RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

DAY 1: Cusco – Tinqui Village – Upis Hot Springs

We start the adventure early in the morning with a private transfer from Cusco to the quiet Andean village of Tinqui. The road unfolds with incredible views of the Vilcanota Range and traditional Quechua communities, offering perfect moments for photos as we approach the trailhead.
Upon arrival, our chef prepares a fresh Andean breakfast while our horsemen organize the expedition gear.
The trek begins through open valleys and farmland, framed by sweeping views of Ausangate. After an enjoyable three-hour walk, we stop for lunch surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, we continue two additional hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), a picturesque campsite blessed with natural hot springs. Here, you’ll unwind in warm mineral waters before enjoying dinner and settling in for the night under the stars.

DAY 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Upis and begin a steady ascent to Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). The landscape transforms dramatically—arid hills blending into the ice-covered slopes of Ausangate.
Descending from the pass, the route winds past a series of spectacular lagoons—Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha—each glowing with vibrant shades of red, jade and turquoise.
Our camp for the night sits near the Pucacocha Lagoon with unbeatable views of the glacier wall of Ausangate towering above.

DAY 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Minasniyuq Pass – Surine Cocha

Wake up with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent—your first hint that today is one of the most memorable of the entire journey.
We begin with a gradual ascent toward Ausangate Pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). Here, red mountains stretch out across the horizon and wildlife such as vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas roam freely. Descending into Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), you’ll witness authentic Andean life in one of the most remote regions of the Cusco highlands. As a gesture of respect, we share coca leaves with the community—considered a sacred gift in places where the plant cannot grow.
After lunch at a rustic lodge, we continue toward the second high pass of the day. A beautiful llama trail leads us to Minasniyuq Pass (5,020 m / 16,469 ft), offering the first panoramic view of the Rainbow Mountains. Here, we honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) with a small offering. A final one-hour descent brings us to our idyllic lakeside camp at Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft).

DAY 4: Surine Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Quesiuno – Cusco

After breakfast, a gentle two-hour climb leads us to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will take you to the best vantage points to appreciate the mineral layers that paint the mountain in vivid bands of color—an Andean wonder found in only one other place on Earth. After soaking in the views and taking photos, we begin the descent to Quesiuno Village, a scenic 2.5-hour downhill walk. Lunch awaits at the village before boarding our private transport back to Cusco.
We arrive in the city around 6:00 PM, ending an unforgettable four-day journey across one of the most stunning regions of the Peruvian Andes.