Ausangate: the Other Rainbow Mountain (and Why Few Know About It)

When people say "Rainbow Mountain" they almost always mean Vinicunca, but in the same Ausangate mountain range there are other equally colorful formations — and far less visited.

What is Mount Ausangate?

It's the highest mountain in the Cusco region, at 6,384 m, considered an apu (sacred mountain) in Andean cosmovision. Around it stretches a multi-day trekking circuit, with glacial lagoons, natural hot springs and alpaca herder communities.

Pallay Punchu: the "hidden" rainbow mountain

Near the route to Ausangate lies Pallay Punchu, a formation with colored stripes similar to Vinicunca, but with a fraction of its visitors — often you can have it almost to yourself. The name means "colorful poncho" in Quechua, for how its stripes resemble traditional textiles.

Differences from Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

• Altitude: the Ausangate circuit reaches altitudes similar to or higher than Vinicunca (5,000+ m at several points).
• Duration: while Vinicunca is a day trip, the full Ausangate circuit is usually 4-5 days of trekking, with nights in tents or lodges.
• Crowds: Vinicunca gets hundreds of daily visitors; Pallay Punchu and the Ausangate circuit, far fewer.

Can it be visited in one day?

Shorter versions exist (2 days/1 night) focused only on Pallay Punchu without completing the full Ausangate circuit, for those without a week to spare.

Necessary preparation

Like Vinicunca, it requires good prior acclimatization (see our altitude sickness guide) and warm clothing for below-freezing temperatures on camping nights.

Interested in something less crowded than the classic circuit? Contact us to plan the Ausangate trek around your dates and fitness level.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder than Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)?

The full Ausangate circuit, yes, due to its multi-day duration and sustained altitude. The short Pallay Punchu versions have a difficulty similar to Vinicunca.

Are there hot springs along the way?

Yes, there are natural hot springs at some points on the circuit, much appreciated after days of hiking in the cold.

When is the best season?

Same as the rest of the Cusco highlands: May to September, dry season.