Day-by-Day Itinerary
Summary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Hot Springs
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and drive to the town of Tinki (3,776 m / 12,388 ft), where the Ausangate trek starts. After breakfast, hike for about 6 hours to the campsite near the thermal baths of Upis (4,408 m / 14,458 ft).
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha Lake – Ananta
After breakfast, hike to Lake Pucacocha (4,561 m / 14,963 ft), located at the base of Ausangate. During the day you’ll cross high passes and enjoy amazing views before camping at Ananta.
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes
The key day of the trek: visit Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft) and the Red Valley, then travel by van and train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning to enjoy sunrise. In the afternoon, board the train and bus back to Cusco.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Hot Springs
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and drive for about 3 hours towards the community of Tinki, arriving around 8:00 am. After a delicious breakfast, we start the Ausangate Trek with a 4-hour uphill hike to our lunch spot at the base of Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco (20,926 ft).
After lunch, we continue for around 2 more hours downhill to the community of Upis (4,408 m / 14,458 ft). Tonight we camp close to the medicinal hot springs, where you can relax and enjoy the warm waters in the chilly mountain air.
- Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Elevation at camp: 4,408 m / 14,458 ft
- Hiking time: ~6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Upis – Pucacocha – Ananta
We wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee in your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast. The hike begins with a gentle climb until we reach Pucacocha Lake, where we have lunch on the shores of this beautiful turquoise lake. Along the way, enjoy views of Ausangate, herds of llamas and alpacas, vicuñas, and local farmers working the land.
After lunch, we hike for about 2 hours to Alpaca Pass (4,989 m / 16,567 ft). After taking in the amazing views of the Ausangate range, we descend for roughly 1 hour to the campsite at Ananta, surrounded by mountains. This campsite has stunning views of nearby lakes and incredible sunsets—on clear nights it is a perfect place for stargazing.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Elevation at camp: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
- Hiking time: ~8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, the trek begins with a 3-hour ascent to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,020 m / 16,466 ft. Along the way, we pass llamas and alpacas, traditional houses, and spectacular views of Ausangate (6,398 m / 20,991 ft).
Rainbow Mountain is one of the most beautiful one-day hikes in the world. The high altitude provides incredible views and a feeling of being far away from modern life. After exploring and enjoying the summit, we descend for about 2 hours. After lunch, we board our van for a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we take the 7:00 pm train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel.
- Highest elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) ascent / 3 km (2 mi) descent
- Approximate duration: 3-hour ascent / 2-hour descent
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas)
On the last day we get up very early to make the most of our visit to Machu Picchu. After breakfast at the hotel, we take one of the first buses (around 5:30 am) up to the citadel. As the sky brightens, enjoy incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains.
On a clear day, you can watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu—an unforgettable sight. Your guide will lead a 2–3 hour comprehensive tour, then you will have free time to explore on your own or climb
Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance if possible).
Your guide will explain how to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then board the train and bus to return to Cusco. Our team will meet you at the train station and transfer you safely to your hotel.
- Duration: 3–4 hours guided tour
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
