Ausangate Treks
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Ausangate Treks &
Rainbow Mountain Tours

Of all the alternative treks to the Inca Trail, the Ausangate Trek is often labeled the most “epic” for its arduous and rewarding journey across the towering peaks, limestone forests, glaciers, and remote trails.  Ausangate is a famous mountain in the Peruvian Andes and is considered a sacred mountain by many. This region’s sparkling lakes and sharp peaks eventually give way to softer and more colorful scenery, thanks to Rainbow Mountain.

Rainbow Mountain is known for its natural array of turquoise, lavender, gold, and maroons created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area—and is a must-see while you’re here in Peru! This area is ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a challenge and crave big-sky country.

Why Choose Alpaca Expeditions for your Ausangate Trek?

A Dedicated Team To Make Your Ausangate Trek Incredible

We pride ourselves in offering you top-quality camping equipment, nutritious meals prepared by professional chefs on the trail, and leading safety procedures on every trek.

We Make Sure Your Group is the First to Reach Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is stunning regardless of conditions, but dense crowds can detract from the moment. When you choose a Rainbow Mountain tour with Alpaca Expeditions, we reach the mountain first thing in the morning. Being the first to arrive will grant you an unobstructed, intimate view of Rainbow Mountain.

You Can Include Machu Picchu in Your Ausangate Trek!

Our 4-day Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Tour includes transportation and entrance to Machu Picchu on the last day! You don’t need to choose between these two stunning areas.

Ethical Peru Ecotourism

You can also feel good about supporting a 100% Peruvian company active in its local communities, running several social projects and initiatives in Porter welfare.

Would you like to join one of our tours?

Simply select your preferred tour, visit our reservation form, and fill out the necessary information.

Choose the Best Ausangate Trek

Rainbow-Mountain-Trek
Rainbow-Mountain-Trek
Tour Quick View
Ausangate, Rainbow Mtn & Machu Picchu – 4D/3N
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Nights
1

Day 1: Trip from Cusco to the Trailhead, and Start Your Trek!

2

Day 2: Hike With Ausangate Mountain Views and See First Glimpse of Rainbow Mountain

3

Day 3: Be First To Arrive at Rainbow Mountain and Journey to Aguas Calientes

4

Day 4: Witness the Magic of Machu Picchu & Enjoy Comfortable Return to Cusco

Ausangate, Rainbow Mtn & Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

5.0 (32,165+) on Tripadvisor
Don’t want to choose between Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain? This Ausangate trek is for you! Alpaca Expedition created the Ausangate + Machu Picchu package in response to trekkers wanting to experience the best of…
Duration:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Group Size:
Minimum 2 people
Destinations:
Cusco, Peru
Rainbow-Mountain-Hike-Red-Valley-Tour-1-Day-Hike
rainbow mountain full day
Tour Quick View
Rainbow Mountain Hike & Red Valley Tour – in 1 Day!
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Nights
1

CUSCO – TRAILHEAD - RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE- CUSCO

Rainbow Mountain Hike & Red Valley Tour – in 1 Day!

5.0 (32,165+) on Tripadvisor
See Rainbow Mountain on a 1-day trip from Cusco! The rich colors of this unique mountain make the Rainbow Mountain hike truly one-of-a-kind. Quickly growing in popularity, you should visit this Peru must-see before the…
Duration:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Group Size:
Minimum 2 people
Destinations:
Cusco, Peru
7-Lakes-trek-Ausangate-Peru-1day-hike (1)
Tour Quick View
7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip
Moderate
1 Day
1

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Lakes – Cusco

7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip

5.0 (32,165+) on Tripadvisor
Experience the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Peru, including Pariacaca, Otorongo, and the Pucacocha in The Cordillera Negra! This is an excellent option for a shorter trip when traveling to Cusco. If you are a trekker…
Duration:
1 Day
Activity Level:
Moderate
Group Size:
Minimum 2 people
Destinations:
Cusco, Peru
Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain 3D/2N
Tour Quick View
Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain 3D/2N
Moderate
3 Days / 2 Nights
1

Day 1: Reach the Trailhead and Start Your Ausangate Trek

2

Day 2: Hike With Ausangate Mountain Views and See First Glimpse of Rainbow Mountain

3

Day 3: Be First To Arrive at Rainbow Mountain With Ample Time To Enjoy The Views

Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain 3D/2N

5.0 (32,165+) on Tripadvisor
The Ausangate Trek is one of the most rewarding experiences guests can include in their trip to Peru. This 3-day adventure will guide you through towering mountain passes, and stunning lagoons, and eventually land you…
Duration:
3 Days / 2 Nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Group Size:
Minimum 2 people
Destinations:
Cusco, Peru

Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain FAQ - See the top questions and answers about hiking the Ausangate Trek

Travel with Alpaca Expeditions
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WHY TRAVEL WITH ALPACA EXPEDITIONS?

At Alpaca Expeditions, we take pride in being a local company based in Cusco, the tourism capital of Peru. Here, tourism is more than an industry—it’s the lifeblood of the community. Every journey we organize not only connects travelers to the rich history and culture of the Andes but also directly supports local families and fosters sustainable development.
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Awards: Recognized as the Best Travel Agency in Peru

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Trekkers Blogs: The best way to understand the experience of travelling with Alpaca is reading and watching what others have experienced with us.

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NEW and UNIQUE , 2022 add on will be the cooking class in all our camping treks , learn to cook under the stars and next to the mountains.

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Carbon Footprint Alpaca Expeditions 2021
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ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

Meet the AE Trekking Team!

Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.

AE súper porters

AE súper porters

Ethical Treatment of Our Inca Trail Porters Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to create the experience we provide without the unbelievably hard work of our team of porters. They are made up of men and women of varying […]
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Equality Matters

Equality Matters

Equality Matters at Alpaca Expeditions
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Our Guides

Our Guides

Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Connecting with nature and conquering your own limits to get to the highest points of the creation can’t be beat by anything.But this activity needs to be supported by professionals and for that same reason we have our professional trekking […]
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Our Chefs

Our Chefs

Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. Which won’t be possible to be done without our staff. Our guides and porters make the trek possible and provide all the needed help but the real secret behind our motto ‘’the journey is the destination’’ is […]
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Recognition & Excellence

TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS

Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.

#1
Tour Operator in Peru
32,165+
5-Star Reviews

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
In Tripadvisor

Reviews
5 of 5 bubbles
Alpaca Expeditions
5.0 Out of
5 stars
5 of 5 bubbles
November 7, 2026
5 of 5 bubbles

Rainbow Mountain

Alex was a wonderful tour guide, knowledgeable and patient with our varying abilities. The chef prepared a one of a kind, amazing meal. Rainbow Mountain is definitely worth the early morning alarm and difficult climb.

November 7, 2026
5 of 5 bubbles

Experiencia increíble

Experiencia única tanto el camino inca como la visita a MachuPichu. Circuito 1 y 3 espectaculares con guía propio para una experiencia única. El guía (Reynaldo) y chefs muy muy buenos. Experiencia irrepetible

November 7, 2026
5 of 5 bubbles

Truly an experience I will never forget and would wholeheartedly recommend!

The Inca Trail was challenging and demanding, but an absolutely unforgettable experience. The organization was excellent, and it was incredible to see what the team managed to arrange at each campsite, considering that absolutely everything had to be carried up and down the mountains by the porters every single day. The porters (Tomas as the head porter and his crew) and the chef Melquidaes deserve special recognition. They are truly remarkable people: hardworking, humble, dedicated, and incredibly resilient. They made the whole experience possible for us. Our guides Juan Carlos Zuloaga and Reynaldo were equally amazing – supportive, encouraging, motivating, and extremely knowledgeable. They cheered us on every step of the way, especially when things got tough, and their knowledge, personal experiences, and stories brought every part of the trail to life. Of course, the breathtaking views and beautiful nature were incredible, but what made this experience even more special was spending four days completely immersed in nature, sharing the journey with people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own stories and experiences. A physically demanding adventure, but one that gives you so much more in return.

November 7, 2026
5 of 5 bubbles

Once in a lifetime

Unforgettable experience that was made much better because of our crew. Juan Carlos Zuloaga was an impeccable tour guide, so much knowledge about the history and culture, I was absorbing it all like a sponge. Also so easy going and fun, couldn’t wish for a better tour guide. His tour guide partner Reynaldo is my hero, everytime he was smiling and supportive for everyone. The porters are the real heroes of this trip, organization and execution was without a flaw, head porter Tomas organized it incredible. I can’t even talk about food, every meal was different and so delicious, trying different local dishes with our chef Melquiades. I would recommend to everyone to try the experience, and if you get the crew we had, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.

November 6, 2026
5 of 5 bubbles

How great the experience was

It was an incredible experience! We had an excellent tour guide named Saúl Palma. He told us about everything and explained the history of each place in a very calm, clear, and easy-to-understand way. He took us to the most beautiful places, where there weren't many people. Everything was excellent! He was very kind to us and always made sure we had a great time and enjoyed the experience. We highly recommend him!

Reviews
Google Google Google Google Google
Alpaca Expeditions
5.0 Out of
5 stars
Google Google Google Google Google
November 8, 2026

The 4 day 3 night Inka Trail hike with Rolando, Edwin, the porters and chefs was amazing! The porters are like supermen. Carrying huge packs and running up the mountain! They did everything they could to make us comfortable and help with whatever we needed. The food was incredible, Wilbur has amazing skills, making delicious, fresh and flavorful food with a camp kitchen. Rolando was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing knowledge of Inca culture. I highly recommend Alpaca Expeditions for anyone considering the Inca trail.

November 8, 2026

Let me say this was one of the best experiences of my life. Rolando and Edwin were absolutely top notch guides full of knowledge and expertise to provide the best experience.

The porters carry all of your things. Everyday you reach your campsite and everything is set up and ready for you as soon as you get there.

THE FOOD. Every single meal three times a day was exquisite. Chef Wilbur is an absolute king making food you would never expect to have in the middle of the wilderness.

Not to mention this is an Andean people owned and operated company a true authentic experience.

Don’t go anywhere else this is the GEM of the Inca trail.

November 8, 2026

Haga el tour con Rolando y Edwin. Edwin es un joven quién desea viajar por el mundo y hacer que las personas conozcan de su país, su cultura. Rolando es su tutor y ambos hacen que la experiencia sea mejor.
Los portadores trabajan bastante, desearía tuviesen mejores condiciones laborales. Igual son muy respetables y respetuosos.

November 8, 2026

Excellent once-in-a-lifetime experience! We did the 5day/4night Salkantay trek. Highly recommend this tour group. They go above and beyond with their guests and provide a fantastic, comfortable atmosphere. The lodging was clean and cozy with beautiful surroundings in the mountains and rainforest. Everything was planned out with time to spare and no rush. The food and lodging were incredible with some hard, long days of hiking, but always so worth it with spectacular views and surroundings. We had top-notch cooks, porters, helpers and guides. I highly recommend Ismael, Willian, Segundino, Noemi, Germancha and Amilcar for the Salkantay trek. They are an inspiration and were all incredibly professional, friendly and helpful.

November 8, 2026

Rolando and Edwin were amazing guides and they took very good care of us. We were able to enjoy the trail without having to worry about anything thanks to the porters. The food was very good too.

5.0 Out of
5 stars
September 11, 2026

Could have been Disastrous

Visiting Machu Picchu has been a dream of mine since I was a child. My wife and I are both in great shape, had trained hard, came early and felt fully prepared for the trek. Despite all our careful precautions, altitude sickness hit me hard on the very first day. By the time I reached camp, I was exhausted and dehydrated, but I was so deeply grateful for the incredible support of our guides and our wonderful group—we truly had the best group in the world (a special shoutout and thank you again, Jon!). On the morning of the second day, it was determined that for my health and safety, it would be best if I did not continue. While we were sad to say goodbye to our new friends and head back down the mountain, that is when the company truly showed its greatness. Ro Ro arranged for Marcus, one of their fantastic guides (along with a porter), to accompany us back down. What could have been a disappointing turn of events transformed into an unforgettable adventure. Marcus stayed with us for the rest of the trip, becoming not just our guide, but a true friend. We made lifelong memories on this alternative route, and for the outstanding care, flexibility, and kindness we received, we couldn't be more thankful. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned for!

September 5, 2026

Great Alpaca team

All Alpaca team were fantastic. From the booking assistance, to the tour guides, the porters and the cooks. Very complete experience. Top 🙌🏻 Especial thanks to Reynaldo, Íngrid and Soledad.

September 5, 2026

Great time

Great experience with Alpaca Expeditions! Excellent service from start to finish. The guides were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, funny, and entertaining. They made the entire experience even better. Highly recommend!

September 5, 2026

Sep 4th short inca

Really good hike with reynaldo & Ingrid. Great to see machu pichu from the sun gate and descend towards the city with thunder clouds in the distance. Beautiful.

 
September 1, 2026

The hike of a lifetime

Unfortunately we were not able to do the traditional Inca trail due to adverse weather conditions. However, the replacement hike and short Inca trail that Alpaca were able create a hike/trail for us at very short notice. I wanted to say an enormous thank you to Sergio and Luis and their team for helping make this trip so special to all of us. The food was incredible and our experience would not have been made possible if it wasn’t for their amazing hospitality. But the biggest thank you can only go to one person. Joyce, you were unbelievable for our entire expedition. You gave us the answer to every question no matter how stupid some of them were. You became part of our family and made the trip perfect for all of us. I know that every single one of us from our group will treasure the memories you brought us for the rest of our lives. Finally I wanted to say, Sulpayki, wawqiykuna panaykuna, kay viajepi kuska purisqanchikrayku. ❤️❤️

September 1, 2026

An amazing treck to the greatest of the Incan sights.

We had an absolutely amazing treck despite the itinerary being changed due to unprecedented weather. The new route was amazing made all the better by having such a knowledgeable and amazing guide in Joyce who explained all the sites that we wondered through and the history around them. We had some amazing food courtesy of Sergio who cooked amazing food for me and made sure my nut allergy was very well cared for. Thank you for such an amazing time.

September 1, 2026

Incredible hike with Joyce

I had the pleasure of doing this hike on 22-25th august. Due to weather we ended up not able to do the full Inca trail so alpaca created a new route for us to do, finishing with the short Inca trail. The hike itself was gorgeous, we had great weather and the views were out of this world. What really made the hike was the incredible team we were given. We had 8 porters, a private chef and the most amazing guide, Joyce. The porters are the most awe inspiring people, they do the whole hike, with insanely heavy bags all with a smile on their face. Our team of porters were led by the amazing Luis. I really cannot put into words how incredible they are. I sadly struggle with coeliac disease. This has proved challenging in South America, I was reticent beginning a hike where the risk of me getting sick was potentially high. Man, was I wrong. Our chef, Sergio, was utterly phenomenal. I never once got glutened, he prepared all my food separately and safely. I woke up to breakfasts of crepes filled with chicken and veg and banana pancakes with chocolate (even on the day where we woke up at 4:30am). ALL GLUTEN FREE and with an obvious focus on nutrition needed to provide energy for walking! On the final day Sergio even prepared me a gluten free cake. Genuinely the best, safest food I had all holiday. They handled my food restrictions brilliantly, thank you Sergio. Finally, Joyce. We were all rather emotional when it came time to say final goodbyes. Joyce was smiley, friendly, laughed at our jokes and put up with our music the whole hike. We ended up doing the first day slightly too quick and got to lunch before our porters so he let us do an extra little summit (4372m) which gave us great views. He let us walk at whatever speed we felt comfortable and was so knowledgeable and interesting, I feel I understand Peru and the different cultures so much better as a result of my conversations with Joyce. We will miss group meals and our card games with you Joyce!! All in all, Alpaca organised an amazing expedition with the most amazing team. Memories we will treasure for life. Thank you!

August 31, 2026

Wonderful Experience

We did the 2 day Inca Trail hike with camping, and had an amazing experience. Jean Carlo (JC) was our guide and he was brilliant. He was super accommodating of a group with different capabilities, explained everything in detail and had great energy and positive attitude throughout the trek. The food was also delicious! It was a truly memorable experience, made better by JC and the wider chef/porter team.

August 31, 2026

Short Inka Trail - Camping

Had a blast, the views were amazing and Machu Picchu exceeded its reputation. Jean Carlo was an excellent tour guide. Will be recommending this exact trip to my siblings who want to see Machu Picchu.

August 31, 2026

2 day Inca trail experience

Herlin was our guide for the two day Inca trail hike. He was exceptionally patient and friendly, as we had some people in the group who were slower or struggling on steep parts of the trail. He was very flexible and accommodating when we fell behind the expected pace, and was positive. I’d love to do another hike with Herlin in the future!

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