Famous Treks of Cusco
From the original royal stone road of the Inca Trail to the untamed wilderness of Choquequirao and the high glaciers of Salkantay. Handcrafted private guided expeditions operated with ethical porter standards and mountain safety.
4 DaysClassic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
5 DaysSalkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
4 DaysChoquequirao Lost City Expedition
4 DaysLares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs
4 DaysAusangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain
Ausangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain
Expedition Route Overview
Mt. Ausangate is considered by native Quechua elders to be the most sacred Apu (mountain protector deity) of Cusco. This high-altitude wilderness loop takes you across dramatic glacier passes at 5,000 meters, past neon turquoise, deep cobalt, and emerald glacial lagoons, through valleys teeming with thousands of grazing alpacas and wild vicuñas, culminating at the world-famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain before crowds arrive.
Depart Cusco along the scenic southern corridor through Urcos to the Andean village of Pacchanta. Begin hiking into the Ausangate glacial basin, touring the famous 7 Lagunas of Ausangate (Azulcocha, Otorongococha, Comercocha and more). Enjoy a hot chef-cooked lunch with views of the hanging glacier. Camp in a high alpine meadow under a blanket of stars.
The monumental pass crossing. Ascend past herds of grazing vicuñas to Jampa Pass (5,000m). Feast your eyes on panoramic views of glaciated peaks stretching across the Vilcanota mountain range. Descend into the colorful Ananta valley, watching the soil transition into vibrant red and ochre tones.
Wake early for the ascent over Warmisaya Pass (4,985m). Drop down to reach the summit ridge of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,036m before the tour buses from Cusco arrive. Admire the naturally formed seven-colored mineral stripes and view the red valley before descending to our evening camp.
A gentle morning trek back to the village of Pacchanta. Soak your muscles in the natural hot springs with front-row views of Mt. Ausangate. Savor a final celebratory pachamanca-style lunch with your guide, horsemen, and chef before our private vehicle returns you to your hotel in Cusco by late afternoon.
Why this route is legendary:
Included in Your Private Expedition
Not Included
The Auqui Signature Standard
Because we camp closer to the high passes, our guests arrive at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain hours ahead of the 1,000+ day-tour visitors who arrive from Cusco at midday.
Ethical Porter Treatment
Fair wages, warm equipment, insurance, and strict weight regulations strictly observed on every trail.
Chef-Crafted Mountain Menus
Warm, multi-course nutritional meals utilizing Andean superfoods (quinoa, native potatoes, fresh trout).
Satellite SOS & High-Flow Oxygen
Pulse oximeter daily altitude checks and medical-grade oxygen canisters carried on all expeditions.
Native Quechua Historians
Bilingual certified guides born in Andean villages with deep ancestral knowledge of Incan cosmology.
Cusco Trekking Comparison Matrix
Compare duration, elevation, permits, and difficulty to choose the perfect route for your fitness and travel style.
| Route Name | Duration | Distance | Max Altitude | Difficulty | Finish Point | Permits Needed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 43 km (26.7 miles) | 4,215 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | Yes (4-6 mos ahead) | $890 |
| Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 60 km (37.2 miles) | 4,630 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $695 |
| Choquequirao Lost City Expedition | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 64 km (39.7 miles) | 3,033 m | Demanding | Choquequirao Citadel & Apurímac Canyon | No strict permits | $690 |
| Lares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 33 km (20.5 miles) | 4,450 m | Moderate | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $720 |
| Ausangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 52 km (32.3 miles) | 5,036 m | Demanding | Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain & Pacchanta | No strict permits | $650 |
The Auqui Expedition Standard
Every detail of your journey is managed with uncompromised attention to guest safety, authentic cultural immersion, and deep respect for the Andean ecosystem.
Ethical Porter Protection
We believe in human dignity on trail. Our porters receive fair wages, warm footwear, sleeping tents, insurance, and adhere to strict load limits.
Nutritious Andean Cuisine
Personal chefs accompany every expedition. Enjoy hot multi-course meals prepared fresh using organic Andean quinoa, fresh vegetables, and local trout.
Satellite & Medical Safety
We carry satellite communications for emergency SOS, high-flow medical oxygen canisters, and daily finger pulse oximetry monitoring.
Native Storytellers
Certified guides born in native Quechua communities, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, sharing living Andean folklore and history.