Explore glacial lakes and mountain passes on a private Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain. Unwind in comfortable camps with meals prepared by your chef.
Operated by Peru & U
Beyond the village of Upis, alpacas graze beneath ice-covered peaks and the trail opens into a world of highland lakes and wide Andean skies. As you cross the passes around Ausangate, the landscape shifts from golden grassland to rock, ice and turquoise water.
Our Luxury Ausangate Trek follows that changing scenery towards Vinicunca, known as Rainbow Mountain. Continue into the Red Valley, where rust-red hills bring a striking contrast to the glaciers you have walked beneath. Each landscape connects to the next, making the walk between them part of the reason to come.
A closer look at the trail, the places you’ll stay and the experiences that shape each day.
Cusco → Upis → Upis Hot Springs
Your Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek begins with a private drive from Cusco to Upis. Here, the road gives way to open mountain country. Set out beneath the Ausangate massif, passing grazing llamas and alpacas as the city feels increasingly far behind.
Lunch breaks up the approach to your first camp near Upis Hot Springs. Once settled in, you can choose an optional soak or take in the setting before dinner. This is your first evening among the mountains you will explore over the days ahead.
Walk: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Overnight: Glamping near Upis Hot Springs
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Upis → Arapa Pass → Puka Qocha
The first major ascent brings a new sense of scale. Leaving Upis behind, climb towards Arapa Pass as the pastures give way to broader views of Ausangate’s glaciers and high mountain lakes. The landscape you saw from below now opens out around you.
Beyond the pass, descend into the valley and stop for lunch before continuing towards Puka Qocha. Your camp near the lake gives you time to absorb the scenery after the climb. Settle in while your chef prepares dinner, with the day’s walk behind you.
Walk: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Overnight: Glamping near Puka Qocha
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Puka Qocha → Warmisaya Pass → Qomer Qocha
From Puka Qocha, the trail climbs towards Warmisaya Pass, carrying you into open mountain country. Snow-covered ridges and glacial valleys give the ascent its character, while the changing perspective reveals the landscape you have been walking through.
The descent leads towards Qomer Qocha, your last camp before Rainbow Mountain. This stage links Ausangate’s lake country with the approach to Vinicunca. Enjoy your final dinner at camp, then prepare for the early start that will take you to the mountain the following morning.
Walk: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Overnight: Glamping at Qomer Qocha
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Qomer Qocha → Vinicunca → Red Valley → Cusco
An early breakfast marks the start of the walk from Qomer Qocha to Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain. As you approach, its bands of mineral colour come into view. Arriving on foot connects this panorama to the passes and valleys you have crossed.
Take in the view before continuing through the Red Valley, where rust-red slopes give the final walk a different character. After lunch, meet your private vehicle for the return to Cusco, bringing your time on the Ausangate trail to a close.
Walk: 16 km / 9.9 mi
Overnight: Cusco hotel not included
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Walking distances are approximate.
After a day on the mountain trails, take off your boots and let the evening slow down. Your Ausangate Glamping Trek gives you a comfortable place to pause, with time to enjoy the setting while your crew takes care of camp.
Step inside a spacious tent with a comfortable bed and warm bedding. There is room to unpack, keep your belongings close and settle in for the night.
Freshen up with private toilet facilities and hot showers at camp. Change into clean layers and enjoy the simple comfort of feeling refreshed after the trail.
On your Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek, your private chef prepares fresh, balanced meals throughout the journey. At camp, a laid table invites you to sit down, enjoy your food and share the moments that made the walk worthwhile.
Linger over dinner with your travel companions, then warm your hands around a cup of herbal tea before turning in.
Tell us about dietary requirements and food allergies before your trip. Our team will confirm the menu arrangements with you in advance.
Celebrating a birthday during the trek? Let us know in advance so our kitchen team can discuss arranging a cake for the occasion.
Your private Ausangate trek brings together guiding, camp support and transport from Cusco. Here is what your booking covers and which expenses to plan for separately.
The Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek is a challenging high-altitude journey, with sustained climbs, uneven trails and long descents. It suits travelers with a good level of fitness who are comfortable walking on consecutive days.
Build up regular walks before departure, gradually adding hills and longer outings. Practice with the boots and daypack you plan to use, so your equipment feels familiar when the trek begins.
Plan a gradual ascent and allow time to acclimatize before the trek. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness. Discuss your arrival route and health history with a travel-medicine clinician for advice tailored to you.
Bring broken-in hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves and sun protection. Keep daily essentials accessible and confirm luggage arrangements with our team before traveling.
Travel with the people you choose. The Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek is priced per person according to your private group size, with the same included services across group sizes.
Rates in USD.
Tell us your preferred dates and how many people are traveling. We’ll check availability and prepare a personalized quote, including for group sizes not listed here.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a trek booking.
The balance is due 45 days before departure. Bookings made within 45 days require full payment when booking.
Changes are subject to availability and fees. Cancellation charges depend on when notice is received.
Your Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek is operated by Peru & U, a team based in Cusco. Meet the people who help turn your plans into days on the trail and evenings at camp.
Our travel specialists work alongside guides, chefs and camp crews to coordinate transport, equipment and daily arrangements. Their shared work connects the planning before your trip with the support you receive in the mountains.
Our approach is built on fair treatment, local partnerships and respect for Andean communities. Peru & U’s wider environmental work includes reforestation with native trees and trail cleanups.
A few practical answers to help you fit the Ausangate Luxury Glamping Trek into your wider plans for Peru.
Tell us who’s coming and when you’d like to travel. Our team in Cusco will check availability for your private Ausangate trek and prepare a proposal for your group.
