is well acclimatized and ready for one last adventure. Following an early breakfast, we hike for about an hour to the foot of the glacier and up to a viewpoint with spectacular panoramas of the Vilcanota mountain range. We then walk back down for a delicious lunch.
Hot Springs at Pacchanta & Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, the trail descends past Qomer Lake to the small community of Pacchanta, about 5 hours of walking in total for the day. Pacchanta is known for its inviting hot springs, perfect for a relaxing soak after the trek. Our transport then takes you back to Cusco.
- Highest Point: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What Is Included in the 4-Day Ausangate Trek?
- Private Transport: Transfer to the start of the trek and back to Cusco at the end.
- Professional Guide: Experienced guide who speaks fluent English.
- Meals: All meals listed in the itinerary.
- Personal Luggage: A duffel bag for your belongings, with up to 7 kg (15 lbs) carried by our horses.
- Camping Equipment: Spacious tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent, a kitchen tent, and a toilet tent.
- Pack Horses: Horses to carry all group equipment, including food, tents, and tables.
- Emergency Horse: A riding horse in case you feel tired or unwell.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
What Is Not Included?
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 4: After you return to Cusco.
- Sleeping Bag Rental: $20 USD per person for the whole trek (clean and warm).
- Air Mattress Rental: $20 USD per person for the whole trek (Therm-a-Rest).
- Trekking Poles: $15 USD per pair for the whole trek (professional, adjustable poles).
- Single Tent: $30 USD for solo trekkers.
- Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide, cook, and horsemen.
Price
Ausangate Trek 4 Days Price
This trek can depart on any day of the week, with a minimum of 2 trekkers. The price includes a personal pack horse that carries up to 7 kg of your belongings in the duffel bag we provide, as well as a large 4-person Eureka tent for every 2 trekkers.
| Service Option | Price per Person (USD) |
| Ausangate Trek 4 Days | $677 USD |
Discounts
- Groups of 5 or More: $30 USD off per person when everyone books together.
Optional Extras
| Extra | Price (USD) | Details |
| Sleeping Bag | $20 per person | Clean and warm, for the whole trek |
| Air Mattress | $20 per person | Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattress |
| Trekking Poles | $15 per pair | Professional, adjustable poles |
| Single Tent | $30 | Private tent for solo trekkers only |
Free Extras Included
- Airport Transfer: From Cusco airport to your hotel.
- Personal Pack Horse: Carries your duffel bag throughout the trek.
- Duffel Bag & Liner Bags: Provided at no extra cost.
- Comfortable Foam Mattress & Camping Pillow
- Thick Warm Blanket: To place over your sleeping bag on cold nights.
- Hot Water Bottles: To keep your sleeping bag warm.
- Boiled Water: For drinking and washing.
Why Us
Why Trek Ausangate with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu?
Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a family-run local tour operator based in Cusco, with many years of hands-on trekking experience. We are a 100% Cusco-owned company with no outside shareholders. Our goal is to create small, personal tours and treks run exclusively by our own local professionals, always with a focus on high-quality service.
We are proud to be a responsible and sustainable operator. Our team is our extended family, and we make sure every member is fairly paid and well supported. Without them, we could not offer our travelers such outstanding service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Small Groups
To give every traveler more personal attention, our groups never exceed 8 people. That alone sets us apart from the many companies that run much larger departures.
Expert Guides
Our guides are true professionals who speak fluent English and are passionate about Inca history and heritage. They keep studying and researching so that what they share reflects accurate, well-established knowledge of Inca and Andean culture. They are also friendly, fun, and highly educated, with university degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Our Dedicated Horsemen
On this fully supported trek, your comfort comes first. While you meet local families, explore remote corners of the Andes, learn a few words of Quechua, and discover fascinating Inca history, our crew carries the gear, cooks your meals, and sets up camp away from the crowds. All you need to do is take in the scenery and feel the magic of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Andes.
We provide our horsemen and cooks, free of charge, with a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, a comfortable duffel bag, a water bottle, a back-support belt, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, and insurance.
Our Outstanding Cooks
The food is one of the things our travelers praise most, with many saying it is better than in restaurants. Our professional cooks prepare generous gourmet meals, blending Peruvian and international dishes made with local and exotic ingredients. We gladly adapt every menu to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, as well as to any food allergy.
Quality Equipment
- Tents: 4-season Eureka Timberline tents designed for 4 people but shared by only 2, with plenty of space for you and your duffel bags, plus a front vestibule to keep boots and poles outside.
- Sleeping Mats: Comfortable foam mats that insulate you from the cold ground. Air mattresses can be rented for $20 USD.
- Dining & Kitchen Tents: The dining tent is where we gather at mealtimes to eat and enjoy each other’s company. It has tables and chairs and doors on both sides that can be adjusted to the weather.
- Duffel Bags: Handed out at the briefing the evening before the trek.
- Extras: Pillows, backpack rain covers, a trek t-shirt to take home, hot showers, and a private biochemical camping toilet.
Giving Back to Local Communities
We have always believed in giving back to the communities we pass through on our treks. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we hire locally and support community projects. We are proud to work closely with our highland team members and their families, sharing in their homes and helping their communities grow from the ground up.
Packing List
What to Pack for the 4-Day Ausangate Trek
Essentials
- Original Passport: It must be the same passport you used to book.
- Daypack: A comfortable, compact backpack (the smaller, the better).
- Water Bottles: 2 to 3 liters of capacity in reusable bottles (please avoid disposable plastic).
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable boots with good ankle support.
- Sleeping Bag: You can rent one from us.
- Headlamp: Essential.
- Toilet Paper
Your Duffel Bag (Max 7 kg / 15 lbs)
We give you a duffel bag at your briefing, and an extra pack horse carries it for you. Peruvian law limits each duffel to 7 kg (15 lbs) to protect the health of porters and animals, and every bag is weighed before the trek. Anything over the limit must go in your daypack. Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) and sleeping pad (about 1 kg) count toward the limit, leaving roughly 4 kg for personal items.
- 2 t-shirts
- At least 2 pairs of hiking pants
- 4 changes of underwear
- 3 pairs of hiking socks
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- Fleece or thermal layers
- Warm clothing and a down jacket (the second campsite drops to around 3°C / 37°F)
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves work well)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones, but you may prefer a larger one)
- Small bottle of soap (warm washing water is provided daily)
- Power bank (there is no electricity on the trail)
- Large plastic bags to line your duffel (available at our office)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C / 5°F (available to rent from us)
Toiletries
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medication
- First-aid kit with adhesive bandages, moleskin, and similar items
Your Daypack
A small 30L to 40L backpack is ideal for daytime hiking. Everything else stays in your duffel bag, which you will find waiting at camp.
- Water (bring your own until the first lunch stop; after that, we refill your bottles with cooled boiled water at every meal)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain jacket and plastic poncho
- Fleece
- Snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, or dried fruit
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small bag for your trash
- Cash for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
- Your valuables
Important Info
How does the airport pickup in Cusco work?
We meet you at Cusco airport and take you to your hotel. Please send us your full flight details at least 14 days before you arrive. Look for our representative holding a Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu sign at the exit of the arrivals terminal.
When and where is the pre-trek briefing?
At 6:00 PM the evening before the trek, at our office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201).
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. While you are on the Ausangate Trek, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel, whichever suits you best.
How do I book the Ausangate Trek?
Step 1: Fill out our booking form by clicking BOOK NOW. We need the following details for every traveler in your group to purchase the Ausangate entrance tickets:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
Step 2: Pay a deposit of $211 USD per person to secure your place and entrance tickets. You can pay by VISA or PayPal directly on our booking page.
How do I pay the remaining balance?
You can pay in cash in Cusco or online. To avoid Peru’s high card fees, pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco; there are plenty of ATMs in the historic center. You can also pay online by VISA or PayPal, which adds a 5.5% service fee charged by those platforms.
Can I change my departure date after booking?
Yes, with some restrictions. If you need to change your date, please contact our office as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the trek.
What is the weather like on the Ausangate Trek?
Very changeable, and often very cold. Mountain weather is hard to predict, and conditions vary with altitude as you pass through different microclimates. Because much of this trek is at high elevation, bring very warm clothing and keep good rain gear in your daypack.
How can I avoid altitude sickness on the Ausangate Trek?
Stay active before your trip and spend about 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize. Most travelers who do this feel fine on the trail. The best remedies are plenty of water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed, and our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness. While you acclimatize, you can also join one of our Cusco City or Sacred Valley tours.
How do the duffel bag and daypack work?
Pack horses carry your duffel, and you carry a small daypack. The evening before the trek, we give you a small duffel bag for your clothes and gear for the four days, with a weight limit of 7 kg (15 lbs). Our horses carry it along with the food and camping equipment. Since the horses always travel ahead of the group, you will not have access to your duffel until you reach camp each afternoon. Your daypack should hold everything you need during the day, such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. A 30L to 40L backpack is usually enough.
How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?
It is a challenging trek, with most of the route above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). You should be in good physical condition and used to hiking. To prepare, try walking around 15 km in a day or train at the gym in the months before your trip. Good acclimatization is just as important, so plan to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m / 11,047 ft) before starting the trek.
What are the toilets like on the Ausangate Trek?
You will have a private toilet at every campsite. Our travelers really appreciate this: a clean camping toilet with a proper seat, set up inside its own tent at a comfortable distance from the campsite. It is always close by and hygienic, even at night, and far better than the public facilities along the way.
What happens if I cannot finish the Ausangate Trek?
Our team will help you get to safety. If a health problem prevents you from continuing, we will help you reach the nearest town and arrange transport. We always carry oxygen for breathing difficulties. In serious emergencies, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own cost, so travel insurance is required. No refunds are given if you cannot complete the trek.
Should I tip the crew?
Tipping is optional, but it means a lot to the team. Even if it is not common in your country, tips are an important part of the tourism industry in Peru and motivate the people who look after you to give their very best. How much you give is entirely up to you and should reflect the quality of the service and the length of your trip.
Is Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu a sustainable operator?
Yes. We are a local, responsible tourism operator committed to two key principles: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and beliefs. All our staff are trained to understand and respect the places we visit and the people who live there.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
Read all on Google
We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
Trustpilot Reviews
Read all on Trustpilot
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.
