Physical Level

Easy

Trip Style

Max Altitude

Group Size

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

The Ausangate Trek 3 Days offers an exhilarating hiking adventure tailored for experienced trekkers with limited time. In just three days, you’ll spend entire days on foot, crossing three mountain passes, mingling with wandering alpacas and llamas, and witnessing a panorama that transforms daily—from snow-covered summits to vibrantly hued desert peaks and marshy pampas. The ultimate reward of this journey is reaching the famed Rainbow Mountain, a stunning Andean spectacle that will leave you in awe.

Highlights

Encounter diverse wildlife such as condors, alpacas, visachas, and more.
Campsites with amazing views of Mount Ausangate from different angles.
Opportunity to bathe in a hot spring on the first day.
Experience the signature Rainbow Mountain in the Vinicunca area, one of Peru’s most impressive sights.

Why book the Ausangate Trek 3 Days with us?

We ensure our pack horses are not overloaded, never carrying more than 50 kg (100 lbs).
We treat our horsemen well, providing fair pay, quality gear, proper meals, and safe working conditions.
Small group sizes (2 to 8 people maximum) for a more personalized experience.
We supply top-quality equipment: mountain wear sleeping bags, Black Diamond trekking poles, and sleeping pads.
Guides carry satellite phones for reliable communication during emergencies.
We provide portable, eco-friendly toilets for comfort.
Hotel-to-hotel service with direct pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.
Reliable and punctual service with positive Trip Advisor reviews.
AB Expeditions is a 100% local, licensed company.
Highly trained, knowledgeable guides with continuous professional development.
We handle all logistics: transportation, permits, tickets for Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Fair and timely payment for all staff including guides, drivers, and cooks.
Exclusive groups not shared with other companies.
Cabins and huts included for overnight stays.
The itinerary is designed to help you adjust to the altitude gradually.
Group discounts available for parties larger than 3 people.
Horses carry all gear so you can travel light.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

You will be picked up at 5:00 am from your hotel and taken by private van for about 2 hours to Tinki. There, you can stretch your legs, see locals in traditional dress, and visit the market if it is open. Afterward, you travel another hour on a bumpy road to Upis Pampa. At Upis Pampa, you will have breakfast before starting a roughly 3-hour hike to Upis Campsite.
Along the way, the trail is mostly flat with some ups and downs. You will see spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and meet local farmers. Upon arriving at Upis campsite, lunch is served. After lunch, you can choose to hike to Upis Lake or bathe in a nearby hot spring. The hike to Upis Lake is a 2-hour round trip, starting flat and gradually becoming uphill. At the lake, you get a close view of Ausangate and a chance to take memorable photos. Then, return to the campsite for dinner. After dinner, relax in the cabins and watch the sunset reflect off Mount Ausangate.

Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Hiking Time: ~3 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsite Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Highest Point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Accommodation: Cabins

DAY 2:

Upis – Puca Cocha – Ananta

On the second day, you will wake up at 5:00 am to coca tea or coffee served in your cabin, followed by a hearty breakfast. In the morning, you hike up to Arapa Pass, which stands at 4,989 m (16,567 ft). From the pass, the view of colorful mountains is amazing. You then continue hiking to Puca Cocha for lunch. Along the way, you observe llamas, alpacas, and the snow-capped Ausangate to your left. Your English-speaking guide will share information about the local flora, fauna, and landscape. You might also see condors, chinchillas, and vicuñas if you are lucky.

After lunch, the hike continues to Pucacocha Pass. From there, you get an impressive view of Ausangate and three lakes below. Then, you hike down to the Ananta campsite where you will stay overnight in mountain huts. As usual, tents are set up for privacy, a nap, and a delicious dinner prepared by a professional chef.

Elevation Gain: 884 m / 2,900 ft
Elevation Loss: 567 m / 1,860 ft
Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,430 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Campsite Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,400 ft
Accommodation: Mountain Huts

DAY 3:

Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Qesuno – Cusco

On the third day, wake up at 3:45 am with coca tea served at your tent. You start the day by hiking uphill toward Ananta Pass, which is at about 4,500 m (14,764 ft). From here, you can see Rainbow Mountain in the distance, but you are not there yet. You then walk downhill around a lake and continue on a flat Peruvian trail until reaching the final ascent to Rainbow Mountain. At the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy the scenery.

After soaking in the views at Rainbow Mountain, you may visit the Red Valley. Later, hike down for about 1 hour to reach the bus station. There, you will say goodbye to your horseman. The journey ends with a 3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 pm.

Elevation Gain: 552 m / 1,811 ft
Elevation Loss: 602 m / 1,975 ft
Walking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult

Group Service Pricing

The group service for the 3-day Ausangate Trek joins you with 6 to 12 adventurers for a communal high-altitude journey through Andean wilds. This cost-effective package includes early Cusco hotel pickup, transport to Tinqui and Upis Pampa, guided hikes across moderate to difficult terrain with passes up to 4,989m, encounters with llamas and local farmers, meals by a trek chef (breakfast, lunch, dinner), basic tents and mats for cabins or huts at Upis and Ananta, horsemen for gear transport, optional hot springs or lake visits, a Rainbow Mountain ascent with Red Valley option, and return drive from Qesuno. It builds group rapport and shared challenges, with bilingual guides prioritizing safety amid variable weather, though paces align with the collective.

Service Type	Price per Person (USD)
Group Service	380

Private Service Pricing

A private service transforms the 3-day Ausangate Trek into a bespoke high-mountain quest for your group, with tailored schedules and undivided expert attention. This all-inclusive offering features exclusive Cusco transport, a dedicated guide sharing Andean lore, customized nutrition for energy at 4,700m, superior tents with extra padding in huts or cabins, personal horsemen easing loads over Arapa and Pucacocha passes, adaptive stops at Upis Lake or hot springs, private Rainbow Mountain summit time, and swift Qesuno return. Merits include crowd-free immersion in glacial vistas and vicuña sightings, acclimatization-tuned difficulty, amplified security on rugged paths, and profound connections with Quechua culture, ideal for intimate groups cherishing serenity and customization.

Number of People	Price per Person (USD)
1	750
2	520
3	460
4	430
5+	380

Service Upgrades

Tailor your 3-day Ausangate Trek with these enhancements, crafted to ease demands and enrich the alpine odyssey around sacred peaks. Upgrades prove invaluable for conquering passes over 4,500m, warding off cold at night, or amplifying wildlife and vista encounters in this demanding terrain.

Extra Porter (7kg/15lbs gear): $65 per person. Indispensable for offloading daypacks on long Day 2 hauls to Puca Cocha, freeing energy for condor spotting and pass summits.
Luxury Glamping (heated tents with cots and duvets): $130 per night. Critical for combating sub-zero chills at Ananta camp, fostering deep recovery vital for Rainbow Mountain’s early dawn push.
Personal Riding Horse (with handler): $85 per day. Game-changer for fatigue on Arapa Pass ascents, enabling all to savor alpaca herds and glacier views without overexertion.
Sleeping Bag Rental (-15°C synthetic): $30 for the trek. Essential against freezing nights in mountain huts, safeguarding rest crucial for high-altitude performance.
Trekking Poles Rental (pair, adjustable): $25 for the trek. Boosts balance on uneven descents to Qesuno, minimizing strain on knees during Rainbow Mountain’s final hike.

Discounts and Promotions

These reductions echo offers from outfits like Alpaca Expeditions and Quechuas Expeditions, easing entry to Ausangate’s remote passes and Rainbow Mountain in prime dry months (June-September). They champion foresight and fellowship in high-stakes Andean pursuits.

Student Discount: $25 off per person with valid ISIC card (under 25). Celebrates scholarly quests into sacred Inca landscapes.
Group Discount (5+ people): 10% off total. Builds bonds while slashing costs for communal epic treks.
Early Bird Promotion (book 60+ days ahead): 7% off. Secures slots amid rising demand and optimal trail conditions.

Inclusions

Satellite phone for emergencies
First night cabins and second night mountain huts
English-speaking guide with radio communication
Pre-departure briefing at our office 1 day before departure
Portable private toilet tent
Dining area with sofa for rest after hiking
Professional cook
Wake-up tea (choice of coca tea, coffee, chocolate, or other teas)
Mules to carry all trekking gear
7 kg allowance for personal belongings
Large duffel bag provided by the company for personal items
Daily boiled and cooled water for refilling bottles
Happy hour with hot tea, popcorn, and biscuits every afternoon
Cloth bag for snacks to reduce plastic waste
Snacks for each day
Fees for accessing private lands on the Ausangate trek
Large dining tent with table, stools, cutlery, and kitchen tent
Tents for overnight stays and Thermarest sleeping pads
Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners with vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options
Red Valley ticket
Private transportation to and from hotel in Cusco
Foam mattress
First aid kit and guide training in first aid
Oxygen tank carried by the guide
Hygiene items: bowl, water, and paper towel at each campsite
Plastic poncho for heavy rain
Rain cover for backpack

Sleeping bags (rent available at $20 for the trip)
Trekking poles (rent available at $20 for the trip)
Personal riding horse (additional rental if needed)
Voluntary tips for guide, driver, and cook
Travel insurance

What to Bring

Packing List

Essentials

Passport (original recommended for Rainbow Mountain stamp)
21-35 liter backpack with compression straps
Waterproof backpack cover

Clothing

3 pairs of breathable underwear
Bathing suit
Sports bra (for ladies)
Base layer tops and bottoms
Lightweight, quick-drying trekking t-shirts
Waterproof rain jacket
Insulated jacket for cold mornings/evenings
Fleece jacket
Comfortable trekking pants (convertible pants are useful)
Pajamas
Insulated gloves
Sun hat with a wide brim
Headband or beanie
Neck gaiter

Footwear

Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
Lightweight camping shoes
Moisture-wicking hiking socks
Gaiters for lower legs and boots

Sleeping and Camping Gear

Insulated sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures
Adjustable lightweight trekking poles
Compact camping pillow

Accessories

UV-protective sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottle or camel bag (at least 2-liter capacity)
Camera
Quick-drying microfiber trekking towel
Cash in small denominations (Peruvian Sol)
Portable power bank
Waterproof ziplock bags

Health and Hygiene

Personal medications, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, altitude sickness pills
Compact first aid kit
Blister plasters

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Lip balm with SPF
Deodorant
Moisturizer
Biodegradable wet wipes
Toilet paper (and plan to pack out used paper if needed)
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
Small quick-drying towel
Comb or hairbrush
Mirror (optional)

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
- The name of the university
- The student’s name and photo
- A valid expiration date
ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

The traveler is older than 25
The ID is expired
The ID does not have an expiration date
ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “Imperial Travel Peru”?

“Imperial Travel Peru” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “Imperial Travel Peru,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “Imperial Travel Peru,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “Imperial Travel Peru” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Imperial Travel Peru” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“Imperial Travel Peru” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.